"50 Reasons Why Tokyo Is The Greatest City In The World"

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the Tsukiji Fish Market. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along with the Wako Department Store in Ginza, the National Diet Building, the Yurakucho Mullion complex and other kaiju-related sites featured in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, Tokyo has other things for travelers to see and do.

CNN Go.com has a list of "50 Reasons Why Tokyo Is The Greatest City In The World."

Included on the list are the railways, Tokyo Sky Tree, Shibuya Crossing (featured in Godzilla and Gamera movies), Imperial Palace, Yodobashi Akiba (and other Akihabara electronics stores), Tsukiji Fish Market, Mandarake Complex, manga-kissa (or "comics café") and many others.

The Godzilla statue in Hibiya made the list:

34. Behold the least impressive statue of a giant monster

Standing in the shadow of the film company that unleashed Godzilla on the world, this bronze effigy of the giant creature in Hibiya park towers a whopping ... half-meter high. We suppose a life-sized 70-meter version would have been prohibitive, but half a meter? At least the pedestal raises it above eye level.

At least there's the man-sized Godzilla statue at Toho Studios to savor if the one in Hibiya doesn't impress.

To view the list, go here.

Nagoya Castle To Be Destroyed Again?

By Armand Vaquer

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.

Los Angeles Comic Book and Science-Fiction Convention January 15, 2012

by Armand Vaquer



I will have a table at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science-Fiction Convention Sunday, January 15, 2012 at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium Expo Center at 700 West 32nd St., Los Angeles, CA.

I will be selling The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. The celebrity guests include actor Ron Ely (Doc Savage, Tarzan), actress Yancy Butler (Witchblade) and stars of the Adventures of Superboy.

From the show's website:

REGULAR ADMISSION is only $8.00, five years and under are free. Show Hours: 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Each attendee receives a Hand Stamp and Ticket which allows all day access to the Convention, so you can go to lunch and come back to continue shopping. EARLY ADMISSION is only $12.00 and shop early like the Dealers starting at 9:10 A.M. PREMIUM ADMISSION is $12.00 and you'll receive a UNDERWORLD AWAKENING MOVIE T-SHIRT AND FULL SIZE POSTER! In addition, the PREMIUM ADMISSION also includes EARLY ADMISSION! GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE (opens in theaters February 17) give-aways might be added, so check back closer to show date for updates.

For more information, go to http://www.comicbookscifi.com/index.html.

Remember: The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science-Fiction Convention Sunday, January 15, 2012! Mark your calendar!

Holiday Sale For Monster Japan Travel Guide

by Armand Vaquer



Ho! Ho! Ho!

The 2011 holiday season is now upon us. As soon as Halloween ended (maybe even before), the department stores became decked out in Christmas decorations.

Since we are now in the holiday season, I am discounting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan 20% off the cover price, making the cost of the book $12.00. This special offer is direct from me, not from ComiXpress. So if you want the discount, you'll need to order directly from me.

It is the world's only Japan travel guide tailored to fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy films.

Additionally, to even make your holiday dollars go even further, the $12.00 price includes shipping & handling! How's that for getting into the Santa spirit?

From today to December 24 (Christmas Eve), you can get The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan for $12.00 total! Orders postmarked within (and including) those dates will get the discount!

The mailing address can be found here (ignore the price listed on the page).

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan makes the perfect stocking stuffer for that kaiju fan in your life (or for yourself)!

None of that "politically correct" "Happy Holidays" stuff around here! Here, we say Merry Christmas!

Monster Japan Travel Guide Discount Ends In 4 Days

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

The 20% autumn discount sales for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan are going well. Strangely, sales through ComiXpress (without the discount) are also going well.

Orders sent directly to me (not through ComiXpress) postmarked through October 10 can get the guide for $12.00 plus $2.00 shipping & handling for a grand total of $14.00.

So, between now and October 10 (four more days) send your orders to:

Armand Vaquer
18618 Collins Street #105
Tarzana, CA 91356

10th Anniversary of First Japan Trip

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Armand with the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

Ten years ago this coming Halloween (October 31), I arrived at the United Airlines Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) terminal for my first trip to Japan. Up to that point, my only "foreign" travels consisted of automotive crossings of the Canadian and Mexican borders from the United States.

