"Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S." Stomps Into U.S. Theaters March 22

Above, Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S Japanese poster. Toho Co., Ltd.

20 years...already?! It hardly seems possible.

It has been 20 years since Toho's Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (known in Japan as Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.) was released in Japan. I first saw it at an American Film Market screening in Santa Monica as a guest of Toho Co., Ltd.

Now, to celebrate the movie's 20th anniversary, it will be showing at selected theaters around the country for one night only on March 22.

Collider reported:

Fans of the titular King of the Monsters can rejoice as the TOHO film Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. is stomping into American theaters for the first time in celebration of its 20th anniversary from Fathom Events, according to the franchise's official Twitter page. With tickets now available to pre-order, the screening of the film will take place for one night only on March 22.

This isn't the first time Fathom Events has hosted a Godzilla showing for domestic audiences. Recently, the film's predecessor Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla was screened on Godzilla Day last year in celebration of its 20th anniversary. In addition to the upcoming screening of the film, a short titled Godzilla vs. Gigan Rex, which initially debuted at the 2022 Japan Godzilla Festival, will play in front of the movie, offering fans another reason to revisit the kaiju classic on the big screen.

Below is a music video that came out at the time of the movie's release in 2003: 

To read more, go here.

In New Mexico, it will be playing at 7:00 PM March 22 at these Albuquerque theaters:

• Regal UA Cottonwood

  10000 NW Coors Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87114

  Map  Add to Calendar
  7:00 PM

  Tickets via 

• Century Rio 24 Plex and XD

  4901 Pan American Freeway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

  Map  Add to Calendar
  7:00 PM

  Tickets via 

• Regal Winrock IMAX & RPX

  • 2100 Louisina Blvd NE, Bld 400, Albuquerque, NM 87110

    Map  Add to Calendar
    7:00 PM

    Tickets via 

Japan Reopens To Package Foreign Tourism

Above, a Mothra mural at Toho Studios in Setagaya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day that Japan begins welcoming foreign tourists into the country. Tourists have to enter with organized tourist groups, no individual tourism is allowed.

But, in order to do so, tourists have to wear masks, have insurance and have a visa, which can take weeks to obtain. Thanks to the visa requirement, it will likely take a few weeks before Japan sees tourist groups roaming around.

Fox 31 Denver reports (some snippets):

TOKYO (AP) — Japan on Friday eased its borders for foreign tourists and began accepting visa applications, but only for those on guided package tours who are willing to follow mask-wearing and other antivirus measures as the country cautiously tries to balance business and infection worries.

Friday is the first day to start procedures needed for the entry and arrivals are not expected until late June at the earliest, even though airport immigration and quarantine offices stood by for any possible arrivals.

The Japan Tourism Agency says tours are being accepted from 98 countries and regions, including the United States, Britain, China, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore, which are deemed as having low infection risks.

After facing criticism that its strict border controls were xenophobic, Japan began easing restrictions earlier this year. On June 1, it doubled its cap on daily entries to 20,000 people a day, including Japanese citizens, foreign students and some business travelers.

The daily limit will include the package tour participants for the time being, and officials say it will take some time before foreign visitors can come to Japan for free, individual tourism.

It’s unclear how popular the package tours options will be with foreign tourists, most of whom have to apply for tourist visas that can take weeks to obtain. But the yen is trading at 20-year lows against the U.S. dollar and weak against other major currencies, which would make traveling in the high-cost country something of a bargain.

To read the full article, go here. 

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

One of the things I plan on doing tomorrow is to pay a visit to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

When I went to their website to see what their hours and admission prices are, the image (above) of a certain Japanese reptile appeared.

The museum is located in Albuquerque.

To visit their website, go here.

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" In 3D

Above, yours truly with the "souvenir" 3D glasses.

Just a little while ago, I got back home from the Red Rock 10 Theaters after seeing Godzilla: King of the Monsters. I watched the 3D version.

Since not everyone has seen the movie yet, I will be a nice guy and not post any spoilers. How's that for public service?

Anyway, ahem, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. If there is an adjective to describe it, I would say spectacular! The monster battles were well done and I don't think there's been this many in a Godzilla movie, Japanese or American, since Godzilla Final Wars.

