Ten Years Since 2010 Japan Trip

Above, at the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios.

While going through my Japan photos yesterday to use in a blog post on Kyoto's Kiyumizu-dera temple, I found that I went to Japan for a combined business and pleasure trip ten years ago today. Man, ten years sure did whisk by fast!

Another reason for going was that my mother passed away in January and the upcoming Christmas would be the first without any living parents. I figured that the trip to Japan would be a needed lift for me. It worked!

The business end was to promote the newly-published The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. It included some interviews and a photo shoot at the Godzilla statue in Hibiya by the Yomiuri Shimbun. I came armed with plenty of copies of the travel guide.

I also went to Toho Studios in Setagaya and had some photos taken with the Godzilla statue while holding a copy of the travel guide.

Above, an article and photo at the Godzilla statue by the Yomiuri Shibun.

While I spent most of the trip in Tokyo, I did manage to take a Shinkansen trip to Niigata, which is on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu. I stayed at the Dormy Inn. One morning, I went to the hotel's restaurant for breakfast and saw (and heard) first-hand Japanese businessmen slurping their soba noodles. The slurping was quite loud in the small dining room. It was rather amusing. 

While I was in Tokyo, I set my clock to 4:00 in the morning to pay an early morning visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market. But an aftershock from a recent earthquake off the coast of Japan got me up at 3:20. I took a taxi to the fish market as trains and subways weren't in operation until a little later.

Above, at one of the restaurants at the Outer Market of the Tsukiji Fish Market.

The Tsukiji Fish Market was interesting to see. I had a plate of tuna sushi for breakfast at the fish market's Outer Market (where shops and restaurants were clustered). It was the best sushi I ever had. While there, I had some photos taken by and with some of the restaurateurs. 

Also, while in Tokyo, I went to see the new movie, Space Battleship Yamato in Hibiya. It was an enjoyable movie, even though I don't understand Japanese.

Above, the Wako Dept. Store clock tower with its winter decorations. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo's Ginza shopping district was decorated for the Christmas holiday season, although they refer to them as "winter" decorations. 

All in all, it was a good trip and got a lot accomplished. I was thinking about going this year, but the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to that idea. Maybe next year.

Imperial Hotel Dinner, 5 Years Ago

Above, the dinner group at the Imperial Viking Sal restaurant in the Imperial Hotel.

In about an hour or so, it will be October 12 in Tokyo, Japan.

That will mark five years since I threw a dinner party at the Imperial Hotel in the Hibiya section of Tokyo with friends from Toho Co., Ltd. consisting of former Toho Pictures President Shogo Tomiyama, former Toho Los Angeles general managers Masaharu Ina and Shozo Watanabe, director Yoshikazu Ishii, translator Jessica Claros (in case translating were needed) and Denise Santos.

We dined at the Imperial Viking Sal, a buffet-style restaurant with a superb view of the National Diet Building.

Shin Godzilla was in production at the time and much of the dinner conversation centered around it.

It is amazing how quickly five years had passed. 

I was considering going to Japan this year (around about this time), but the coronavirus pandemic put a stop on that idea. Next year, perhaps.

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. 

Get Your Godzilla Kawakita Bronze Statue!

Above, Masaharu Ina and Armand with the original Godzilla statue at Hibiya Chanter Square in 2014.

Got a spare $2,700?

If so, you can get a bronze Godzilla Kawakita Statue through Entertainment Earth. It is based on the Godzilla that used to stand at the Hibiya Chanter Square in Tokyo.

Here's the details:

• The King of Monsters in bronze!
• Based off Kawakita's design!
• Cast from original Hibiya Godzilla for ultimate accuracy!
• Limited edition of only 50 pieces!

This Godzilla Kawakita Bronze Statue is a scaled down replica based on the large iconic bronze statue which stands in front of Toho headquarters in Tokyo. The bronze statue measures about 21 1/2-inches long x 17 1/3-inches tall x 8-inches wide and weighs about 40 pounds. The statue is a limited edtion of 50 pieces and will include a certificate of authenticity and a serial number. Developed in the same scale, this statue was cast from the original Hibiya Godzilla to make the piece as accurate as possible. The Godzilla Kawakita Bronze Statue features Godzilla director Kawakita's updated interpretation of The King of Monsters and scaled him down to a desktop size. Keeping true to the original material this version will be cast in bronze. This Godzilla statue is carefully crafted by a foundry known for their traditional craftsmanship of bronze statues. This commemorative limited edition piece pays tribute to Director Kawakita.

