TheTravel: Things To Do In Osaka

Above, for foodies, Osaka's Dotonbori district is the place to go. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one visits Japan, they should venture out of Tokyo to see other regions and cities. There are definitely noticeable differences everywhere one goes.

One place that should be on everyone's "bucket list" is Osaka. I have visited it twice and had an enjoyable time each time. 

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle in 2015.

For kaiju fans, Osaka was featured in Godzilla's Counterattack (1955) (a.k.a. Godzilla Raids Again) and Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

TheTravel has posted their "complete guide" of things to do in Osaka in three days.

They begin it with:

Osaka, the heart of Japan's Kansai region, is renowned for its culinary culture and street food scene. From mouth-watering Takoyaki to savory Okonomiyaki, Osaka's local cuisine will tantalize even the most discerning of taste buds.

But exploring the city's food culture is not the only attraction — Osaka also boasts a rich history and a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. From the iconic Osaka Castle, a towering monument to Japan's rich feudal history, to the neon-lit streets of the Dotonbori district, a sensory explosion of colorful signs, bustling crowds, and mouth-watering aromas, there's no shortage of amazing experiences to be had in this incredible city.

Joining the ranks of Tokyo and Kyoto as one of Japan's must-visit destinations, Osaka is a city that rewards exploration, discovery, and a willingness to dive headfirst into the unknown. So pack those bags and prepare to discover the rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine that makes this city such a beloved destination for travelers from around the world.

This complete guide is the perfect companion to discovering the best that Osaka has to offer. Get ready to fall in love with Osaka's dynamic energy and indulge in some of the best street food in the world.

Above, a view of Osaka Business Park from Osaka Castle. It got
trashed by Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Biollante. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Megumi Odaka Turned 50 Yesterday

Above, Megumi Odaka (center) arrives at LAX for G-FEST 2000
with her sister Rina and Robert Scott Field. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

1972. This was the year I graduated high school. It is also the year that actress Megumi Odaka was born.

This coming September, several classes (including mine) of Hawthorne High School will be celebrating their 50-year reunion. I plan on attending. Since I experienced the years since graduation, I can believe it has been 50 years.

What is hard to believe is that Megumi Odaka had reached 50 years of age yesterday. When she was acting in the Heisei Godzilla series of movies, she was in her 20s. When she made her first Godzilla movie appearance in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), she was 17.

From IMDb:

Megumi Odaka was born on May 9, 1972 in Kanagawa, Japan. When she was 12 years-old, she jump-started her film career as a voice actress for children's TV shows in Japan. In addition, with also being a singer, she released several singles and albums throughout the late 1980s. After participating in the "Toho Cinderella Contest" in 1989 with actress Yasuko Sawaguchi, she was cast as psychic girl Miki Saegusa in the Godzilla film Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989). Impressed with her portrayal of Miki Saegusa, Toho studios had her return in the remaining 5 Godzilla sequels, thus becoming the first actor to portray the same character in a Godzilla film for more than 2 times. To this date, she is the one actor with the most reoccurring role in the Godzilla film trilogy.

After the Godzilla "Heisei" series ended in 1995, Megumi has pretty much retired from films. However, she has made appearances on stage, including "Peter Pan," "Anne's Love," and "Fiddler on the Roof," and occasionally can be seen participating at Godzilla conventions.

She appeared as a guest at G-FEST 2000 in Hollywood. She was 28 then. It is even hard to believe that G-FEST 2000 was held 22 years ago this coming summer.

This only goes to show how time flies. 

"Godzilla vs. Biollante" Stop-Motion Battle Footage Surfaces

Above, the Godzilla vs. Biollante Japanese poster.

The second movie in the Heisei series of Godzilla movies from Toho Co., Ltd. was 1989's Godzilla vs. Biollante.

At the helm of directing the movie's special effects was the late Koichi Kawakita.

Apparently, Toho decided to experiment with some stop-motion effects during the movie's production. Footage of a battle between Godzilla and Biollante has surfaced on Twitter and posted by @doctoruwatson.

Here's the link to the footage:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1191001720794468353

It appears that the stop-motion effects weren't good enough (I agree, if that was the decision's reason) to include in the final cut of the movie and ended up on the cutting-room floor.

Still, it is interesting to see.

