Kaijuvision Radio
Brian Scherschel
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Episode 51: Godzilla: King of the Monsters (US) (2019) (Eco-terrorism/Climate Change)
Kaijuvision Radio
07/06/19 • 100 min
A lot of critics know and understand the basics of the 1954 Godzilla, but they have less of an understanding of what makes a great Godzilla sequel. This movie has by far the most Toho magic of any non-Japanese Godzilla movie to date. I address the box office, the critical reviews, and how the way this film was edited is a big reason for the film’s underperformance. The related topic for this episode is eco-terrorism and climate change.
This episode is dedicated to director Michael Dougherty.
I’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi, Sean Stiff, William Mize, and Eric White. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.
MP3:
http://kaijuvisionradioepisodes.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/51-godzilla-king-of-the-monsters-us-2019-39kcbjo0tb8.mp3
Introduction: 0:00 – 2:16
Part 1 – Film Description: 2:16 – 12:14
Part 2 – Opinion and Analysis: 12:14 – 1:16:53
Part 3 – Related Topic: 1:16:53 – 1:38:49
Closing: 1:38:49 – End
Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: Lincoln Bank Tower (left), Allen County Courthouse (center), and The PNC Building (right), Fort Wayne, Indiana
Music: Audiophiliac (www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)
“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)
Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)
Copyright Brian J. Scherschel
All Rights Reserved
Episode 56: Shin Godzilla, GMK, and Japanese Nationalism
Kaijuvision Radio
05/07/20 • 18 min
Staying on Shin Godzilla-related content, I give my opinion on the popular article “Shin Godzilla vs. GMK: The Battle Over Japanese Nationalism”. It’s not 1947 anymore, and Japan has shown the world how good of a country it can be. At the end of the day, the Japanese should make their own decisions about their constitution and if they should grow their military. East Asia is a very dangerous place right now, and the US and Japan have many things in common. I believe these two movies are not opposites – they are two sides of the same patriotic coin.
Link to the article: http://www.godzilla-movies.com/news/shin-godzilla-vs-gmk-the-battle-over-japanese-nationalism
MP3:
http://kaijuvisionradioepisodes.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/56-shin-godzilla-gmk-and-japanese-nationalism.mp3
Transcript:
Welcome back to Kaijuvision. I’m Brian Scherschel. I’m going to continue with Shin Godzilla-related content. As I’ve been interested in politics and history since I was 7 years old, this has always been my interest and my specialty. So as they say on YouTube, let’s get right into it.
In this episode I’m going to address an article called “Shin Godzilla and GMK: The Battle Over Japanese Nationalism”, which was written by Gman in 2017. It’s about how Shin Godzilla is supposedly nationalist propaganda, but in reality, this article itself reads like propaganda. Propaganda is information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular cause or point of view.
I’ll start by saying that I have a master’s in public administration with a concentration in comparative and international affairs from the best public administration school in the country. It’s ranked higher than the Kennedy School of Government. I have read a great deal about Japanese nationalism, and I’ve covered over 50 topics on Kaijuvision, so this is not really a new topic for me. I’ve never addressed an article like this on the show before, but I am now because the Godzilla and the kaiju community is really missing a lot of perspective on this topic in particular. Fans of Godzilla and kaiju deserve to hear updated information to be able to make good decisions. There are others in the community who have it right by disagreeing with the conventional wisdom. It’s not that hard to understand, it’s just that people have been getting outdated information for so long, and it’s time to move forward.
When I released my “Politics of Shin Godzilla” episode, I came up against only a little bit of push-back. The feedback was largely positive. Most of the negative responses were hilarious to me, calling me Fox News and a populist, among other things. They called Shin Godzilla Japanese militarist nationalist propaganda, and the “Triumph of the Will” of Godzilla movies, which is a comparison to the Nazi regime’s propaganda. I think the criticisms of Shin Godzilla have been so over the top. One person said I didn’t mention GMK from 2001 and pretended to have this sort of “gotcha” moment. I don’t think he listened to anything I said in the video either, but maybe he did. But when he mentioned that, he reminded me of this article about GMK and Shin Godzilla.