For pre-ordering, go here. 

Tokyo's Imperial Hotel Named Best Japan Hotel For Customer Satisfaction

Above, our 2015 dinner party at the Imperial Hotel.

Intrepid reporter Steve Martin (Raymond Burr) said he was staying there in Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956) and in 2015, I hosted a little dinner party for friends with Toho Co., Ltd. there.

What am I talking about? I am talking about Tokyo's Imperial Hotel that was founded in 1890 by the Japanese aristocracy.

According to an article in Japan Today, the Imperial Hotel was named best hotel in Japan for customer satis faction.

They wrote:

TOKYO - For the second year in a row, Tokyo's landmark 128-year-old Imperial Hotel has been ranked the best hotel in Japan for customer satisfaction in J. D. Power's Japan Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Survey, 2017. Out of 25 of the hotel brands surveyed, The Imperial was ranked top in the segment of guest room rates of 35,000 yen or more per night, receiving a score of 773 points out of a possible 1,000 points. 

The Imperial's high ranking was based on high scores received in the areas of reservation, check-in/check-out, guest room, food & beverages, hotel services, hotel facilities, and cost & fees. Replies were received from 26,729 respondents to the August, 2017, internet survey of 166 hotel brand chains and groups throughout Japan. The respondents, aged 18 and above, were asked about their degree of satisfaction with their experiences and services at hotels they had stayed at during the preceding one-year period.

Maybe cheesecake is a little hard to find at the Imperial (former Toho President Shogo Tomiyama did locate some), but the food service we had was excellent.

By the way, the Imperial Hotel is just a short walk from the Shin Godzilla statue in Hibiya.

To read more, go here.

Video: Shin Godzilla Statue Unveiling

For those of us who just couldn't quite make it to Tokyo to attend the unveiling ceremony of the new Shin Godzilla statue in Hibiya, here's a video of the ceremony:

New Godzilla Statue In Hibiya

Above, the new Shin Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Kyodo News photo.

The new Godzilla statue in the former Hibiya Chanter Square (now the Hibiya Godzilla Square) has been unveiled.

According to Kyodo News:

TOKYO - A new Godzilla statue was unveiled Thursday at a shopping mall in central Tokyo, fulfilling the prophecy inscribed on its predecessor that there would be more monsters looming over the area. 

The new statue, depicting the Tyrannosaurus-like lizard creature featured in the film "Shin Godzilla" released in 2016, measures 3 meters in height, including its platform, and is the largest Godzilla statue in Japan, according to film and media production company Toho Co.

Above, the old Heisei era Godzilla statue. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Hibiya Godzilla Statue To Be Replaced

Above, the current Heisei-era Godzilla statue in 2014. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the must-see things in Japan for Godzilla fans is the Godzilla statue in the Hibiya section of Tokyo in the Hibiya Chanter Square.

All that is about to change, somewhat.

According to Bloody Disgusting:

Dating back to 1995, a towering statue of the Heisei-era Godzilla has been proudly on display at Tokyo’s Hibiya Chanter Square, which is officially being renamed Godzilla Square later this month. Additionally, the classic Godzilla statue is being replaced by the Big G’s newly-designed iteration from Shin Godzilla, a mega hit over in Japan. 

The news comes to us courtesy of Godzilla-Movies.com, the site announcing that the 9-foot-tall Shin Godzilla statue will be erected at the spot on March 23.

I noticed that one of my photos of the current Godzilla statue accompanies the article.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Seeks More European Visitors

Above, Hibiya's Godzilla statue. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This blog attracts many viewers from European countries and many of them are also kaiju fans. 

However, as a percentage of foreign visitors to Japan, the numbers are relatively small. The Japan Tourism Agency is trying to rectify that.

According to Deutsche Welle:

On February 2, the Japan Tourism Agency launched the "Enjoy My Japan" global tourism campaign with a series of videos showcasing some of the nation's top tourist attractions in a variety of languages. Much of the effort is concentrated on bringing in more European visitors.  