Saturday

Above, the locked gate to the national forest from Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fall weather is clearly evident in this relaxing Saturday.

The temperature remained in the low 70s with some wind. Typical for this time of year. However, I did check the temperature forecast for tonight on The Weather Channel app and with the National Weather Service. They came up with differing conclusions.

Above, Cibola National Forest from the locked gate at Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Weather Channel said that it will be 37° at 6:00 tomorrow morning. Whereas, the National Weather Service said that the low will be 41°.

I decided to err on the side of caution and brought into the house the mini jade plant. The low temperatures of last winter almost did it in. But it revived after I brought it indoors.

Above, the Jeep at Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For today's recreation, I drove the Jeep into the new Mesa Ridge Ranch subdivision next to ours. The gate at the top of the main road was (of course) closed and locked. On the other side of it is the Cibola National Forest. As far as anyone here knows, there's no access into this section of the Cibola National Forest.

Above, Godzilla vs. The Legendary Wolfman poster. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After getting back home, I did put up a few posters inside the garage. One was a Reagan poster, a poster for Godzilla vs. Biollante and a poster for the fan film, Godzilla vs. The Legendary Wolfman.

Above, the Reagan "Spirit of '76" poster. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After that, I did some tinkering with the idle of the Jeep. It had been conking out today whenever I made a stop or changing gears. I improved it a little, but I need an angle screwdriver to adjust one of the other jet screws to finish the job (a set is now on order). Thank goodness the Jeep came with an owners' manual!

Above, a Godzilla vs. Biollante poster (not an official Toho poster). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Later, I then headed into Gallup for some sushi for dinner. Not a bad way to finish the day.

10 Things To Do In Osaka

Above, Osaka Twin 21 and other buildings demolished in Godzilla
vs. Biollante  as viewed from Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla paid Osaka a visit a couple of times. 

First, it was in 1955 in Godzilla Raids Again (a.k.a. Godzilla's Counterattack and Gigantis, The Fire Monster). Second, Godzilla's next visit was in 1989 in Godzilla vs. Biollante.

You, too can follow in Godzilla's footsteps (and then some) by also visiting Osaka.

Thankfully, The Travel has a list of "10 Things To Do In Osaka".

They begin with:

Whenever you think about Japan, you may think of the flashing bright lights of Tokyo and temples that can be found in generally every corner of the country. Not to mention the incredible food scene to sample popular foods such as sushi, ramen or yakitori. Japan is the place to have unique experiences such as crazy nights out or bathing in an onsen (Japanese hot spring).

Japan has tons to offer and Osaka is usually within the top places to visit when traveling in Japan. Osaka is the third-largest city in the country. The people in Osaka are known to be friendly and outgoing. The area itself is praised for having some of the best food too. Here are the ten best things to do in Osaka.

The Osaka Godzilla locations are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To see what they are, go here. 

Japan Cheapo's Osaka Accommodation Guide

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori restaurants have interesting signage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For kaiju fans and non-kaiju fans alike, Osaka is a great place to visit. Godzilla paid the city "visits" in 1955 (Godzilla Raid Again, a.k.a. Godzilla's Counterattack) and in 1989 (Godzilla vs. Biollante). It is also known as Japan't food capital.

If one is planning a visit to Osaka, where should they stay?

Fortunately, Japan Cheapo has a guide with advice on places to bunk in for the night (or two).

They start with:

Osaka needs more than a day trip to make the most of its neon charm, so if you’re keen to sample the nightlife and spend the night, where do you stay? 

Days exploring castles and temples, evenings spent eating everything from oonomiyaki to kushikatsu before trying out the bars and izakayas at night—you’re going to need at least one night’s sleep in the wonderful city of Osaka. The city is actually the birthplace of the capsule hotel, so it’s the perfect place to give it a try, but there are plenty of more traditional options too! Best seen at night, the glowing Dotonbori is a sight to behold, and there are simple too many restaurants to choose from, so finding somewhere to stay might be the last thing on your mind for the city. Whether you want convenience for late-night stumblings or early morning departures, take a look at our accommodation guide to see which areas and which places suit you!

To read more, go here.

Tokyo To Osaka, Fastest and Cheapest Ways of Getting There

Above, a view of the Former Headquarters of 4th Division of Imperial Japanese Army from Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one happens to be in Japan on vacation and is also a foodie, Osaka is the place to visit.