So getting into the article, right out of the gate, it sets up GMK and Shin Godzilla as opposing political forces. It says how GMK represents Japan’s pacifist ideals and Shin Godzilla represents right-wing nationalism. So here’s why this is a false setup from the outset: Both movies are patriotic. They’re two sides of the same coin. Patriotism is faith in one’s homeland: political, historical, cultural, ethnic, and patriotism is defensive, inward-thinking, and fulfilled. Nationalism is inseparable from the desire for power and promoting national identity, culture, language, race, religion, and political goals, and nationalism is offensive, outwards, and power hungry. There’s nothing in GMK or Shin Godzilla about how the rest of the world needs to be more Japanese, and the military in neither movie is ever used offensively against another nation or people.
Setting up these two movies as diametrically opposed to each other depends on looking at Japan through a heavily-biased American lens. This goes back to the era immediately after World War II. Back then, we wrote the Japanese constitution, in which Article 9 denounces the right of belligerency of the state and renounces the right of Japan to use military force to resolve conflicts. It was 73 years ago that America wrote this constitution, which is a pretty long time ago, when Japan was a much different place. Japan has a whole new set of arguably more challenging problems now. But this mentality that “the US won the war, and Japan has to do what we say forever” is growing outdated more every year. How many years will it take before we recognize that Japan has pr...
Episode 55: The Politics of Shin Godzilla
Kaijuvision Radio
03/31/20 • 44 min
The final word on the politics of Shin Godzilla, from the podcast that covered it best. Is Shin Godzilla a “nationalist” movie? As an international affairs graduate of the best public policy school in the country, I can say that it is not nationalistic. It’s patriotic. The 3/11 Disaster (Earthquake/Tsunami/Nuclear Meltdowns) had a big influence on the movie. Godzilla effectively IS the 3/11 disaster. If it was nationalistic, I wouldn’t like it as much. Watch me tell you what every fan should know about this incredible movie. I cover the satire, the realism, and much more! This is my first episode recorded on video, but you can still listen to the audio version just like every previous episode.
MP3:
http://kaijuvisionradioepisodes.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/55-the-politics-of-shin-godzilla38v2j0d7slqipxm1.mp3
Official Kaijuvision merchandise on Redbubble:
http://www.redbubble.com/shop/kaijuvision?ref=search_box
Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Music: Audiophiliac (www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)
“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)
Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)
Copyright Brian J. Scherschel
All Rights Reserved
Episode 52: Latitude Zero (1969) (The South China Sea Disputes)
Kaijuvision Radio
09/06/19 • 64 min
Get into the bath of immunity, then put on your gold or vinyl outfit and prepare yourself for an overwhelmingly positive review of this humorous and underrated piece of Toho history! While the Americans and Japanese on the production staff got into frequent arguments, at least the costume department had fun! Unlike the painfully square reporter Perry Lawton, I’d have stayed in Latitude Zero and never returned to the surface. Though this film didn’t perform well, it holds a special place in the hearts of many tokusatsu fans. I showcase the American actors and put the story into context by relating it to similar adventure and Utopian literature and movies.
The related topic for this episode is The South China Sea Disputes – with Google Earth Pro video on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q-v_DlTVeI
The YouTube video of only part 3 with Google Earth video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfOVZTItHjE
This episode is dedicated to Joseph Cotten, Cesar Romero, Patricia Medina, and Richard Jaeckel.
I’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi and Sean Stiff. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.
