Buy The Amazon Kindle Store Ebook Edition
Get the ebook edition here! (Click image.)
Friday, March 8, 2013
"Emperor"
 |
| Above, Tommy Lee Jones as Gen. Douglas MacArthur. |
One movie opening (today) I am looking forward to seeing is Emperor,
starring Tommy Lee Jones as Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Jones is one of my favorite actors and never
fails sink his teeth into great material and deliver a great performance.
Emperor is a Japanese American co-production that involves the post-World War II
dilemma of Gen. MacArthur on what to do about Emperor Hirohito (Emperor
Showa). The dilemma that MacArthur had
to face was whether or not Hirohito should stand trial for war crimes, which
would mean certain execution. If he were
to stand trial and convicted, Hirohito's execution (who was still considered by
the Japanese as their "Divine Leader") would enrage the Japanese and
if he were not to stand trial, it would enrage America.
His problem was (more or less) settled for him as the Japanese surrendered
with only one condition: they could keep their emperor.
Americans were rankled in 1945 when MacArthur didn't put Hirohito on
trial. But the decision not to paved the
way for the now-close relations between the United States and Japan. Japan is now an important ally to America.
I am reminded that the 1977 release, MacArthur (with Gregory Peck in
the title role) glossed over this part of MacArthur's story. Its focus was more on MacArthur's disputes
with President Harry Truman during the Korean War. It was Truman who gave the task of heading up
the occupation forces in Japan to MacArthur following Japan's surrender on
August 15, 1945.
Today, the role of the Japanese emperor is more ceremonial (like the
monarchy in the United Kingdom) as part of the surrender agreement has the
condition that the emperor had to renounce his divinity.
This part of post-World War II history has not been discussed much. Generally speaking, it has pretty much been
swept under the rug.
 |
| Above, the Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
It is interesting to note that some parts of the movie were filmed on the
grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as well as in New Zealand.
According to an article on the movie in the Los Angeles Times, since
Hirohito's death in 1989, some historians have come to believe that Hirohito's
role in World War II was not as blameless as was once thought. It was thought previously that Hirohito was a
pawn of the Japanese militarists. It
will be interesting to see how the movie treats this.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
"The Black Cat" At The Chinese Theater
 |
| Above, Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff and David Manners in "The Black Cat." |
Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi will haunt the Chinese Theater in Hollywood on April 13:
On Saturday April 13th, Kirk Hammett and Mad Monster Magazine will proudly present a special screening of 1934's macabre masterpiece "The Black Cat" at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA. One of Kirk’s favorite films of all time, and the first to pair his favorite actors Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi together, "The Black Cat" weaves a tale of mounting terror and tension as a pair of innocent newlyweds find themselves in the center of an unfolding nightmare revolving around Lugosi and Karloff's characters. A ground-breaking piece of cinema, we proudly invite you to join us for an audience-interactive Q&A with Kirk Hammett and friends before the screening. There will also be contests, prizes and exclusive merchandise, as well as monster goodies from KVH Toys and copies of Kirk's critically-acclaimed 2012 book “Too Much Horror Business”.
8:00 PM Doors/Monster Mingle Grab merchandise, view original props from the movie "The Black Cat", and other monster activities!
9:00 PM Q&A with Kirk Hammett and Friends
9:45 PM Screening Universal Pictures “The Black Cat" directed by Edgar G. Ulmer
Narita Airport Boosts Capacity
 |
| Above, Narita Airport's Terminal One gateway . Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Tokyo's Narita Airport boosted capacity today according to an article in News On Japan.com.
They wrote:
Japan's main international airport on Thursday hiked capacity to allow tens of thousands more flights annually as it faces rising competition and criticism over high landing fees.
Narita International Airport has opened 10 new spots for parking planes and a new strip to boost access to an existing runway, meaning available flight slots would rise to 270,000 annually, up from 250,000 now, it said.To read the full article, go here.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
"Cool Japan" Supported By Prime Minister Abe
.JPG) |
| Above, Astro Boy is featured at a Niigata ATM. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
The tourism campaign promoting "Cool Japan" has received the blessing and support of the Prime Minister.
According to the Japan Daily Press:
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is eager to get the ‘Cool Japan’ concept going, as the government held the first council meeting for its promotion on March 4. The concept aims to develop Japan’s uniqueness in terms of anime, fashion and other cultural traditions abroad, effectively increasing exports of these products. This is in line with one of Abe’s key policy measure to nurture related industries and transform them into major export businesses.So far, I've seen nothing to indicate that kaiju will be a part of the "Cool Japan" campaign.