October 31 of 2001 was an uneasy time. The September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. were still fresh in peoples' minds. The National Guard posted armed (some say the rifles weren't loaded) guardsmen in airport terminals around the country. LAX was no exception. Security was (and still is) extremely tight at airports.

Above, Richard and Armand with Haruo Nakajima at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

But, I wasn't about to let this heightened security stop me from making my first overseas visit to another country, even though my mother really didn't want me to go. As Japan is 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles time, I arrived at Narita Airport on November 1 (the International Dateline is crossed in the mid-Pacific).

The year before, fellow G-fan Richard Pusateri took a trip to Japan to see Godzilla x Megaguirus. After hearing his tales of adventure and grand time he had upon his return, I got the urge to go to Japan myself. Luckily, I was working as a temp at a Farmers Insurance claims office and security patrol at the time, so I was able to afford a Japan trip. All I had to do was to get a U.S. Passport, plane ticket and hotel reservations. In rapid order, all were obtained.


The 2001 Tokyo International Film Festival was featuring the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack on November 3. So, I decided to time my visit for that. As it happened, Richard was also planning to attend and we met several times at Chili My Soul in Encino to plan the trip. At least I would know somebody while there (other familiar names and faces were also there, it turned out).

Since I was writing for G-FAN at the time, I was also able to obtain a press pass for the Godzilla screening. This allowed me access to the stage for the pre-movie festivities (below).


Following the movie, Richard and I rubbed shoulders with Haruo Nakajima, Hideyo Amamoto, Shogo Tomiyama and others.

Above, Godzilla prop at Toho Studios. Mothra rests nearby on a shelf. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

I was invited to take a V.I.P. tour at Toho Studios while in Japan and was able to invite Richard along. Fortunately, 2001 wasn't 2005, when Toho began demolishing the big pool and several of their old sound stages and facilities, so we were able to see the studio as it was when Eiji Tsuburaya and Ishiro Honda were making movies. One of the things we were greatly impressed with was Toho's old snack bar. It was like stepping back 40+ years in time. Unfortunately, the snack bar is now history. We were shown the studio by Executive Producer Shogo Tomiyama, spfx director Koichi Kawakita and Shozo Watanabe of Toho International following lunch in Hibiya.

For my first visit to Japan, I decided to stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn) to see what it would be like. It was an enjoyable experience (plus the room was cheaper in price). The ryokan was the Hotel Fukudaya in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo. The Tokyo International Film Festival would be screening the Godzilla movie at Orchard Hall in the Bunkamura in Shibuya, within walking distance.

Above, Godzilla entertains attendees of the film festival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Hotel Fukudaya was also a couple of blocks away from a Denny's Restaurant (it was a surprise seeing Denny's in Japan). While I like Japanese food, I prefer to have a western-style breakfast. Denny's came in handy for that.

Above, Atami, Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My wanderings in Tokyo on that first trip included Ginza, Hibiya, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, the National Diet Building, Harajuku, Zojo-ji Temple, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Nakano (where I bought a few things from the Mandarake store). Outside of Tokyo, I visited Atami and some areas near Mt. Fuji. After all, I just had to include some Shinkansen (bullet train) traveling experience on the trip!

I also visited the HMV video and record store in Shibuya to see the Godzilla and Baragon filming suits from GMK on display.

One thing that was not planned was a 24-hour flu bug I caught. Thank goodness it only affected roughtly one day of the trip. Since then, I make sure I take Vitamin C tablets every day for about two weeks before a trip and continue taking them during the trip. (I have been back to Japan five more times and have not gotten sick since I started the Vitamin C regimen. This is a word to the wise!)