A few good things that stood out for me:

1. The 3D was better than I would have expected. I recommend seeing this version.
2.  Memorial Tributes for Yoshimitsu Banno and Haruo Nakajima at the tail end of the end credits was a classy touch!
3. The monster designs were top-notch. The tweaking of Godzilla's spines to resemble those of the 1954 Godzilla was a great touch. Rodan looked like the Rodan we all know and love as was King Ghidorah. This Mothra was the best ever. 
4. Familiar music cues from the Toho series were sprinkled throughout. Another nice touch!
5. Fully reclining seats! If one is not careful, they can easily nod off to sleep as they are so comfortable!
6. Clues or "easter eggs" for the next movie. Skull Island references dominated them. Stay for all of the end credits!

Bad things:

1. Obese mothers with kids have to get up in the middle of the movie with their charges to go to the restroom or the snack bar. Annoying!

Some "critics" complained about the lack of a plot for the human characters. I didn't notice any lack of plot. It was fine to me. One doesn't go to giant monster movies for "a plot", they want gratuitous monster mayhem! That said, fanatical "environmentalist wackos" got a good jab in the plot.

My grade: A.

Tokyo Tower vs. Tokyo Skytree

Above, Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's a bit of a competition, of sorts, between the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. One or the other (or both) are considered to be the "symbol" of Tokyo.

Live Japan has an article comparing the two towers.

They begin with:

Tokyo Tower has been a symbol of Japan since it began overlooking Tokyo 60 years ago in 1958. In 2012 a new symbol of Japan took form with the completion of Tokyo Skytree. Both function as telecommunications towers and their beautiful appearances adorning the city also make them highly popular tourist spots. So, which is the true symbol of Tokyo? What are their attractions? Do their colors and illuminations have any meaning? What is the best way to enjoy them both? Let’s take a look at and compare the attractions of each.

Above, the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo Tower has one distinction that the Tokyo Skytree doesn't have (at least, so far): it has appeared in numerous kaiju movies from different studios. It first appeared in Mothra (1961) by Toho Co., Ltd.

To read more, go here. 

A 3-Year-Old Godzilla Fan At The Supermarket

Above, the Godzilla slide I was telling an Encino family about. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

An interesting and cute thing happened while I was in the local supermarket picking up some groceries.

I was in the frozen food section when I heard some singing. Then I recognized what the song was. It was "Mothra's Song". I turned around and saw a little girl, about three years old, singing the song perfectly while sitting in the child's seat of her mother's shopping cart.

I said to her, "You like Mothra?" She said yes. Her mother was nearby and was stunned that someone in the market knew the song. I told her a little about myself.

Then the girl's father came up and said that they are all Godzilla fans from Encino and his daughter's name is Serling (named after Rod Serling of Twilight Zone fame). Right now, her favorite kaiju is Titanosaurus from Terror of Mechagodzilla.

We talked a little bit about Godzilla and he said Serling likes to watch Godzilla movies in Japanese language.

I told them about different Godzilla places to go to, including the Godzilla head in Shinjuku and the Godzilla slide in Yokosuka.

I gave them one of my cards.

It has been said before, but Godzilla fans are the nicest fans around.

Godzilla Keychains

Above, Godzilla 2016 and Mothra keychains.

Live Japan has posted a collection of Godzilla keychains.

Fan can get keychains of 2016 Godzilla, Manda, Jet Jaguar, Mothra, King Ghidorah, Hedorah and others.

According to the website (roughly translated by Google Translate):

Domestic and foreign Godzilla like good news! Shibu too Godzilla Keychain sumi-e touch, will be sold from "Gashapon" of Bandai. 

2016 movie "Shin Godzilla" is a big hit, Godzilla whirlwind happened wound. Still the heat is not Yara woke up, Godzilla-related goods appeared one after another. This Godzilla Keychain will be deployed in all 10 types, including the 2016 version.

To see more, go here. 

Masami Nagasawa To Promote Taiwan Tourism

Above, Masami Nagasawa (right) during her shobijin days.

Here's a blast from the past!

Japan Today reported:

TAIPEI —Japanese actress Masami Nagasawa will be the spokeswoman for Taiwan’s tourism in Japan for the coming year, the island’s Tourism Bureau said Monday, marking the first time a woman was picked for the position. 

Wayne Liu, the bureau’s deputy director general, told a press conference in Taipei that as Taiwan sees an increasing number of female visitors, he hopes Nagasawa will attract more Japanese tourists to Taiwan, especially women. 

The 29-year-old actress, who is in Taiwan to make a promotional film for the Tourism Bureau, told the same press conference that she felt honored to be chosen.

Nagasawa should be familiar to Godzilla and Mothra fans. She appeared as one of the Mothra shobijin in two Godzilla movies, Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) and in Godzilla Final Wars (2004).