Of course, Osaka was featured in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), which is reason enough for kaiju fans to want to visit the city.

There are several ways to getting to Osaka and Tokyo Cheapo has an article on the fastest and creative ways to get there from Tokyo.

They begin with:

Osaka: cheaper, dirtier and a whole lot friendlier than Tokyo. A vibey city of 2.7 million, it’s bigger than neighboring Kyoto and also more down to earth. Osaka, a port city, was once the business hub of Japan, with merchants from all over selling their wares and serving up good grub. The food culture prevails—Osaka is known as the kitchen of the country. Whether you’re heading from Tokyo to Osaka to chow down, check out Universal Studios Japan, or you’re on a secret mission, here are the fastest and cheapest ways of getting there.

To read more, go here. 

Osaka Is Japan's Fastest Growing Tourist Destination

Above, a view of Osaka Business Park from Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo has long been the primary destination for foreign visitors to Japan, but Osaka is catching up as it is Japan's fastest growing tourist destination.

Of course, Godzilla fans make pilgrimages to Osaka to see Osaka Castle, where Godzilla and Anguirus battled in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and Osaka Business Park, which was featured (and destroyed) in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

According to Gulf Today:

Osaka, long Japan’s “second city,” is winning the race against Tokyo to draw foreign tourists, but after a boom, its retailers and property developers are adapting to shifting tourism spending patterns. 

Inbound tourism to Osaka surged five-fold between 2012 and 2017, faster than visits to Tokyo, as the city lured low-cost carriers and promoted itself as a base to visit the 25 World Heritage sites in nearby Kyoto and Nara. 

Initially, developers and retailers scrambled to build new hotels, expand floor space, and install cashless payment systems like AliPay and WeChat to keep up with the sudden influx of big-spending tourists, mostly from China. 

But tourism is entering a new phase now, where instead of loading up on luxury brands, visitors want to spend more on services like makeup consulting, maternity goods, and other cheaper items.

To read more, go here.

Japan Cheapo: Things To Do In Osaka

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle.

Godzilla has trampled through Osaka a couple of times (Godzilla Raids Again in 1955 and Godzilla vs. Biollante in 1989), and I have also been there twice.

Osaka is a draw for kaiju fans for those reasons, but there's other things to see and do in Osaka that would delight any visitor, kaiju fan or not.

Japan Cheapo has an article on ten things to do in Osaka.

They begin with:

Known as Japan’s Kitchen and home to dozens of weird and wonderful sights, Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan, but often gets overlooked in favor of neighboring Kyoto.  

Originally a vital trade hub with a strong reputation for Edo-period Kabuki and Bunraku theater, Osaka has become one of the most vibrant and interesting places to explore. Stereotyped from as far back as the 18th century as a city full of inhabitants who are both incredibly stingy and “devour their food until they collapse”, I cannot think of a city better suited to experiencing Japan on a budget. Obviously we can’t scratch the surface of such a ridiculous city, but here are some of the top things to do in Osaka!

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori is a mecca for foodies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

T + L: Visit Osaka Before Everyone Else

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla paid Osaka a couple of visits over the years. Most notably, the visits were made in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

Travel + Leisure recommends booking a visit to Osaka "before everyone else."

They wrote:

On Tuesday, MasterCard revealed the results of its annual Destination Cities Index. The survey not only provides insight into the spending of international travelers but also predicts where they’ll visit next year. 

According to MasterCard, Osaka is the fastest-growing destination in the world — and has been since 2009. Over the past seven years, overnight stays from international visitors have grown 24 percent. 

MasterCard interprets that Osaka’s rapid tourism growth is indicative of the growing importance of Asia and the Middle East. The index’s fastest growing cities for tourism include Chengdu, Colombo, Abu Dhabi, Jakarta, Tokyo, Hanoi, Riyadh, Lima and Taipei.

To read more, go here.

Japan Visitor: History of Osaka Castle

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Osaka Castle was featured in two Godzilla movies, Godzilla Raids Again (1956) (a.k.a. Gigantis The Fire Monster) and Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989). It was in Godzilla Raids Again that Osaka Castle was demolished during the final battle between Godzilla and Anguirus.

