G-FEST 2024 Kicks Off This Weekend

Above, one of the vendors in the Dealers Room at the 2019 G-FEST. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

G-FEST 2024 will be kicking off this weekend at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The is the big Godzilla (and kaiju) convention.

This will be the first for me at the new hotel. G-FEST simply outgrew the Crowne Plaza Hotel which necessitated the move to the Hyatt Regency. The last G-FEST I attended was in 2019. Then COVID and other stuff intervened.

Above, yours truly with Jessica Tseang at the 2019 G-FEST. Photo by Steve Ryfle.

I was lucky to get direct flights to and from the Albuquerque Sunport. The only drawback was that my return flight is in the morning.

As with the Crowne Plaza, shuttle bus service is available at O'Hare to the Hyatt Regency (and back).

Above, G-FEST founder J. D. Lees and the late Akira Takarada at the 2019 G-FEST. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It will be nice to see the ol' gang again even though we've kept on contact through Facebook. 

Tickets are still available online (or at the door) by going here.

Son of Dracula and Frankenstein's Daughter

Above, a couple of jolly fellows: Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff.

Since Halloween is a week away, I thought I would pay a little salute to the Son of Dracula and Frankenstein's Daughter.

No, they are not the movies of those same names, but rather they are the offspring of Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi: Bela Lugosi Jr. and Sara Karloff. Thankfully, both are still with us and are in their 80s.

Above, Bela G. Lugosi (or Bela Lugosi Jr.) at the 2013 Son of Monsterpalooza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I had met both at Monsterpalooza or Son of Monsterpalooza in Burbank, California years ago. Of the two, I had a conversation with Bela Lugosi, Jr. (Sara Karloff was too busy signing for fans). The conversation ranged from his father's work to when I saw him listed in the White Pages phone book of the Airport Area of Los Angeles. Where I lived, Hawthorne, and where he lived, Inglewood, were both in the directory. I told him I thumbed through the phone book and saw him listed as Bela G. Lugosi. This was back in the 1960s. (I even found a "Frankenstein" listed in the phone book.) He was unfamiliar with Akira Takarada, he asked me about him when he saw a signed poster I had from Takarada. Takarada had a table nearby. 

He is most notable for the legal case of Lugosi vs. Universal Pictures that led to the creation of the California Celebrities Rights Act. 

Above, Sara Karloff at the 2012 Monsterpalooza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While Bela Jr. is an attorney, Sara Karloff followed in her father's footsteps and became an actress. She appeared in My Lovely Monster (1991), Deader Country (2009) and The Witch's Dungeon: 40 Years of Chills (2006) according to IMDb.

Getting Some G-stuff Done

Since it is about 43° outside, I figured I'd get some writing done.

I just completed a Japan travel article for G-FAN magazine and sent it off to J. D. Lees. Since I have a "vast accumulation of Japan travel stuff", I might as well put them to good use for the readers.

I did one for the current issue, which has already hit the mail boxes and newsstands. 

Here's the cover of the current issue by Bob Eggleton:

And here's my contribution to the issue:

Following publication, I received this nice note from Mike Bogue:

Hey, Armand. Hope all is well. I liked your article in the latest G-FAN -- it's good to see you back in G-FAN's pages. Hope your retirement is going well.

From The Mailbox

For the first time since last Thursday, I was able to pick up my mail down at the post office.

There were a number of goodies in the mailbox, most notably G-FAN #136 and one of my recent 2022 Canadian maple leaf five dollar silver coins featuring Elizabeth R's image on one side. (I have two more of these coins on order from a different coin company.) It came with a copper "Don't Tread On Me" coin as a bonus.

G-FAN #136 should be considered a special tribute issue to the late actor Akira Takarada as there are several articles on this definite fan favorite. The issue closes with an article from yours truly.

G-FEST Grumblings

Above, J. D. Lees and Akira Takarada at G-FEST XXVI in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A surprising thing came to light while I was perusing Facebook on posts concerning COVID-19 popping up at G-FEST last weekend.

I didn't attend as I have a guest coming over for a visit next week, which includes some travel while she's here. The funds at present are finite.

A post was left by Sean McGuinness that stated J. D. Lees wasn't attending the convention this year as he refuses to get vaccinated in order to cross the U.S.-Canadian border. This was the first I heard of this. I was wondering why there there were no photos of J. D. at the convention. Now I know. That was a surprise to me! 

