A Tribute to the Star of MOTHRA
Author: Keith Aiken and Steve Ryfle
Additional Material: Bob Johnson and Clay Holden
Translations: Oki Miyano and Chieko Tsuneoka

Jerry Ito at his home in Marina del Rey in 2004. Photo
courtesy of Steve Ryfle.

On July 29 a memorial service was held in honor of actor and singer Jerry Ito, who passed away earlier this month at age 79. Family and friends gathered in the Garden Room of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center of Los Angeles to share stories and memories of their departed loved one.

To movie fans, Jerry Ito is familiar for his roles in Japanese science fiction films like THE MANSTER, THE LAST WAR, and MOTHRA, but he was better known in Japan as a singer and entertainer who regularly appeared on television. Jerry also performed on stage both in Japan and on Broadway, and was a popular commercial pitchman in the 1970s. People close to him knew Jerry as a patriot who loved the United States of America and proudly fought for his country in both the Army and the Navy.

Surprisingly little of Jerry’s life has been written about, either in the US or Japan. In his memory we present his story, told in Jerry’s own words and supplemented by anecdotes and personal messages from his friends and family, as well as rare personal photographs and video of Jerry onstage at the 2004 Godzillafest in San Francisco.
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You can’t keep a good monster down: Gwoemul will return in THE HOST 2.
© 2006 Chungeorahm Film

Author: Loomis (Kim Song-ho)
Source: Money Today Star News, The Hankyoreh, Hankyoung , various

Chungeorahm Film, the South Korean motion picture company of THE HOST (Gwoemul) fame, will produce a sequel to the monster hit. Producer Choi Yong-bae (also CEO of Chungeoram), announced in mid-June that he will release the sequel, tentatively titled GWOEMUL 2 (Creature 2), within 2 or 3 years. It has been officially confirmed that Bong Joon-ho, the writer and director of the original film, will not return.

Producer Choi has some rather interesting plans for the sequel. For the first phase, there will be two or three ‘pilots’; 10-minute short films. The purpose of these pilots is to attract financiers, to develop visual effects technology in South Korea, and to find a potential director for the sequel.
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The latest news from the US and Korea
Author: Keith Aiken and Loomis (Kim Song-ho)
Source: Younggu Art Entertainment, various
Official Site: D-War.com

A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Buraki on the rampage in this first look at the DRAGON WARS
tall wall banner. Photo courtesy of D-War Production Office.
© 2007 Younggu Art Entertainment Co., Ltd.

Last month, the Korean film distributor Showbox officially announced that the big budget monster movie D-WAR would be released to theaters in both South Korea and the United States. Now, as the theatrical launch draws near, Younggu Art Entertainment/D-War Production Office has provided additional information and an exclusive first look at the “tall wall” banner featuring the film’s US title, DRAGON WARS. In the weeks to come, these banners will be placed on the sides of skyscrapers to give the impression that the buildings are being destroyed by the evil monster Buraki.

This upcoming weekend, D-War Production Office and Freestyle Releasing are hosting a DRAGON WARS presentation at Comic Con International in San Diego, CA.

From the press release…
DRAGON WARS (aka D-WAR)! Dragon-like creatures from an ancient legend appear in Los Angeles and terrorize the city in search of a mysterious girl. A TV reporter investigating the incidents uncovers a piece of debris that directly links him to his destiny as an ancient warrior who was reborn to protect this unknown girl from the evil dragons and save the city from total destruction. Based on a Korean legend and directed by Korean superstar Hyung-rae Shim. Appearing in person: Jason Behr (ROSWELL, THE GRUDGE), Amanda Brooks and Craig Robinson (THE OFFICE). In theaters September 14 from Freestyle Releasing. Ballroom 20, Sunday, July 29 at 12pm.

For much more D-WAR news and info from both Korea and America, please read the latest report here on SciFi Japan.

The Dryden Theatre presents two Toho kaiju films on the big screen
Author: John Yeara
Official Site: George Eastman House

The popular GMK is back on the big screen this
weekend. © 2001 Toho Co., Ltd.