Full Episode (Parts 1/2/3) YouTube Video:
Separate Part 3 Google Earth YouTube Video:
MP3:
http://kaijuvisionradioepisodes.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/52-latitude-zero-3gs8bz0l2hgid3a294.mp3
Introduction: 0:00 – 2:11
Part 1 – Film Description: 2:11 – 10:16
Part 2 – Opinion and Analysis: 10:16 – 41:01
Part 3 – Related Topic: 41:01 – 1:02:23
Closing: 1:02:23 – End
Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: Bloomingdale Park (St. Mary’s River), Fort Wayne, Indiana
Music: Audiophiliac (www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)
“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)
Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)
Copyright Brian J. Scherschel
All Rights Reserved
Episode 33: Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) (Women in Godzilla Movies, Makiko Tanaka)
Kaijuvision Radio
05/02/18 • 108 min
Road to Shin Godzilla Month has begun! We’re counting down to our big episode on Godzilla’s latest reboot, starting with the “Kiryu Saga.” Brian and Nate get a little Siskel & Ebert-ish as they discuss the second entry in the “Tezuka Trilogy,” which features the third incarnation of Mechagodzilla. The movie has great cinematography and characters and some fun kaiju action, but Nate thinks the story missed some great potential with its wonderful new concept for Mechagodzilla. Since this film once again features a strong female lead, our related topics are women in the Godzilla films and the firing of Makiko Tanaka.
MP3:
http://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/kaijuvisionradioepisodes/33-godzilla-against-mechagodzilla2d7gkw0o1at42halsb.mp3
Introduction: 0:00 – 1:41
Part 1 – Film Description: 1:41 – 7:11
Part 2 – Opinion and Discussion: 7:11 – 52:17
Part 3 – Related Topics: 52:17 – 1:46:51
Closing: 1:46:51 – End
Host: Brian Scherschel
Co-Host: Nathan Marchand
Editor: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: Foster Park (St. Mary’s River), Fort Wayne, IN
Video: Brian Scherschel
Music: Audiophiliac (http://www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)
Copyright Brian J. Scherschel
All Rights Reserved
Episode 57: Ishiro Honda and Crimes Against Humanity
Kaijuvision Radio
08/24/20 • 16 min
In this episode I tackle the issue of Ishiro Honda’s time during World War II administering a comfort women camp.
I was asked how he evaded punishment for committing Class C War Crimes (Crimes Against Humanity), and I have a definitive yet complex answer.
Honda’s films were supportive of human rights, and this is what we remember his place in history during World War II.
If Honda was an unnamed Japanese man who participated in these crimes, I would have wanted him to be brought to justice and served some kind of punishment for them.
However, there are many reasons why this didn’t happen.
So put on your thinking cap and listen as I explain how complex this situation is.
MP3:
http://kaijuvisionradioepisodes.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/57-ishiro-honda-and-crimes-against-humanity02v7a94mcs02v74dhs2.mp3
Transcript:
I received a question after I advertised a Q and A for YouTube. I did not receive them on Twitter publicly – they were all submitted privately. Given the nature of this particular question, I can see why it was submitted anonymously. I gave my initial reflections in Livestream 2, and in this episode I’m going to further address this issue.
First I’ll give you some background. In episode 4 of the show, I covered the issue of the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal. I utilized a few sources plus what I already knew and thought about regarding the subject. I’ve never shied away from a subject because it was too difficult for me to read about and process. But I’ll preface what I say with this: It’s not my place to forgive Ishiro Honda for what he did under the command of the Imperial Japanese Army. It also isn’t your place to forgive him. The only ones who can forgive him are the women (and men) who were put in the camps. And it isn’t Godzilla fandom experts’ place to downplay the significance of that chapter of his life. I can only give you my analysis of what I’ve learned and thought about.
Honda was in a command position at a comfort women camp during World War II. He administered actions there. He would have participated in “acquiring” women for the camp, also known as abducting, or kidnapping, and forcing them into sexual slavery. Human trafficking is another way to put this. These actions classify him as a class C war criminal, for crimes against humanity. He was not arrested, charged, or punished after the war was over.