The videos ranged from traditional temples and unique cuisine to diving in Okinawa, art installations in Kagawa Prefecture, "onsen" hot springs and performances of "noh" theater. 

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, there were 28.7 million foreign visitors to Japan in 2017, a remarkable 500 percent increase on the 4.76 million arrivals as recently as the year 2000. 

Of that total, however, 85 percent are from other parts of Asia - primarily China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan – and are visitors who only stay a short time, typically four or five days. 

While arrivals in Japan were up more than 40 percent from South Korea and more than 21 percent from Hong Kong in 2017, visitors from Germany were up a mere 6.7 percent and 6.2 percent from the UK.

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Visitors To Japan Up 18.3%

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya, a must-see for international fans. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The growth in the number of foreign visitors to Japan continues as preliminary estimates for January-October indicates.

The Japan Times reported:

The estimated number of foreign visitors to Japan this year totaled 23.79 million as of the end of October, up 18.3 percent from a year earlier, the Japan Tourism Agency said Wednesday. 

The agency attributed the rise to the increased number of low-cost flights, mainly from South Korea and Taiwan, as well as visa relaxations for Chinese and Russian nationals. 

The tourism minister said last week that as of Nov. 4, the figure had surpassed the previous record of 24,039,700 logged last year.

To read more, go here. 

"Ten Things You Didn't Know About Japan"

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Everyone enjoys trivia. Well, almost everyone.

If you are in the first category, you'll enjoy reading an article of "Ten Things You Didn't Know About Japan" from Travel At 60.

They begin with:

Japan is one of the world's powerhouses for technology, but it's also has a culture that's firmy steeped in history and tradition. A unique culture with interesting customs has developed in the island nation – here are a few facts that surprised us, and will hopefully pique your interest, too.

Kaiju fans will find number 6 of interest.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Tops 10 Million Visitors At Fastest Pace

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While you're sitting at home as a couch potato, millions of others are heading into Japan and buying up all those Godzilla toys.

Just kidding. But the pace of visitors going to Japan is breaking new records.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The estimated number of annual foreign visitors to Japan surpassed 10 million as of May 13, the fastest pace to reach the level, Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Akihiko Tamura said Friday. 

With the latest data, the annual number of foreign visitors to the country has exceeded 10 million for the fifth straight year. The pace of reaching the figure came about three weeks earlier than last year.

To read more, go here. 

The Time Is Getting Near...

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The finishing touches for my upcoming Japan trip are nearly done.

The itinerary has been set and all hotel reservations have been made and paid for. So all that's left to do is to pack up.

The last thing to do is to give the restaurant the final head count for the dinner party I am throwing while in Tokyo. This will be done before I head over.

I am debating on whether to have some work done on my car while I am in Japan. The brakes are beginning to make noise and those need to be checked and replaced, if necessary. Along with that, some work needs to be done on the cooling system. I will probably have the work done and pick up the car on the way home.

One of the things I plan to do in Japan is to take plenty of photographs to choose from for the cover of the next edition of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. The new Canon camera will be used for this. I have plenty of photographs I can use, but I want to take more in the event that one comes out so great that it would be an easy decision to make. We'll see.

Japanese Business Etiquette Tips

Above, former Toho-Los Angeles Gen. Manager Masaharu Ina and Armand with the Godzilla statue in Hibiya.

Over the past years, I have known many Americans (including myself) who have had occasion to conduct business with Japanese.

Conducting business with Japanese people and corporations can be daunting and frustrating in many respects for those who are not familiar with their business culture.

Ivanka Trump (yes, the ex-wife of The Donald) has posted a few tips on proper Japanese business etiquette that will help avoid creating an "international incident".

She begins with:

Traveling to a new place for work is exciting, but what are you supposed to do when your new French client peppers you with kisses? What about when you first meet your Singaporean co-workers? In our new global business etiquette series, we’ll show you how to work abroad without starting an international incident. First up: Japan.

Having successful business relationships with the Japanese is nowhere near impossible, and those relationships can (and do) lead to actual friendships.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo's Imperial Hotel Celebrating 125th Anniversary

Above, the main lobby of the Imperial Hotel. PR Newswire photo.

It may not be the same Imperial Hotel that reporter Steve Martin (Raymond Burr) stayed at in 1956's Godzilla, King of the Monsters, but the grand hotel is celebrating its 125th anniversary.