On Friday, July 27th, the historic Dryden Theatre in Rochester, NY continues it’s summer tradition of monster double features. This time they are showing the original MOTHRA and, in a change from the original schedule, they will be following that with GODZILLA, MOTHRA AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK. The originally scheduled GODZILLA VS KING GHIDORAH could not be obtained as Sony Pictures has had a problem with the print. Both films will be preceded by brief lectures from local Godzilla authority John Yeara.

FRIDAY, JULY 27 DOUBLE FEATURE: Two films for one regular admission price!
7:00 PM - MOTHRA (MOSURA, Ishiro Honda, Japan 1961, 91 min., Japanese with subtitles, 35mm)

8:45 PM - GODZILLA, MOTHRA AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (GOJIRA, MOSURA, KINGUGHIDORA: DAIKAIJU SOSHINGEKI, Shusuke Kaneko, Japan 2001, 105 min., Japanese with subtitles)

For theater and ticket info, please go here.

Official Site: Redford Theatre
Special Thanks to Kyle Byrd

The classic KING KONG comes to
Detroit. © 1933 Warner Bros.
Entertainment, Inc.

The original KING KONG will be playing this weekend at the Redford Theatre in Detroit. Nearly 75 years after it first premiered, Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack’s KING KONG remains one of the greatest fantasy films ever made. Fay Wray lights up the screen as Ann Darrow, the Beauty who drives the Beast to distraction, with support from the great Robert Armstrong as Carl Denham, Bruce Cabot as first mate Jack Driscoll, and the astounding visual effects work of Willis O’Brien.

Released during the lowest depths of the Great Depression, KING KONG struck a cord with audiences eager for an escape from their miseries. The film became a great critical success and a box office sensation that saved RKO from bankruptcy. KING KONG also inspired generations of filmmakers and decades of “giant monster on the loose” movies.

The Redford Theatre is run by the non-profit Motor City Theatre Organ Society, and is located at 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit MI 48219. KING KONG is showing Friday, July 20 at 8:00pm, and Saturday, July 21 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm. Ticket prices are only $4.00.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see KING KONG as it was meant to be seen- large as life on the theater screen.

Jerry Ito as Clark Nelson in Toho’s 1961 classic MOTHRA, and as a guest (with Godzilla suit actor Tsutomu Kitagawa) at BAFE’s Godzillafest in 2004.
MOTHRA © 1961 Toho Co., Ltd.

On Sunday, July 8, actor Jerry Ito passed away from pneumonia following a long illness. Today would have been his 80th birthday.

A talented performer on stage and screen, Mr Ito may be best known as Clark Nelson, the lead villain in the classic Toho kaiju film MOTHRA (Mosura, 1961). Among his many other credits are the films HEY PINEAPPLE (Pineapple Butai, 1960), THE LAST WAR (Sekai Daisenso, 1961), THE MANSTER (1962), INTERPOL CODE 8 (Kokusai Himitsu Keisatsu: Shirei Dai Hachigo, 1963), and YOU CAN SUCCEED, TOO (Kimi Mo Shusse Ga Dekiru, 1964).

Many of us here at SciFi Japan got to know Jerry when he appeared as a guest at Bay Area Film Events’ Godzillafest in November 2004, and we had kept in touch with him in the years since then. We are now working on a tribute that will include comments from his friends and family, including his MOTHRA co-star Hiroshi Koizumi. Please visit this site next week for a look at the life and career of Jerry Ito, and in the meantime enjoy these video clips of Jerry at Godzillafest and acting in the American/Japanese production THE MANSTER…

Jerry Ito introduces the Godzillafest screening of MOTHRA in 2004

Jerry Ito in THE MANSTER, footage courtesy of Fred Olen Ray and Retromedia

May he rest in peace.

Source: Sony Pictures

Perched upon a telephone pole, street urchin Kuro overlooks the amazing city
of Takaramachi in TEKKONKINKREET ©2006 Taiyo Matsumoto/Shogakukan,
Aniplex, Asmik Ace, Beyond C, Dentsu, TOKYO MX; ©2007 Sony Pictures Digital

July 13th marks the US opening of director Michael Arias’ (THE ANIMATRIX) animated film adaptation of Taiyo Matsumoto’s acclaimed manga, TEKKONKINKREET, distributed by Sony Pictures. The film tells the story of a pair of orphans, Kuro (”Black”) and his younger brother Shiro (”White”), who terrorize the darker elements of Treasure Town. Although accustomed to simply making life miserable for thugs and the local yakuza, the boys find themselves facing internal and external struggles as a Disneyesque corporation moves into Treasure Town to change it.

