SciFi Japan

    A selection of pre-production art and sculpts from various stages of TriStar Pictures` initial, unrealized version of their American GODZILLA movie. © 1993-1995 Sony Pictures Entertainment/ Toho Co., Ltd.

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    Interviews, Never-Before-Seen Photos, Storyboards, and Production Art from Sony Pictures` Abandoned First Attempt Author: Keith Aiken Special Thanks to: Please See ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Below A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE On May 16, 2014, Warner Bros. Pictures released GODZILLA, a $160 million American adaptation of the long-running Toho Co. franchise. Co-produced by Legendary Pictures and directed by Gareth Edwards, the film finally gave many fans what they had long hoped to see... a big-budget, Hollywood take on the King of the Monsters with state-of-the-art visual effects. Well-received by critics and audiences, the new GODZILLA was a box office success, with a sequel announced for 2018. The generally positive reviews for the 2014 film were a sharp contrast to the reception given the first Godzilla movie made by an American studio. In October 1992, TriStar Pictures (a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment) announced that they

    Original Japanese poster for GOJIRA (1954).

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    Classic movie with post-show Q&A with Godzilla Expert. Source: Japan Society of Northern California Special Thanks to Brianna Burrows, Program Coordinator On Sunday, April 26, 2015 the Japan Society of Northern California will be hosting a special double header event, perfect for fans of Godzilla! First is a screening of the original film from 1954 featuring a giant monster (or kaiju) resurrected from nuclear testing and goes on a rampage in Tokyo! Can it be stopped? Should it be killed? After the film attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from Japanese-monster expert Armand Vaquer, who will provide commentary on the movie, including tidbits not generally known to the public. He will also share his knowledge about classic Japanese movie monsters (including not only Godzilla but also Rodan, Mothra, Gamera and many others), and the techniques used in the making of Japanese monster movies. For those

    © Take-Two Interactive Software

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    Loved all around the world, Science Fiction brings excitement, adventure and thrills to life for its fans. Be it through books, television shows or films, the genre captures the audiences’ imagination and lets it run wild in space and time. Here are some examples of the best games: BLADE RUNNER Based on Ridley Scott’s 1982 epic cinematic encounter, the BLADE RUNNER game is an absolute credit to the legacy created by the film. The game is a point and click adventure around a futuristic Los Angeles and pushed out the boundaries for both story-telling and graphics when released in 1997. Featuring the original film score, characters such as Eye-Man appear throughout the game, as well as the famous Voight-Kampf test. BIOSHOCK BIOSHOCK has become one of the best loved console releases in recent years, not only being popular with Sci-Fi fans, but the entire gaming community. The

    Artists turn to Kickstarter to fund project..

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    Kodoja: Terror Mountain Showdown Turns to Kickstarter to Print the Collected Story Into a Hardcover Graphic Novel. Source: Kodoja Official Kickstarter Site: Kodoja: A Graphic Novel With a Soundtrack. Author: Keith Foster Like any good giant monster story, this one has a soundtrack, in this case the music is part Akira Ifukube, part James Brown and the drums of Led Zeppelin, what the band calls "giant monster funk". You can check out the Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kodoja/kodoja-a-kaiju-graphic-novel-with-a-soundtrack Grab your copy now, the Kickstarter is only around through September 28! STORY Kodoja is a 200 foot-tall bio-mechanical superweapon created by the government to combat terrorism, unfortunately it went rogue and just destroyed every outpost of Special Weapons Division (the people who created it). Except one - and as the surviving members of Special weapons scramble to stop it, the political system begins to crack, losing the Secretary of Defense

    Photo courtesy of San Francisco International Airport/Nicole Mullen ©2013

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    Author: Bob Johnson Special thanks to Nicole Mullen and Kelvin Godshall Official Website: Fly SFO Photos taken by Bob Johnson As toy collectors, many fans scour the internet, check on eBay, maybe hit local comic or toy stores and if they are lucky, make the trek to Japan to search out the latest and greatest items on the shelves. Some delve into the past. paying large sums of money for a toy or two either from their childhood or maybe one that just catches their eye. These toys are usually hard to find and expensive or difficult to come by. However, if you are a Japanese toy collector, fan or just have a casual interest in the past, you will want to check out "Japanese Toys: From Kokeshi to Kaiju" a new exhibit in, of all places, Terminal 3 of the San Francisco International Airport. The exhibit

    DVD cover art for Men in Suits. Image courtesy of Wyrd Studios. © Wyrd LLC.