The US only got around 5,000 of the war criminals, and some were charged by other countries like Australia. When the surrender took place the Japanese military and government destroyed the records, and the military personnel put on civilian clothes or went into hiding, or both. Without a record of who was connected to these war crimes, it’s hard to prove they did anything. Virtually everyone else threw themselves under the bus for Emperor Showa (Hirohito). Out of political expediency, the US gave Emperor Showa a way to out of it by not focusing on him in order to preserve the oldest imperial family on Earth. This action enabled nationalists in Japan and war crimes deniers, as well as anyone else who didn’t want to accept responsibility. Needless to say, denying these war crimes is beyond shameful. Nationalists say that the class A war criminals who were executed sacrificed themselves to keep the imperial family. The US also let the Unit 731 chemical and biological weapons scientists and employees free too, and judges at the tribunal weren’t even told about that.
The more you learn about the comfort women camps, the more shocking it gets. These camps were where some of the worst violations of human rights occurred during the war. Women were raped and beaten. They were pulled into a state-organized sex trafficking operation. Women were raped up to and exceeding 80 times a day in these camps. Many wished they were dead, some attempted or committed suicide, and they thought death would be better than this. It destroyed their lives. Their bodies were damaged from the abuse – some to the point that they couldn’t have children.
The US needed Japan in the struggle against the Soviet Union and China in the Cold War. The Cold War dominated US policy decisions. As the occupation was nearing its end, that was even more apparent. So this is an incentive for not going as hard on the war crimes perpetrators after the first 5,000 or so. I think if you want to ensure Japan is on your side, going after every single administrator of the whole war machine is not necessarily beneficial.
Class A war crimes are defined as “crimes against peace”. Those were the war criminals who were in the cabinet and who decided on the war. Emperor Showa was protected by General MacArthur. Class C crimes are like genocide or the Rape of Nanking and the list of other massacres committed, as well as crimes against humanity like the comfort women camps. Class B war crimes are more routine war crimes such as shooting and kil...
KVR Live 1: Charity Livestream – Covid-19 Pandemic, G-Fest, Olympics
Kaijuvision Radio
04/13/20 • 98 min
This livestream was conducted for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy Covid-19 Response Fund:
http://disasterphilanthropy.org/cdp-fund/cdp-covid-19-response-fund/
In this first livestream from Kaijuvision, I discuss the Covid-19 Pandemic, the status of G-Fest with respect to the pandemic, the postponed Summer Olympic games, how important supermarket employees and other essential workers are, the reactions to the Politics of Shin Godzilla episode, how the pandemic has affected Japan, the economic impact of the coronavirus on jobs and the economy, and the status of future episodes of Kaijuvision.
MP3:
http://kaijuvisionradioepisodes.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/livestream-1-charity-livestream-covid-19-pandemic-g-fest-and-olympics.mp3
Official Kaijuvision merchandise on Redbubble:
http://www.redbubble.com/shop/kaijuvision?ref=search_box
Host/Editor/Director: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Copyright Brian J. Scherschel
All Rights Reserved
Episode 54 (1/3): The Submersion of Japan (1973) – Film Description/Reflections/John LeMay Interview
Kaijuvision Radio
11/14/19 • 67 min
(Included in this third: Intro/Part 1 Film Description/Reflections on Disaster Movies/John LeMay Interview) The highest-grossing Japanese movie of the 1970s has received the royal Kaijuvision treatment! An epic episode for an epic movie! In this third of the episode, I present the Part 1 Film Description, reflect on 70s disaster movies, and interview author John LeMay, who loves this movie as much as I do. We also both have read the English translation of the book. The remaining two thirds of the episode will be released tomorrow and the day after.
This episode is dedicated to actor Keiju Kobayashi.
You can find John LeMay’s books on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/John-LeMay/e/B003KTW83K/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1539779359&sr=8-2.
