Mad Monster Party: A Plus For "Team Nakajijma"

Above, Haruo Nakajima with actress Lea Thompson.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mad Monster Party 2013 is now history.  I had a lot of fun and I met a lot of great people. First, I have to commend Eben McGarr and Joe Moe for putting on a great show.  I think they exceeded their attendance expectations by a few thousand.

Above, the Nakajima panel.  Photo by Jeff Blanken.

Next, I have to thank the members of "Team Nakajima" (translator Yoko Connelly and our volunteer stiff (staff) Jeff Blanken)  for their help in making everything involving the Nakajimas go smoothly.

Above, Haruo Nakajima with a fan-made Godzilla suit.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As this was the second convention, there were a few bugs that need to be ironed out.  But, learning from experience will greatly aid in making next year's convention even better. The day began at about one o'clock in the morning with the sound of police vehicle units pulling up to the Blake Hotel or driving nearby.  It was a bit hard to sleep with all the noise from the police sirens.  I found out  this morning that seven units of the Charlotte Police Department responded to a call involving two nude girls at the convention at that time.  I'd bet the police fought over who was going to respond.

Above, Haruo and Sonoe Nakajima going over their flight schedule for tomorrow in the R.I.P. room.   Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After breakfast, I met with the Nakajimas and went over the questions for the panel discussion.  Following this, we migrated over to the ballroom for the session.  I received many words of praise for the session which included slides (when the projector decided to work properly) and roars and music from Godzilla (1954) while people were entering the ballroom. After the panel, we migrated over to our tables.  The line was already long of autograph seekers when we go to the tables.  I sold more copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan today than I did with Friday and Saturday put together (which weren't bad either).  Thanks to everyone!

Above, Haruo Nakajima and yours truly.

The Nakajimas did VERY well with their sales of autographs photos with fans.  It will probably hit them when they convert the dollars into yen when they return home to Japan.  I am very happy for them.

Above, Haruo Nakajima with our volunteer helper Jeff Blanken.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just before the convention ended, we had a photo session for group shots of everyone who comprised "Team Nakajima."

Above, Haruo Nakajima with translator Yoko Connolly.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the convention was over, we went over to the V.I.P. room (known as the R.I.P. room) to review everything and to make plans for other future activities.  While there, actress Lea Thompson stopped by to be introduced to Haruo Nakajima.

Above, "Team Nakajima" at Mad Monster Party.  

After we said our goodbyes, I took Jeff out to dinner at the Hickory Tavern.  We relaxed over dinner and beer. The trip to Charlotte, North Carolina was worth it and I enjoyed what I did manage to see of the city.  Would I return to a future Mad Monster Party?  The answer is a definite yes!

The King (of the Monsters) Is In The Building!

Haruo Nakajima and his daughter Sonoe have arrived in Charlotte!

Above, Sonoe Nakajima (far left) and her father Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" Nakajima chat with convention organizer Eben McGarr.

Mad Monster Party Schedule

The Mad Monster Party convention in Charlotte, North Carolina will be held this week (March 22-24) at the Blake Hotel.

The convention's official website now has the schedule up with a map of the convention (click on image to see larger):

The panel discussion with Haruo Nakajima is set for Sunday, March 24 at 11:00 am in the Carolina Ballroom.  The discussion will be led by yours truly.

To view the schedule page, go here.

Mad Monster Party Press Release

by Armand Vaquer

The following news release has been sent out:

Armand Vaquer, author of "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan," will be  attending the Mad Monster Party convention March 22-24 at the Blake Hotel in  Charlotte, North Carolina.

Vaquer will be selling "The Monster Movie  Fan's Guide To Japan" in the vendors room. He will also moderate panels  featuring the original Godzilla suit-actor, Haruo Nakajima.

Nakajima  played the "King of the Monsters" from the original movie in 1954 to 1972's  "Godzilla vs. Gigan."

"Haruo Nakajima has been a great convention guest  in past years. He began his career as an actor and stuntman in samurai and war  movies and the producers of Godzilla movies took note of his stamina when they  were looking for someone to don the heavy rubber monster suits," said Vaquer.  "He and I will have adjoining tables in the vendors room where fans can obtain  autographed photos from him and get "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To  Japan.""

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" is the world's first  and only Japan travel guide to monster movie locations and landmarks.

For  additional information on the Mad Monster Party convention, go to the official  website at TheMadMonsterParty.com.

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Haruo Nakajima's 84th Birthday Coming Up

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima in 2008.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" will be turning 84 this coming January 1.  He was born on January 1, 1929 in Yamagata, Japan.

 As has been a tradition for the past several years, fans wanting to extend their birthday greetings to Mr. Nakajima can post them here in the comments.  I will begin to forward them to his daughter Sonoe on January 1.

Mr. Nakajima will be a special guest at the Mad Monster Party convention this coming March 22-24, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

If you want to have your birthday greetings sent to Mr. Nakajima, post them here.

Haruo Nakajima At Mad Monster Party Convention

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Armand with Haruo and Sonoe Nakajima.

East Coast Godzilla fans are in for a treat!

The Mad Monster Party Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina will be hosting Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" Nakajima at the March 22-24, 2013 event.

Above, Armand with David Hedison.

Other guests include David Hedison (The Fly, Voyage To The Bottom of the Sea, Live and Let Die, License To Kill), Linnea Quigley, David Naughton and more.  I will also be on hand for the panel discussions with Mr. Nakajima.

The convention will be held at the Blake Hotel in downtown Charlotte.

For more information, go to Mad Monster Party.com.