Kenji Sahara Turns 93

Above, Kenji Sahara as he appeared in King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962). Toho Co., Ltd. photo.

Did you know that Toho actor Kenji Sahara turned 93 four days ago?

It slipped my mind that his birthday took place on May 14. 

According to Wikipedia:

Kenji Sahara (佐原 健二 Sahara Kenji) (born 14 May 1932) is a Japanese actor. He was born in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa. His birth name is Masayoshi Kato (加藤 正好 Katō Masayoshi). Initially he used the name Tadashi Ishihara before changing it when he secured the lead role in Rodan (1956). 

Above, Kenji Sahara and Armand at G-FEST XVI in 2009. Photo by Stan Hyde.

It is nice that a classic actor from Toho's Showa era is still with us. Happy Birthday, Kenji Sahara!

Kenji Sahara Turns 91 Today

Above, Kenji Sahara and yours truly at G-FEST in 2009.

One of the few remaining actors of Toho's Godzilla Showa era is celebrating his 91st birthday today.

From Wikipedia:

Kenji Sahara (佐原 健二 Sahara Kenji) (born 14 May 1932) is a Japanese actor. He was born in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa. His birth name is Masayoshi Kato (加藤 正好 Katō Masayoshi). Initially he used the name Tadashi Ishihara before changing it when he secured the lead role in Rodan (1956).

Sahara did a lot of work for the Toho Company, the studio that so far has produced 28 Godzilla movies. He appeared in more of the Godzilla series than any other actor.

Also, he is the actor who was often relied on in most of the films by Directors Ishiro Honda and Eiji Tsuburaya.

He has appeared in many supporting roles.

Sahara is famous as a mainstay of Toho special-effects movies and the Ultraman series.

I can see why he was relied upon to perform in so many Toho productions. He was effective as an engineer with temporary amnesia in Rodan; a nerdy inventor in Monster Zero; a crooked businessman in Mothra vs. Godzilla; and as another inventor in King Kong vs. Godzilla. He appeared as a scientist in Godzilla Final Wars (2004).

A big Happy Birthday to Kenji Sahara!

Gaijinpot: 5 Historical and Quirky Places to Visit in Kyushu

Above, the Peace Statue at Nagaski Peace Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Japan will be welcoming foreign tourists again in four days, it is now the time to take a look at what places to visit while there.

Gaijinpot has posted five historical and quirky places to visit in Kyushu. I visited Kyushu back in 2007 and enjoyed the trek there.

For daikaiju eiga fans, Kyushu was prominent in Rodan (1956), including Mt. Aso, Sasebo City and Fukuoka. Fukuoka was featured in Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995). While visiting the seven on the list, side trips to other sites are worth one's while. They are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

They begin with:

Kyushu is Japan’s southernmost main island and the third largest after Hokkaido. There are seven prefectures that make up the island: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki and Kagoshima. These prefectures are home to a handful of active volcanoes (26 to be exact), world-class hot spring towns and great local cuisine.

While not as popular as Okinawa or Kyoto there’s an undeniable charm to each prefecture that make up this island. From Kokura Castle in Kita-Kyushu down to Sakurajima in Kagoshima, many other destinations await the eager explorer.

Here are our top five spots to get you started on planning your Kyushu adventure.

 To read more, go here.

JNTO To Relaunch "Enjoy My Japan" Campaign

Above, the Saikai Bridge that was featured in Rodan (1956) in Kyushu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is still closed off to foreign visitors. But when the country does reopen to foreign visitor, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will be ready. They hope.

JNTO is relaunching its "Enjoy my Japan" promotional campaign.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO - While Japan has not yet re-opened its borders to overseas visitors, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the country’s many local attractions are gearing up for the resumption of international travel.

JNTO has re-invigorated its global “Enjoy my Japan” campaign, originally launched in 2018, signaling Japan’s readiness to meet its ambitious goal of welcoming 60 million overseas visitors by 2030.

Promoting Japan as a destination that can be enjoyed by all travelers, the campaign highlights seven unique travel passions – Nature, Outdoors, Traditions, Cuisine, Art, Relaxation, and Cities. The key message is that Japan offers more than just iconic sites in Tokyo or Kyoto; there are a whole range of diverse destinations offering something for every traveler. Whether their dreams include exploring mystical waterfalls or immersing their bodies and minds in a high-tech museum, Japan will fulfill them.

The campaign theme “Enjoy my Japan” emphasizes the interaction between overseas visitors and local people. The goal is not only to motivate travelers to form deeper and more personal connections with Japan; the campaign also aims to encourage local Japanese to welcome visitors warmly and with open arms.

