Author: Daisuke Ishizuka Mr. Koji Moritsugu is a famous actor who played Dan Moroboshi in the ULTRA SEVEN (???????, Urutora Sebun, 1967) television series. He still acts and sings today and has periodically held Chanson (cabaret) song or Jazz live performances at his café-restaurant “Joli Chapeau” in Kanagawa. In 2012, Mr. Moritsugu started monthly fan gatherings to meet an invited Ultraman series actor, actress or director. But these events can only accommodate 30 fans; this means it is very difficult to get an invitation. I have tried to make reservations in the past without success, but I was accepted for the fan meeting held in May. The guest was Ms. Hiroko Sakurai, who played the heroine Yuriko Edogawa in ULTRA Q (????Q, Urutora Kyuu, 1966) and Science Patrol member Akiko Fuji in ULTRAMAN (???????????????, Urutoraman: Kuso Tokusatsu Shirizu, 1966).
When I visited Joli Chapeau, I saw a wide array of items on display. There were photos and posters from Mr. Moritsugu’s works, a large scale Ultra Guard Pointer, Mr. Moritsugu’s autobiography along with its original cover artwork, props and goods from Ultra Seven, and much more. The displays alone make Joli Chapeau a worthwhile visit for tokusatsu fans.
Ms. Hiroko Sakurai arrived and the fan meeting started. The event included a talk session between the two actors, a Question & Answer session with the fans, an autograph session and the opportunity for fans to get their photo taken with Mr. Moritsugu and Ms. Sakurai. Ms. Sakurai recently attended the Monsterpalooza convention in Burbank, CA with Mr. Susumu Kurobe (who played Hayata in ULTRAMAN) and Mr. Satoshi Furuya (the suit actor of Ultraman). During the fan meeting talk session, she told us some stories about the convention. I asked her if, as an employee of Tsuburaya Productions, she had arranged Mr. Kurobe and Mr. Furuya`s appearance at the event. Ms. Sakurai replied that the offer for Mr. Kurobe and Mr. Furuya came from the U.S., and that she joined them because the convention promoter also wanted a female guest. We Japanese usually ask to the celebrities to sign their autograph on square paper boards called shikishi. Mr. Moritsugu adds an Ultra Seven illustration when he signs autographs on shikishi. The Joli Chapeau fan meeting is a really great opportunity to see two Ultra series stars together. I would like to attend this event again and crossing my fingers in hopes of getting another reservation.