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    MEN IN SUITS Comes to the Bal Theatre in San Leandro. Source: Wyrd Studios Bay Area Film Events Author: Bob Johnson With the evils we all have to deal with in real life, nothing beats escaping into a fantasy world of movie gorillas, aliens, robots and monsters! This is the world that a brand new documentary from Wyrd Studios, MEN IN SUITS takes us to. In talking to the men and women that have donned rubber and fiberglass costumes over the decades of cinema, MEN IN SUITS shows us the kind of strength, determination and mental toughness it takes to not only move around in heavy, boiling suits, but to also act, emote and perform, bringing emotion to a character who without the actor inside, is just a lifeless mass of materials. It is also amazing to see the advances in suit technology that have taken

    Don`t miss a rare chance to meet Corinne next month.

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    Famous anime voice actress Corinne Orr, known to millions as the voice of Trixie in the classic anime series SPEED RACER, will be making a rare personal appearance at THE HOLLYWOOD SHOW, April 19-21, 2013, at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel, 5400 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Orr is an icon in English anime, having voiced starring roles in not just SPEED RACER, but in LUPIN THE THIRD, STAR BLAZERS, LITTLE NORSE PRINCE, MARINE BOY, the TOEI ANIME CLASSIC FAIRY TALES, etc. Other Japanese fantasy work includes English voices in GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER, GAMERA VS.MONSTER X, GAMERA VS. VIRAS and the original ULTRAMAN TV series. Orr also did a voice in the recent Warner Bros. SPEED RACER live-action feature film. She is one of the few remaining voice artists from the classic 1960s dubbing days at Titra Studios in New York, and

    Manga 2.5`s motion comic KARASUMA KYOKO. ©2013 Winckler-Oya, Inc..

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    Source: Winckler-Oya Inc. Official Website: Manga 2.5 Special Thanks to William Winckler Winckler-Oya Inc. is producing the English soundtracks for all new Japanese motion mangas based on KARASUMA KYOKO NO JIKENBO, THE MYTHICAL DETECTIVE LOKI, and OTOGI SOUSHI. J.F.Oya and William Winckler are producing and writing the shows. William Winckler is directing the voice actors. KARASUMA KYOKO NO JIKENBO is kind of a Japanese X-FILES, about a young female police detective, Kyoko Karasuma, who investigates bizarre murders in Tokyo, only to discover they are caused by Yokai monsters, the "Oni." THE MYTHICAL DETECTIVE LOKI is about a young boy who runs his own detective agency, but in reality he`s a Norse God in disguise, out to stop monsters in Japan. This manga property was previously a successful anime series as well. OTOGI SOUSHI is a Japanese period piece about the son of a warrior god who

    Promo card for the new GODZILLA. © 2012 Legendary Pictures, Toho Co., Ltd.

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    Source: Legendary Pictures Facebook Page BURBANK, CA, September 13, 2012 –- Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have slated their take on the classic Godzilla franchise to kick off the Summer moviegoing season on May 16, 2014. The joint announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, and by Legendary Pictures. Toho Co., Ltd.’s Godzilla franchise contains one of the most widely recognized movie monsters worldwide, including more than 25 films, multiple television programs, video games and book series. Legendary, which has been developing the project, and its partner Warner Bros. will return the character to its epic roots with a gritty, realistic actioner. The project will fall under Legendary’s overall agreement with Warner Bros. The film is directed by Gareth Edwards, who earned worldwide acclaim for his feature

    Ray animates a skeleton from SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD. © 2012 Frenetic Arts

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    Bay Area Film Events Brings Ray Harryhausen Documentary to the Bal Theatre on September 8, 2012 For the U.S. Premiere. Source: Bay Area Film Events Special Thanks to Tony Dalton and Alexandre Poncet From the original MIGHTY JOE YOUNG to George Pal’s PUPPETOONS in the 1940s to monster on the loose films of the 1950s such as BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS, 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH and IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA through amazing fantasy films including SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS, the original CLASH OF THE TITANS and many more films, Ray Harryhausen has created images that occupy the dreams of most of today’s major special effects creators and have entertained audiences for generations. The amazing stop motion effects that Ray produced have provided inspiration for many of today`s top producers, directors and special effects artists. These inspirations and Ray`s work are

    JR Lipartito and Jim Ballard with original Godzilla suit actor Haruo Nakajima for SCIFI JAPAN TV Episode 3! Photo courtesy of Gaijin Channel.

