TokyoScope News: NHK Relocates, Godzilla Returns, and Anime Icons Reveal Their Cinematic Secrets

A round up of recent Japanese pop culture headlines edited by Patrick Macias

Apr 03, 2025

NHK is preparing to relocate several of its production departments—such as drama, variety, and music—from its long-standing Shibuya headquarters to a new facility in Kawaguchi, Saitama by fiscal year 2028. While news and live broadcast teams are expected to remain in Shibuya, the shift marks a significant change for the broadcaster. The new Kawaguchi site, currently being built within SKIP City, will feature advanced technology, including LED panels and CG-equipped studios that allow indoor filming of outdoor scenes.

Despite the upgrades, the move has stirred frustration among NHK staff. Internal hearings revealed that employees are voicing strong complaints, including concerns that it will be difficult to invite performers to a less accessible location. Some staff had even bought homes along the Tokyu Line assuming their workplace would remain in Shibuya, and now face significantly longer commutes. Comments like “My commute will be more than double” are increasingly common.

Another major concern is the potential loss of NHK’s collaborative workplace culture. Historically, the broadcaster has benefited from minimal barriers between departments, with spontaneous discussions in shared spaces like the cafeteria often sparking new ideas and projects. Staff worry that splitting teams across separate locations will weaken this dynamic and impact creativity and innovation.

NHK leadership has remained tight-lipped about the concerns. Attempts to get a comment from President Nobuo Inaba were met with silence. As the move approaches, there’s a growing sense that NHK may be leaving behind more than just a building in Shibuya—it could be sacrificing some of the collaborative energy that helped shape its content.

Godzilla vs Muto Blender Animation

YouTuber TAIYAKI has created an impressive kaiju fan film using Blender animation that feels—and almost looks—just like a classic Toho Godzilla film from the 1960s. Fans in Japan are saying of it, “CGI that gives the illusion of analog! This is the path that special effects should take!” And for a few minutes, at least, it’s hard to disagree with them.

New Book Reveals the Movies That Inspired Top Anime Creators

The recently released book "Animejin, Ore no Eiga 3-pon" ("Anime People, My Three Movies") offers a deep dive into the personal cinematic influences of 17 renowned anime industry professionals. Each contributor selects three films that have profoundly impacted their artistic journey, providing readers with a unique window into the diverse inspirations behind some of the most influential figures in anime.

For instance, Yasuomi Umetsu, known for his work on Kite and Mezzo Forte, discusses his admiration for The Godfather, Blade Runner, and The Professional (Léon). He reflects on how the narrative depth and character complexities in these films have influenced his approach to storytelling and character development in his own projects.

Hiroyuki Imaishi, the dynamic director behind Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill, shares his appreciation for Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, Alien, and Pulp Fiction. Imaishi emphasizes how the high-octane action sequences and innovative visual styles of these films have inspired his distinctive, energetic animation techniques.

Yoshihiko Umakoshi, celebrated for his character design work on My Hero Academia and HeartCatch PreCure!, chooses Stand by Me, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and The Iron Giant. He notes that the heartfelt storytelling and emotional resonance of these films have deeply influenced his approach to character design, aiming to evoke similar empathy and connection in audiences.

Takeshi Honda, known for his animation direction in Neon Genesis Evangelion and The Wind Rises, selects 2001: A Space Odyssey, Solaris, and Stalker. Honda discusses how the philosophical themes and visual storytelling in these science fiction classics have shaped his perspective on incorporating profound thematic elements into animation.

Evangelion & Godzilla Artist Mahiro Maeda Hosts Free Tokyo Art Exhibit

There's a free art exhibition happening in Tokyo from April 5 to 30 to celebrate the release of the book"Zatsu: Mahiro Maeda Art Collection." Mahiro Maeda, the legendary artist behind Evangelion and involved in designs for Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman, and Shin Kamen Rider, is showcasing over 100 pieces from his 40-year career—including rare and never-before-seen works. A new illustration featuring Evangelion Unit-13, drawn just for the exhibit, will also be on display at Ogaki Bookstore in Azabudai Hills.

Limited-Edition Suspiria VHS Release Hits Japan This June

Happinet, a Japanese entertainment company known for distributing movies, games, and collectibles, is re-releasing Dario Argento’s 1977 horror classic Suspiria on VHS in Japan on June 4, 2025, marking its first VHS release in the Reiwa era. There will be 500 copies each of the subtitled and dubbed versions, priced at ¥8,580 (tax included). The tape uses a widescreen 16:9 format and comes with a reversible, numbered jacket. Amazon Japan is also offering an exclusive alternate jacket based on the 1982 VHS release. Cool for the video collectors, but I’ll stick with my 4K Blu-ray for now,

Candy Candy Museum Director and Cross-Dressing Icon Candy H. Milky Dies at 72

Candy H. Milky, the 72-year-old director of the privately run Candy Candy Museum in Tokyo and a well-known cross-dressing enthusiast, passed away on March 27 due to idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Known for their love of the classic 1970s manga and anime Candy Candy, they opened the museum in 2017 to celebrate the series, which remains unavailable due to copyright issues. Milky, whose real name was Yuzo Shiozawa, discovered their passion for cross-dressing in their 30s and even launched a magazine for fellow enthusiasts. A flower offering area will be set up in front of the museum on March 29 and 30, and the museum will continue operating.

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