Monster Zero x SciFi Japan - Archive Only

Burbank, California: This coming spring, the man who played the original Godzilla — all the way from Japan — Haruo Nakajima will stomp into Burbank for the third annual Monsterpalooza horror film gathering, taking place April 8, 9, & 10, 2011 at the Marriott Convention Center.

Taking up extra work at Toho Studios in the late 1940s, Mr. Nakajima appeared in numerous productions, including one of the bandits in Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954). After volunteering for the first Japanese fire stunt in the WW2 epic Eagle of the Pacific (1953), the team prepping Godzilla (1954) knew that he was the man for the job. From 1954 through 1972, Mr. Nakajima donned the heavy costumes to portray Godzilla, and a horde of other beasts, for film and television.

After 11 years, Mr. Nakajima will return to California to meet with his fans and sign autographs during the three-day Monsterpalooza event. He will also be speaking about his experiences in bringing these characters to life — including the various accidents and injuries he sustained while taking on the roles of Rodan, Varan, Baragon, Green Gargantua, and many other titanic terrors, as — arguably — the world’s foremost monster suit actor.

“Mr. Nakajima starred anonymously in one of the greatest movie franchises in history — from the somber allegories of the 1950s to the colorful monster mashes of the 1960s. For many westerners, these films stimulated an interest in Japan, with Godzilla serving as a surrogate cultural ambassador — largely thanks to Mr. Nakajima’s performances. He’s a living legend, and bringing him to Monsterpalooza is an honor, and he’s looking forward to meeting his American fans,â€

This is a convention not a film festival — the emphasis is on guests and presentations — check out the official Monsterpalooza website for photos and video, so you can see what the show is all about. It's the BEST monster movie convention I've ever been to, and I've been going to cons since the 1970s!

With that being said, there will be some video programming in the hotel/convention center, but they are considering running some of the films Mr. Nakajima appeared in — but nothing has been set in stone at this time (the show is still four months away).

Thanks for asking and stay tuned for more updates!

Chris: No sweat — you asked a legitimate question! Hopefully, the convention organizer, will be able to get some films for the show!

Speaking of Mr. Nakajima's autobiography, I believe that are supposed to have copies for sale at Monsterpalooza this year — their booth will be right across from Mr. Nakajima's. Other Japanese toy dealers attending, and situated near Mr. Nakajima's booth, are and ! So, there will be no lack of Godzilla goods at the show! Plus, we will have color and black & white 8x10s, and a special 11x14 poster at Mr. Nakajima's table for sale, for him to sign!

Here's a look at the poster I commissioned for the event, created by the amazing !


(This is a low-res version for web purposes only.)

Interesting show...too far for me though.