Godzilla returns for a star-studded finale! © 2004 Toho Co., Ltd.

With much hoopla surrounding the official press conference, but little known about the film or the plot, 500 reporters crowded into the Imperial Hotel in the Chiyoda Ward at 10 am on Tuesday, May 25th (Japan time) to hear the latest news from Toho. At the same time the studio also updated their Godzilla website, providing details on the cast, crew, and plot of the upcoming film. The official site also confirmed earlier reports that, at 110 minutes, the cinemascope-lensed film would run longer than previous entries and be distributed world-wide.

The man in charge - director Ryuhei Kitamura. © 2004 Ryuhei-Kitamura.com.

Earlier this year, rumors began circulating that one of the hottest directors in the world, 34 year-old Ryuhei Kitamura, would be at the helm. Toho formally announced this was true on March 2nd. At the age of 17, Kitamura (a self-proclaimed high school dropout) moved to Australia to study filmmaking because he was obsessed with Australian and American action movies such as MAD MAX and ALIENS (and Australian rock bands like INXS). He entered the Film Department at the School of Visual Arts where he won Best Direction and the Kodak Award for his graduation project, the short film EXIT. After returning to Japan, Kitamura formed his own production company, Napalm Films. With a budget of 300,000 yen and a crew of six Kitamura made the horror film DOWN TO HELL (a prequel of sorts to VERSUS) in 10 days. The movie went on to win the grand prize at the Indies Movie Festival. He followed this up with his first theatrical release HEAT AFTER DARK(1996), which was produced by and starred acclaimed actor Atsuro Watabe (INUGAMI, ZEBRAMAN). But, despite these calling cards to his unbound talent, Japanese producers were hardly interested in what he was doing.

After spending time in a rock band, Kitamura took the international film scene by storm with his impressive low-budget action film VERSUS (1999). Always on the move, he was able to direct several projects including the science fiction thriller ALIVE (2002), the supernatural tales SKY HIGH and ARAGAMI (both 2003), and the cut scenes for the video game METAL GEAR SOLID: THE TWIN SNAKES. He then secured studio confidence with the success of his first big-budget film, AZUMI, which was a major box-office hit for Toho in 2003. Following AZUMI, he was approached by Toho to take the director's chair for the 50th Anniversary Godzilla film. The director pushed back his upcoming Miramax project (to be produced by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriquez) in order to take up the reins on GFW.

Kitamura is currently in a unique position. Being the hottest director to come out of Japan in years, he has been given extreme latitude on this production and has brought aboard the principal staff of Napalm Films to insure that GFW is truly a "Ryuhei Kitamura Film." These include screenwriter Isao Kiriyama and cinematographer Takumi Furuya, who have both been with Kitamura on all of his previous professional films.

Toho's 50th Anniversary Logo. © 2004 Toho Co., Ltd.

Another interesting development is that Toho is pulling out all the stops for the 50th Anniversary film -- extending the production time from four months to six and, according to the official press conference, increasing the budget to 4 billion yen (more than twice the amount allowed for previous films) to accommodate the scope of GFW. This allows an unprecedented four units -- live action, overseas locations, and two effects teams -- to work simultaneously on bringing GFW to the screen. 1 billion yen has been put towards shooting in foreign countries, a rarity in Godzilla films. This month sees filming in Sydney, New York City, Paris and Shanghai. Effects director Eichi Asada is also raising the bar by creating almost a dozen elaborate monster suits (supervised by Shinichi Wakasa). The film's action scenes are to be choreographed by VERSUS star Tak Sakaguchi who is planning some intense scenes, including an eye-popping motorcycle sequence. Principal photography begins in Japan on June 4th and is scheduled to wrap on November 11th.

GFW will also be unique in its look, with some of Japan's leading young artists and designers breathing new life into the long-running series' characters and costume designs. Fan-turned-Pro Shinji Nishikawa, who has worked for Toho since GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE (1989) and is also currently working on Toho's GRANSAZERS television series, is coordinating the film's production designers. This conclave of artists is the most impressive line-up ever assembled for a Godzilla film:

Yasushi Nirasawa came to prominence in the early 1990s with his progressive creature designs for films such as MECHANICAL VIOLATOR: HAKAIDER (1995). He became recognized outside of Japan for revamping Go Nagai's "Devilman" creations for a popular line of figures for Fewture Company, which led to character designs for the animated AMON: THE APOCALYPSE OF DEVILMAN (2000), VAMPIRE HUNTER D: BLOODLUST (2000), and FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN (2001). More of his work will be seen in the upcoming live-action Toei film DEVILMAN (2004). For GFW, Nirasawa has designed the revamped Gigan (from 1972's GODZILLA VS. GIGAN) and the aliens from Planet X (from 1965's MONSTER ZERO).