According to PR Newswire:

TOKYO, Sept. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Imperial Hotel, Ltd. announced on September 25 that the Japanese capital's legendary Imperial Hotel is celebrating its 125th year of uninterrupted business this November 3 with an extensive renovation of all 361 rooms in its 31-story Imperial Tower as well as with a number of special events and activities underway now through March 31, 2016.

The Imperial Hotel is just a short walking distance away from the Godzilla statue in Hibiya.

 To read more, go here.

"Shin Godzilla" To Be Bigger Than Hollywood's

Above, the Toho Studios lot, where Shin Godzilla is now in production. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you thought the Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros. Godzilla was big, get a load at how big the new Toho Godzilla will be.

The Tech Times reported:

Gareth Edwards and Legendary Pictures made headlines with their re-imagined Godzilla last year. Similar to the Japanese version of the character yet still distinct, one of the biggest changes the American movie made was to Godzilla's size. The 2014 American film featured the largest Godzilla ever seen on film, clocking in at around 355 feet tall. 

Now, new plot details for the first Japanese Godzilla film in more than a decade have been released, and it looks like America's Godzilla won't be king of the monsters for long. According to the official site for the new Godzilla film (via translation by Anime News Network), movie studio Toho promises its new version of Godzilla will be the largest yet.

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya.
 Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the article, the new movie will be called Shin Gojira (or Shin Godzilla).

To read more, go here. 

Taking Shape

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My upcoming trip to Japan is taking shape.

The latest is arranging for a small dinner party in Tokyo for a reunion of friends in Japan with whom I've associated with over the years.

The venue has been chosen and reserved and the first wave of invitations have been sent out (and I've already received confirmations!).

The dinner party will be a relaxed and casual affair so we can all catch up on things.

Tokyo's Best Outdoor Art (Guess Who's Included)

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios in Setagaya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you are an outdoor art lover (or even a Godzilla fan) and are planning a visit to Japan's capital city, Tokyo, then you may want to read an article posted by Time Out Tokyo.

They include three Godzilla art pieces: the Godzilla statues at the Hibiya Chanter Square and at the main entrance to Toho Studios in Setagaya and the new Godzilla head that towers over the Toho Cinemas complex in Shinjuku.

They begin their article with:

Tokyo is filled with museums, alternative art galleries and exhibitions. But that doesn’t mean you need to pay to see some of the best art in the city – heck, to see these pieces, you don’t even have to go indoors. Here’s our list of some of the best outdoor art around town.

To read the full article, go here. 

L.A. To Tokyo Airfare Check For July

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We are now in a new month and that means that we have reached the halfway point for 2015. It also means that it is time for the monthly airfare check for round-trip fares between Los Angeles and Tokyo.

The Los Angeles Times Travel section found that airfares between Los Angeles and Tokyo at the beginning of June were at $884.00 on the low end and $1,062.00 on the high end. These are before any taxes or fees are added in.

The Los Angeles Times Travel section reported yesterday that airfares are at $974.00 on the low end and $1,152.00 on the high end. Again, these are before any taxes or fees are added in.

Following this, I checked with my favorite source for airline tickets, GatewayLAX, to see the best they could come up with for non-stop round-trip tickets.

This is what they came up with:

The above fare is before any taxes and fees are added in.

The prices indicate that we are now at the beginning of the summer travel season, and that usually leads to rising prices in airfares as the demand also rises.

Unless there's some major development in airfares, the next airfare check will come at the beginning of August.

Official "Cool Japan" Ambassadors To Be Named

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is continuing to come up with more promotional ideas for attracting foreign visitors as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gets closer.

The latest is from The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun):

So-called Japan connoisseurs overseas will be included on the Cabinet Secretariat’s list of those to be named official goodwill ambassadors as a way to help disseminate Japanese culture to the world under the new “Cool Japan” strategy plan. 

The Cool Japan Promotion Council approved the plan on Wednesday. 

The government and private sector jointly put forward the strategy to promote prominent Japanese cultural items and services such as fashion, food and local brands outside Japan. It is likely to later include the plan in its growth strategy.

Maybe this time, Godzilla will be included as one of Japan's "cultural items" in the promotion. Only time will tell.

To read more, go here.