SciFi Japan

    Photo courtesy of The Asylum. ©2021 Asylum, All Rights Reserved.

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: The Asylum Special Thanks to Avery Guerra Photo courtesy of The Asylum. ©2021 Asylum, All Rights Reserved.   APE VS. MONSTER, The Asylum's homage to GODZILLA VS. KONG, will be released theatrically and on VOD this Friday, April 30th. The studio promises "An epic kaiju showdown in the verin of RAMPAGE and PACIFIC RIM!"   SYNOPSIS An ape, lost in space, crash-lands back to Earth. The vessel oozes a sludge that triggers massive growth in both the ape as well as a passing Gila Monster. Once the creatures reach titanic size their paths cross again, leading to a giant brawl in which mankind hangs in the balance.

    ©Skydance

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: Netflix press release Special Thanks to Sophia Shin Netflix and Skydance have announced a new anime series based on the globally successful TERMINATOR franchise, the first animated TV adaptation of the franchise. The series is produced in partnership with Production I.G (GHOST IN THE SHELL: SAC_2045, B: THE BEGINNING) who Netflix has a Production Line Deal with since 2018. Showrunner/Executive Producer Mattson Tomlin (PROJECT POWER, THE BATMAN) stated that, “Anyone who knows my writing knows I believe in taking big swings and going for the heart. I’m honored that Netflix and Skydance have given me the opportunity to approach TERMINATOR in a way that breaks conventions, subverts expectations and has real guts.” “TERMINATOR is one of the most iconic sci-fi stories ever created — and has only grown more relevant to our world over time,” explained John

    Netflix Anime logo, courtesy of Netflix. ©Netflix

    Kaiju - Monsters

    From Legendary Television & Inspired By Legendary’s SKULL ISLAND and Square Enix’s Iconic Video Game Franchise Source: Netflix press release, Legendary Special Thanks to Sarah Jarvis Netflix and Legendary Television announce two new anime series, the first based on Legendary’s SKULL ISLAND and the second on Square Enix’s Tomb Raider global franchise. Netflix and Legendary Television are also currently in production on the previously announced anime series PACIFIC RIM: THE BLACK. SKULL ISLAND

    KONGA TNT DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of MVD Ent. ©Gray Chance Films

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: MVD Entertainment Group Special Thanks to Clint Weiler On March 16, SRS Cinema and distributor MVD Entertainment present the independent monster movie KONGA TNT (2020) from director Brett Kelly (ATTACK OF THE JURASSIC SHARK). KONGA TNT is an experimental movie project made while in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kelly took unused footage from previous movies and combined it with new footage shot by himself and actor/FX artist John Migliore along with writer Trevor Payer. After becoming injected with a formula derived from an alien ship, a lab gorilla escapes from his containment and befriends two young boys. The alien formula causes the gorilla to grow to gargantuan size and rampage throughout the city and the boys must find a way to save their simian friend before the army takes him down.

    Rathalos from Screen Gems and Constantin Films MONSTER HUNTER. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment. © 2020 SONY PICTURES DIGITAL PRODUCTIONS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MOVIE © 2020 CONSTANTIN FILM PRODUKTION GMBH

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Toho-Towa Co., Ltd. Official Movie Site: monsterhunter.movie (US), monsterhunter-movie.jp (Japan) Sony Pictures’ MONSTER HUNTER is now playing in theaters worldwide. The fantasy action movie is written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (RESIDENT EVIL film series) and based on the global video game series phenomenon MONSTER HUNTER (モンスターハンター, Monsutā Hantā) by Capcom. Behind our world, there is another: a world of dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity. When an unexpected sandstorm transports Captain Artemis (Milla Jovovich) and her unit (TI Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta) to a new world, the soldiers are shocked to discover that this hostile and unknown environment is home to enormous and terrifying monsters immune to their firepower.

