It is with a heavy heart I have to report the passing of the great Haruo Nakajima. Along with Eiji Tsuburaya, Nakajima-san is among the legends for all of us who are passionate about kaiju, and the films/TV shows that brought that world to so many of us. There are few individuals who have had as much of an impact and transcended a 'hidden' screen role as much as this man did. I think it is very telling from his smile and genuine expression in so many of the behind-the-scenes set photos that shows just how much enjoyment he got out of his work, and I hope that he knew how much more those seemingly small screen roles ended up impacting the memories of generations of film and monster fans. The joy and wonder he helped to create inspired and delighted generations. Not just in playing the colossal Godzilla across several films, it might not be as well known that Nakajima-san also brought to life Rodan, Megalunon, Mogera, Varan, The H-Man, Mothra, Matango, Baragon, Gaira, Gomess, Pagos, Neronga, Gabora, Jirass, Kiyla, U-Tom, King Kong, Gezora, Ganime... just to name some of his 'suited' roles, in addition to him appearing in many other classics of Japanese cinema, including several Kurosawa pictures. That list reads like the resume of a comprehensive catalogue for most fans of the genre, and has to be taken as impressive. I was never lucky enough to meet Mr. Nakajima in person, but for all the years of his career and in the decades since by all accounts he was a welcome guest and very friendly, accommodating, and embracing of his fans. There are probably a few here who may have encountered him on one of the festival circuits and have their own stories to tell. I am sure I join many today in mourning his passing, but who will never forget the legacy which he gave us. His life and character, on screen and off, will be treasured by many. His personality shone through all the layers of rubber monster delight, and gave us an immeasurable experience in such an array of creatures. Thank you Mr. Nakajima for all that you've given us, and may your adventures continue forward in as gargantuan a scale as befits your stature. Nakajima Haruo 1 Jan 1929 - 7 Aug 2017 Spoiler: For a little more on Mr. Nakajima
Never forget seeing Godzilla on TV for the first time when I was 5. My Dad saying 'You have to see this!". It was Son of Godzilla, and the motions of his Monster made it SO incredible. It wouldn't have been the same without the personality he added. So bummed I never got to meet him. Thanks Haruo!
Thank you for posting Steve. Thank you Haruo for the many wonderful childhood memories of lazying around the television on Saturday day afternoons and enjoying Godzilla films and introducing me to Japanese cinema films on Creature Feature. And for the days of stomping around outside on small cities with my Shogun Warrior or Mattel Godzilla! Nakajima wife had also pass this year in January for those that do not know. My sincere condolences to his daughter Sonoe Nakajima.
Coincidentally, this is also the first Godzilla movie I ever saw, and my Dad was the one that called attention to it as well. The channel it was on, TNT, was having a Godzilla marathon that weekend, and it was the first thing besides Saturday morning cartoons that took me away from the horror movies that played on USA Channel. Admittedly, and unfortunately, I don't know much about Haruo outside of his role in giving the suits life. But he definitely kept me in an extremely entertained trance. I love that every single photo in Steve's tribute shows how happy and proud he is of the role he played. Rest in Paradise!
Monsters are a reflection of us. They force us to look and see things in ways which cause emotional reactions. What you did under all those pounds of rubber exhibited a wonderful and lasting impression never to be topped. Thank you for showing us the humanity which often times lies hidden within nature. You will always be the true KING of Monsters- Arigato Nakajima-san! You are Eternal, may your Spirit drift in Endless Joy until time itself ceases to exist. 'Seek on high bare trails Sky-reflecting violets... Mountain-top jewels' Bashō Matsuo
Rest in peace, Nakajima-san. Steve, excellent tribute you have posted here. Also, very heartening to read similar stories of Saturday afternoon Godzilla films on TV as a kid, which was also my own introduction to this entire world of kaijū. In the 80's, there was a huge run on one of those cable channels (TBS?) where I was able to see almost all the Shōwa era Godzilla films in a short period of time. It is one of the great memories of my childhood, and right up there with the '33 King Kong for me, personally. I owe much gratitude to Nakajima and all the other legends of Japanese cinema that created these wonderful heroes and monsters for all of us to enjoy.
That's an amazing tribute. Thank you @ultrakaiju for taking the time to make this rightfully deserved thread. True legend. But he really packed a lot into life. I am hoping he passed very happy knowing the joy he has brought to so many. Now he is resting with the monsters in the sky.
Just read the news online and came here. Wonderful tributes and pix, people. Would this hobby even have existed if he hadn't worn The Suit? Truly a sad passing.
Wow, I am shocked and saddened by this news. As many have stated, he provided many wonderful memories to so many of us. Truly, a legend has passed. Arigato Nakajima-san!
Quite a few years ago a Japanese friend told me of how parts of the 1st Gojira suit were actually made from form fitting pieces of concrete not entirely rubber which was scarce after WW2. Crazy to think how much discipline and dedication that must have taken from everyone involved in the production. It must have been extremely difficult wearing that 1st suit. Another interesting fact is that Nakajima-san had choreographed all the action scenes personally as well as did his own stunts. In many ways he was the Lon Chaney of Japan, each so similar in aesthetic and history including starting careers as stuntmen.
Interesting John, I had not heard that. I wonder which parts (as I can't see it being the entire thing), or if maybe they were thinking of some of the early models used to make the suits from? I had come across some images showing the formation at one time, but would have to do more research. Certainly it was very unwieldy regardless, and is a tribute to how much Nakajima put into it. You can get an idea of that from this image of him nearly encased by the costume: And here is Honda-san working on one of the production models, which might indeed have been made of a thin concrete or plaster shell, as you alluded to. This classic image often used for publicity material also gives you a nice detailed look at some of the costume details. Arigato gozaimashita Nakajima-San. PS - this page gives some more insight into the initial suits construction (thought it doesn't mention the concrete) and how, due to the weight and immobility inside, it had to be cut in half for 'walking' shots, leading to the suspendered Goji pants we have come to know and love. I am sure one of the experts [August, where are you? ) could easily enlighten us to a whole wealth of knowledge on the matter.
So hard to believe it has been a full year since Nakajima-san's passing. May his memory continue to go strong through all his fans now, and those yet to discover the wonders of his on-screen personalities. My own small tribute to this master of the monsters. I hope he is delightfully stomping miniature cities and getting up to all kinds of antics with his rubber-suited brethren in whatever world awaits us. With many thanks, RIP.
Remembering Haruo Nakajima. He played all of those characters in the photo. Photo by David Eric Dopko.