The updated campaign website is available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Russian. The attention of visitors to the home page will immediately be drawn to the menu bar along the top, which offers routes to pages focusing on specific travel passions. Under each theme, they can find insightful history, useful travel tips, and vivid illustrations of the numerous destinations and activities.

To read more, go here. 

Mount Aso On Kyushu Erupts

Mount Aso on Kyushu, Japan should be a familiar place to fans of Godzilla and related kaiju movies.

Above, inside Aso Volcano Museum in 2007. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was where the Rodans met their demise in Rodan (1956). I paid a visit to Mount Aso National Park in 2007. I couldn't see much as a snowstorm blew into the area at the same time I was there. However, I was able to see inside of the crater through television monitors set up in the visitor center.

Well, the old mountain has decided to erupt again.

Reuters reported:

TOKYO, Oct 20 (Reuters) - A volcano erupted in Japan on Wednesday, blasting ash several miles into the sky and prompting officials to warn against the threat of lava flows and falling rocks, but there were no reports of injuries or casualties.

Mount Aso, a tourist destination on the main southern island of Kyushu, sent plumes of ash 3.5 km (2.2 miles) high when it erupted at about 11:43 a.m. (0243 GMT), the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

It raised the alert level for the volcano to 3 on a scale of 5, telling people not to approach, and warned of a risk of large falling rocks and pyroclastic flows within a radius of about 1 km (0.6 mile) around the mountain's Nakadake crater.

 To read more, go here. 

Fukushima UFO Research Site Opening

Above, Godzilla and Rodan being transported by flying saucers in Monster Zero (1965). Toho Co., Ltd.

With new interest in  Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) growing in the U.S., Japan is opening a UFO research facility in Fukushima.

According to The Japan Times:

A research facility on UFOs will open later in June in the city of Fukushima, in hopes that the truth behind the unidentified flying objects witnessed around the world can finally be uncovered — and that the facility will become a new tourist attraction.

On June 24, the research facility will open inside UFO Fureai-kan, a center devoted to UFOs. The research facility will analyze witness reports, plan events to lure UFOs to Fukushima Prefecture and create a network of researchers at home and abroad. The center is located in the town of Iino, which is known colloquially as a “UFO town.”

The move comes amid growing attention on UFOs in the United States.

To read more, go here. 

Note: The story is serious, but I thought I'd have some fun with the photo.

"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.

Visit Old Japanese Naval Port Towns of Maizuru, Kure and Sasebo

Above, the Hario Towers near Sasebo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2007, I took a trip down to Kyushu to visit several places of historical and kaiju history.

While there, I visited Kumamoto, Mount Aso Volcano National Park, Sasebo, Nagasaki and Fukuoka.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on visiting Japan's old port towns, which includes Sasebo. In the Sasebo portion of their article, they focused on the Hario Towers, purportedly the towers that transmitted the signal to the Japanese fleet to attack Pearl Harbor. Near the towers, is the Saikai Bridge that was featured in Rodan (1956).

Above, the Saikai Bridge near Sasebo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you are a submarine fan, there is a port town (Kure) where submarines can be viewed and a museum dedicated to the Japanese battleship, Yamato.

They begin their article with:

Many visitors to Japan limit their sightseeing to the country’s major cities, like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. Beyond those hot spots, however, exists a wealth of history and culture in local areas that can offer unique tourist opportunities. Consider Maizuru, Kure and Sasebo—three old Japan port towns chock-full of natural beauty, historical attractions and nautical adventures.

To see the full article, go here.

Which JR Rail Pass To Choose

Above, the Saikai Bridge (that was blown down by Rodan) near Sasebo City in Kyushu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers of this blog are aware of the convenience and value of the JR Rail Passes available to foreign visitors to Japan. There are several different ones and it is often difficult to choose the right one.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on which Japan Rail Pass to choose.

They begin with:

Japan Rail Passes are available to anyone visiting Japan on a short-term tourist visa. They provide a fantastic discount on regular rail travel, but if you don’t have experience with Japan’s rail transport system, it’s difficult to know a) if you need one, and b) which pass you should get. To add to the confusion, the various regional companies that constitute JR (JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Hokkaido, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu) all have their own passes! Each is priced differently and has different conditions. 

Japan Rail (JR) Pass Online Reservation: The main JR Pass is excellent value, and if you’re traveling to more than one major city within seven days (or three/four cities within 14 days), it’s very likely you’ll be saving money if you buy this pass (it opens up the whole of Japan). You can order it online here. 

If you’re not sure that’s the ticket for you, read on as we explain the exact conditions of the main JR Pass and those of the two biggest regional companies: JR East and JR West.

To read more, go here. 