Here's the post:

This is from the G-FEST program book. JD Lees, the originator of G-Fest, will not attend his own convention because he refuses to get the vaccine to cross the Canadian border.

He has done "considerable research" and fails to provide any sources for that research. He says "his body his choice" as every woman in the United States has had their choice stripped away from them.

He talks about "societal divisions" are symbolic of these times and have caused harm to families, referring to discussion of the pandemic. Just like when the official G-Fest Twitter account would make light of COVID, claim it's mostly a foreign problem, a disease which would kill over one million Americans.

He wants to encourage us to put aside such divisions, such as when the official G-Fest Twitter account would block any and all concerns about how it was spreading deadly misinformation. We gather at G-Fest for our love of Science Fiction, and apparently Science Fact has no place there.

If necessary, we should "turn the other cheek", but the guests, artists and fans who were blocked by the G-Fest Twitter account are still blocked, no cheek turned. I expect this to be the G-Fest response to artists being refused entry to sell their legally protected fan art and the money they lose out on, as well as if they ever drop the "no mass produced fan art" rule that exists in no convention in the United States, except here.

We should keep our commitment and passions burning like the "Cherenkov Light", a radiation that is of Russian origin. Russia is currently invading Ukraine and torturing, raping and killing its citizens, men, women and children. Maybe he refers to the Monsterverse Godzilla and his blue glow, but Monsterverse guests are mysteriously absent from multiple G-Fests, but they are showing up at All Monsters Attack Expo in September.

I present these facts without opinion, I present them as facts with facts.

I haven't read the referenced program book, so I can't vouch for what was said or the accuracy of McGuinness's post.

Well, I don't think that J. D. has any obligation to anybody to provide his sources he used in his coronavirus research in making his decision. I am sure it was a tough decision for him to make. 

As for the "his body his choice" dig, McGuinness is mistaken that women had their "choice stripped from them" by the U.S. Supreme Court. They just ruled that there's no constitutional right on the federal level for abortions and ruled that it was for the states to decide. Women can still get abortions, they just have to go to a state that legally allows them or have their state change their laws if they don't. 

I disagree with J. D. on not getting vaccinated. I have been vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine (two shots) and two boosters. I experienced no ill effects except soreness at the injection sites. I was not about to take chances since I have two stents in a coronary artery. Even those who are fully vaccinated can still get the virus, the vaccine only lessens the severity. Still, that was his own personal decision.

On the fan art matter, since I haven't spoken to J. D. on the restrictions, I suspect that Toho Co. had a hand in this since Godzilla and related characters are their trademarked property. Historically, whenever occurrences like this had happened before, I was due to a Toho demand. J. D. would not pull the rug out from anybody unless he was forced to by Toho. 

As far as the G-FEST Twitter matter is concerned, I haven't seen any such postings and McGuinness didn't quote any. 

Frankly, I am not at all surprised that COVID reared its ugly head at G-FEST. People came from all corners of the country and world. A friend in the UFO research community told me last week that at a recent meeting/gathering, COVID was spread among the attendees. 

Could this be a new variant? G-Variant? I had a feeling this may happen at G-FEST. 

Apparently, it did. 

Ranking Akira Takarada's Godzilla Films

Above, J. D. Lees and Akira Takarada at G-FEST XXVI in July 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Akira Takarada, the last surviving cast member of Godzilla (1954) may be gone, but his roles in several Godzilla movies over the years will live on.

Screen Rant posted the rankings of all of Takarada's Godzilla roles according to Letterboxd.

They begin with:

The Kaiju world has lost a legend. Akira Takarada was the last surviving member of the original Godzilla cast from 1954. He passed away in March at the age of 87. Takarada was a beloved figure in the Kaiju community and by all accounts was a warm-hearted individual who embraced the love that fans held for him.

Not only did he have a starring role in the film that started it all, but he was also a star in multiple Godzilla films throughout the years. Unlike American films, Japanese films would often have returning actors play different characters. So while Akira Takarada was in many of the early Godzilla films, he never played the same character twice.

To see the rankings, go here. 

Japanese Media On Akira Takarada's Passing

Above, Akira Takarada as Ogata in Godzilla (1954). Source: IMDb.

The Japanese newspaper, Asahi Shimbun, has reported the passing of actor Akira Takarada. 

This, and one from Japan Today, are the first reports I've seen on his passing from Japanese news sources (I'm sure there's more).