Production Sketch for Godzilla's newest foe, Monster X. © 2004 Toho Co., Ltd.

Katsuya Terada is an artist receiving much attention in the US due to several projects, including an art show sponsored by Dark Horse Comics at the Compound Gallery in Portland, Oregon. While inspired by European artists like Moebius, Terada approaches his own art mainly in the digital medium by scanning his own sketches then rendering colors and painting them digitally. He previously designed costumes for Kieta Amemiya's MOON OVER TAO (1997) and was a writer and effects director for BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE (2000). For GFW, Terada was commissioned to design Godzilla's greatest antagonist, Monster X.

Yoji Shinkawa is most familiar in the States for his incredible and celebrated renderings for the METAL GEAR SOLID video game series, but is also well-know for his involvement with ZONE OF ENDERS. For GFW, Shinkawa has provided designs for the new Goten warship (from 1963's ATRAGON).

One element of GFW that has fans across the world at the end of their nerves was the list of monsters that would be appearing in GODZILLA: FINAL WARS. Toho finally revealed that 13 monsters will appear onscreen, breaking the record set in 1968 with DESTROY ALL MONSTERS. In addition to Godzilla; such classic beasts as Rodan, Mothra, Gigan, Minilla (aka "Minya"), Kamakiras (aka "Kamacuras"), Kumonga (aka "Spiga"), Manda, Ebirah, Anguirus (aka "Angilas"), King Caesar (aka "King Shisa"), and Hedorah (aka the "Smog Monster") will return, along with the newest creation which is currently dubbed Monster X.

Other tightly guarded elements of the production are the suits and props Shinichi Wakasa's company Monsters Inc has built to bring the monsters to life. At Toho's official press conference it was revealed that vast improvements are being made with the Godzilla suit since the movement in previous costumes was stiff and somewhat limited. In order to allow Godzilla to use Judo-based techniques, a special type of foam latex has been employed for his arms. The material is similar to that used in some cosmetic sponges and is commonly used for prosthetic appliances in American films. Compared to the heavy rubber and urethane which are commonly used in making Japanese monster suits, this material is much less resistant and can be damaged easily.

Future soldier Masahiro Matsuoka. © 2004 Toho Co., Ltd.

But, the Hollywood material has greater flexibility and a more life-like appearance than the traditional Japanese urethane. It is also far lighter, which is a relief to the suitmation actors (who have to endure the sweltering conditions inside 90 pound costumes that can cause them to lose about 20 pounds by the end of the shoot). Additionally, it is now much easier for the suitmation actors to move in than the earlier, stiffer costumes. Before these new methods were employed the actor's face was positioned at the crest of Godzilla's chest, but this time it is positioned at the center of the suit's neck, allowing the shoulders of the performer to now fit precisely in the suit's shoulders. This radical change from "easily made" to "better fit" allows for increased movement for the suitmation actors. Previously, in order to turn Godzilla's neck the actor would have to move his whole body; now the range of head movement on the new suit is far greater. The new base materials used to create these suits will allow for facial expressions never before possible.

Director Kitamura commented excitedly about the new Godzilla suit; "There will be movement that has never been seen before. Its movement is quick, but retains the sense of mass and strength. The hands, feet and tail -- their movement is absolutely smooth. I really want to see him make fast, single blows [in this film]."

The cast is also unconventional and differs from the usual Toho production. Headlining the cast is 27 year-old musician-turned-actor Masahiro Matsuoka, who plays the powerful mutant soldier Shinichi Ozaki. Matsuoka made his debut as the drummer for the band Tokio in 1994. Despite a heavy touring and recording schedule he found time to appear in television commercials and variety shows -- even performing on the perennial Red & White Song Festival, in which he received rave notices from seniors to teens.

Brains and beauty - Rei Kikukawa stars in GFW. © 2004 Toho Co., Ltd.

