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Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla actor, has passed away.

Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2017 10:34 pm
by merk
Hi guys, it's Victor, chairman of Anime Boston.

This week, we lost one of true giants in Japanese cinema. Actor, Haruo Nakajima passed away at the age of 88 on August 7th.

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We may not have seen his face on the silver screen, but we most certainly felt his presence. Haruo Nakajima was best known as the original suit actor for Godzilla. Together with director, Ishiro Honda and special effects director, Eiji Tsubaraya, Nakajima-san created the most recognizable monster in cinema history. Unlike many of his contemporaries in the kaiju genre, Godzilla was written as an actual character that displayed personality that was, at times, angry, annoyed and even protective and playful. This is no small feat, considering that he was a molded rubber suit. However, Nakajima-san’s talent transcended the limitations of special effects technology that reduced many other kaiju to late night television or simple kiddie fare.

Godzilla’s impact and longevity proves that only he is worthy of being called King of the Monsters.

Nakajim-san appeared in the original Gojira in 1954. His final picture, as Godzilla was Godzilla vs. Gigan in 1972, where he retired from suit acting. Few actors can successfully play a role for that long.

In 2015, our theme was Kaiju versus Mecha. It was only right that we invite both Nakajima-san and Akira Takarada. And wonderfully, they both agreed to appear. What an incredible honor!

To some degree, being staff for Anime Boston requires us to put aside our emotions and stop being a fan. However, for only the third time since AB started, I could not prevent myself from “geeking out”! I grew up watching monster movies on Saturday afternoons on the old "Creature Double Feature", and this was what got me started!

We immediately secured the rights to screen the original Gojira. We knew that we had something special, with members of the original cast on hand, namely Takarada-san and Nakajima-san. Audiences get this type of experience so rarely, even with contemporary movies. We were so fortunate for this chance to hear their stories, their memories and their thoughts… this was an historic and once in a lifetime event.

Without Haruo Nakajima and Godzilla, anime may not be where it is today. Gojira opened the world to Japanese cinema and popular culture and proved that a movie featuring an all Asian cast, and spoken in a foreign language, could reach broader audiences (despite Raymond Burr!).

Thank you, Nakajima-san. We are honored to have been able to meet you.

Re: Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla actor, has passed away.

Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2017 12:13 pm
by Mamacass
Sad news 😥

Re: Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla actor, has passed away.

Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:57 pm
by Bluebeard45
My favorite guest in all the years I've attended. He was a legend in cinema. I'm glad AB gave me the opportunity to meet him.

Re: Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla actor, has passed away.

Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 8:43 am
by Master of NERV
Sad news indeed. :(

Nakajima-san was a great guest here at AB. Although he didn't speak any English, it was great how much patience he had for his American fans. It was electric when he and Takarada-san made their entrance for their panel, and how the crowd came to their feet as if on cue. Small wonder--how often do you get a chance to meet an icon of world cinema?

Godzilla and its successors were a prominent part of my youth. And if you watch his films, it's clear that Nakajima-san was indeed a performer, able to emote even through the latex. Kinda sad that I never saw the 1954 Japanese original until I was well in my forties.

His autographed 8"x10" is framed (with acid-free matte and backing) and hanging over my fireplace, along with Takarada-san's. They are the only autographs I've ever waited for in 15 ABs.

Re: Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla actor, has passed away.

Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 11:04 pm
by THX1139
Sad, I watched all the movies. :(