Above, with Shogo Tomiyama (far left) and Koichi Kawakita (far right) at Toho Studios. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

Besides the jaunts around Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Atami, I attended an after-premiere dinner party at a Chinese restaurant in Nakano that included Kenpachiro Satsuma and Hiroko Sakurai. It was interesting riding shotgun in a taxi on a rainy night as the driver zig-zagged through traffic (Japanese cars have the driver on the right, just as in England) on Tokyo's side streets to get to the dinner party.

Above, the Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This was the trip that started me on the kaiju location article series for G-FAN and, eventually, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

For me, it was a memorable trip and a highly enjoyable one. I decided then that I would re-visit Japan as often as time (and the ol' wallet) will allow. It is hard to believe that ten years has already passed since this trip. The next time I traveled to Japan was with the first G-TOUR in August 2004. I've returned there four more times (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010).

Autumn Discount of Monster Japan Travel Guide Begins Today

by Armand Vaquer

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

The special autumn 20% discount of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan starts today.

From today to October 10 (which is Japan's Sports and Fitness Day), the travel guide tailored to Japanese monster movie fans is available at 20% off the cover price. That's a $3.00 savings per copy!

Autumn is a great time of the year to visit Japan.

For details on getting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, go here.

Facts and Details Godzilla Page

by Armand Vaquer



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



The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan is prominently mentioned in Facts and Details's page on Godzilla. My interview with The Daily Yomiuri is extensively quoted.



Also included is a photo of the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack (2001) that I took.



It is interesting that Godzilla is referred to as "her."



Facts and Details is run by Jeff Hays, who describes himself:

I am a teacher and writer currently living in Saga, Japan. I was born in the Mojave Desert in California and brought up mostly in Reston Virginia, in the Washington D.C. suburbs. I graduated from Wesleyan University in 1979 and later took courses to be a high school teacher. Over the years I wrote about rock music and had some pieces published in the Washington Post, the NME, The Face and other publications, wrote a guide about sports in the Washington D.C. area, worked construction, did a stint as bike messenger in D.C. but mostly I have worked overseas as an English teacher—at an elementary school in Istanbul, language institutes and a university in South Korea, as a freelancer in Barcelona and for the last 10 years or so running my own little informal school in Japan. Being an English teacher is not a very high status job but it does allow one to travel around and has given me ample free time to pursue the website project that you see here.

There is a misquote. It was posted: "One place he didn’t visit, Vaquer told The Daily Yomiuri, was New York City, dismissing the monster in the 1998 U.S. film as GINO ("Godzilla In Name Only")." During The Daily Yomiuri interview, it was discussed that New York City wasn't included in the travel guide since it was only for locations in Japan. Fans are aware that the real (Japanese) Godzilla did pay a visit to New York City in Destroy All Monsters.



To view the site, go here.

Jessie Lilley Departing "Famous Monsters of Filmland"

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Famous Monsters #253, where my ad first appeared.

It was bound to happen.

Jessie Lilley has announced that she is departing as editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine so she can re-start Mondo Cult magazine.

Lilley's statement:

Hey everybody! I’ve been with FM for over a year and it’s time to move on. I’m moving on to get Mondo Cult back on the stands. I’ll be finishing up Retro 71 and the door is open for possibly doing more Retros, but we’ll see how it goes as time goes by. My... heart lies with Retro and the more classic films, as you all know so there I am going. This has been a great year for me, and I hope also for Phil and the rest of the staff. I'm handing the editing reins over to him and wish him much luck and Godspeed. I hope I'll see you all in the pages of Mondo Cult 3 by the end of the year. - Jessie Lilley

Above, Famous Monsters #254, where my ad made its second appearance.

I worked with Jessie Lilley on my FM ads for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and during the process we exchanged numerous emails, some of which weren't business-related (and most often hilarious). She was a joy to work with and was a big help in the process of ad placement.

Above, the ad as created by Archie Waugh.

As I posted at the Classic Horror Film Board forum:

I'm going to miss Jessie's emails from FM. Good luck, Jessie! (You know where to find me.)