Matsuoka's first serious dramatic role was for the prestigious NHK network (the equivalent or PBS or BBC) in their Taiga (historical) drama MUSASHI, which chronicled the life and battles of the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Mushashi. He received excellent reviews for his performance in the pivotal role of Kojiro Sasaki, Mushashi's arch rival. Matsuoka followed the series with the TBS drama MANHATTAN LOVE STORY and is planning to act in the American stage production of TRUE WEST. GFW is his first starring role in a motion picture.

Cast opposite of Matsuoka is 26 year-old Rei Kikukawa as Miyuki Otonashi, a molecular biologist who is trying to discover the secret of the mummified monster. Kikukawa was born to act, receiving an Oscar Grabuer Grand-Prix award in 1998 while attending the University of Tokyo. Although she has been widely seen in numerous television commercials, she appeared in the dramas MY BLUE HEAVEN 2002 (alongside Akira Takarada) and SHINSENGUMI. She also has been featured in a prominent role in the feature film DOUBLE DECEPTION (2001) and starred in GUN CRAZY: THE BETRAYAL (2002).

A half-century after starring in the original GODZILLA, distinguished actor Akira Takarada will play the role of UN Secretary General Naotaro Daigo. The 70 year-old Takarada debuted in Toho's THUS AS YOU SOUND THE BELL OF FREEDOM in 1954. After his role in GODZILLA, he became a much sought-after leading man and was one of the biggest stars during Japan's Golden Age of Cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. During those wonderful years, he appeared in numerous SF and Monster pictures for Toho, including HALF HUMAN (1955), GODZILLA VS. MOTHRA (1964), MONSTER ZERO (1965), GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER (1966) and LATITUDE ZERO (1969). The English-speaking Takarada also became an accomplished stage actor, appearing in dramatic roles (as Rhett Butler in GONE WITH THE WIND) and musicals (ANNIE GET YOUR GUN). GFW is Takarada's sixth Godzilla appearance.

Veteran Godzilla star Akira Takarada plays the role of UN Secretary General Naotaro Daigo. © Sanken-RJ

American-born actor Kane Kosugi will play the role of M-Organization super soldier Kazama. The son of 1980s action star Sho Kosugi, Kane appeared in several of his father's ninja movies such as PRAY FOR DEATH (1985). He moved to Japan in the early 1990s and has since carved a niche in the Japanese entertainment industry with a number of action films, starting with his father's production of JOURNEY OF HONOR (1992). The 30 year-old Kane is also no stranger to sharing the screen with giant monsters, having starred in two superhero series, ULTRAMAN: THE ULTIMATE HERO (1993) and NINJA TASK FORCE: KAKURANGER (1994). His other films include ZERO WOMAN (1995), CAT'S EYE (1997), Jackie Chan's WHO AM I? (1998), and MUSCLE HEAT (2003).

34 year-old veteran Maki Mizuno appears in GFW as investigative reporter Anna Otonashi. In 1987 Mizuno was first runner-up in Toho's second Cinderella Contest. This launched a prolific career on stage, screen and television, plus work as a spokesmodel for Kanebo Cosmetics in 1991 and 1992. She has appeared in such TV series as CX's STEWARDESS DETECTIVE (1996) and TBS's HOSTESS INVESTIGATOR (2000) and is currently a regular cast member in the drama THIS IS HON-IKEGAMI POLICE STATION, which co-stars Masanobu Takashima (GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE) and Yuriko Hoshi (GODZILLA VS MOTHRA, GODZILLA VS. MEGAGUIRUS). GFW is Mizuno's first Godzilla film.

Action star Kane Kosugi faces his biggest challenge. © Mu-Tairiku

Playing the representative from Planet X is the 34 year-old Kazuki Kitamura in his first Godzilla role. The veteran actor, who recently became known world-wide as Crazy 88 #2 (with the spiky red hair and braces) in Quentin Tarantino's KILL BILL VOL. 1 (2003), has been a familiar fixture on Japanese television shows, commercials, stage and screen. In addition to his performance in Ryuhei Kitamura's hit AZUMI, some of Kitamura's more notable roles have been in NINE SOULS (2003), RODEO DRIVE (2003), BASTONI (2002), MAN-HOLE (2001), TURN (2000), DEAD OR ALIVE (2000), FREEZE ME (2000), BOOTLEG FILM (1999), LEY LINES (1999) and FULL METAL YAKUZA (1997).