To read the full article, go here.
Unexplained or A Message?
Strange things happen for unexplained reasons.
My daughter Amber was bored this morning so she decided to go to the local Salvation Army store. While there, she saw this angel figurine that she is 100% positive belonged to my late mother:
My mother passed away three years ago and we donated much of her belongings to the Salvation Army.
She would have celebrated her 80th birthday in five days and it is strange that my daughter went to the Salvation Army store and found it. She came home a little freaked out and I asked her to take a picture of the figurine and send it to me. It is also odd that it would still be at the Salvation Army store after three years. A message, perhaps?
She did buy it for $5.00.
My daughter Amber was bored this morning so she decided to go to the local Salvation Army store. While there, she saw this angel figurine that she is 100% positive belonged to my late mother:
My mother passed away three years ago and we donated much of her belongings to the Salvation Army.
She would have celebrated her 80th birthday in five days and it is strange that my daughter went to the Salvation Army store and found it. She came home a little freaked out and I asked her to take a picture of the figurine and send it to me. It is also odd that it would still be at the Salvation Army store after three years. A message, perhaps?
She did buy it for $5.00.
Haruo Nakajima and The Mad Monster Party: Two More Weeks!
 |
| Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima. |
Two weeks from tomorrow, I'll be heading off to Charlotte, North Carolina for the Mad Monster Party.
Things are progressing nicely. Haruo Nakajima and his daughter Sonoe will be there to meet and greet his fans.
One thing I have to say is that he will need to take breaks due to his age and some eye problems, so your understanding is appreciated. But he is a trooper and is excited to come. Still, we don't want to overtax him.
The price for his autographed photo will likely be $25.00. He will have 8 x 10" photos. Also, if fans bring their own items to sign, the price will be the same. He will gladly pose for pictures with fans.
He may bring along copies of his autobiography (photo, right). If he does, keep in mind that the text is in Japanese, but it is loaded with many photographs from his personal collection. The suggested retail price of is book in Japan is ¥2900 (this is roughly $31.00 US).
Sonoe Nakajima is pleased at how good the photos of her father came out after scratches and other blemishes were cleaned off. She was telling me last night that the photo at top was taken when he was at age 25. It was shot during the filming of Godzilla in 1954. In the background is the miniature of the Wako Department Store (the real one is in the Ginza section of Tokyo). Grand Prints of North Hollywood did a great job and their prices were very reasonable. I recommend them to anyone who needs to have photo print work done for a convention.
As for myself, I will be selling The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. It is the world's first and only Japan travel guide that focuses on monster movie locations and landmarks and how to visit them. The guide will be available (a 20% convention discount) at $12.00 per copy.
For more information on the Mad Monster Party convention, go here.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
"An Otaku Abroad" Travel Guide For Anime and Manga Fans
Back in January, I blogged about the Japan Anime Tourism Guide. Now there's another Japan travel guide targeted to anime and manga fans.
Anime News Network posted a news release on a new book, An Otaku Abroad: The Affordable Japan Experience for Anime and Manga Fans.
Fayetteville, NC, March 5, 2013 – Otaku (anime and manga fan) Sarah Rothman spent five months exploring Japan in 2011. She used anime and manga to guide her exploration of the country. She is sharing her experiences in a new book that details her discoveries and shows other anime fans how to plan their own trips to Japan while saving money. The book is entitled “An Otaku Abroad” and covers all aspects of planning a trip to Japan, traveling within the country, and experiencing the culture from the point of view of an anime fan.To read more about it, go here.
Forbes.com: 20 Ways To Visit Japan On The Cheap
 |
| Above, the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is a free attraction for tourists to visit. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Most of the tips I have employed during my six visits to The Land of the Rising Sun. He states that Japan can still be expensive, despite the 17% rise in the U.S. dollar's exchange value when exchanging for yen. He cites that six months ago the dollar bought 80 yen, now it buys over 93.5 yen.
Some of the tips from his list that I've used include:
 |
| Above, a business hotel in the Ueno section of Tokyo I stayed at. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
I would add one more to his list: stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn). They are reasonable (especially outside of Tokyo) and any traveler should experience staying in "the Japanese way" at least once. I've stayed at three during different Japan vacations.
To read the full article and the other nine tips, go here.
Monday, March 4, 2013
JapanTourist Articles
 |
| Above, the Sumida River with the Kachidoki Bridge in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
To date, I have seven travel articles at JapanTourist. Six of them are kaiju-related.