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    Japanese Studio Exclusives, Hollywood Press Materials and a New Japanese Movie News Web Series! Author: Keith Aiken From our start six years ago, SciFi Japan has covered Asian fantastic cinema and television with news, information, videos and images provided directly by studios, filmmakers and their licensees around the world. One of key our inspirations for this approach was Greg Shoemaker`s legendary fanzine, Japanese Fantasy Film Journal, which coupled quality writing with materials supplied by Japanese studios. Greg ended JFFJ in 1983, in part because the film companies changed their policies regarding foreign press and were no longer willing to send official press materials and photos. And that`s how things more or less remained for decades. The western mainstream and entertainment press have generally ignored Asian FX films, and what little coverage there has been is often inaccurate or condescending. Fans have worked hard

    The spaceship Prometheus arrives on the moon LV-223 in PROMETHEUS. Photo courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox. © 2012 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

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    Over the years, SciFi Japan has dabbled with coverage of non-Asian science fiction, horror and FX films. As one of a number of upgrades to the site in 2012, we`ve decided to make coverage of American and European productions a permanent feature of the site with our new "International SciFi" page. We`re kicking things off with the official production notes for Ridley Scott`s just-released PROMETHEUS. And we`ll be following up with a detailed preview of one of the most-anticipated releases of the summer. So be sure to check out the "International SciFi" link at the top of SFJ`s main page, or click right here for PROMETHEUS coverage...

    KING KONG VS. GODZILLA comes to the Bal. ©1962 Toho Co., Ltd.

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    Source: Bay Area Film Events Bay Area Film Events on Facebook Bay Area Film Events has been doing movie screenings and film festivals throughout Northern California since 2004. Over the years, BAFE has done shows and events based on everything from Godzilla to Ultraman to James Bond, The Beatles, Halloween shows, CREATURE FEATURES tributes, movie nights at San Francisco Giants baseball games and much more. In 2004, BAFE brought GODZILLAFEST to the Castro Theatre in San Francisco to celebrate Godzilla`s 50th anniversary. Screening 20 films in 7 days and bringing in a stellar line up of guests, including Akira Kubo, Hiroshi Koizumi, Russ Tamblyn, Jerry Ito, Ed Keane and Godzilla suit actor Tsutomu Kitagawa. After doing shows at the Castro, Auctions by the Bay in Alameda, the Del Mar in Santa Cruz, the Crest in Sacramento, the Hyatt Cinema in Burlingame, the Cerrito Theater in El Cerrito,

    Actor Hiroshi Tsuburaya in SPACE SHERIFF SHAIDER. © 2011 Toei Co., Ltd.

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    Interview with Hiroshi Tsuburaya Translation by: Tetsuya Shima -The interviewer : ???(Yu Tagami) From the book : "?????? -???????????????????- (Uchuu Keiji Taizen -Gavan Sharivan Shaider no Sekai-)" ISBN4-575-29080-7 Publisher : ??? (Futabasha) Editors : ????????????(Mikio Ando & Studio Hard) In the third installment of our Space Sheriff Spotlight, we present an interview with actor Hiroshi Tsuburaya (part of the Tsuburaya family) about his role as Space Sheriff Shaider. -Please tell us why you wanted to become an actor. I had been a volleyball player since I was in junior high school, and I was going to be a college volleyball player. At that time, I heard the audition for NOGIKU NO HAKA whose leading actress was Seiko Matsuda would be held. I got interested in it so I auditioned for the opposite role. After all, I failed just before the final selection, but

    Actor Hiroshi Watari in SPACE SHERIFF SHARIVAN. © 2011 Toei Co., Ltd.

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    Interview with Hiroshi Watari Translation by: Tetsuya Shima -The interviewer : ???(Yu Tagami) From the book : "?????? -???????????????????- (Uchuu Keiji Taizen -Gavan Sharivan Shaider no Sekai-)" ISBN4-575-29080-7 Publisher : ??? (Futabasha) Editors : ????????????(Mikio Ando & Studio Hard) SciFi Japan continues its coverage of the Space Sheriff series from Toei by presenting an interview with SHARIVAN actor Hiroshi Watari. -Please tell us why you joined JAC (Japan Action Club). I loved heroes like `Ultraman` and `Kamen Rider` from the beginning. I was also absolutely enthralled by Shinichi Chiba (Sonny Chiba) appearing on KEY HUNTER. I often mimicked Mr.Chiba for fun. When I was a junior high student, I wanted to become an actor. In those days a movie titled KENKA KARATE KYOKUSHINKEN (aka CHAMPION OF DEATH) starring Mr.Chiba was released. And Etsuko Shihomi appeared on KIKAIDA 01, and told how to start

    Hyoe Narita. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media.