To read more, go here.

NHK World: "Pioneers of J-Pop: The Peanuts"

Above, The Peanuts on the Ed Sullivan Show. 

While watching NHK World last night, an entertainment news story caught my attention.

A tribute album honoring Emi and Yumi Ito, known as "The Peanuts", features 24 contemporary female singers. They are best known to Godzilla fans as the Mothra Shobijin.

According to NHK World:

After their debut in 1959, the sisters released hit after hit, selling more than 10 million records and enjoying spectacular success. They even appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in the US. 

Their songs have become classics. In 2012, Emi Ito, the elder twin, passed away. Then in May of this year, the other one, Yumi, died -- just before the release of a tribute album marking their 75th birthdays, released this month. 

The album features 24 popular female vocalists, performing in 12 duos. The producers say the project unites the past with the present.

Also included in the album is "Mothra's Song" by actress and singer Shoko Nakagawa.

Above, Emi and Yumi Ito in Mothra (1961).

The news story on The Peanuts includes clips from their career, including their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

To read more and to see the news story video, go here.

Have To Buy A New Suit

Well, I had to say farewell today to my blue suit. I've had it for about six years.

At my aunt's funeral yesterday, I noticed that the jacket was apparently attacked by Mothra as there were holes in the fabric in different areas. That's why I kept on my wool overcoat.

I went to Tarzana cleaners today to see if they could fix it, but it was too far gone. Even if they were able to, it would have cost me around $35 per hole. There were three just in one area. So, I told them to just chuck it.

Japan's Five Tallest Towers

Above, Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Towers have appeared in a number of kaiju movies over the years.

Tokyo Tower first appeared in Mothra (1961) and Fukuoka Tower was featured in Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla (1994), to name just two of them

Japan Info has listed the five tallest towers of Japan. Most of them have been attacked by giant monsters in the movies.

To see the five towers, go here.

Tsunagu Japan's "20 Souvenirs You Should Buy In Tokyo"

Above, number one on the list are goods from Asakusa's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

No matter where people travel, the purchase of souvenirs for themselves or for friends and family back home is one of the rituals of travel.

If one finds himself/herself in a quandry about what to buy, Tsunagu Japan has a list of "20 Souvenirs You Should Buy In Tokyo."

They start it off with:

In Tokyo, where you can buy souvenirs from each region of Japan, here are some souvenirs that are specifically from Tokyo. You can buy some standard items reflecting Japanese culture to items that are currently trendy, so definitely check out this list for some ideas.

Above, Godzilla toys at the Bandai Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Godzilla and kaiju fans in general, souvenir items featuring Godzilla, Rodan, Gamera, Mothra and others are the "must-get" items.

To see what Tsunagu Japan suggests, go here. 

Visit Tokyo Tower

Above, a view of Tokyo Tower from its base. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since its opening, attention has been focused on the Tokyo Skytree, but tourists shouldn't ignore Tokyo's older and shorter tower, Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower will always hold a special place in the hearts of kaiju fans as it was featured (and demolished) in several monster movies since 1961.

It was first featured in Mothra (1961) and went on to be a landmark used in such movies as King Kong Escapes (1967), Gamera: The Guardian of the Universe (1995) and Godzilla, Mothra and Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003).

Because of its many appearances in Japanese monster movies, Tokyo Tower is spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 30.

Goin' Japanesque has posted an article on what visitors can expect to see and do at Tokyo Tower. It also include some of the "trinkets" visitors can buy there.

To view the article (and photographs), go here.

Down The Hatch With Mothra

My daughter Amber has been in Las Vegas this weekend celebrating her birthday with friends.

She sent me this image (note the Featured Drink):

It was taken from the menu at Social House at The Shops At Crystals in Las Vegas. Social House is a "chic restaurant offering a Pan-Asian menu with lots of sushi & sashimi options & a long sake list." This is according to Google reviews.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan: The Perfect Stocking-stuffer

Above, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Where the heck did November go? It seems like only yesterday that we had the midterm elections and now the month is almost over.

That means Christmas is just around the corner. For those of you (or someone you know) who want to make a pilgrimage to Japan to visit locations and landmarks featured in your favorite Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, Gamera and other movies, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan is the perfect stocking-stuffer.

Right now, it is available at $9.95 per copy plus $2.00 shipping & handling. That's a savings of $5.05 off the cover price.

For details on ordering, go here.

900,000 Visit Diet Building For 3rd Year

Above, the National Diet Building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla stomped through one of its wings, King Kong stood atop its pyramid tower and Mothra used it to build a cocoon. The National Diet Building is a popular stop for tourists.