They appear to have been well-received by readers. The administrators are pleased with them as they provide a different "take" on tourist attractions in Japan. For the baby-boomer generation, their first exposure to Japan and Japanese culture had been through monster movies such as Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra and others.
Information on the monster locations/landmarks are provided in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.
Here's a list of the articles with links to each:
Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market
Tokyo Tower, The Monster Magnet
Shibuya: Where Monsters Meet
Fukuoka Tower
Lucky Dragon No. 5
Ginza-Hibiya's Monster Connection
Rodan's Saikai Bridge
L.A. "Passport Day" Canceled
 |
| Above, Yokohama Harbor. You can't go there unless you have a valid passport. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
While reading the Los Angeles Times Travel section (March 3), a small item
caught my attention.
The Los Angeles Passport Agency at 11000 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000 in
Westwood was going to have Passport Day this coming Saturday where people
seeking new passports or renewing them can go without an appointment.
Unfortunately, the State Department sent out an email last Thursday stating
that it was canceled. They blame the
anticipated budget cuts.
The L.A. Passport Agency was to be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
This is just another stunt by the Obama Administration to put the screws on
people to justify their out-of-control spending. The closure is actually unnecessary as the
budget "cuts" are only reductions in the amount of spending increases over the current baseline. The Administration just wants people to think the sky is falling with the lower spending increase.
The article recommends checking www.travel.state.gov to see a list of locations
where people can apply for or renew a passport.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Mondo Travel Guide Tokyo
 |
| Above, one of the Imperial Palace's moats in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
A new travel guide to Tokyo, Japan has been published. It is available to iPads.
According to Japan Today:
TOKYO —Finnish travel magazine Mondo has published a new travel guide to Tokyo. Mondo Travel Guide Tokyo is a comprehensive and in-depth guidebook to the largest metropolitan area in the world. The authors, Japan experts Heikki Valkama, Siru Valleala and Eija Niskanen, introduce readers to local districts such as trendy Shibuya, Shinjuku with its skyscrapers, futuristic Odaiba, stylish Ginza, Akihabara with its otaku nerds, and bohemian Shimokitazawa.Although I have my own travel guide, I don't consider this as "competition" as they focus on Tokyo, while mine focuses of locations and landmarks used in Japanese science-fiction and fantasy movies. "The more, the merrier" is my attitude. The more travel guides that are available to would-be tourists to Japan, the better it is for them to enjoy their visit.
“Tokyo is an amazing city that you want to return to again and again. I have lived in Japan for almost 20 years, and our travel guide has been written especially from the perspective of visitors”, says Valkama.
The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan is available as an ebook at Amazon's Kindle Stores in the U.S. (including India), United Kingdom, Brazil, Italy, Canada, Germany, Spain and Japan. The print edition is available at ComiXpress.com.
To read the full article, go here.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Butt Out!
August Ragone Libels and Smears Mad Monster Party Organizers
tortious interference noun encouraging a breach, infringing on another's agreement, innerfering with contract, interfering with contractual commitments, interfering with contractual obligation, interferrng with contractual rights, intermeddling, intermeddling with business activities, obstruction, work against another's contractual relationship, wrongful interference with busiiess relationships, wrongful interference with contractual relationships.
Some people can't seem to mind their own business and go out of their way to poke their noses in other people's business to interfere and, possibly, sabotage things.
Such is the case with August Ragone. Back in early-February, he posted that Haruo Nakajima "cancelled" out of the Mad Monster Party convention:
While it was true that Mr. Nakajima's wife has been ill, this was not an official posting by the Mad Monster Party organizers and not authorized. Ragone has absolutely nothing to do with the convention, nor does he speak for the convention.
On February 15, the Mad Monster Party organizers posted this message:
We're discussing flight options with Sanoe now (she decided to come with Haruo, I believe a relative is with her mother), and Haruo never canceled in the first place. That said, it's always a risk to travel to a show for just one guest because even guests that aren't in their 80's traveling from Japan can cancel last minute. I realize this is potentially a once in a lifet...ime opportunity as Haruo currently has no other scheduled US appearances, so we're in a tough spot as promotors - we don't want to scare off fans and have them miss Haruo, but we want to keep you up to the minute on even the SLIGHTEST possible risk (hence this thread). The appearance IS currently moving forward as planned.That should have been the end of the rumors as the flight tickets for the Nakajimas have been purchased and I have been assisting them in getting photo prints made for the convention. I am in regular contact with Sonoe Nakajima. The convention organizers decided not respond to Ragone directly, other than the above.