Today, Osaka Castle is one of Osaka, Japan's biggest tourist attractions. I have visited Osaka Castle twice (in 2004 and 2015).

Japan Visitor has an article on Osaka Castle's history.

It begins with:

Osaka Castle History 大阪城 

Osaka Castle was Japan's finest castle when it was constructed, and, although rebuilt in concrete, is still Osaka's most interesting sightseeing spot, and a must-see if you are in Osaka, together with the beautiful Osaka Castle Park that surrounds it - home also to the pleasant, airy Jo-Terrace Osaka restaurant and dining complex.

The article is interesting as it also goes into some detail on the stones of the walls surrounding the castle.

Above, a section of the stone walls surrounding the castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The article states:

The massive stones, planed nearly paper-smooth, the largest weighing about 130 tons, were transported from all over Japan, but principally from the islands of the Inland Sea. The overcoming of the difficulties involved in quarrying, floating and dragging them such distances speaks eloquently of the levels of organization and economic development involved. The Osaka Castle Stones Michi No Eki on Shodoshima has a museum dedicated to the tools used to mine the stones, transport them as well as some of the original stones themselves. Construction of the (wooden) castle itself, however, was the preserve of the Shogun.

To read more, go here.

Osaka Saw Record Foreign Visitors In 2016

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One Japanese city that is often overlooked by tourists is Osaka.

Most tourists when coming into Japan largely confine themselves to Tokyo. When venturing out of Tokyo, they will head to Hiroshima or Kyoto. Since Osaka is a next-door neighbor to Kyoto, it is an easy place to reach.

Osaka is about a 30-minute commuter train ride from Kyoto. When in the city, there are subways available (although not quite as extensive as Tokyo's subway and train system) to get visitors to the city's attractions such as Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori restaurant district.

More people are discovering Osaka as record numbers of foreign visitors headed there in 2016 (I was last in Osaka in October 2015).

According to The Japan Times:

OSAKA – Over 9.4 million foreign tourists visited Osaka last year, the largest number ever, Osaka tourism authorities announced earlier this week. 

The figure represents a 31 percent increase on 2015, and is more than triple the number of foreign nationals who visited the city in 2013, officials added.

Naturally, since Osaka had been featured in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), kaiju fans have reason to visit the city.

To read more, go here.

The Exciting, Vibrant City of Osaka

Above, interesting sign at the "foodie" section of Osaka, Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is planning a trip to Japan, they should also try to include a visit to Osaka in their itinerary. 

While it is a large city, it has a more relaxed and different vibe to it than Tokyo (but I enjoy them both). I visited Osaka a year ago and enjoyed it.

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To help a potential visitor to make up his or her mind about visiting Osaka, the Daily Express (U.K) has an article that just may be the convincing clincher.

It begins with:

What with Google Earth, YouTube and more travel blogs that you can shake a selfie stick at, it's rare for anywhere to come as a complete surprise these days. 

Yet, despite all of the above - and what I quaintly imagined was some exhaustive research - Osaka did exactly that. 

People I met in Tokyo had raised their eyebrows ever so slightly when I told them where I was travelling next.  

Osaka, I was led gently to believe, was regarded as somewhat louche.  

Given that this is Japan, where that could mean anything from loosening your tie to a full-scale Bacchanalian orgy, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  

What I found, however, was an astonishing, vibrant, exciting city and the very warmest of welcomes.

Godzilla fans can visit Osaka locations used in two movies, Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

To read more about Osaka, go here.

Portrait Unveiling Party: Room For 4 More

Above, Asya in Little Osaka in L.A. during the photo shoot
for the portrait project back in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day that I will be heading to the Odyssey Restaurant to give them the final count and payment for the October 2 portrait unveiling party.

I spent part of last night tabulating the R.S.V.P.s (and watched Godzilla vs. Biollante) and I found that we do have room for 4 more people. So, if you wish to attend, email me within the next 3 hours.

If you have received an invite already and haven't yet indicated that you're coming, now's the time to do so!

Godzilla and Osaka-jo Hall

Above, Osaka Twin 21 towers in Osaka Business Park and Osaka-jo Hall (lower right). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), a rock concert was taking place in Osaka, Japan at Osaka-jo Hall when attendees were told to evacuate as Godzilla was approaching.

Above, Godzilla vs. Biollante Japanese poster.