Other notable actors appearing in the film are Masahiro Takashima, the son of veteran Toho star Tadao Takashima. The junior Takashima starred in Toho's OROCHI: THE EIGHT-HEADED DRAGON (1994) and had a supporting role in GODZILLA VS. DESTOROYAH (1995). Also joining the cast is musician/actor Kenji Sawada, who was married to one of The Peanuts of MOTHRA fame. His fantastic film roles include THE MAN WHO STOLE THE SUN (1979), HIRUKO: THE DEMON HUNTER (1991) and most recently appeared in Takeshi Miike's historical drama SABU (2002).

Maki Mizuno appears in GFW as investigative reporter Anna Otonashi. © Asahi Net

Toho is currently recruiting extras for GFW. The extras will be featured as the audience attending Akira Takarada's speech to the UN, which will be filmed on Friday, June 11th at Tokyo Big Sight. The company is also launching an internship program, with many of the applicants working on the film. GFW producer, now Toho's CEO, Shogo Tomiyama is also planning to hold the world premier of GFW in the US, and hopes to have Hideaki Matsui attend the event. Stay tuned to Henshin! Online for more details on a US premiere when it is announced later this year.

As a lifelong fan of Japanese Fantasy Films (and with the Big G having a special place in my heart), I feel confident and excited that this film is going to be audacious, exhilarating, and unlike anything audiences have ever seen before. Ryuhei Kitamura's GODZILLA: FINAL WARS opens nationwide in Japan on December 4th.

In the near future, almost a century of nuclear tests, modern warfare and unchecked scientific advances have resulted in serious damage to the earth's environment. This ripple causes an unbalance in nature and rouses a score of giant monsters from their slumber. The nations of the world set aside their petty differences when these enormous creatures become the one true threat to the survival of mankind. The United Nations forms the Earth Defense Forces in order to face this crisis head-on.

Godzilla stands amidst an apocolyptic metropolitan crater. © 2004 Toho Co., Ltd.

In the years before this hell-on-earth broke loose it was discovered that a new breed of people all over the globe were reaching the next stage in human evolution. Blessed with extraordinary abilities, these mutants were soon recognized for their exceptional qualities by the United Nations. They are brought together to form a special branch of the Earth Defense Forces called the M-Organization.

One of the most promising members from Japan, Shinichi Ozaki (Masahiro Matsuoka), is gifted with incredible reflexes and strength. Acknowledged by his peers as a hard-as-nails soldier, he quickly moves up in the ranks of the M-Organization. When the mummified corpse of a giant monster is sighted off the coast of Japan's northern island, Hokkaido, Ozaki is called into action. He is assigned as a bodyguard to one of the United Nations' most brilliant molecular biologists, Miyuki Otonashi (Rei Kikukawa) while she tries to uncover the riddle of this strange discovery.

Suddenly, a plague of colossal beasts appear across the planet and attack the major cities of the world. New York, Shanghai, Sydney and Paris all suffer the wrath of these monsters. During this chaos, the United Nations is further thrown into panic when the private plane of UN Secretary General Naotaro Daigo (Akira Takarada) mysteriously disappears.

The Earth Defense Forces tries desperately to maintain its operational command, but the marauding monsters prove overwhelming. In a desperate bid, Ozaki and his fellow mutant soldier Kazama (Kane Kosugi) rush headfirst into the battlefield on their special motorcycles and use their super-human strength to challenge the powerful creatures.

Suddenly, enormous flying saucers appear in the skies and cause the monsters to disappear in a beam of light. From a cluster of saucers hovering over the Earth Defense Forces headquarters in Japan, the missing Secretary General Daigo is brought back by a man who identifies himself as a being from Planet X (Kazuki Kitamura). Daigo proposes cooperation between the two worlds:

"This is a test for Mankind; a time to step up to the next stage of human progress. The X-ite's technology is far more advanced than our own, but we can move forward with their help and the universe will be united. The era of the United Nation is over... now is the time to found the United Universe!"

The UN concedes to the notion, but both Ozaki and Miyuki have their doubts about the motives of the X-ites. As Miyuki's sister Anna (Maki Mizuno), an investigative reporter, seeks to uncover the aliens' true intentions, a secret call for help goes out to the Captain of the Goten (aka Atragon). Ozaki and his comrades board the undersea warship to commence the final war to save humanity!

Meanwhile, in a glacier at the South Pole, Godzilla continues to sleep peacefully...