TEKKONKINKREET will start its run at The Quad in New York and The Landmark in Los Angeles, with a wider run to follow. The film — a unique combination of traditional cel animation and 3D CGI — was the winner of the prestigious Ofuji Noburo Award at the 2007 Mainichi Film Concours, and has received great praise at a number of film festivals worldwide since its Japanese release in December 2006. A trailer and additional media can be found on Sony Pictures’ official website and on YouTube.

Logo for the new late-night television series ULTRASEVEN X. ©2007 Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd./Ultraseven X Project

New Ultra Seven 40th Anniversary Show now in Production
Author: James Ballard

Following from the immense success of ULTRAMAN (Urutoraman, 1966), Eiji Tsuburaya’s next creation, ULTRA SEVEN (Urutorasebun), made its first appearance on October 1st 1967. In Japan Ultra Seven’s popularity has continued to thrive, and for many fans it is viewed as the apex of Tsuburaya Production’s Ultra Series, surpassing even the original ULTRAMAN.

This continued devotion subsequently led to the return of the character in original video spin-offs such as ULTRA SEVEN 1999 (Urutorasebun 1999 Saishuushou 6 Busaku, 1999) and ULTRA SEVEN EVOLUTION (Urutorasebun Tanjou 35 Shuunen Eboryuushon 5 Busaku, 2002), as well as the new character Ultra Seven 21 (pronounced “two-one”) in ULTRAMAN NEOS (Urutoraman Neosu, 2000). Ultra Seven’s most recent appearance was made in the television series ULTRAMAN MEBIUS (Urutoraman Mebiusu, 2006) and its accompanying theatrical film ULTRAMAN MEBIUS & ULTRAMAN BROTHERS (Urutoraman Mebiusu & Urutora Kyoudai, 2006.)

This year, in celebration of the character’s 40th anniversary, Tsuburaya Productions are set to return Ultra Seven to the small screen in an all-new series of television adventures entitled ULTRASEVEN X (Urutorasebun Ekkusu, 2007).
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Source:La-La Land Records

Cover for the first official 2CD-Set release of
GODZILLA: LIMITED EDITION © 2007 La-La
Land Records / TriStar Pictures

La-La Land Records, a US label specializing in rare film scores, has announced its release of David Arnold’s original orchestral score for the 1998 TriStar Pictures film GODZILLA. While the GODZILLA film itself has been greatly maligned by critics and Godzilla fans alike, Arnold’s score has remained a much sought-after rarity. A 1999 promo CD (produced by Arnold himself for an Academy Award submission) became the source for bootlegs that have remained consistently popular in the collectors’ circle over the years. This new Limited Edition (3000 units) marks the first official, studio endorsed release of the full score. The 2CD-set includes 40 tracks totaling 109 minutes, including four bonus tracks. Exclusive liner notes are also included, and the set is available directly from La-La Land Records for $24.98 plus shipping.

For a complete track listing, MP3 track samples, and to order, visit the La-La Land Records website.

Catch a double feature of THE HOST and GODZILLA this week in Los Angeles.
THE HOST poster art courtesy of Magnolia Pictures. © 2006 Chungeorahm Film/GODZILLA poster art courtesy of Rialto Pictures. © 1954 Toho Co., Ltd.

Two Great Monster Movies Start Today
Official Site: New Beverly Cinema

Today thru Tuesday, the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles is showing a double feature of the South Korean hit THE HOST (Gwoemul, 2006) and the original Japanese version of GODZILLA (Gojira, 1954).

THE HOST is being shown Sunday, July 8 at 3:25 and 7:30pm. Monday, July 9 and Tuesday July 10 screenings are 7:30pm.

GODZILLA will play Sunday, July 8 at 5:40 and 9:45pm. Monday, July 9 and Tuesday July 10 screenings are 9:45pm.