Tokyo-Edo Radio Project Interview

by Armand Vaquer



A 45-minute interview with Hans Karlsson of the Tokyo-Edo Radio Project has been completed. The interview tonight was intended as a preliminary "warm-up" interview, subject to approval by the heads of the project (with the broadcast interview to be done later). However, Karlsson did indicate that tonight's interview may be edited/condensed for broadcast. They will let me know what they decide to do in any case, and I will pass the word.

The interview focused on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, the locations/landmarks used in various movies as well as a discussion on how Godzilla, Gamera and other Japanese monsters became popular in Western countries.

We went into detail on the Americanized Godzilla, King of the Monsters! and its importance in making the Godzilla character popular in countries outside of Japan. We also discussed how Raymond Burr was directed by Terry Morse at Visual Drama studios in Los Angeles and that a plaque now marks the site's historical significance.

I had fun with the interview.

Web Radio Interview From "Old Town" Tokyo In The Works

by Armand Vaquer


The Visit Japan article on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan has caught the attention of the Tokyo-Edo Radio Project.

I am currently discussing a proposed interview with Hans Karlsson of Tokyo-Edo Radio Project and working on setting up a "warm-up" interview session before we do the actual interview.

The Tokyo-Edo Radio Project is based in Asakusa, Tokyo. According to Karlsson, "We have a radio show at http://tokyoedoradio.org/, covering Tokyo, including tourism issues."

Once things are finalized, an announcement will be made on the date and time so you can tune in. From what I gather from their website, the program can be accessed from there or via iTunes. I will report on any additional access information once it is received.

Toho Nichigeki Theater

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the original Toho Nichigeki Theater circa 1961. Note the movie marquee on the right and what movie is playing there. (Kudos to John "Dutch" DeSentis for finding this shot!) The Yurakucho Mullion Building (featured in "Return of Godzilla" (1984)) now occupies this site.

In 1954, Godzilla rampaged through Tokyo, including the exclusive shopping district of Ginza.

Oooh, it tickles!

There is a scene in the movie where Godzilla steps on some train tracks. The electrical current courses through his body, causing his tail to wildly whip about until it hits a birthday cake-shaped building. This building was Toho's Nichigeki Theater.

Above, Godzilla approaches the Nichigeki Theater (left).

Above, as Godzilla steps on the train tracks, his tail whips about as the electricity from the tracks course through his body. The Nichigeki Theater is in the background.

Above, the Nichigeki Theater is smashed by Godzilla's tail.

The scene was intended as an "inside joke" for the patrons screening Godzilla (1954) in the very theater that gets smashed in the movie.

The Site Today

Today, the Nichigeki Theater has been replaced by the Yurakucho Mullion Building. There is a Toho Nichigeki Theater inside the the complex, but the current Nichigeki Theater is a multi-screen theater similar to what is found in shopping malls in the U.S. I saw Space Battleship Yamato at the Nichigeki last December.

Also within the complex, is the Picadilly Theaters where Gamera The Brave (2006) was premiered.

Above, the Yurakucho Mullion Building today. The Toho Cinemas Nichigeki multi-plex is housed within.

For more on the Yurakucho Mullion Building and how to get there to see it, see page 28 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

The Toho Studios Godzilla Statue

Text and photos by Armand Vaquer



Last October, I posted a blog on Hibiya's Godzilla Statue. This is a companion blog on the Godzilla statue that now stands at the entrance to Toho Studios.

Back in 2004, Godzilla Final Wars was announced as the last Toho-produced Godzilla movie for at least a decade due to dwindling boxoffice receipts.

After Godzilla Final Wars was released, Toho made some major changes to their studios in the Setaygaya ward of Tokyo in the ensuing years.

Out were some old soundstages, administrative buildings (including a 1950s era snack bar) and the famous big pool, where Godzilla's water scenes were shot.

New and modern soundstages were erected along with new administrative facilities. Part of the modernization of Toho Studios was a new front gate with a giant mural of one of Toho's most revered movies, Seven Samurai.

Along with the Seven Samurai mural, the new main gate now has a man-sized statue of Toho's biggest star, Godzilla.

I visited the main gate at Toho Studios last December during my trip to Japan for promoting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Above, Armand with the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios.