According to News On Japan:

Tours of the Diet Building have not lost any of their popularity, with visitors this year expected to exceed 900,000 for the third consecutive year. One reason for this popularity may be that the tours are free. 

Applications to visit the House of Representatives or the House of Councillors are separately accepted by the secretariat of each house. 

The National Diet Building is spotlighted on page 24 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

See more at: http://newsonjapan.com/html/newsdesk/article/109181.php

The National Diet Building

Above, the National Diet Building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla trampled through one of its wings in 1954. King Kong stood on its tower in 1962. Mothra used it to to go through metamorphosis to change from a caterpillar to moth in 1992. A battling Godzilla and Mechagodzilla crushed it in 2003.

The National Diet Building didn't get any respect over the past 60 years from kaiju.

Tokyoing.net has a spotlight article on the National Diet Building in Tokyo.

They wrote in part:

National Diet Building is located in Chiyoda-ward of the center of Tokyo. This building has the history of more than 70 years and is worth looking. The building is symmetric. The house of Representatives is placed on the left side, and the House of Councilors is placed on right side.

It is also spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan due to its history in daikaiju eiga.

To read the article at Tokyoing.net, go here.

"Godzilla 2" To Feature Rodan, Mothra and King Ghidorah

Above, the Mothra mural at Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It must be true! (Either that or four sources have it all wrong.)

I received four news bulletins with the same news from this year's San Diego Comic Con that Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull announced the line-up of monsters for Godzilla 2.

Here's what one of the sources, Flickering Myth, wrote:

Kicking off today’s Legendary Pictures Hall H panel at the San Diego Comic-Con, Legendary CEO Thomas Tull offered up a first look teaser for the sequel to this year’s Godzilla, which revealed that the sequel will see the King of the Monsters going up against three of his classic foes in Rodan, Mothra and King Ghidorah!

 Although many G-fans were a bit tired of Toho's overuse of Mothra before Godzilla was put out to pasture ten years ago, it will be interesting to see how an American production company handles the character. Ghidorah and Rodan were always fan favorites and their inclusion should be pleasing news.

Japan Today also carried the news, to read what they had to say, go here.

Mechagodzilla In "Godzilla 3"?

According to KDrama Stars.com, the Godzilla 2014 sequel and a part 3 entry "have been confirmed."

Above, one of the Showa Mechagodzilla suits on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now begins the rumors and speculation on the foe(s) Godzilla will be facing, which seems to indicate that Godzilla will be a trilogy of movies.

It is rumored that Mothra will be featured in the next movie. They reported that, allegedly, in the end credits of Godzilla in "selected Asian countries" a scene was shown of Mothra "commanding an army of MUTOS" and of Mothra "flying up and generating a hurricane." Is this a harbinger of things to come?

They reported that Gareth Edwards told reporters that for the third movie, he sees humans creating their own version of Godzilla and "it will end badly for the humans." Does this mean that Mechagodzilla will be appearing in a Godzilla 3?

If these rumors are correct, just how excited will Mothra and Mechagodzilla make the general viewing public? That's hard to say. To the hardcore Godzilla fan, these rumors will probably not be too exciting as Toho tended to overuse these characters during the last few years of their Godzilla production run. The trend of late is to have movies featuring giant robots. We've had Pacific Rim featuring giant robots fighting kaiju, and a Pacific Rim sequel has been given a swift green-light due to the success of Godzilla. (Should I even mention the Transformers movies?)  I would still go see the movies featuring Mothra and Mechagodzilla, but probably with a little less enthusiasm, unless a new foe is introduced as well.

In any case, a Godzilla sequel is a few years away as Legendary Pictures has other, and more pressing, priorities.

To read the KDrama Stars article, go here.

Tokyo Tower Under Construction

Above, Tokyo Tower in 2014. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Built in 1958, it took about a year to build Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower made its first appearance in a kaiju movie in 1961's Mothra. It is spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 30

Before the Skytree was built, Tokyo Tower was the Tokyo area's prime broadcasting tower for radio and television. But, once Japan switched to digital broadcasting, Tokyo Tower's height (333 meters) was found to be inadequate for digital signal broadcasts. That is why the Skytree was built.

Tokyo Tower's main sources of revenue (before the Skytree was built) were tourism and broadcasting. There is some talk about adding 100 more meters to Tokyo Tower.

Here are a couple of photos of Tokyo Tower as it was being built in 1958.