Peace Winds Japan – Super Typhoon Hagibis Relief Fund: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/super-typhoon-hagibis-relief-fund/
MP3:
http://kaijuvisionradioepisodes.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/54-the-submersion-of-japan1of3e1z0d1mbdsheogkw2.mp3
Introduction: 0:00 – 4:44
Part 1 – Film Description: 4:44 – 14:21
Part 2 – General Reflections: 14:21 – 21:40
John LeMay Interview: 21:40 – End
Official Kaijuvision merchandise on Redbubble:
http://www.redbubble.com/shop/kaijuvision?ref=search_box
Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel
Guest Co-Host: John LeMay
Video Location: Jefferson Boulevard Skybridge, Fort Wayne, Indiana (Part 1 of 3)
Music: Audiophiliac (www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)
“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)
Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)
Copyright Brian J. Scherschel
All Rights Reserved
Episode 38: Half Human (1955) (Genetic Origin of the Ainu People)
Kaijuvision Radio
09/19/18 • 42 min
Season 2 at Kaijuvision Radio begins with the first non-Godzilla kaiju film from Toho Studios. This Japanese take on the Abominable Snowman phenomenon is a story about the dark side of humanity. The Japanese cut of the movie is effectively banned in Japan because of its depiction of the Ainu people as savages. I find interesting parallels between this film and Disney’s “Song of the South” (1946), as well as “Boggy Creek II: And the Legend Continues” (1984), which was made famous by Mystery Science Theater 3000. The related topic is The Genetic Origin of the Ainu People.
This episode is dedicated to the great Ishiro Honda.
I’d like to send a shout-out to our patron Sean Stiff for donating at the Kaiju Visionary level. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.
MP3:
http://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/kaijuvisionradioepisodes/38-half-human3l0I1hjl3s29da2021dsnw9s.mp3
Introduction: 0:00 – 4:27
Part 1 – Film Description: 4:27 – 11:08
Part 2 – Opinion and Analysis: 11:08 – 28:57
Part 3 – Related Topic: 28:57 – 40:18
Closing: 40:18 – End
Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: American Electric Power Building, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Video Notes: The clouds in this video are part of the west edge of the remnants of Hurricane Florence, taken on September 17, 2018 in Fort Wayne. We wish a speedy recovery to everyone effected by this disastrous hurricane.
Music: Audiophiliac (www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)
“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)
Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)
Copyright Brian J. Scherschel
All Rights Reserved
Episode 53: Space Amoeba (1970) (Japanese Colonialism in Oceania)
Kaijuvision Radio
09/25/19 • 70 min
It’s the last Toho classic kaiju movie, and there’s so much to like! The engaging cinematography and Kenji Sahara’s performance as Obata are two of the best things. And there aren’t any annoying squeaky-voiced little kids either! The subtle symbolism regarding Chinese Communism in the story and the kaiju is fascinating. Celebrate the end of an era with me, as I elevate this overlooked yet fun kaiju entry.
The related topic for this episode is Japanese Colonialism in Oceania.
This episode is dedicated to Akira Kubo.
I’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi and Sean Stiff. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.
MP3:
http://kaijuvisionradioepisodes.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/53-space-amoeba-vw0j38cuwkaprut50.mp3
Introduction: 0:00 – 2:22
Part 1 – Film Description: 2:22 – 14:28
Part 2 – Opinion and Analysis: 14:28 – 45:16
Part 3 – Related Topic: 45:16 – 1:07:58
Closing: 1:07:58 – End
Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel
Video Location: St. Mary’s River, Allen County, Indiana
Music: Audiophiliac (www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)
“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)
Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)
Copyright Brian J. Scherschel
All Rights Reserved
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FAQ
How many episodes does Kaijuvision Radio have?
Kaijuvision Radio currently has 79 episodes available.
What topics does Kaijuvision Radio cover?
The podcast is about History, Podcasts, Tv & Film and Film Reviews.
What is the most popular episode on Kaijuvision Radio?
The episode title 'KVR Live 3: Japan Sinks: 2020' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Kaijuvision Radio?
The average episode length on Kaijuvision Radio is 71 minutes.
How often are episodes of Kaijuvision Radio released?
Episodes of Kaijuvision Radio are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Kaijuvision Radio?
The first episode of Kaijuvision Radio was released on Sep 6, 2017.
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