The statue is taller than me (I'm 5'11") and its design is of the Heisei series Godzilla. I'd hazard a guess that it stands about seven feet tall.

Above, Godzilla's tail gouges a wall behind him. The main gate and the bottom portion of the "Seven Samurai" mural are in the background.

Toho Studios does not provide tours of their facilities, but fans can go to Setagaya to view the statue, the Seven Samurai mural and the studios on the outside.


Information on how to reach Toho Studios is provided in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Loathing "King Kong vs. Godzilla"?

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Godzilla and King Kong go after each other while demolishing Atami Castle in the process.

Over at the Classic Horror Film Board (CHFB), there is currently a topic in the Japanese Giants section titled, "Was KING KONG VS GODZILLA especially loathed in monster fandom?"

One thing about G-fans (or fanatics of any genre), there's always disagreements (some heatedly) amongst them. The subject of King Kong vs. Godzilla is one of those that brings up the passion level.

King Kong vs. Godzilla was released in the U.S. by Universal Pictures in June 1963. It as a heavily-edited version that inserted American actors to "help" with the narrative. Unfortunately, those edited-in scenes actually marred the movie. The original Japanese version plays out better as the satire it was intended to be.



I first saw King Kong vs. Godzilla at the Balboa Theater in Los Angeles in the Manchester-Vermont shopping area with my parents and friends. We sat in the balcony (photo left). I was nine-years-old at the time. It was paired with John Wayne's Donovan's Reef. (This was the subject of my first G-FAN article, by the way.)

While my parents and us kids laughed at the mangy King Kong suit, we were still greatly entertained by the movie. It was my first Godzilla movie to be seen on the big screen.

The premise of the thread, "Was KING KONG VS GODZILLA especially loathed in monster fandom?" really doesn't have any legs as there was no "fandom" back in 1963. Maybe a few monster elites didn't much care for it (Forrest J. Ackerman was one, so maybe that's why he came up with the phony "two-endings" tale), but to younger teens and pre-teens (and some adults), King Kong vs. Godzilla was good, mindless entertainment. If anyone "loathes" the movie, it is mainly by revisionist fans of today. King Kong vs. Godzilla still remains the boxoffice champ (by number of tickets sold) of all the Toho-produced Godzilla movies.

As an adult, I still find it fun and entertaining, but I now prefer the Japanese version.

A few side notes:

Back in 1972, I was perusing the now-defunct Los Angeles Herald-Examiner's sports section and on page two, there was a doctored photo of King Kong and Godzilla in a boxing ring wearing boxing gloves. It was to hype KABC-TV Channel 7's airing of the movie. That got me wanting to see it again.

Some of the locations in King Kong vs. Godzilla are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. They include Atami Castle, Diet Building, Mt. Fuji and Ginza (interestingly, the overhead tracking shots of Ginza are only in the American version).

The Balboa Theater still stands, but it had been converted into a mosque and is now up for sale. The theater opened in April 1926. It was once part of the Fox-West Coast Theater chain.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Pre-Vacation Season Sale

Summertime is approaching and before you know it, it'll be here! That means VACATION time!

Starting now through May 31, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available from me at 20% off the $15.00 cover price. Saving you $3.00 per copy!

Right, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Orders postmarked from now through May 31 are only $12.00 plus $2.00 shipping & handling per copy.

Go to the "About The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" page for ordering information. The above sale price supercedes the listed price on the page from now to May 31. The pre-vacation sale only applies to direct orders from me and not through ComiXpress.

Now's the time to take advantage of this offer!

A First-Time Monster Con Experience

Text and photos by Armand Vaquer

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" during our February photo shoot.

As a veteran of many different conventions over the years, I've accumulated a lot of photos of myself with celebrities. This year I decided to take a different approach at Monsterpalooza.

I asked my The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan model Miki Hayashi to assist me at the sales table during my presentation, "Scene To Seen" at this year's Monsterpalooza. My daughter was originally going to help, but a three-week bought with the flu made that an impossibility. Miki agreed to do so.

