SciFi Japan

    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

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    Relief efforts to aid the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami are now underway. If you`re looking to help with a donation but want to be sure your money will be going to those in need, we suggest the following organizations which come highly recommended by our contacts in Japan and the United States... The American Red Cross is a top emergency response organization with 130 years` experience aiding victims of devastating natural disasters around the world. Donations supporting their efforts for those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific can be made at the American Red Cross website. A $10 donation can also be easily done via cell phone by texting `redcross` to 90999. Our friends at Japan Society have created a Japan Earthquake Relief Fund in partnership with several Japanese and American non-profits working on the frontlines of disaster relief and recovery. 100%

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    Hello all, As a movie and TV news site, SciFi Japan has generally avoided covering real world events. But yesterday`s massive earthquake and tsunami (and the resulting aftershocks) in Northern Japan really hit home for us. We`ve spent much of the past several hours calling, emailing, and checking Facebook to make sure that friends, family, and associates in Japan are alright, and we feel extremely fortunate that all of them appear to be okay. On a larger scale, there has been massive destruction and hundreds of lives lost. Our thoughts, prayers, and hopes go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. Chris MaGee of the website Toronto J-Film Pow-Wow has suggested that Japanese film sites and blogs should work together to provide information and links to reputable aid organizations who will be doing work in Miyagi Prefecture and other affected areas in Japan. We think this is a wonderful idea

    Strephon Taylor (L) and Tom Wyrsch (R) filming REMEMBERING PLAYLAND AT THE BEACH.

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    An Interview with Producer/Director Tom Wyrsch Author: Bob Johnson Official Website: Garfield Lane Productions All Pictures courtesy of Tom Wyrsch. People growing up across the country have their own local nostalgia that stays with them a lifetime, embedded in their memories along with other old friends and experiences. Horror hosts, amusement parks, local attractions… some areas are or were overflowing with them, each a unique brand representing the cities and towns they originated from. Most lie only in people’s memories. Long gone, torn down. Making way for more modern attractions like strip malls and business parks. In the San Francisco Bay Area we had a rich history of parks, attractions and our fair share of horror hosts. However, far from distant memories, they are being kept alive and well documented by local fan turned producer/director Tom Wyrsch. His latest film BACK TO SPACE-CON is a look

    A fresh take on SciFi Japan`s dragon logo, courtesy of Hugo Award-winning illustrator Bob Eggleton. © 2011 SciFi Japan

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    Authors: Keith Aiken and Bob Johnson Today is SciFi Japan`s fifth birthday, and we`d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the site over the past five years. We launched SFJ with a very specific intent in mind. As anyone who has written a book or article, published a magazine or fanzine, or run a website about Asian FX productions can likely attest, getting quality photos and accurate information on these films and shows can be extremely difficult. Due in part to the often dismissive and condescending attitude of the mainstream press in the west, coupled with those overzealous fan groups whose passion sometimes overwhelms their common sense, the studios in Japan and other countries have often been reluctant to deal with the foreign media. The team behind SciFi Japan is made up of published authors, reporters who have written for major news

    Pianist Tetsuya Shima.

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    Interview with Tetsuya Shima Author Bob Johnson Websites: Tetsuya Shima on YouTube and Tetsuya Shima`s Facebook Page. From all appearances, Tetsuya Shima appears to be a normal Japanese college student, growing up in Japan. He spends his time swimming, watching movies, surfing the Internet and playing musical instruments. But, it is the musical instruments that make him unique. As Tetsuya puts it, “I have absolute pitch or perfect pitch, which helps me to make sheets by ear.” These sheets include a myriad of piano interpretations of Japanese superhero theme songs. While scanning through YouTube one day, I came across a video of a piano keyboard. The person playing was not visible, aside from arms and knees, but the playing was unique and the interpretation of the themesong from KIKAIDA kept me watching and then had me searching for more. After contacting Tetsuya, I decided his story

    Benicio Del Toro howls at the moon in Universal`s THE WOLFMAN ©2010 Universal Pictures