According to Wikipedia:

Osaka-jō Hall (大阪城ホール Ōsaka-jō Hōru?) is a multi-purpose arena located in the Kyōbashi area of Osaka, Japan. The hall opened in 1983 and can seat up to 16,000 people. Built on a site area of 36,351 square meters, part of its form uses stone walls, modeled after those of the Castle and it won the Osaka Urban Scenery Architects Prize Special Award in 1984. 

The hall may be reached on a short walk from either Osaka Business Park Station on the Osaka Municipal Subway Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line or Osakajō-kōen Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line. The hall is located in Osaka-jō Park, near Osaka Castle and is across a river from two other smaller concert halls. 

It is used for some sports, such as judo championships and is popular for concerts, with many native and international pop and rock music artists.

I noticed Osaka-jo Hall while visiting Osaka Castle in 2004 and 2015, but forgot all about it until I was watching Godzilla vs. Biollante tonight and saw it in the movie.

Godzilla didn't demolish Osaka-jo Hall, but proceeded on to the Osaka Twin 21 business towers in Osaka Business Park. Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) was also spared destruction in Godzilla vs. Biollante. It did get demolished by Godzilla and Anguirus in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) (a.k.a. Gigantis The Fire Monster).

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Osaka Castle and Twin 21 are featured on page 42 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Mount Fuji and Osaka Castle

Above, Mount Fuji from the shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We left Atami and headed down to Osaka via shinkansen (bullet train).

The room we had at the ryokan was so nice, we were a little reluctant to leave it. But, there are things to see and do down in Osaka and Kyoto.

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On the way, we were treated to a view of Mount Fuji. I have seen Fuji from the air, at night and been on its slopes, but hadn't seen it from a bullet train's window due to cloud cover.

Above, a little fun before touring the castle (in the background). 

Once we got to Osaka, we found that the check-in time for our hotel room was at 4:00 PM. So we killed time by going to Osaka Castle.

I had been to Osaka Castle during G-TOUR 2004, but have a limited number of photographs as I was using a film camera (Olympus OM-1) at the time. These shots are from my new Canon Rebel digital camera.

Above, fans of Godzilla vs. Biollante will find these buildings familiar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems that the exhibits inside Osaka Castle had been changed since 2004. Some were unfamiliar and a few were familiar, but presented differently. Godzilla fans are familiar with Osaka Castle as it was the site of the final battle between Godzilla and Anguirus in Godzilla Raids Again.

After touring Osaka Castle, we headed back to the hotel and checked in. The plan for tonight is to go to Dotonbori, the foodie area of Osaka.

Getting To Osaka From Kansai International Airport

Above, a satellite view of Kansai International Airport.

Most visitors to Japan enter the country through Tokyo's two airports: Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport. But there are some people who either wish to by-pass Tokyo altogether or, by necessity, have to enter through Osaka's Kansai International Airport.

Personally, I have never flown in or out of Kansai, so I couldn't tell you what entails in getting in or out of the airport, which sits on a man-made island in Osaka Bay. Fortunately, Gaijinpot.com has an article on "How To Get From Kansai International Airport To Osaka."

They begin with:

You survived your grueling flight and have successfully made your way through the immigration lines, retrieved your belongings, headed through customs, and are now standing at the arrivals exit at Kansai International Airport (KIX). You sigh and relax at the thought that you have arrived in Osaka. However, you haven’t. You are standing on a man-made island in the middle of Osaka Bay. While it is technically in Osaka Prefecture, it is still about an hour away from Osaka proper. 

There are many ways to get to and from the airport: train, bus, car, and taxi. Your target destination is very important when deciding on the method of travel. There are considerable differences in prices and travel times depending on where you need to go.

For you monster fans, Kansai International Airport was under construction at the time of Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) and a platform at the construction site was used in the movie. It was the scene where Miki Saegusa (Megumi Odaka) uses her ESP powers to divert Godzilla in Osaka Bay.

To read the full article, go here. 

Koichi Kawakita, R.I.P.

Above, Koichi Kawakita and Armand in Hollywood in 2000.

Very sad news has arrived from Japan via the Anime News Network.

Special effects director Koichi Kawakita has passed away at age 72 from liver failure.