She is originally from Kyoto, Japan (her parents now live in Osaka) and she never attended a monster convention before. So this was a new experience for her.

She attends college in Orange County and it took her about two hours to get to my house in Tarzana Friday evening. Once she arrived and after freshening up, we headed to Monsterpalooza in Burbank (about 15 miles away).

Once we got there, we stood in line to get in. While doing so, we spotted Haruo Nakajima and his daughter Sonoe on the walkway between the convention center and the main Marriott Hotel building. Sonoe and I spotted each other and gave big waves and she motioned to her dad of my presence. He smiled and waved also.



After getting our wristbands, Miki and I went over to the Nakajima table. I introduced Miki to Sonoe Nakajima. I asked Miki if she'd like an autographed photo of Mr. Nakajima (my treat), she said yes. She picked out the beautifully colorized photo of Mr. Nakajima in a Godzilla suit (with the proceeds going to Japan earthquake relief). She had Mr. Nakajima sign it and then we had her pose for a couple of pictures with The Man (above).

Miki, by this point, was beaming. She said that Mr. Nakajima is "very famous" in Japan and it was a thrill to meet him. She can't wait to email the photos I took to her parents in Japan.

During the time we were at Monsterpalooza, I introduced Miki to a number of prominent G-fans including Richard Pusateri, Steve Ryfle, Peter H. Brothers, Bob Johnson and others.



We then wandered around the convention, first taking in the museum exhibits. Miki appeared to be awe-struck by the figures on display. I asked her if she'd like a photo of her (above) with one and she agreed. She wants to send that one to her parents as well.

After the museum, we wandered around the vendors area. She and Julie Adams (Creature From The Black Lagoon) talked about Miss Adams' USO visit to Tokyo during the Korean War.

After seeing the vendors area, we went back into the lobby and bumped into Godzilla (and other monsters) suit-maker Shinichi Wakasa, who was buying himself a beer at a small bar set up in the lobby. I introduced Miki to him and they had a brief conversation in Japanese. I then took a picture of Miki with Wakasa (below).



At this point, I had to get my things for the "Scene To Seen" presentation at the theater in the main building of the Marriott from the car. After doing so we headed over to the presentation room and met up with Peter H. Brothers and his friend Gordon.

Following our presentations, Miki and I headed for Kabuki Japanese Restaurant in the media center area of Burbank, but once we got there, we found that the waiting list was long and we's have at least a 25 minute wait before being seated. So we went instead a few doors away to Fuddrucker's for dinner. We didn't care what we ate, we were both starved.

After dinner, we headed back to my residence and Miki headed back home in the Long Beach area.

The next day, I received this very nice note from Miki:

Hi Armand,

Thank you so much for last night. I had a great time, the event was very interesting.

And thanks for pictures. I was so happy to see the Godzilla guy and take pictures with him.

And I'm glad that your presentation went very well.

Thanks again
Miki

It was fun photographing Miki at the convention and enjoyed watching her experience a monster convention for the first time. I think it comes through in the pictures.

MONSTERPALOOZA THIS WEEKEND!

by Armand Vaquer


Monsterpalooza is only two days away in "beautiful downtown Burbank!" Actually, it is at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, just across the street from Bob Hope Airport at 2500 Hollywood Way.

Monsterpalooza will be held April 8-10.

The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima will be making his first appearance in Southern California since 2000 and it will likely be his last appearance in North America. So don't miss this chance to meet the original Godzilla!

He will be signing books and posters and will gladly pose with fans for photographs. Nakajima will also be taking part in the following panels (click on images to view larger):





Along with Haruo Nakajima, there's plenty more for Japanese science-fiction fans!

Peter H. Brothers will kick-off opening day at Monsterpalooza with his presentation of Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda, which is based on his book of the same name.



Following Brothers Friday night, I will be presenting "Scene To Seen," a look at locations and landmarks used in your favorite giant Japanese monster movies based on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.



Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda and The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available for purchase before and after the sessions.

Additionally, there will be dealers with Japanese monster toys including Clawmark Toys and Toyfreak.

