Mothra LarvaeMember2 XPJun-01-2015 11:05 AMToday, legendary Toho kaiju film actor Hiroshi Koizumi passed away at age 88. Koizumi was a popular actor in the Showa series, first debuting in Godzilla Raids Again as Shoichi Tsukioka. He also portrayed Shinichi Chujo in Mothra, Professor Miura in Mothra vs. Godzilla and Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster, and Professor Wagura in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, among other roles in the non-Godzilla Toho kaiju films Atragon, Matango, and Dogora. He made his only appearance in the Heisei series as Professor Minami in The Return of Godzilla. His final role in the Godzilla series was him reprising the role of Shinichi Chujo from Mothra in Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. in 2003.
"When man falls into conflict with nature, monsters are born." - Professor Hayashida, The Return of Godzilla
GodzillaAdmin5128 XPJun-01-2015 12:40 PMTeam GhidorahI just read about this. Massive blow here. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this terrific actor. He was part of a great traditions finest era and was excellent actor.
Mothra LarvaeMember2 XPJun-01-2015 1:00 PMIt's really been disheartening for me to see all of the individuals who worked on the Godzilla series who have passed on in the last year. And none has a bigger impact on me than Hiroshi Koizumi. He was always one of my favorite actors in the series, and always turned in an exceptional performance no matter what role he was cast in. His appearance in Tokyo S.O.S. was a great treat for fans, to see Koizumi not only reprise one of his earlier roles, but make one more appearance in the Godzilla series. He will truly be missed, and my thoughts and prayers go to his family as well.
This really is another sobering reminder for me that the still-living veterans of the series are truly living legends, and that we as fans should be thankful for their continued relationship with the franchise.
"When man falls into conflict with nature, monsters are born." - Professor Hayashida, The Return of Godzilla
GiganMember4297 XPJun-01-2015 1:05 PMNOOO!!!
He was excellent in the Showa films!
“Banana oil.”- George Takei, Gigantis: The Fire Monster
GodzillaAdmin5128 XPJun-01-2015 1:50 PMTeam Ghidorah"This really is another sobering reminder for me that the still-living veterans of the series are truly living legends, and that we as fans should be thankful for their continued relationship with the franchise."
Reposted so more people will see and read.
BaragonMember330 XPJun-01-2015 2:27 PMDamn it to hell! Saddening. We will remember him for sure. At least he's in a better place now.
http://hugeben.deviantart.com/ check out my gallery of Godzilla artwork! Follow me on Twitter@thebigbadben90.
Mothra LarvaeMember7 XPJun-01-2015 4:09 PMHe was a huge part of my childhood, as I rewatched his films most of all. His bromance in Godzilla Raids Again is great. That's a very underrated film in the series, and one of the reasons Anguiras is a favorite of mine. It was his only non-scientist role in the series, and honestly he should've had more. He's a good reason to check out Late Chrysamthemums. Always good to see Godzilla actors in other works, like Takashi Shimura in Seven Samurai or Ikiru.
GiganModerator3811 XPJun-01-2015 4:38 PMTeam GodzillaThis is extremely sadening.
But on the brightside, this man lived 88 years!! Thats fantastic, he probably go to see the rebirth of Godzilla and died in a time where the King is returning. He has lived a good life, thoughts go out to his family, and he will always be remembered.
Good grief.
Mothra LarvaeMember0 XPJun-01-2015 7:30 PM
NO! NO! NO! Why?! He was so awesome! He lived an awesome life. Thank you for be apart the Godzilla franchise and thank you for being a great person! R.I.P Hiroshi Koizumi, you will be missed dearly.
"By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfill that promise. They never will! Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people."
TitanosaurusMember926 XPJun-02-2015 4:18 AMA legend passes. R.I.P. Hiroshi Koizumi. I think I will remember him most from Godzilla Tokyo S.O.S.
\"SKREEONGK!\" -Godzilla
GodzillaAdmin5128 XPJun-02-2015 5:53 AMTeam Ghidorah"Thats fantastic, he probably go to see the rebirth of Godzilla and died in a time where the King is returning."
To be fair he witnessed Godzilla return twice in his time already, I have suspicions that although he witnessed it a third time, he had been part of the series long enough to understand the appeal-- I doubt he was too surprised. Probably tickled him nontheless.
Mothra LarvaeMember0 XPJun-02-2015 9:50 AMWell this is depressing. :( He was a fantastic actor, and his legacy will live on.
Rest in peace, Koizumi-san.
"Daddy's home- cake every night,"
GodzillaMember5639 XPJun-02-2015 3:46 PMMortality is not a weakness, but a strength far greater than many can imagine. It grants us the drive to create and excell; the desire to move mountains though we are small. It breathes life into our endeavors and gives us purpose; brings our will to bear and allows us to strive no matter the opposition. However, the greatest gift of mortality is the chance it offers us to be remembered by those who love and admire us. There is no greater beauty than a star as it vanishes from the nigth sky; for in its final moments it burns more brightly than any light. However, even as it fades, it is never truly gone. The energy, the life, that star held goes onward in every direction to touch every corner of the universe - becoming one with all things.
Mothra LarvaeMember84 XPJun-05-2015 3:41 PMI will always remember him as Professor Miura in Mosura tai Gojira (Mothra vs. Godzilla). His performance in this, perhaps the best of the Godzilla sequels, encapsulated the character and symbol of the noble scientist, a staple of the Showa Series.
He will be missed and this is very sad news.