Unfortunately, several people believed Ragone and decided not to attend. Then, when they found that Mr. Nakajima was coming after all, it was too late for them to get airfare without paying through the nose. This amounts to sabotage as attendees were fooled into cancelling and hurts the convention's attendance.
It has been brought to my attention today that August Ragone is now engaging in libel and tortious interference (note the reaction of a couple of people) as he posted the following comments on Facebook:
I have been the go-between between the Nakajimas and the Mad Monster Party convention organizers. At no time has anyone engaged in "browbeating" anyone. That is a despicable lie! The convention organizers have been very honorable in their negotiations with the Nakajimas and they expressed their concern over Mrs. Haruo Nakajima's health and agree that "family comes first." In fact, the fees involved will be a big help in paying for Mrs. Nakajima's medical expenses. As I have been acting as the go-between (or "arranger" per Ragone's post) for the Nakajimas and the convention, the implication is that I was involved in the so-called "browbeating." This is libelous and warrants a response!
The malicious postings are coming from jealous and bitter people (note his use of the words "us" and "we") who are not involved in the Mad Monster Party convention in any way, shape or form. I also know who else is involved in Ragone's rumor-mongering.
A few years ago, August Ragone was very angry over rumors involving his book on Eiji Tsuburaya, calling some of the actions (of those involved) tortious interference. Now, in this matter, Ragone is engaging in something that he decried was happening to him. Perhaps Ragone has some extra cash on hand as he may end up forking it over for a defense lawyer in civil litigation, because his actions (and his accomplice's) are certainly begging for it. (This is not a threat, but they should take into consideration the possibility.) [Go here for more Ragone shenanigans.]
For the record, when I was approached to have the Nakajimas attend the Mad Monster Party convention, no strings were attached for my assistance. The organizers have been very generous in inviting me to moderate Mr. Nakajima's session(s). Plus, I am paying for my own airfare and room. Contrast this with what follows:
Statement from Mad Monster Party:
Mad Monster tries to avoid the drama and flame wars that our collective love for the genre can sometimes lure us into. We don’t delete comments of criticism on our facebook page nor do we feel a defensive need to respond to every contrary opinion. However, when our friends and guests of our show are wrongfully smeared, and our ethics or reputation is questioned, you better get your facts straigh...t before casting that first stone.
August Ragone has stated (regarding Mad Monster Party in Charlotte):
“Family always comes first. This is selfish and despicable of the promoters”.
“Mr. Nakajima cancelled because his wife was sick, but the Mad Monster people brow-beat them into coming. Not cool.”
We’ll tell you what’s “not cool”. The disrespectful implication that Haruo would leave his sick wife or even be “brow-beat” if he didn’t want to attend. Hajime Ishida, Mr. Sci-Fi (the “Japanese Forry Ackerman”, “Mr. Monster”) is a mutual friend of Mad Monster’s and Haruo and has expressed Haruo’s excitement to come, Sonoe herself said that her aunt is helping with the family and they want to attend and that Haruo wants to meet his fans.
For the purpose of full disclosure, Mr. Ragone was originally negotiating Haruo’s appearance at Mad Monster Party and wanted us to purchase 3 additional flights for he and his friends (which turned out to be his request, not the Nakajimas).
August Ragone :
“FIVE flights (I counted the Nakajimas as one. So, two for them, and three for us coming out from California)” ... “In respect to Japanese Guests, you've gotta pay to play”
We counter offered to bring four people out so fans could meet the King of the Monsters, that was not good enough for Mr. Ragone. When the Nakajimas learned they were invited to the show, they were very interested. It is “gate keepers” like this that make it very difficult for fans to meet their heroes. The guests often want to come, but the gate keepers want to implement their own stipulations and feeling they are your only shot, may become vindictive and lash out in petty retaliation. The Nakajimas never cancelled Mad Monster Party. Thanks to spiteful rumor spreading, we’ve received many emails from fans who waited too long to buy airfare and may very well miss their shot to ever meet Haruo (and he calls us “despicable”). We’ve always immediately announced cancellations and schedule changes and even gave fair warning that Sonoe said she may not be able to accompany her father. Perhaps more shows would bring Haruo in if they had direct access as we were lucky enough to eventually gain. There’s another large show that will never work with this gate keeper again because of questionable business practices. We sat by quietly when he tried sabotaging Haruo’s appearance at our show the first time, even when he implied we were hiding a cancellation by saying Mad Monster “hasn’t announced it yet”. Now that he is disrespecting Haruo by implying he would leave his sick wife’s side because a convention “brow-beat” him, we figured we should let you know his agenda and assure you, Haruo and Sonoe are looking forward to meeting the fans (even without August and his two buddies flying in from California).