Tourism To Mt. Aso's Crater Area Resumes

Above, the Mt. Aso Museum lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The volcano featured in the 1956 Toho feature, Rodan had caused the suspension of tourism to the crater area after an eruption three years ago.

It is now re-opened.

The Japan Times reported:

KUMAMOTO – Local authorities reopened a crater area of Mount Aso on Wednesday to tourists for the first time in over three years following diminished volcanic activity and the installation of safety measures. 

The crater on the 1,592-meter active volcano had been one of the most popular tourist spots in Kumamoto Prefecture before it was closed to visitors in August 2014 after a small-scale eruption. 

About 60 people from the local governments and sightseeing industry attended a ceremony in a park 1 kilometer from the crater to celebrate the reopening. They hope it will lead to the revitalization of the local economy, which is reeling from a series of huge earthquakes that hit the region in April 2016.

I visited Mt. Aso 11 years ago, but I didn't get to see too much as a blizzard hit the national park at the time.

Above, yours truly at the Mt. Aso ropeway station in 2007.

To read more, go here. 

"Jurassic Island" To Open April 28 Near Sasebo

Above, the Saikai Bridge near Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's one thing about Japan, they seem to have new amusement park attractions opening annually.

A new one is set to open in April near Sasebo.

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

SASEBO, Nagasaki Prefecture--“Jurassic Park” will move one step closer to reality on an uninhabited island here, where an innovative theme park attraction will bring dinosaurs to life using augmented reality. 

Dutch theme park Huis Ten Bosch (HTB) here will open Jurassic Island from April 28, where Nagashima island and its woods will provide a stage for thrill-seekers to do battle with fierce “dinosaurs” in a realistic outdoor setting. 

The venue in Saikai, which occupies about 39,000 square meters in Omura Bay next to HTB, is about 6 kilometers from the main park. 

Willing “warriors” must first take a 40-minute ferry ride to embark on the adventure.

Fans of Japanese kaiju movies are familiar with Sasebo City. In the 1956 movie, Rodan, two flying giant monsters attack Sasebo and demolish the Saikai Bridge. I am curious if something involving Rodan will be included in the new park as a "hat tip".

To read more, go here.

Haruo Nakajima's Dual Roles

Above, Haruo Nakajima getting into the Godzilla suit in 1954. Toho Co., Ltd.

On occasion, Haruo Nakajima would appear in a kaiju film as himself (such as a military official or a newspaper editor) as well as the man in the monster suit.

Here's a few examples:

Above, Nakajima (far left) appeared as a newspaper editor in Godzilla (1954).

Above, Nakajma (second from left) appears as a military officer in Rodan (1956).

Above, in an interesting shot in Rodan, Nakajima (left) flees himself in the Rodan suit.

Above, in Destroy All Monsters (1968), Nakajima is shown in the foreground at left.

Rodan's 60th Anniversary

Above, Rodan attacks Fukuoka. Toho Co,, Ltd.

Ever been in one of those moods where you didn't want to do anything in particular, but were bored stiff anyway? That happened to me this afternoon.

I mentioned this on Facebook and Neil Riebe made this suggestion in reply:

It's Rodan's 60th anniversary. Pop it into the DVD player and give it a watch.

I hadn't thought today being the 60th anniversary of Rodan. I checked and Neil was right. Rodan was released on December 26, 1956 in Japan by Toho.

Above, the Saikai Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I visited some Rodan locations in Kyushu in 2007. One was the Saikai Bridge near Sasebo City and another was the area in Fukuoka near Fukuoka Station.

Above, Rodan star Kenji Sahara and Armand in 2009 at G-FEST.

So, I took him up on his suggestion and popped it into my Blu-ray player. It has been a while since I last watched it.

Great idea, Neil! Thanks for the suggestion! 

Mount Aso Erupts Over Weekend

Above, yours truly at the Mount Aso ropeway station in 2007.

Kyushu has been getting a lot of attention in recent months. But it is the kind of attention they don't want or need.

According to the Japan Times:

Still reeling from a series of earthquakes beginning in April, Kumamoto Prefecture is once again experiencing nature's fury, this time in the form of Mount Aso's eruption Saturday. 

Besides being on high alert for another volcanic eruption, Kumamoto residents are growing increasingly concerned about the long-term prospects for the prefecture’s tourism industry, which has yet to recover to pre-quake levels.

Kaiju fans are familiar with Mount Aso as the site of the final battle in Rodan (1956). I visited Mount Aso in 2007. I didn't get to see much as the area was hit by a blizzard during my visit.

Mount Aso is spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 46.

To read more, go here.