New Beverly Cinema
7165 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
$7 general
$6 students
$4 seniors/children

MASKED RIDER THE NEXT ©2007 Masked Rider The Next
Production Committee

First Teaser Trailer Released
Author: James Ballard
Official Website: Masked Rider The Next

The first teaser trailer for Toei’s upcoming theatrical film MASKED RIDER THE NEXT (Kamen Raidaa Za Nekusuto, 2007) has been released on the film’s official website. The new film is a direct sequel to MASKED RIDER THE FIRST (Kamen Raidaa Za Faasuto, 2005), featuring the return of Masked Riders 1 and 2, and the introduction of Masked Rider V3.

Just as MASKED RIDER THE FIRST was a loose re-telling of both Shotaro Ishinomori’s original manga and Toei’s MASKED RIDER (Kamen Raidaa, 1971) TV series, MASKED RIDER THE NEXT is set to re-tell the story behind Toei’s MASKED RIDER V3 (Kamen Raidaa Buisurii, 1973) TV series.
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Shinji Nakae was the narrator for the early Kamen Rider shows, beginning with the original MASKED RIDER up to the 1983 TV special
NO. 10 IS BORN! ALL MASKED RIDERS UNITE!! © 1983 Toei Co., Ltd.

Author: John Paul Cassidy
Special Thanks to James Ballard

Shinji Nakae: 1935-2007

On the afternoon of June 28, voice actor Shinji Nakae died of liver cancer in Tokyo at the age of 72. Nakae was at a social welfare hospital in Koganeishi City in Metropolitan Tokyo at the time of his death.

Born Yoshitaka Satou on April 20th, 1935 in Tokyo, Nakae belonged to the company Aoni Productions. As a voice actor, he was well known to audiences as one of Japan’s most enduring TV and movie announcers.

Fans of tokusatsu fantasy will best remember him as the narrator of Toei Co., Ltd’s Masked Rider shows. He narrated MASKED RIDER (Kamen Raidaa, 1971), MASKED RIDER V3 (Kamen Raidaa Buisuri, 1973), MASKED RIDER X (Kamen Raidaa Ekkusu, 1974), MASKED RIDER STRONGER (Kamen Raidaa Sutoronga, 1975), (NEW) MASKED RIDER (Kamen Raidaa, a.k.a. SKY-RIDER, 1979) and MASKED RIDER SUPER-1 (Kamen Raidaa Supa Wan, 1981), as well as the 1983 Masked Rider team-up special NO. 10 IS BORN! ALL MASKED RIDERS UNITE!! (Jugo Tanjo! Kamen Raidaa Zenin Shugo!!), which not only featured the then-latest Rider, Masked Rider ZX (pronounced “Z-Cross”), but is considered by some fans to be the swan song for the classic Masked Rider series. He also narrated MASKED NORIDA (Kamen Norida), a 1988 parody of MASKED RIDER by the TV comedy troupe The Tonnels.
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Japanese poster for SIX ULTRA BROTHERS VS THE
MONSTER ARMY, one of two films co-produced by
Tsuburaya Pro and Chaiyo. © 1974 Tsuburaya
Productions Co., Ltd./Chaiyo Productions Co., Ltd.

Court Rules against Thailand’s Chaiyo Productions in Ultraman Case
Author: Keith Aiken and Bob Johnson
Source: Yahoo! Japan, The Nation, Yale Global, Asahi, Asiaweek, Ushiki International Patent Office, Bangkok Post, various
Special thanks to Oki Miyano, James Ballard, and John Cassidy

On June 14, Sampote Thianthong of Pro-Link, the official licensing agent for Ultraman in Thailand, announced that Thai department stores and retailers can no longer display or sell Ultraman products licensed by Chaiyo Productions Co., Ltd. The news comes in the wake of an International Property Court ruling in favor of Ultraman’s creators and owner, Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. of Japan (TPC), and marks the latest in a string of defeats for the Thai company Chaiyo and its chairman Sompote Saengduenchai, who has long claimed exclusive worldwide rights outside of Japan to all Ultraman characters and trademarks.

Unbeknownst to many Ultraman fans around the world, for more than a decade Tsuburaya Productions and Chaiyo Productions have been waging a legal battle over the rights to several of TPC’s classic programs and characters. The case has been heard in courtrooms in Japan, China, and Thailand, with the results determining how Ultraman and related Tsuburaya properties will be licensed, marketed, and distributed outside of Japan.
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