    Photo courtesy of Kadokawa Pictures. © 2021 “Great Yokai War” Guardians

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: Kadokawa Pictures Official Site: movies.kadokawa.co.jp/yokai (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Kadokawa Pictures has provided SciFi Japan with new promotional artwork for their upcoming film, THE GREAT YOKAI WAR :GUARDIANS (妖怪大戦争 ガーディアンズ, Yōkai Daisensō Gādianzu). Director Takashi Miike returns for the sequel to his 2005 hit THE GREAT YOKAI WAR, which was itself an update of the yokai movie trilogy produced by the Daiei Motion Picture Company in the late 1960s. THE GREAT YOKAI WAR :GUARDIANS will be distributed to Japanese theaters by Toho in 2021. About Kadokawa Pictures, Inc. Kadokawa Pictures is part of Kadokawa Shoten, which forms the axis of the expansive KADOKAWA CORPORATION. Kadokawa Shoten has maintained the company’s traditions since its founding, while continuously seeking to innovate at the same time. With their core operations based in publishing and film, represented

    Satoshi and Pikachu may have been delayed but they’re still coming back to the big screen in POKÉMON THE MOVIE: COCO, the 23rd Pokémon anime feature film. Image courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © Nintendo · Creatures · GAME FREAK · TV Tokyo · ShoPro · JR Kikaku © Pokémon © 2020 PIKACHU PROJECT

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: Toho Co., Ltd. Official Site: pokemon-movie.jp (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Toho has provided SciFi Japan with press notes and a gallery of high-res images from the next feature-length Pokémon anime, POKÉMON THE MOVIE: COCO (劇場版ポケットモンスター ココ, Gekijō-ban Poketto Monsutā Koko), opening in theaters across Japan on Christmas day. INTRODUCTION The Pokemon movie series that started in 1998 with POKÉMON: THE FIRST MOVIE – MEWTWO STRIKES BACK (劇場版ポケットモンスター　ミュウツーの逆襲, Gekijō-ban Poketto Monsutā Myuutsū no Gyakushū) is celebrating its 23rd entry this year. The children who watched that first movie in a theater have become parents and now take their own children to see the new Pokémon movies together. For 22 years, each new Pokémon movie has been released in theaters during the summer; inspirong the slogan “Summer is Pokémon!” But this year POKÉMON THE MOVIE: COCO was

    ALL NIGHT HORROR MOVIES ad, courtesy of Avery Guerra.

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: Avery Guerra Official Site: ocaladrivein.info The Ocala Drive-In in Ocala, Florida is hosting a 9 hour horror/monster movie marathon this Halloween. The event kicks off with GODZILLA VS MEGALON at 7:00pm and concludes with a 2:00am screening of BEAST OF BLOOD. Attendees can order tickets now at orderocaladrivein.com. Ocala Drive-In 4850 S. Pine Ave. Ocala, Florida 34480 ALL NIGHT HORROR MOVIES Advance Ticket (Per Car Load) $15.00 At Gate Ticket (Per Car Load) $25.00 Saturday, October 31 GODZILLA VS MEGALON @ 7:00 TERROR IS A MAN @ 8:45 DRACULA VS FRANKENSTEIN @ 10:30 MAD DOCTOR OF BLOOD ISLAND @ 12:15 BEAST OF BLOOD @ 2 AM

    Ultraman and Kamen Rider actress Mai Saito has joined the cast of the kaiju film NEZURA 1964). Photo courtesy of 3Y Film. © 2020 3Y Film, KADOKAWA

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: 3Y Film Official Site: nezura1964.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Avery Guerra A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Mai Saito has joined the all-star cast of the new kaiju film reboot NEZURA 1964 (ネズラ1964) as the character Junko. Miss Saito has been a frequent guest star in the Ultraman movies and series, with roles in ULTRAMAN GAIA: THE BATTLE IN HYPERSPACE (ウルトラマンティガ ウルトラマンダイナ＆ウルトラマンガイア超時空の大決戦, Urutoraman Tiga & Urutoraman Daina & Urutoraman Gaia Chō Jikū no Daikessen, 1999), ULTRAMAN COSMOS 2: THE BLUE PLANET (ウルトラマンコスモス2 THE BLUE PLANET, Urutoraman Kosumosu 2: Za Burū Puranetto, 2002), ULTRAMAN COSMOS VS ULTRAMAN JUSTICE: THE FINAL BATTLE (ウルトラマンコスモスVSウルトラマンジャスティス THE FINAL BATTLE, Urutoraman Kosumosu Bui Esu Urutoraman Jasutisu Za Fainaru Batoru, 2003), ULTRA Q: DARK FANTASY (ウルトラQ dark fantasy, Urutora Kyuu: Daaku Fantajii, 2004), ULTRAMAN MAX (ウルトラマンマックス, Urutoraman Makkusu, 2005-06) and ULTRAMAN MEBIUS (ウルトラマンメビウス, Urutoraman Mebiusu, 2006-07). She also