Asahi Shimbun begins it with:

Akira Takarada, an actor who starred in the first “Godzilla” movie and later became a peace activist, died of pneumonia on March 14. He was 87.

Born on the Korean Peninsula when it was under Japan’s colonial rule, Takarada and his family eventually moved to Manchuria and returned to Japan after the end of World War II.

Takarada was chosen as one of the new actors for Toho Co. in 1953, and he played the lead role in “Godzilla” the following year.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Today wrote:

TOKYO - Japanese actor Akira Takarada, who starred in the original 1954 "Godzilla" and several later films featuring the city-wrecking monster, has died in Tokyo aged 87.

Takarada, who appeared at the premiere of his latest film earlier this month, passed away in hospital having contracted pneumonia, Japanese media reported Friday.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Takarada. May his memory continue to inspire the lives of many Godzilla fans," said a tweet posted by the official account of the Godzilla franchise.

To read more, go here. 

Akira Takarada In "Godzilla Final Wars"

Above, Akira Takarada in Godzilla Final Wars (2004).

When Godzilla Final Wars came out in 2004, it garnered mixed reviews from fans. Some liked it and some didn't.

Admittedly, it was a bit wacky for some tastes. I saw it as a throwback to some of the Showa era's more wackier Godzilla movies. Where else can one see Minilla riding around in the bed of a pick-up truck? I was entertained by it. 

One thing that stood out about Godzilla Final Wars was that Akira Takarada displayed a great range in his acting. At times he was serious and at other times he was comedic. I thought his portrayals as UN Secretary General Naotarô Daigo and his alien doppelganger were quite good. His unmasking scene before a worldwide television audience were his best moments in the movie.

So, in remembrance of Akira Takarada, who passed away Monday at 87, I watched Godzilla Final Wars last evening. It had been quite a while since I watched Godzilla Final Wars, so it seemed fitting to screen his final Godzilla role last evening (I don't count his cameo in Legendary's Godzilla that ended up on the cutting room floor).

Something Strange

Above, the Akira Takarada-signed poster after the glass was replaced. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The news of the passing of actor Akira Takarada came today, apparently it was prematurely leaked as the family was not ready to have it announced.

According to the public statement issued by the Takarada family, he passed away in Japan on Monday, March 14 at 12:31 a.m. due to pneumonia. 

This was unknown to me on Monday when something happened: A framed Godzilla poster that was signed by Akira Takarada fell from my den's wall. The nail holding it gave way and it fell, cracking the protective glass. Takarada signed it for me at the 2013 Son of Monsterpalooza in Burbank. 

Above, Akira Takarada and yours truly at the 2013 Son of Monsterpalooza with the signed poster.

It took it in to the frame shop in Gallup on Tuesday to have the glass replaced. I picked it up yesterday (Wednesday) when I was in town to take a friend to his physical therapy session. 

It is odd that I never had any problems with it until it fell on the day he passed away. Strange things do sometimes happen.

Akira Takarada, R. I. P.

Above, Akira Takarada (right) with J. D. Lees at G-FEST XXVI in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Word is out in fan circles that actor Akira Takarada has suddenly passed away at age 87.

I did some checking, but found nothing at this time confirming this, although his Wikipedia page was updated today indicating that he passed away on March 14.

If news of his passing is confirmed, it means that the last remaining leading star of the 1954 Godzilla (Gojira) has died.

Above, Akira Takarada and yours truly at the 2013 Son of Monsterpalooza in Burbank.

I last saw Akira Takarada at G-FEST three years ago. He was scheduled to appear at the All Monsters Attack Expo in Indianapolis on September 9-11.

If this is true, my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

If there are updates, I will post them here. 

UPDATE:

Statement by the Takarada family:

Japan's Legends is devastated to report this statement from the Takarada family.   

The cherry blossoms have begun blooming in Tokyo

The legendary Japanese actor Akira Takarada has passed away suddenly at the hospital in Tokyo by pneumonia on Monday 12:31 am, March 14th 2022. (At age of 87) 

He has been working actively worldwide on the front line of entertainment business scenes from 1954 when he made his debut as an actor of “Toho New Face (6th gen.)” 

His last work will be his latest film called “SAKURA” (The cherry blossoms) the lead role and executive producer) which will start showing in the theater from April 1st 2022 in Japan.

 In consideration of his family’s wishes, his funeral has already taken with only a few relatives on March 18th as a private funeral.