They wrote:

Movie visual effects director Kōichi Kawakita passed away on December 5 due to liver failure. He was 72. A funeral service was held for close relatives, with his wife Toshiko as chief mourner. A memorial service is planned in the future.

I first met Mr. Kawakita in 2000 when G-Fest 2000 was held in Hollywood at the Roosevelt Hotel. A year later, Richard Pusateri and I met with him at his office in Toho Studios for a tour of the studio that was led by him and producer Shogo Tomiyama.

Above, pictured at Toho Studios in 2001 are (from left) Shogo Tomiyama, Armand, Richard
Pusateri and Koichi Kawakita with a Godzilla event suit. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

He didn't exactly recognize us at first. While we were outside looking over the studio with Mr. Tomiyama and Shozo Watanabe, it suddenly dawned on Mr. Kawakita who we were and he ran down one of the studio roads towards us exclaiming, "I remember you!" with a big grin.

Above, Koichi Kawakita describing items in his collection
to Richard Pusateri at Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I found Mr. Kawakita to be a very nice man and quite enthusiastic while he was showing us his collection of Godzilla-related props and figures. I think his best Godzilla special effects work was in Godzilla vs. Biollante.

My sincere condolences to the Kawakita family. This is a big loss and he will be missed.

To read more, go here.

Volcanoes of Japan

Above, the peak of Mt. Fuji from the timberline. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Big Sushi, Little Fishes: A Japan Blog has posted an article on the "Volcanoes of Japan" due to the eruption of Mount Ontake.

The article points out that 72% of Japan is mountainous with 110 of Japan's mountains being active volcanoes, including Mount Fuji. The article also include links to the Wikipedia list of Japan's volcanoes and the watch list of 47 of the most active volcanoes (that are monitored 24 yours a day) by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Volcanoes have played roles (of varying degrees) in some kaiju movies over the years. These include Rodan (1956), in which the two Rodans are killed by an eruption of Mount Aso; King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) has the big battle between Kong and Godzilla start on the slopes of Mount Fuji; and Godzilla falls into the cauldron of Mount Mihara in Return of Godzilla (1984). Godzilla escapes Mount Mihara in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

Above, a couple from Hong Kong inside of the Mt. Aso Volcano Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

These are all covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. On page 37, that spotlights Mount Fuji, there is a USGS map of the major volcanoes of Japan. Many of these volcanoes are visited annually by tourists and hikers and have visitor centers with exhibits and educational programs.

Finally, Japan Today asks the question: Could Fuji be next?

Monsters Attack! Number 4

A recent posting by Stan Hyde at Facebook Monsterland prompted this recollection.

Following Terror of Mechagodzilla in 1975, Toho Co., Ltd. put Godzilla on a long hiatus. During those years, all was quiet on the Godzilla front.

Then, out of the blue, Toho released Godzilla in 1984 (renamed Return of Godzilla and released here (heavily edited) with Raymond Burr reprising his Steve Martin character as Godzilla 1985). The movie, although well-done in its original Japanese form, received a lukewarm response here. The movie was a direct sequel to the original 1954 Godzilla and ignored all of the prior sequels.

Then, following that movie, Godzilla disappeared again, at least as far as the United States was concerned.

In Japan, Toho finally decided to produce a sequel to the 1984 movie, based on a story-writing contest, in 1989. The result was Godzilla vs. Biollante. Unfortunately, not too many people in the U.S. were aware of this movie and it received no stateside theatrical release. It seemed that Godzilla was gone again.

However, the following year, Monsters Attack! (no. 4) was published. The cover date was September 1990, The magazine featured Godzilla on the cover by John Severin. The magazine contained an article on Godzilla that recapped his cinematic career and featured the first word (and images) about Godzilla vs Biollante that many U.S. fans received. It was the first time I was made of aware of the movie. To me, in seeing those images, this was the best-designed Godzilla suit in a long time.

I remember buying Monsters Attack! at a local comic book shop and bringing it along to read on a camping vacation to Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park in the summer of 1990. I still have the issue (somewhere around here).

Today, Monsters Attack! no. 4 is a much sought-after Godzilla collectible for being one of the first (if not the first) source of information Americans received about Godzilla vs. Biollante. It ranks up there with Famous Monsters of Filmland issue 114, the special 100-page all-Japanese monsters issue.