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    Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: vizeurope.com Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen VIZ Media Europe is proud to announce that Hyoe Narita, previously Executive Vice President at VIZ Media, LLC in San Francisco, will become the new President of VIZ Media Europe (VME) from December 1, 2011. After five years in his function as President of VME, John Easum, will be stepping down at the end of November to pursue new initiatives. Under Easum’s leadership, VME was established in January 2007. Easum was instrumental in building VME’s presence and implementing VME’s strategy of growing the European market for VIZ’s animation and manga properties. From December, he will be moving to Tokyo where he will continue to provide services to the manga and anime industries. Narita has been appointed as Easum’s successor and will assume the role of President of VME from

    Jim Danforth works on the set of 7 FACES OF DR. LAO. Photo courtesy of Loren Portillo.

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    Dinosaurs, Dragons, & Drama—The Odyssey of a Trickfilmmaker—Volume One —An Illustrated Memoir by Jim Danforth. Author: Loren Portillo Special Thanks to: Ernest Farino Official Website: Archive Editions One of the most anticipated Book/CD on stop motion animation, and the incredible career of special effects genius Jim Danforth, will finally be made available to the public this month, on November 13th. To stop motion fans the world over, this memoir (Vol 1) will cover Jim`s career from his humble beginnings as young artistic teenager, to his work with Art Clokey on the famed GUMBY series. This book also will cover Jim`s early film work such as JACK THE GIANT KILLER and end with his work on WHEN DINOSAURS RULED THE EARTH. Lavishly produced, the book has an incredible array of never before published photographs from Jim`s personal collection. This is a must have for all stop motion aficionados,

    The shoulder to shoulder crowds of Wonderfest. Photo courtesy of Clawmark Toys.

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    Clawmark Does Wonderfest Author: Tom Dougherty, Clawmark Toys WONDERFEST! The name says it all! I have had the good fortune to experience many Japanese Toy and Model shows in both Osaka and Tokyo over the years, but nothing quite compares to Wonderfest. An enormous event like Wonderfest is of course held in the enormous complex called Makhuhari Messe. I only had to ride a train for about two and a half hours through Tokyo and past Disneyland to arrive at the station and begin the walk. After another 15 minutes worth of walking with the rest of the expectant masses I was finally in line to get my ticket. The ticket cost a mere Yen 2,000 or a mere $24.00 at today’s exchange rate. The ticket is actually a booklet about the size of a small town phone book. The booklet is in Japanese… presenting a bit

    Cover art for the Warner Archive Collection DVD of the Rankin/Bass- Tsuburaya co-production THE LAST DINOSAUR. © 1977 Rankin Bass Productions Inc.

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    Cult Favorite Rankin/Bass-Tsuburaya Co-production Available March 22nd Author: Keith Aiken Source: Warner Archive Collection Special Thanks to Gabriel Vicuna and Ed Godziszewski “It eats meat! Us!!” It is a Tyrannosaurus, ruler of a lost world hidden within a dormant polar volcano. Us are members of expedition led by a big game hunter and überzillionaire (Richard Boone). And eats – well, you get the idea, tyrant lizard fans! Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass, who charmed families with THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS and more animated and stop-motion holiday heartwarmers, relied on dinomight for THE LAST DINOSAUR, the sort of thrill-a-minute popcorn-seller that gives bad movies a good name. Join the adventurers as they encounter a perilous array of prehistoric beasts, a tribe of savage cavemen and a T. rex who, despite its less-than-special effect appearance, can kick some serious Triceratops butt. -synopsis courtesy

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    Source: MediaLab, BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions Special Thanks to Erik Jansen and Chase Wang SciFi Japan has been receiving press releases and statements from companies and organizations regarding the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. We`re presenting this information for anyone who would like to contribute to relief efforts, and also direct our readers to the banner links posted here at screen right. Official Statement from VIZ Media Regarding the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan The terrible events in Japan affects us all at VIZ Media directly, personally and professionally. Our hearts go out to those affected by the tragedy and the ongoing crisis, and we hope for a quick recovery. We know the people of Japan will persevere & prevail. Sincere thanks to all those who have inquired about our parent companies, Shogakukan, Shueisha

    Anime - Animation

    Ultraman - Tsuburaya

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