Don't miss out on a great weekend of monsters!

For additional information, go here.

Monsterpalooza Two Weeks From Now

by Armand Vaquer

(Click on image to view larger.)



The presentation of Japanese monster movie locations, "Scene To Seen" for Monsterpalooza is taking shape. I've assembled about 90% of the photographs I plan to use during the one-hour presentation on Friday, April 8 at 8:00 PM (exactly two weeks from tonight). Mark your calendars!

I was stuck at home waiting for a phone call on an insurance claim matter the other day, so I put the time to excellent use working on the presentation.

The presentation is based on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, which will be available before and after the presentation. I will be assisted by model Miki Hayashi (below). I will be following Peter H. Brothers' presentation on Godzilla director Ishiro Honda.



Monsterpalooza will be held on April 8-10 at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, which is located across the street from Bob Hope Airport in Burbank at 2500 Hollywood Way.

There will be plenty of things for kaiju fans and non-kaiju fans at Monsterpalooza this year. The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima will be in attendance and will have his autobiography available. Also, giclees poster prints celebrating Nakajima's career will be available. The full amount of these giclees will be going directly to the Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund.

It is shaping up to be a great show just like the first two previous Monsterpaloozas. It is the best monster and horror show I've ever been to. Do yourself a great favor and attend!

For more information on Monsterpalooza, go to their official website.

Rondo Awards Voting Ends Saturday Night!

by Armand Vaquer


A reminder from the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards' David Colton just came in:

A reminder to all CHFB* members that voting in the 9th Annual Rondo Hatton Awards ends Saturday** night. A ballot can be found at the Classic Horror Film Board, or at rondoaward.com. Thanks for all your support of the CHFB over the years.

So, if you haven't voted yet for the Rondo Awards, go to www.rondoaward.com and vote! Make sure you follow the posted directions so that your vote will be counted.



The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and Monster Island News blog received nominations for Best Book and Best Blog respectively.

To vote, go to www.rondoaward.com

*Classic Horror Film Board
**It was originally reported that voting ends Sunday night.

Tohoku Earthquake: Minimal Effect For Kaiju Tourists

by Armand Vaquer


The full effects of the Tohoku Earthquake of March 11, 2011 on the Japanese tourism industry won't be known for some time. Fortunately, its effects on monster fan tourists will be minimal.

Left, "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" will show tourists the way to monster locations.

The damage from the quake and the resulting tsunami was mainly confined to the northeastern section of Honshu (Japan's main island) where very few monster movie locations could be found. In the Tohuku region, the biggest city is Sendai, which was the location for Gamera 2 and briefly, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II. Both of those movies primarily featured Sendai Station, which still stands.

The main locale for daikaiju eiga movies was primarily Tokyo, which suffered minimal damage. The subways and trains are still running and life is rebounding back to normalcy, with the exception of possible rolling blackouts due to the hits two nuclear power plants took.

According to Breaking Travel News.com:

While painstaking rescue and recovery efforts continue in the severely struck Tohoku region, the capital city Tokyo has been recovering from a strong shock, and western Japan is unharmed.

Both Narita and Haneda airports have been reopened, although public transportation in and around Tokyo is not running at full capacity due to power shortages. Other popular destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, Kanazawa and Hiroshima, didn’t receive any impact from the earthquake.

They also add:

Hokkaido, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu are unharmed, and tourism facilities and transportation service are operating as usual.

Some potential Japan travelers may be frightened by the hysterical fear-mongering of the U.S. media over the nuclear power plants. But those, too, are far north of Tokyo and won't present a problem for tourists. Just don't go into those affected areas and you'll be fine.

Persons wanting to visit Japan in the upcoming months can feel free to do so without fear. As stated above, Tokyo came out of this okay (as did neighboring Yokohama) and such locations as Mt. Fuji-Hakone, Atami, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sasebo, Mt. Aso and Nagasaki were untouched by the quake and tsunami.

Whether you're planning a trip to Japan on your own or with a tour, the Tohoku Earthquake won't mar your enjoyment of the country. Go in confidence!