Hedorah Slimes Into Shibuya For 50th Anniversary

Above, a Hedorah Bandai figure I bought in Japan in 2006. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) (a.k.a. Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster (1972 in the U.S.)) is being celebrated this month. 

What's the celebration? 

It is the 50th Anniversary of the movie's release by Toho Co., Ltd.

According to Stars & Stripes Japan:

Parco Shibuya Gallery X in cooperation with Toho Co., Ltd. salutes the 50th anniversary of Hedorah aka the Smog Monster from Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) during an art installation in Shibuya, Tokyo until November 23. Gallery X and multiple artisans have come together to champion the repulsive, often loathed, but extremely popular kaiju from the Godzilla film series.

Tune into fascinating, satirical, dark, anti-pollution themes at this psychedelic tribute happening in fashionable Shibuya. Take a trip to the basement floor and see pieces by chandelier artist, Kim Songhe, videographer, Akiko Nakayama, designers, Keiji Ito and Coin Parking Delivery and their collaborations with Marusan Toys. Also, on display are one hundred set photos, and screen-used props and diorama from the brief Hedorah sequence from Godzilla: Final Wars (2004), directed by Ryuhei Kitamura.

The 50-year old Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster, directed by Yoshimitsu Banno (1931-2017) was released to U.S. matinee houses in 1972, polarizing fans for decades, but has slithered back with a degree of fresh wind, as new Godzilla generations discover the avant-garde entry.  Banno, despite his multimedia, over the top approach was chastised by producer, Tomoyuki Tanaka upon the Japanese release.  

Banno, however continually stoking creative fires, became a film format visionary, and ultimately rose to producer on Legendary Pictures’ Godzilla films before his passing.

Above, Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno (second from right) at the Rainforest Cafe in 2005. 

Too bad we can't go to Japan to see the exhibit since there's a tourism freeze there due to the pandemic.

At least the article has some photos to look at.

To read more, go here. 

Godzilla Turns "Hippie" In Ecological Showa Entry

Above, a Bandai 6" Hedorah figure I bought in Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month marked the 50th anniversary of Godzilla vs. Hedorah (released in the U.S. in 1972 as Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster). Yes, this is the movie in which Godzilla uses his atomic breath to fly like a rocket to chase Hedorah.

I first saw the movie on television. It was certainly different, to say the least, but it was entertaining. Well, all of the Showa series of Godzilla films were entertaining, even the worst ones. Ecological awareness was in vogue during the early 1970s and Godzilla vs. Hedorah reflected that.

Above, J. D. Lees and Yoshimitsu Banno have a discussion over dinner at the Rainforest Cafe in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From IMDb:

Coming to Earth on a fallen meteorite, The microscopic alien life-form Hedorah feeds on Earth's pollution and grows into a Gigantic, ever Evolving, poisonous Gas and acid-secreting monster. Godzilla, Earth's Defender senses the Threat and Meets ''the Smog Monster'' in a Literal, Battle for Earth's Survival.

Fifty years is certainly a long time, but it sometimes boggles the mind at how fast it goes. I was in high school at the time it was released. 

Above, suit actors Kenpachiro Satsuma and Haruo Nakajima take a break
during filming of Godzilla vs.Hedorah. Photo autographed by both actors. 

I met Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno at the 2005 G-FEST in Chicago.

During my 2006 trip to Japan, I picked up a 6" Bandai Hedorah figure (shown at top).