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    THE WOLFMAN Production Notes Source: Universal Studios Official Movie Site: thewolfmanmovie.com Production Information “Even a man who is pure of heart and says his prayers by night may become a wolf when the wolfsbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright…” —Gypsy legend In the 1930s and ’40s, Universal Pictures released a series of horror films that created a new genre of entertainment for audiences: the monster movie. By transforming themselves into such iconography as Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, The Mummy and The Invisible Man, legendary performers including Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff and Claude Rains committed to celluloid nightmares previously only available to the imagination of readers. One of the most haunting of these creations has been with us since Lon Chaney, Jr. introduced him in 1941. A lone man forced to give in to the most primal side of his spirit haunted moviegoers who breathlessly

    Posters for the new film YAMATO REBIRTH. ©2009 Yamato Studio.

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    A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 12 Author: Tim Eldred, Starblazers.com and Greasemonkeybook.com SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 1: The Anime Classic That Nearly Wasn`t SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 2: From Valley to Peak SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 3: ARRIVEDERCI YAMATO Goodbye Dark Ages, Hello Global Village SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 4: We`re Off to Outer Space SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 5: THE NEW VOYAGES Plural SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 6: BE FOREVER YAMATO...and the Kitchen Sink. SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 7: SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO III: The Ground Shifts SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 8: FINAL YAMATO: The Legacy Begins SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 9: Dessler`s War and More: SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO IN THE 80s SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 10: The Rollercoaster: SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO in the 90s SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 11: The Leiji Matsumoto Renaissance, SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO in the 21st Century If you

    Leiji Matsumoto`s newly stylized DAI YAMATO. ©Venturesoft.

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    SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 11 Author: Tim Eldred, Starblazers.com and Greasemonkeybook.com SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 1: The Anime Classic That Nearly Wasn`t SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 2: From Valley to Peak SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 3: ARRIVEDERCI YAMATO Goodbye Dark Ages, Hello Global Village SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 4: We`re Off to Outer Space SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 5: THE NEW VOYAGES Plural SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 6: BE FOREVER YAMATO...and the Kitchen Sink. SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 7: SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO III: The Ground Shifts SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 8: FINAL YAMATO: The Legacy Begins SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 9: Dessler`s War and More: SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO IN THE 80s SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Part 10: The Rollercoaster: SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO in the 90s When we last left our heroes, YAMATO was in need of rescuing (again). The ship’s captain (Exec Producer Yoshinobu

    William O`Leary aka; General Xaviax! ©2008 Adness Entertainment Co., Ltd.

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    An Interview With Actor William O`Leary Author: Bob Johnson Special Thanks to Steve Wang Official Website: Kamen Rider Dragon Knight CW 4Kids-TV Kamen Rider Dragon Knight A superhero television series is only as good as the villain they have to confront. For KAMEN RIDER DRAGON KNIGHT, the producers turned to a veteran television and movie actor who they felt could carry the series as a villain that would appear from the very first to very last episode. William O`Leary spoke with SciFi Japan as we looked into just what makes a good villain bad and what it is like to go through the hectic and manic schedule of an independently produced television series. SciFi Japan - Tell us about your background growing up? What got you into acting? William O’Leary - My dad walked out when I was 4 and didn’t come back for 5 years. My

    Virginia Creepers lobby card. ©2009 Horse Archer Productions.

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    Author: Sean Kotz Official Website: Virginia Creepers Movie Like most Americans, my first exposure to Japanese science fiction was on television back in the day when local TV was an integral part of most people’s lives, primarily through my local TV horror hosts. It was those shows that gave me my love for films in general and horror and sci-fi in particular. In December of 2005, I began making documentaries with a friend of mine, Chris Valluzzo, producing films for niche audiences like HOKIE NATION, a film about Virginia Tech’s football fans, and WHY OLD TIME?, a movie about traditional Appalachian music culture. At Chesapeake’s Monster Fest in 2007, I had the privilege of moderating a panel comprised of several Virginia TV horror hosts, past and present. This was a very funny, very talented group of people... some of whom were still playing their characters after

    Anime - Animation

    Ultraman - Tsuburaya

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