Godzilla vs. Gamera ... it may no longer be a fantasy fight
It would be the ultimate monster battle. Godzilla, the king of the monsters vs. Gamera, the guardian of the universe. This dream fight might actually become a reality within the near future. In July 2002, Kadokawa Publishing purchased the world-famous Daiei Motion Picture Company, the owner of famous kaiju such as Gamera and Daimajin. Kadokawa, no stranger to the Japanese film industry, has produced many films in the past, usually based on its own publications, which have been some of the biggest scale productions ever made in Japan. The impressive list of films includes the box-office hits LEGEND OF THE EIGHT SAMURAI (“Satomi Hakken Den” in Japan), VIRUS (“Fukkatsu-no Hi” in Japan) and HARMAGEDDON (“Harumagedon” in Japan).
Kadokawa Publishing's head, 58 year-old Maihiko Kadokawa, officially started his own new company- the "Kadokawa-Daiei Motion Picture Company." To assist him in this new venture, Kadokawa has hired 65 year-old Kazuo Kuroi, President of Kinema Jumpo, as the company's Chairman. Kinema Jumpo is Japan's oldest and most respected film critique magazine.
The Evening Fuji tapped Chairman Kuroi for his comments, "Every year, we will aim to produce two to three large-scale films in addition to smaller productions." One of the first of these large-scale productions, the new company plans on remaking one of the original Daiei hits, Daimajin. It was also revealed that they are in negotiations with the Toho Motion Picture Company to co-produce GODZILLA VS. GAMERA.
The foundation of the policies concerning operation are, according to Chairman Kuroi:
1. Make the Kadokawa Group the number one film production company in Japan and produce two to three lavish and large-scale films per year, released nationwide, in addition to three or four more modest productions for smaller releases.
2. The productions of original made-for-video release, as well as programs and movies made-for-television.
3. Acquisition and distribution of foreign films for the Japanese market.
4. Business management of Daiei Motion Picture Studios in Chofu, Tokyo.
Weither it’s Godzilla vs. Gamera, or Gamera 4, the future of Gamera looks good. Maybe a new Gamera film would be released for the giant turtle's 40th anniversary in 2005.
*Special thanks Aaron Smith from Monster Zero News and to Kayo Misawa Holden for creating the original article on Henshin!Online.*