 The family wishes to tell you that they will not receive any offerings including letters, flowers or financial dedications. Your prayers will encourage Akira and his family enough.

 We will release any future plans or the information about him by the website below. http://akira-takarada.com/ 

Once again, we appreciate very much for your thoughts and understanding.

Takarada Planning Office And the family of Akira Takarada

UPDATE:

Confirmation: https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202203170001311.html?fbclid=IwAR3RPWwrSvhJ48vFfb0Wlr2iw8xmA-ixeFOXm7km8YrIVy7jryHdCfdkRno

Translation of the Nikkan Sports article:

It was revealed on the 17th that Akira Takarada, an actor known for the movie "Godzilla" and musicals, died suddenly. 87 years old. Since entering the entertainment world in 1953, he has appeared in various works. On the 10th of this month, he attended the stage greetings for the completion of the movie "Sakura no Nakareba" (Director Nobuyuki Miyake, released on April 1st), and had just revealed his insatiable motivation for film production. 

Akira Takarada Hospitalized

Above, J. D. Lees and Akira Takarada at G-FEST in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been reported by the NorthEast ComicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza that actor Akira Takarada has been hospitalized and is unable to attend the convention that takes place March 8-11 in Boxboro Regency Hotel in Boxborough, Massachusetts.

They posted on Facebook:

Akira Takarada had a seizure involving his heart and he is now hospitalized to recover. His condition is not life threatening, but he will need time to recover. He hopes to reschedule his NorthEast ComicCon appearance at a later date.

Akira Takarada was a guest at the last G-FEST in Rosemont, Illinois, which took place before the pandemic in 2019. 

Best wishes to Takarada-san for a speedy and full recovery.

Actor Akira Takarada Turns 87

Above, J. D. Lees and Akira Takarada at G-FEST XXVI in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's Akira Takarada turns 87 today.

He is the last remaining lead actor from Godzilla (1954) and, thankfully, he's still active.

I last saw him two years ago at G-FEST XXVI in Rosemont, Illinois (a Chicago suburb) and he looked good for his age.

Above, Akira Takarada and yours truly at Son of Monsterpalooza in 2013.

From Wikipedia:

Takarada was born in Japan-occupied Korea, and lived for a time in Harbin, China. His father worked as an engineer on the South Manchuria Railway. After the war, he remained in Harbin, and he is able to speak Mandarin Chinese and English.

Takarada moved to Japan with his family in 1948. He joined Toho as part of their "New Face" program in April 1953. In his film debut, he had a small role in And Then the Liberty Bell Rang, a biography of the educator Fukuzawa Yukichi. His big break came when he was cast as navy diver Hideto Ogata in the original Godzilla (1954). He became a popular actor at Toho for his good looks and charismatic, sophisticated character. He continued his association with the Godzilla series in Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964), Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965), and Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster (1966). He returned to the series in 1992 with Godzilla vs. Mothra and appeared again in Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). Other Toho science-fiction/special-effects films in which he appeared include Half Human (1955), The Last War (1961), King Kong Escapes (1967), and Latitude Zero (1969).

A big Happy Birthday to Mr. Takarada! 

G-FEST Cancelled Until 2022

Above, J. D. Lees and actor Akira Takarada at G-FEST XXVI in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The casualty list of events cancelled this year is starting.

G-FEST, which was scheduled for this summer, has been cancelled.

Here's the announcement:

When G-FEST had to be cancelled in 2020, we all had high hopes for a rebound the following summer. However, with great regret, the G-FEST Organizing Committee has announced that the convention will not take place in 2021. The continued prevalence of COVID-19 across the country has resulted in anti-COVID restrictions persisting much longer than everyone had hoped.

According to public health forecasts and vaccination timetables, it’s virtually certain that conditions will make it impossible to safely stage G-FEST this coming summer. G-FEST requires months of lead time for planning and preparing, processing registrations, creating displays, organizing the convention schedule and program, making travel arrangements and securing translators for foreign guests, and many, many other considerations. The participants in the convention, from vendors to attendees, all require a great deal of lead time for planning and preparation. With time for proper preparation running out, we didn’t want to keep G-FEST supporters in doubt any longer. Our venue, the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, has agreed with our conclusion.

This is very sad news for everyone that loves the special weekend of camaraderie that G-FEST has provided for so long. It’s especially hard on the youngsters and the special needs kids and their families, for whom G-FEST has become such an anticipated time of the year. However, offering a safe environment according to government regulations is a paramount consideration.