Tourists Flocking To Japan's Dams and Bridges

Above, the Rainbow Bridge of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that tours to bridges, dams and other infrastructures in Japan are gaining in popularity for tourists.

Those of us who are kaiju fans, already have reason to see some. The Saikai Bridge in Kyushu (near Sasebo City) was featured in Rodan (1956), the Kachidoki Bridge in Tokyo was featured in Godzilla (1954) and the Rainbow Bridge that spans across Tokyo Bay was featured in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000), just to name a few. These are spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

According to an article in AsiaOne Travel:

"Infra-tourism," or sightseeing at large-scale infrastructure utilities such as dams, bridges and roads, is gaining popularity. Visitors can enjoy dynamic views such as the thunderous discharge of water at a dam, or a suspension bridge from high above, while also learning about the roles of utilities.

To read more, go here.

Kyushu Discount Drive Started

Above, Fukuoka Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those of you who want to see the Saikai Bridge that Rodan blew down, the Fukuoka Tower that Godzilla toppled over or the domed stadium that Gamera trashed, you may want to take advantage of the discount drive that the Japanese government and travel-related companies are spearheading to get more visitors to Kyushu.

According to the Chicago Tribune:

TOKYO - Travel agencies and air carriers in Japan have discounted their tour and flight fees for Kyushu as a measure to vitalize local tourism in the region's seven prefectures, which has slumped since the Kumamoto Earthquake. 

Using government subsidies, a system has also been launched to encourage discounted travel in Kyushu, with campaigns expected to be more popular as the summer vacation season approaches.

To read more, go here.

New JAL Domestic Airfare For Foreign Visitors To Kyushu

Above, Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome that is familiar to Gamera fans. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those of you who are Godzilla or Gamera fans are in luck!

Japan Airlines has announced a new domestic airfare for Kyushu of ¥5,400.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO —Japan Airlines (JAL) is offering a new domestic fare - “oneworld® YOKOSO/Visit KYUSHU Fare” for overseas visitors in order to stimulate travel demand from overseas to the Kyushu region. 

JAL said it hopes the new fare will help invigorate the local economy by attracting more overseas travelers to visit Kyushu through its enhanced domestic network.

Gamera, Godzilla and Rodan made appearances over the years at various locations in Kyushu. This would be a great opportunity for fans to visit the island, especially if time is limited and one can't take an all-day ride on the shinkansen from Tokyo or Osaka.

To read more, go here or here.

Japan Aiming For 10 Million Foreign Visitors To National Parks

Above, the Mount Aso Museum lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most people who visit Japan primarily just visit the "golden route" of major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and don't bother seeing rural areas or the national parks. Yes, folks, Japan has national parks.

During my 2007 visit to Japan, I traveled down to Kyushu to visit Mount Aso Volcano National Park. Although my visit was during a spring blizzard, I still felt the visit was worth it. It was definitely a very interesting experience!

For kaiju fans, Mount Aso Volcano National Park was featured in Rodan (1956).

The Japanese government is making plans to promote their national parks to foreign visiors.

Jiji Press reported:

Kushiro, Hokkaido, March 21 (Jiji Press)--Japan aims to more than double the annual number of foreign visitors to national parks in the nation to 10 million by 2020, Environment Minister Tamayo Marukawa said Monday.  

To achieve the goal, the Environment Ministry will develop tours tailored to foreign visitors based on model projects to be implemented in five national parks and provide an environment friendly to foreigners, such as multiple-language directories.

To read more, go here. 

Fukuoka Is Now Japan's 5th Biggest City

Above, Fukuoka Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It may have been attacked by Godzilla and Rodan, but Fukuoka City in Kyushu has risen in population to become the 5th largest among major Japan cities.

Jiji Press reported:

Fukuoka, Feb. 18 (Jiji Press)--The Fukuoka municipal government said Thursday that the southeastern Japan city's population has risen past Kobe to the fifth biggest among the 20 government ordinance-designated major cities.  

According to the Fukuoka government's own national census tally as of Oct. 1 last year, the number of residents in the city had increased by 74,767 from the previous nationwide population survey five years ago to 1,538,510.

To read more, go here. 

Japan To Push Bridges and Dams As Sightseeing Spots

Above, the Saikai Bridge in Kyushu that was
featured in Rodan (1956) Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan has many places and things for tourists to see already. But, they are looking to adding more places for tourists to see.

According to the Japan Times:

The land ministry will help promote sightseeing tours of public facilities with striking features, including large bridges and dams from which magnificent views can be had, officials said. 

The ministry will study successful cases and compile a book offering know-how for central and local government entities to turn their public facilities into sightseeing attractions, the officials said. Such development is possible in cooperation with tourist associations and nongovernmental organizations.

To read more, go here. S