Mystery Rifle Revisit

Above, the rifle in question. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While going through some rifle cases I inherited from my dad, I came across one that had something inside.

I opened it up and found a bold-action rifle. It appeared to be Japanese as it had a symbol next to the serial that indicated the rifle came from the Nagoya Arsenal, which was in operation from 1923 to 1945. 

Above, the Nagoya Arsenal symbol. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is nothing indicating who the manufacturer was.

The bolt on the rifle looks like stainless steel and may not be original to the gun. It also does not close all the way. The rifle does not indicate what caliber it is. I suspect that it is an Arisaka rifle and that is what members of Gun Owners of New Mexico also said it is, but sporterized.

Above, the rifle's other side. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Probably my best bet in correctly identifying the rifle's manufacturing company, model number and caliber is to take it to a gun shop (maybe Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants or Ron Peterson Firearms in Albuquerque).

Godzilla Attacks Nagoya's Chubu Electric MIRAI TOWER

Another Godzilla-related attraction has opened in Japan. 

This time, it is the Chubu Electric MIRAI Tower in Nagoya. The tower has been featured in several Godzilla movies over the years.

According to News On Japan:

NAGOYA, Jun 23 (News On Japan) - Godzilla has emerged from the water in front of the Chubu Electric MIRAI TOWER in Nagoya's Hisaya-odori Park, with menacing eyes and sharp fangs giving the impression it is about to leap...

The connection between Godzilla and the MIRAI TOWER dates back to June 20, 1954, when the tower first opened as Nagoya TV Tower. Modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the 180-meter-tall structure was often called the 'Eiffel Tower of the East.' Upon its opening, it attracted large crowds and even hosted aerial weddings. In 2008, it was designated a 'Lover’s Sanctuary,' popular with couples, especially in winter.

After temporary closures due to major earthquakes, the tower was renovated and reopened in September 2020. Last year, it was recognized as an Important Cultural Property, and this year it celebrates its 70th anniversary. Alongside the tower, Godzilla has also marked significant milestones, sharing a history with the structure since the release of its first film in 1954.

Inside the MIRAI TOWER, a special exhibit showcases the intertwined history of the tower and Godzilla over the past 70 years. The exhibit highlights the tower’s appearances in various Godzilla films, including ‘Mothra vs. Godzilla.’ Visitors can see that the tower has been destroyed by Godzilla three times in the movies.

To read more, go here. 

Japanese Arisaka Rifle

This rifle is one I inherited from my dad. It didn't have any manufacturer's name on it. 

But, thanks to fellow members of Gun Owners of New Mexico on Facebook, it appears to be a sporterized Japanese Arisaka (possibly Type 38) rifle. I don't know what caliber it is. It could have been converted. 

The serial number has a beginning symbol (series marker) in kana and an ending symbol that indicates the arsenal it came from. My rifle has the symbol for Nagoya arsenal. 

Along with the folks on Facebook, this page at Old Military Markings confirmed this is a Japanese rifle. 

At least I now know a little more than when I started out.

New and Improved Bullet Train In The Works

Above, a bullet train arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not one for sitting still and resting on its laurels, Japan has a new generation shinkansen (bullet train) currently in the works.

Japan Info reported:

If you’ve ever lived or been to Japan, then you’ve definitely heard of, or even ridden, a Shinkansen. The Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) officially announced on June 25, 2017, that they are working on a new-generation bullet train – the Chuo Shinkansen – to be built and ready to take on passengers for the 2020 Olympics in Japan. Find out about it here! 

The Chuo Shinkansen is an upgrade of the already-existing and renowned Shinkansen in Japan. The Shinkansen – the Japanese word for “bullet train” – currently runs at 320 km/h, and once reached a record of 518 km/h in 1979 on a test run. The new Shinkansen, however, will be running at an average speed of 505 km/h. It is being built to connect Tokyo and Nagoya for the Olympic Games, and is going to be connected to Osaka by 2037. 