The idea of a “virtual G-FEST” has been discussed on social media. G-FEST’s primary attraction is the opportunity to actually get together with other G-fans and to shop, discuss, play video games, watch movies, see models and art, receive instruction and experience with moviemaking and prop/costume building, meet famous people, etc., etc., etc. IN PERSON. That’s the essence of G-FEST. For that reason, there will be no official online version of G-FEST. A “virtual G-FEST” just wouldn’t be G-FEST. However, no doubt many on-line kaiju-themed events will take place over the summer, and we encourage G-fans to participate and keep the kaiju spirit burning brightly.

We thank everyone for their patience and understanding throughout this difficult process. We are all looking forward to beginning the planning for G-FEST in 2022, about which further details will be coming soon. The disappointments we’ve all experienced have only made us more determined than ever to create a tremendous celebration when we all can be reunited next summer.

Above, Jessica Tseang and yours truly at G-FEST XXVI. Photo by Steve Ryfle.

Well, at this point, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed that the coronavirus is vanquished and G-FEST will be held in 2022.  

Godzilla Celebrates 65th Anniversary In Tokyo November 3

Nothing like being reminded of one's age!

In 1954, both Godzilla and I appeared on the scene and this year marks the 65th anniversary of the King of the Monsters.

But, that aside, Godzilla fans will want to be in Tokyo next month.

Above, Akira Takarada (right) will be navigating Godzilla's 65th
 anniversary ceremonies on November 3. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A celebration will be taking place in Hibiya on November 3.

According to Stars & Stripes Japan:

Godzilla fans will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the birth of Japan’s #1 icon at Godzilla Fest 2019 in Hibiya, on Nov. 3 during a day-long commemoration of the character’s 1954 nationwide theater debut. The birthday gala at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, around the corner from where feudal lords ruled during the Edo Period has become a yearly tradition chronicling the king’s blazing path, which formatively burned bridges of monster entertainment down to the ground and inspires audiences to this day. 

Midtown is a bustling epicenter of towering hotels, premium shops, cafes, and Toho’s multiplex cinemas. The crowning masterpiece at Godzilla Square is the Shin Godzilla statue, unveiled in 2018, depicting the final scene from 2016’s Japan Academy Award-winning film, directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi. Both are currently working on Shin Ultraman, slated for a 2021 release. 

This year marks the third Godzilla Fest and once again will include themed “G-Food,” drinks, a pop-up store, product tie-ins with the Godzilla Store in Shinjuku, quiz contests, and special guests with Godzilla veteran actor Akira Takarada navigating this year’s opening ceremonies.

To read more, go here. 

Akira Takarada At G-FEST XXVI

Last week, I took a "quickie" video of actor Akira Takarada at G-FEST XXVI following his acceptance of his Life Achievement Award from the convention.

Here's the video:

G-FEST Stuff

Above, toys galore in the Dealers Room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Genre conventions usually have many things for attendees to see and do. These include panel discussions, movies, dealers room, games and other activities for people to spend their time and part with their cash.

Here's some of the things that G-FEST XXVI had:

Above, Godzilla in the Murray Bros. Caddyshack bar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Akira Takarada in the hotel lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Mothra looks different. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Dealers Room

Autograph Tables

Above, Akira Takarada. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, directors Shusuke Kaneko and Yoshikazu Ishii chat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Modelers Room

 History of G-FEST Room

Panel Discussions and Interviews

Above, Akira Takarada interview panel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Shusuke Kaneko interview panel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Collect All Monsters panel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Bringing Godzilla Down To Size with Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

G-FEST XXVI Awards

A G-FEST wouldn't be complete without an awards ceremony for the guests (and others).

Awards included "G-FAN Hall of Fame", "Lifetime Achievement" and the "Mangled Skyscraper Award". These were awarded on Sunday morning.

Here's a sampling:

Above, it was an emotional moment when Sonoe Nakajima (center) received a G-FAN Hall of Fame
Award from David Nunes for her work in supporting her late father, Haruo Nakajima, in his
 convention appearances around the world for nearly 20 years. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, actor Akira Takarada receives a Lifetime Achievement Award from J. D. Lees. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, director Shusuke Kaneko receives the Mangled Skyscraper Award
 for 2019. He said the award came as a surprise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Akira Takarada Turns 84

Above, Akira Takarada and Armand at the 2013 Son of Monsterpalooza. 

