On November 22nd, Shinobu Nakayama, who played the role of ornithologist Mayumi Nagamine in the first film of the Heisei Gamera trilogy, "Gamera: Guardian of the Universe" (released in 1995), and director Shusuke Kaneko, who worked on the film, visited the "Gamera EXPO" event being held at Yurakucho Marui (Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo) as part of the "Gamera" series' 60th anniversary project. Nearly 30 years have passed since the release of "Gamera: Guardian of the Universe" in 1995, and Nakayama spoke of his feelings towards "Gamera," saying, "It was one of the big turning points."
Nakayama won the Japan Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Gamera: Guardian of the Universe." She revealed, "I made my debut at the age of 15 and wanted to make it as an actress, but I was unsure whether I could make it. I was 21 when filming began, and it gave me courage and hope that maybe I could continue like this."
For director Kaneko, the Heisei Gamera trilogy has become an important work, as he says, "I was able to realize my desire to create a powerful piece of fiction. I was also able to show a new side of Japanese cinema."
"Gamera EXPO" is an event that explores the history and appeal of the "Gamera" series, and brings together precious props and miniatures. On display will be three Gameras from the Heisei Gamera trilogy, restored by monster sculptor Tomoo Haraguchi.
Looking at the exhibits and the fans who visited the venue, Nakayama said, "It brings back memories. I feel grateful and happy, and say, 'Thank you!' It makes me feel like it never fades. At the time, the director said, 'We're not nerds. We're a group of super nerds!' but I felt that passion has been passed down."
Coach Kaneko smiled and said, "The old props were impressive. It brought back memories of that time. It was tough, but fun."
On this day, a stage greeting was held at Marunouchi Piccadilly Dolby Cinema (same venue) to commemorate the revival screening of "Gamera: Guardian of the Universe," with Nakayama and Director Kaneko taking the stage. During the stage greeting, Nakayama fervently appealed to Director Kaneko, saying, "Please make a new Reiwa Gamera!" Nakayama urged him, saying, "Please do it!", to which Director Kaneko declared, "I'll do it!"
Gamera is a monster modeled after a turtle that appears in the special effects film "Gamera the Giant Monster," released by Daiei in 1965. He is a child who protects people from danger to the Earth and a champion of justice, and he spins around and flies in a disc-shaped form. Since "Gamera the Giant Monster," a total of eight films have been produced as the "Showa Gamera" series, including "Space Monster Gamera." Other series include the Heisei Gamera trilogy and "Gamera: Little Braves." In 2023, the anime "GAMERA -Rebirth-" was released on Netflix.
The Heisei Gamera trilogy, created by director Kaneko, special effects director Higuchi Shinji, and screenwriter Ito Kazunori, consisted of "Gamera: Guardian of the Universe" (1995), "Gamera 2: Attack of Legion" (1996), and "Gamera 3: The Awakening of Iris" (1999). A 4K HDR Dolby Cinema screening of "Gamera: Guardian of the Universe" has been revived, and "Gamera 2: Attack of Legion" and "Gamera 3: The Awakening of Iris" will also be screened again. "Gamera EXPO" runs until December 7th.