    US poster, courtesy of Well Go USA. ©2020 Next Entertainment World & RedPeter Films

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications press release Official Site: traintobusanpeninsula.com Special Thanks to Karen Tran Wood and Katie Jo Ash Facebook: @peninsulamovie Instagram: @peninsula.movie Twitter: @peninsulamovie #peninsulamovie The Korean zombie film TRAIN TO BUSAN PRESENTS: PENINSULA (반도, Bando, 2020) will open in US theaters August 21st from distributor Well Go USA. Four years after South Korea’s total decimation in TRAIN TO BUSAN (부산행, Busanhaeng, 2016), the zombie thriller that captivated audiences worldwide, acclaimed director Yeon Sang-ho brings us PENINSULA, the next nail-biting chapter in his post-apocalyptic world. Jung-seok, a soldier who previously escaped the diseased wasteland, relives the horror when assigned to a covert operation with two simple objectives: retrieve and survive. When his team unexpectedly stumbles upon survivors, their lives will depend on whether the best—or worst—of human nature prevails in the direst of circumstances. Distributor:

    Promotional art for NOTZILLA, the daikaiju movie spoof coming to home video August 18th. Photo courtesy of Creepy Ex-Boyfriend Productions. © 2020 Notzilla Movie, LLC

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Author: Benjamin Chaffins Official Site: notzilla.movie Facebook: facebook.com/NotzillaMovie Special Thanks to Avery Guerra A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE NOTZILLA is a new American monster comedy film set to release August 18. It is written and directed by Mitch Teemley. A parody of kaiju films, particularly those in the Godzilla franchise, the film stars Frederic Eng-Li, Tifani Ahren Davis, Tim Bensch, Samantha Russell, and Michael Bath. PRODUCTION DETAILS NOTZILLA’s Cinematographer & Special Visual Effects Coordinator, Jeff Barklage, was kind enough to provide his blog entry detailing the film’s special effects… “The charm of the GODZILLA franchise, in my opinion, is its extensive usage of rubber man-in-suit stomping and smashing his way through beautiful miniature cities! Kicking over miniature trees and artillery and blasting everything in between with his radioactive fire breath. BOOM!! Our approach to the comedy/spoof NOTZILLA strived

    Kaiju suit actor Akira Ohashi will perform the motion capture for the Mammoth Nazura in NEZURA 1964. Mammoth Nezira maquette photo courtesy of 3Y Film. © 2020 3Y Film, KADOKAWA

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: 3Y Film Official Site: nezura1964.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Avery Guerra A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Popular kaiju suit actor Akira Ohashi has joined the cast of the new kaiju film reboot NEZURA 1964 (ネズラ1964). Ohashi will be the motion capture performer to play the CG version of the movie’s monster, Mammoth Nezura. The film will use CG, traditional suitmation, and miniatures to bring the FX sequences to life. Akira Ohashi is known for portraying Gamera in GAMERA 2: ATTACK OF LEGION (ガメラ2 レギオン襲来 Gamera 2 Rregion Shūrai, 1996), Trauma Gamera and Iris in GAMERA 3: THE REVENGE OF IRIS (ガメラ3 邪神〈イリス〉覚醒), and also King Ghidorah in Toho’s GODZILLA, MOTHRA, KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL OUT ATTACK (ゴジラ・モスラ・キングギドラ 大怪獣総攻撃, Gojira, Mosura, Kingu Gidora: Daikaijū Sōkōgeki, 2001). For more on Ohashi’s career, please see his recent interview here on SciFi

    Photo courtesy of MVD Entertainment. ©Cinezoo, Oscar 10 Studio

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    Source: Arrow Video US, MVD Entertainment Group Special Thanks to Clint Weiler Arrow Video US is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win the new Blu-ray of ZOMBIE FOR SALE (기묘한 가족, Gimyohan Gajok, 2019), an infectiously funny slice of modern Korean cinema where TRAIN TO BUSAN, THE QUIET FAMILY and WARM BODIES collide to create a memorable rom-zom-com from first time director Lee Min-jae. When the illegal human experiments of Korea`s biggest Pharmaceutical company go wrong, one of their "undead" test subjects escapes and ends up in a shabby gas station owned by the Park family -- a band of misfits spanning three generations who hustle passers-by to make ends meet. When the Park family uncover their undead visitor, he bites the head of their household, who instead of transforming into an undead ghoul becomes revitalised and full of life! The