The difference between bullet trains and regular trains is that the former fall under the category of maglev trains, short for “magnetic levitation.” The name in itself sounds like a promising experience. Bullet trains were made to provide a smoother experience, due to the lack of friction that comes from the train having no contact to the ground.

To read more, go here.

Nagoya Seeking Donations To Rebuild Nagoya Castle

Above, Godzilla (Haruo Nakajima) is about to demolish Nagoya Castle in
 Mothra vs. Godzilla (a.k.a. Godzilla vs. The Thing). Photo by Toho Co., Ltd.

Nagoya Castle is about to be demolished again. Not by the U.S. (as was the case during World War II) or by Godzilla (as was the case in Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)). It is to be dismantled so that a wooden version can be built on the site.

The Japan Times reported:

NAGOYA – The city of Nagoya will start accepting donations Friday to finance a restoration project that will re-create the original wooden structure of Nagoya Castle’s main tower. 

The city aims to collect ¥10 billion through its Kinshachi donation campaign, which is named after the two statues of the kin no shachihoko (golden tiger-headed fish) on the roof of the castle’s donjon. 

Those who donate ¥1 million or more will be entitled to enter Nagoya Castle free of charge for 30 years. The city aims to complete the restoration in 2022 at a maximum cost of ¥50.5 billion. 

“We can expect donations not only from Nagoya but also from all over the world,” Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura said at a news conference last Monday.
About ¥10 million has been already donated, according to the city.

The current Nagoya Castle was constructed in 1959 in reinforced concrete.

To read more, go here.

Baggage Forwarding Service Frees Up Japan Tourists

Above, our train to Osaka arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last year, when we visited Japan, our original plan was to go from Atami to Osaka with a quick stopover in Nagoya to see Nagoya Castle (featured in Mothra vs. Godzilla in 1964).

What stopped that idea was that I was unsure (despite much checking around) that Nagoya Station had lockers or facilities to store our luggage while we were wandering around. I also considered a luggage forwarding service. I inquired with the innkeeper at the ryokan we stayed at in Atami if such a service were available. Well, I didn't get much of a response, so we dropped the idea of stopping in Nagoya. Who wants to drag around big suitcases while exploring?

But, as you can see from the following snippet by News On Japan, baggage forwarding services are growing in Japan.

They wrote:

A growing number of service centers support "hands-free tourism," accepting baggage such as suitcases and souvenirs and delivering them to accommodation facilities and airports on the same day. 

Although the service is geared toward foreign tourists visiting Japan, it is also available for use by Japanese people.Why not give it a try if you're planning to travel domestically? 

In the spring of 2014, Sagawa Express Co. opened its Tokyo Service Center in Tokyo Station. From early in the morning, tourists hauling large suitcases visit the center one after another. In addition to storing baggage at a daily rate of ¥800, they also deliver baggage to Haneda Airport or any ryokan or hotel within Tokyo's 23 wards on the same day if it is brought in by 11 a.m.

To read more, go here.

Travel Guide Work Requires A Trip

Above, Atami Castle overlooks the city from a hilltop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The next "order of business" for travel (something that's actually planned) is a trip in October to Japan to gather remaining (necessary) on-site material for the planned (there's that word again) revised/updated edition of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Cities to be visited include Tokyo (have to get the new Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku with the Godzilla head next door and the new Godzilla mural at Toho Studios), Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto.

Along the way to Osaka and Kyoto, an overnight stop in Atami will be made for a stay at a ryokan hot spring (onsen). This will provide a little break to soak up (in more ways than one) the surroundings. This stop will also mark the first time since 2004 that I'll be visiting Atami.

I was hoping to have the new edition of the travel guide done by now, but Japan keeps adding new attractions fans will want to see and that should be included in such a monster-related travel guide. So, work marches on!

Above, copies of the first edition of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan are still available.