Update (3/4/13):
Here's some of the reactions the Mad Monster Party organizers have received:
- It's pathetic that these scumbags attempt to leech off of someone else in order to get something for free. I'm thrilled that I get to meet a childhood hero of mine and the fact that Haruo is even making this appearance (I'm sure he doesn't HAVE to), is thrilling enough but to have people attempt to take advantage of that fact is sickening. Thank you, MMP for standing your ground and shutting down the bullies! I'll see you in North Carolina!!
- I had a similar experience when trying to invite Erika Eleniak to X-Con. One of her "Gatekeepers" got pissed and started sending me vulgar emails when I wouldn't offer to cover his expenses to the event as well. When I said I would just contact her personally next time I saw her then he started threatening me. These people are just leeches.
- Joe, or whomever posted the facts. The most satisfying to hear is that another large show will no longer work with this "gatekeeper". Greed and arrogance have should have no rule when it's simply about enjoying the opportunities to meet; whether it's the guests greeting all the adoring fans or the fans excitedly meeting their heros. Good to hear you got this fool recognized.
- There is no way that the Mad Monster People would "brow beat" an elderly man with a sick wife into into attending a show.
I Voted (The Rondo Awards)!
I did my duty and cast my ballot for the 2012 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards.
If you haven't as yet done so, go here to cast your ballot.
Remember, write-in your vote for Haruo Nakajima for the Monster Kid Hall of Fame:
35. And finally, help us again: Who do you think should be this year's inductees into the Monster Kid Hall of Fame?
ALREADY INDUCTED ARE: Bob and Kathy Burns, Forrest J Ackerman and James Warren, Zacherley and Vampira, Ray Harryhausen, Ray Bradbury, Alex and Richard Gordon, William K. Everson, Rick Baker, Basil Gogos, Roger Corman, Dick Klemensen, Gary and Sue Svehla, James Bama and Bobby 'Boris' Pickett, Paul and Jackie Blaisdell, Joe Dante, Don Glut, Jack Davis, German Robles and Frank Frazetta; Bernie Wrightson, Ben Chapman, Cortlandt Hull and Dennis Vincent, Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth, Archie Goodwin and Ghoulardi.Ken Kelly, Jim and Marian Clatterbaugh, Bob Wilkins, Calvin Beck, Paul Naschy, Lux Interior, Bob Lemon and Ray Meyers, Bill Warren, Dennis Druktenis, Sammy Terry and Frederick S. Clarke; Tim and Donna Lucas, William Stout, Ron Borst, George A. Romero, Tom Weaver and Verne Langdon. Last year: Julie Adams, David Skal, George Stover, Michael Stein, Morgus, Mark Frank.
Who should join them?
Tell us your suggestions. We'll pick six more.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Setagaya-ku
 |
| Above, the Godzilla statue at the main entrance of Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Setagaya-ku is a residential area adjacent to Tokyo. In the middle of a residential neighborhood
is Toho Studios, famous for producing the Godzilla series along with other
daikaiju eiga such as Mothra, Rodan, War of the Gargantuas
and King Kong Escapes. Toho also
produced such horror classics as H-Man, Matango (known in the
U.S. as Attack of the Mushroom People) and science-fiction epics
including Gorath, Battle In Outer Space and Atragon.
The easiest way to get to Setagaya and Toho Studios is to take the Odakyu train line from
Shinjuku and exit at the Seijo Gakuen-mae station. If one has never trekked to Toho Studios and
doesn't know the way through the neighborhood surrounding the studio, their best
bet is to catch a taxi at the station and be driven to the studio
entrance. The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan has a map to Setagaya-ku on page 21.
 |
| Above, the Mothra mural down the driveway from the main entrance to Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Toho Studios is a working movie studio and does not offer tours, but
visitors can view the man-sized Godzilla statue and Seven Samurai mural
at the main entrance. Down the driveway
from the main entrance, a Mothra mural can be seen (photo above).
Nearby to Toho Studios is the Soshigaya neighborhood where the Ultraman
Shopping District can be explored.
There, characters of the Ultraman Universe adorn storefronts and
streetlamp posts.
JapanTourist: Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market
 |
| Above, yours truly at one of the sushi restaurants near the Tsukiji Fish Market. |
JapanTourist has posted my first non-kaiju article.
The article is on the famed Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market, more commonly known as the Tsukiji Fish Market.
To view it, go here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)