    GAMERA: SUPER MONSTER star Mach Fumiake (center) has joined the cast of the upcoming kaiju movie, NEZURA 1964. Photo courtesy of Kadokawa Pictures. © 1980 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: 3Y Film Official Site: nezura1964.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Avery Guerra A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Pro wrestling legend, cult actress, and singer Mach Fumiake makes her long-awaited return to acting in the new kaiju film reboot NEZURA 1964 (ネズラ1964). Fumiake first came to fame as a teenage professional wrestler in the early 1970s, defeating Jumbo Miyamoto to win the WWWA (World Women’s Wrestling Association) Championship in March, 1975. The following month she made her big screen debut, playing herself in the Toei action adventure GREAT CHASE (華麗なる追跡, Kareinaru Tsuiseki, 1975). Fumiake would go on to make frequent television appearances, star in a handful of films, launch a singing career and host a radio show. She is best known to kaiju movie fans for her role as Kilara, the leader of a trio of alien superwomen in Daiei’s GAMERA:

    The sea monsters Ikara, Takkora and Kanira from MONSTER SEAFOOD WARS, the new daikaiju film from Minoru Kawasaki. Photo courtesy of Avery Guerra. ©2020 Monster Seafood Wars Production Committee

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Author: Benjamin Chaffins Official Site: sandaikaijyu.pal-ep.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Avery Guerra Minoru Kawasaki is an independent filmmaker who has gained an international following for his cult movies such as THE CALAMARI WRESTLER (いかレスラー, Ika Resurā, 2004), THE WORLD SINKS EXCEPT JAPAN (日本以外全部沈没, Nihon Igai Zenbu Chinbotsu, 2006), CRAB GOALKEEPER (かにゴールキーパー, Kani Gōrukīpā, 2006), MONSTER X STRIKES BACK/ ATTACK THE G8 SUMMIT! (ギララの逆襲／洞爺湖サミット危機一発, Girara no Gyakushū / Tōyako Samitto Kiki Ippatsu, 2008), EARTH DEFENSE WIDOW (地球防衛未亡人, Chikyū Bōei Mibōjin, 2014) and KAIJU MONO (大怪獣モノ, Daikaijū Mono, 2016). He specializes in comedic movies, often featuring monsters and anthropomorphized animals, that use traditional Japanese effects techniques involving performers in full body suits. His latest project is MONSTER SEAFOOD WARS (三大怪獣グルメ San Daikaijū Gurume), a new tokusatsu film that is set for a limited theatrical run in Japan over the

    Stuntman Akira Ohashii portrayed Gamera and other monsters in the 1990s Gamera Trilogy, widely considered the peak of the Gamera series. Photo courtesy of Kadokawa. © 1996 KADOKAWA NHFN

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Author: Benjamin Chaffins With the upcoming release of the GAMERA: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION Limited Edition Blu-ray Set from Arrow Video, I felt it was the perfect time to reach out to one of the main players from the acclaimed Gamera films of the 1990s. Akira Ohashii is known for portraying Gamera in GAMERA 2: ATTACK OF LEGION (ガメラ2 レギオン襲来 Gamera 2 Rregion Shūrai, 1996), Trauma Gamera and Iris in GAMERA 3: THE REVENGE OF IRIS (ガメラ3 邪神〈イリス〉覚醒), and also King Ghidorah in Toho’s GODZILLA, MOTHRA, KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL OUT ATTACK (ゴジラ・モスラ・キングギドラ 大怪獣総攻撃, Gojira, Mosura, Kingu Gidora: Daikaijū Sōkōgeki, 2001). He’s a professional stuntman and actor who has become known in the kaiju community for his hard work portraying these monsters. I hope that you, the reader, enjoy this interview and learn a few things from Akira Ohashii…