But, if you can't wait for the new edition to be published, I still have some copies (less than 100 left) available of the original edition (pictured above). For ordering information, go here.

JR Nagoya Station

Above, a view of the JR Nagoya Station Twin Towers from a shinkansen window. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first look at the Twin Towers of JR Nagoya Station kaiju fans had was probably through Gamera The Brave (2006).

The final battle between Gamera and the monster Zedus took place at the station with Gamera the ultimate victor.

The Japan Times has an interesting article on the Twin Towers of JR Nagoya Station, which seems timely as it is indicated that Kadokawa Pictures is possibly in the planning stages of producing a 50th anniversary Gamera movie.

They begin with:

Of the 193,000 people who pass daily through the main station of Japan’s third city, Nagoya, most are probably unaware they are in a building with no rival in the entire world. The station complex, known as the Twin Towers, is a Guinness World Records holder complete with a plaque proclaiming, “The JR Central Towers is the world’s largest station building, with: 410,000 sq. meters (4,413,000 sq. feet) of floor space and a height of 245 meters (803.8 feet).” 

The cylindrical skyscrapers which soar over the city consist of the 53-story Hotel Tower and the 51-floor Office Tower, which share a common base 15 floors high — with another six floors below ground. The station towers contain gardens, spas, cafes, bars, restaurants, department stores and an international hotel.

JR Nagoya Station and other Nagoya landmarks featured in several kaiju movies are covered on page 40 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read the full article, go here.

Nagoya Castle Wall Getting 1st Restoration In 300 Years

Above, Godzilla (Haruo Nakajima) about to demolish Nagoya Castle.  
No, this isn't the reason for the resoration. Toho Co., Ltd. photo.

A restoration project at Nagoya Castle is in full swing. Restoration work on a stretch of the castle's stone wall has begun.

According to The Japan Times:

NAGOYA – The ongoing renovation of “ishigaki” stone walls surrounding Nagoya Castle has gotten into full swing, with a 123-meter stretch of the 15-meter-high stone wall being removed so far. 

In one of the country’s largest such renovation projects and the first at Nagoya Castle in 300 years, workers have so far discovered signatures engraved in the stones that identify lords who helped establish the fortifications. 

Nagoya Castle, including the surrounding stone wall, is registered as a national special historic site. The stone wall was last restored around the end of the 17th century, according to a 1682 document.

Nagoya Castle is familiar to Godzilla fans as it was featured in 1964's Mothra vs. Godzilla (released in the U.S. as Godzilla vs. The Thing).

To read more, go here. 

Nagoya Station

Above, a bullet train's view of the JR Nagoya Station towers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The JR Nagoya Station is where the final battle between Gamera and Zedus in Gamera The Brave (2006) (also known as Gamera, The Little Braves) took place.

The JR Nagoya Station is comprised of several complexes.

As JapanVisitor.com puts it:

Nagoya Station Meieki 名古屋駅

Nagoya Station (Meieki) is Nagoya's most important station and the area includes the JR Nagoya Station in the JR Central Towers, adjacent to Nagoya Meitetsu Station and Nagoya Kintetsu Station.

This is one of the places I plan on seeing during my trip to Japan next year. I saw the JR Nagoya Station in 2007 while traveling to and from Kyushu, but only from a window of a bullet train.

It is spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 40.

Read more: http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-city-guides/nagoya-station-area-guide-meieki#ixzz2mgiTDsTV

Beach Boys Play Before 12K In Chiba, Japan

Above, the Beach Boys monument in Hawthorne, California.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The most famous band from my hometown of Hawthorne, California played to a big crowd in Chiba, Japan.

Japan Today reported:

CHIBA —The Beach Boys, one of the world’s most legendary bands, kicked off their three-concert tour of Japan with a trip down memory lane for 12,000 fans at QVC Marine Field in Chiba Prefecture on Thursday night. 

Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks (supported by a backing band composed of members from the group’s various touring entities) performed 33 songs, including old favorites such as “Surfin’ USA” and “California Girls.” 

They will be playing in Osaka Friday night and Nagoya on Sunday.

To read the full article, go here.

Tokyo Most Expensive City For Expats

Above, the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you're contemplating taking up permanent residence in Japan, you may want to read this article that News On Japan posted.

The topic is the "Tokyo most expensive city for expats."

It starts with:

Rents go down, grocery bills shrink, companies lay off workers and people move away to live in the countryside - and yet somehow Tokyo continues to be the world's most expensive city for expatriates to live in. 

Most of the blame can be placed firmly on the relentless strength of Japanese currency against the U.S. dollar, according to the annual cost of living survey by international human resources consulting firm, Mercer. 

The capital shot back to top of the chart, swapping runner-up position with the Angolan capital of Luanda, which came first last year. Other Japanese cities - Osaka and Nagoya - also placed in the top 10. The results show that, all in all, Japan is one of the most expensive countries on earth for expats.

To read the full article, go here.

Nagoya Castle To Be Demolished Again?

Above, Godzilla approaches Nagoya Castle in "Mothra vs. Godzilla" (1964). The photo was signed by Haruo Nakajima.

It was destroyed by U.S. air raids in 1945. It rebuilt and later destroyed by Godzilla in 1964. Now, it may be destroyed again by Nagoya city officials.

The City of Nagoya, Japan is considering rebuilding Nagoya Castle.

The Mainichi Daily News reports:

NAGOYA -- Local residents here showed mixed feelings during a public meeting over the weekend over a plan to rebuild Nagoya Castle from the current concrete structure into a wooden one to preserve its original state.

The Nagoya Municipal Government held the meeting at a civic hall on Feb. 19, in which some 160 local residents discussed the pros and cons of Mayor Takashi Kawamura's plans to transform Nagoya Castle into a wooden structure.

Founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the initiator of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867), Nagoya Castle was first completed in 1612. The structure, however, was destroyed by U.S. air raids in May 1945. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1959.

Above, the real Nagoya Castle.

Nagoya Castle was featured (and demolished by Godzilla (Haruo Nakajima)) in the 1964 feature Mothra vs. Godzilla.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan covers Nagoya Castle on page 40.

To read the full article, go here.

"Gamera The Brave" Blu-ray Due Out May 22

Above, Gamera and Zedus locked in battle in Nagoya.

Media Blasters' Blu-ray edition of Gamera The Brave (2006) is set to hit shelves on May 22.

Above, "Gamera The Brave" Japanese poster.

Gamera The Brave is an entertaining movie targeted to the younger set, but it is "adult" enough so that it won't make adult viewers cringe.

For Media Blasters' website, go here.

Today

Sunny Southern California is not so sunny this morning. I woke up to rainy weather. That's okay, we can use it and it helps my breathing (the water tamps down the airborne pollens and pollutants).

Right, a review copy of "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" is en route to Nagoya, Japan.

More rain is predicted for tonight and I am supposed to go out on a dinner date. We'll see. I may cancel. I detest driving in rain, especially in L.A. whose drivers can't seem to be able to drive in rainy conditions.

A few chores to do today, including sending a copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan to Nagoya, Japan to a reviewer and paying bills. For the first time in a while, I have several hundred left over after the bills were paid.

After having my morning coffee, I chewed on a few pieces of peppery beef jerky. Following this, I had a glass of orange juice. The jerky flavor in my mouth made the orange juice taste different, but it was very good! Give it a try!

The election is two weeks away. It appears that a GOP landslide is in the making. Speaking of the election, I'm going to do a literature drop of campaign materials for Mark Reed, my congressional candidate, at my apartment building today.

I received word that Christine Nguyen is at Warner Bros. today being fitted for a new movie. I'll have to get details from her.

That's it for now!