Popular actor Akira Takarada turned 84 today.

From Wikipedia:

Takarada was born in Japan-occupied Korea, and lived for a time in Harbin, China. His father worked as an engineer on the South Manchuria Railway. After the war, he remained in Harbin, and he is able to speak Mandarin Chinese and English. 

Takarada moved to Japan with his family in 1948. He joined Toho as part of their "New Face" program in April 1953. In his film debut, he had a small role in And Then the Liberty Bell Rang, a biography of the educator Fukuzawa Yukichi. His big break came when he was cast as navy diver Hideto Ogata in the original Godzilla (1954). He became a popular actor at Toho for his good looks and charismatic, sophisticated character. He continued his association with the Godzilla series in Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964), Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965), and Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster (1966). He returned to the series in 1992 with Godzilla vs. Mothra and appeared again in Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). Other Toho science-fiction/special-effects films in which he appeared include Half Human (1955), The Last War (1961), King Kong Escapes (1967), and Latitude Zero (1969).

Happy Birthday, Akira Takarada! 

Remembering Tom Dougherty

Above, Christmas Day 2010 in Ginza with (from left) Kenji Sahara, Hiroshi Koizumi
Diane Dougherty, Tom Dougherty and Akira Takarada. Photo courtesy of Clawmark Toys.

In any fandom, there are the good guys and there are the not-so-good guys (for various reasons). In the case of Tom Dougherty of Clawmark Toys, he was definitely one of the good guys.

I learned this evening from Loren Portillo's posting at Facebook that Tom passed away.

About two or three years ago, I contacted Tom about sponsoring a Godzilla celebrity for an appearance at an upcoming Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo in Los Angeles. Tom replied that he was unable to do anything at the time. He said he was recently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS).

This came as a big shock as Tom was one of the most enthusiastic and active Godzilla and kaiju toy dealers around. Not long before, Tom sent me several photos of an event held in Ginza by the Godzilla Fan Club that he and Diane attended to post on this blog that featured Godzilla actors Kenji Sahara, Hiroshi Koizumi and Akira Takarada. Tom looked like his usual enthusiastic self in one of the photos (it is posted above).

With the news that Tom gave me, I knew then that it was a matter of time when the neuro-degenerative disease would eventually claim his life. So when Loren Portillo posted the news on Tom's passing, I was not too surprised. But it was tough news nonetheless.

He and his wife Diane lived in Japan (off and on) and he would regale us at G-FEST with stories of their roadtrips around Japan in their search for toys to sell though their Clawmark Toys business.

I probably first met Tom at a G-FEST convention around 1999 or 2000. We had a great time in Japan in 2001 when Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Following the movie, several of us (we must have had a group of 30), including Tom and Diane, then headed to Nakano for a dinner party at a Chinese restaurant at the Broadway Mall. The dinner party included Kenpachiro Satsuma (the Heisei Godzilla), among others. It was a night that I, for one, have never forgotten.

Tom's Clawmark Toys was one of the best dealers in Godzilla/kaiju toys and other collectibles. He was fair in his pricing and one can always rely on fast delivery from Clawmark.

His presence at fan events will be greatly missed. A big void has been left behind by his passing.

My condolences go out to his wife Diane and the Dougherty family.

Wall St. Journal: "Godzilla Was A Very Different Beast 60 Years Ago"

Above, the Godzilla 1954 Japanese poster.

Godzilla and The Wall Street Journal. That is an interesting combination, if I ever heard one. But that's what we have as The Wall Street Journal has posted an article on the Big G, "Godzilla Was A Very Different Beast 60 Years Ago."

As we are nearing the 60th anniversary of the release of 1954's Godzilla on November 3, the Journal's article focuses on the making of the original film that includes comments by Eizo Kaimai, one of the few remaining members of the team who created Godzilla.

It begins with:

TOKYO—Godzilla has come a long way in 60 years. 

When the original film opened in Japan on Nov. 3, 1954, Godzilla was made from bamboo, cloth, paper, wire and whatever was available, says Eizo Kaimai, the 85-year-old chairman of Kaimai Productions. 

This was long before digital wizards came along to create a T-Rex or Transformer, before Star Wars, Jurassic Park or Avatar.

Above, Haruo Nakajima with actress Lea Thompson in 2013. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The article also includes quotes from the original Godzilla suit-actor, Haruo Nakajima and the actor who played Hideto Ogata, Akira Takarada.

To read more, go here.