    A closeup look at the Mammoth Nazura design from the upcoming movie, NEZURA 1964. Photo courtesy of Hiroto Yokakawa. © 2020 3Y Film, KADOKAWA

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    Author: Benjamin Chaffins Official Site: nezura1964.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Avery Guerra NEZURA 1964 (ネズラ 1964) is an upcoming Japanese tokusatsu film set to release this December in Japan. It has raised a few eyebrows from kaiju fans all across the world who are curious about what the film is. Thanks to the film’s consulting producer/publicist Avery Guerra, I was able to interview Hiroto Yokokawa, the director himself, about his project. I wanted to ask him the necessary questions that could help shine some light on this movie and whether or not American fans can expect to see it someday. That being said, I hope that you, the reader, enjoy this interview and learn a few things that went on behind-the scenes. Benjamin Chaffins (ベンジャミン・チャッフインズ): How did you get involved with NEZURA 1964? (どのようにしてネズラ 1964に関わりましたか?) Hiroto Yokokawa (横川寛人):

    Yukijoro Hotaru and a model of Nezura in a pre-production photo for the upcoming movie kaiju, NEZURA 1964. Photo courtesy of 3Y Film. © 2020 3Y Film, KADOKAWA

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    Source: 3Y Film Official Site: nezura1964.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Avery Guerra A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE The producers of NEZURA 1964 (ネズラ1964) have released some pre-production photos of cast members Yukijoro Hotaru (Gamera Trilogy, GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK) Noboru Sato (CHANGEMAN KEN!, TAMPOPO) and Ippei Osako (SHIN GODZILLA, DEATH NOTE: Light up the NEW World) getting into character. Produced by 3Y Film in association with Kadokawa, NEZURA 1964 is a drama about the infamous unmade kaiju movie by Daiei. The film is co-written, produced and directed by Hiroto Yokokawa (THE GREAT BUDDHA ARRIVAL). The staff includes supervisor Kensaku Sakai, creature designer Keisuke Yoneyama, production artists Takuma Asai, Karin Yamada and Hiroto Yokokawa, and consulting producer/publicist Avery Guerra. NEZURA 1964 is scheduled for a December 2020 release in Japan. Be sure to follow the film on Facebook for updates.

    The sea monsters Ikara, Takkora and Kanira tear through Tokyo in MONSTER SEAFOOD WARS, the new daikaiju film from Minoru Kawasaki. Photo courtesy of Avery Guerra. ©2019 Monster Seafood Wars Production Committee

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Source: Avery Guerra Official Site: sandaikaijyu.pal-ep.com (Japan) A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE The makers of MONSTER SEAFOOD WARS (三大怪獣グルメ, San Daikaij? Gurume) have provided SciFi Japan with a photo gallery of images from the film. Directed by Minoru Kawasaki (MONSTER X STRIKES BACK/ ATTACK THE G8 SUMMIT!, KAIJU MONO), the comedic daikaiju movie is scheduled to open in Japan on May 23, 2020. For more information on MONSTER SEAFOOD WARS, please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: MONSTER SEAFOOD WARS -- First Look at Upcoming Kaiju Movie Poster and Full Cast Revealed For Minoru Kawasaki`s MONSTER SEAFOOD WARS MONSTER SEAFOOD WARS Trailer Released

    Daisuke Sato’s new short film HOWL FROM BEYOND THE FOG was made using classic special effects techniques. Photo courtesy of Daisuke Sato. ©LosGatos Works

    Kaiju - Monsters

    Author: Benjamin Chaffins Official Site: sagirinokuni.com (Japan) Official Twitter: @Howlfromthefog Special Thanks to Avery Guerra HOWL FROM BEYOND THE FOG (狭霧の國, Sagiri no Kuni) is a 35-minute monster short film that combines a puppet drama, a costume drama and miniatures. This film was made using classic analog special effects and has attracted attention from monster fans, not only in Japan, but also around the world. An incomplete rough cut was shown at the 2019 G-Fest. On February 21, 2020 the finished film began a one-week roadshow at the Kyoto Minami Kaikan, a mini theater in Kyoto. HOWL FROM BEYOND THE FOG is set in the year Meiji 42 (1909). A boy named Eiji returns to a mountain town in Kyushu, and meets a blind girl named Takiri. On a foggy night, Eiji witnesses a giant monster

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