PODCAST · tv
Kaijuvision Radio
by Brian Scherschel
Season 2 (episodes 38-now): Brian Scherschel chronologically, critically and academically examines a Godzilla/kaiju/tokusatsu film in each episode. Brian relates the movies to pertinent issues about Japan. Kaijuvision Radio is dedicated to discovering the Japanese National Spirit in Toho tokusatsu films. Kaijuvision Radio’s 3-Part Format: Part 1: A short description (not a summary) of the movie. It’s an analysis tailored to kaiju and tokusatsu movies, to arm the listener with the facts. At last, a way to compare these movies to each other. Part 2: With the facts out of the way, I will analyze and give my opinions on the film. Part 3: A brand new, one-of-a-kind fusion of international affairs and movie analysis. Japan-related topic(s) either brought up by the movie, or going on at the time the movie was released. Topics are historical, political, economic, or cultural. Season 1 (episodes 1-37): It's impossible to tal
Episodes
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KVR Live 6: Regarding Nathan’s firing from Kaijuvision in August 2018
I received a question from a listener about the circumstances of this event, so I decided to answer it. Quite a few people know that Nathan is a fake Godzilla expert and that he's desperate for attention, but it has come to my attention that he told everyone that he "left" Kaijuvision. That is…
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KVR Live 5: The US: A Nation in Crisis, Honda War Crimes Video Recap
In this live, I outline the incredible threat to United States national security during this tumultuous time. With the election, a possible presidential transition, and the coronavirus in the White House, there are many threats from other nations and non-state actors. I also address the reactions...
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KVR Live 4: G-Fan Magazine Coronavirus Article, KVR’s third anniversary
In this live, I show you the new Gamera Blu-ray set that arrived, and I discuss the cancellation of G-Fest article in the newest G-Fan Magazine, and make some remarks to honor the occasion of Kaijuvision's 3rd anniversary. The show first aired on September 20, 2017. I apologize for the audio -...
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Episode 57: Ishiro Honda and Crimes Against Humanity
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...
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KVR Live 3: Japan Sinks: 2020
In this live, I address the recently released Japan Sinks: 2020 anime series from Science Saru Studios and directed by Masaaki Yuasa. I give you my reactions and thoughts on this incredible anime. It's bizarre, funny, sad, and surprising! It departs significantly from the original Komatsu book. I...
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KVR Live 2: Fandom Discourse, Honda, War Crimes
In this live, I answer questions from listeners about some complex issues, such as fandom behavior online, Ishiro Honda's time in a command position at a comfort women camp, who really rebuilt Japan after the war, economic circumstances that led to the Japanese Economic Miracle, the disparate...
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Episode 56: Shin Godzilla, GMK, and Japanese Nationalism
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…
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KVR Live 1: Charity Livestream – Covid-19 Pandemic, G-Fest, Olympics
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...
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Episode 55: The Politics of Shin Godzilla
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...
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YouTube Channel Reintroduction
In this short video, I reintroduce KVR's YouTube channel. I'm here to say welcome to the show again! I say again about what Kaijuvision focuses on. I will sometimes make an appearance for videos in-person. MP3:...
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Behind-the-Scenes Bonus Feature 3: On Patriotism and Creating the Show’s Structure
In the latest Bonus Behind-the-Scenes Special Feature, I explain how I created the show's structure and the role my patriotism played. I put this feature together to go into my thought process during that time. I strongly believe that America helps its friends and its allies, and that we stay...
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Episode 54 (complete version): The Submersion of Japan (1973) (The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake)
Here's the full version of Kaijuvision's episode on The Submersion of Japan – Toho's most successful movie of the 1970s. It's an epic episode for an epic movie! To help introduce this movie, I am joined by John LeMay, who loves the film as much as I do. After describing the film, I say how The...
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Episode 54 (3/3): The Submersion of Japan (1973) – The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake
The related topic for this episode is The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. All tokusatsu fans should know about this event and just how significant it was. The Submersion of Japan means so much to the Japanese people because of this event. The Tokyo earthquake in the movie is referred to in the book…
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Episode 54 (2/3): The Submersion of Japan (1973) – Opinion and Analysis
In part two of this episode, I present my opinion and analysis of The Submersion of Japan. I address the science behind the story, the Japanese cultural details throughout the movie, and I cover all the other incredible aspects of this epic movie. Is it a horror movie? In a national way, it is....
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Episode 54 (1/3): The Submersion of Japan (1973) – Film Description/Reflections/John LeMay Interview
(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...
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Episode 53: Space Amoeba (1970) (Japanese Colonialism in Oceania)
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…
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Episode 52: Latitude Zero (1969) (The South China Sea Disputes)
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...
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G-Fest XXVI (2019): G-Fest Wrap-Up and Kevin Derendorf Interview
At G-Fest XXV, Brian interviewed kaiju author and podcaster Kevin Derendorf. His book is called "Kaiju for Hipsters: 101 'Alternative' Giant Monster Movies". We discuss the thought processes and goals behind "Kaiju for Hipsters" and compare them to the creative process and goals of Kaijuvision...
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G-Fest XXVI (2019) Panel: Alien Invasions w/Giant Monster Messages
This is our G-Fest Conference panel, which took place at 12:00pm (CDT) on July 14, 2019 at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. In it, we compare and contrast alien invasion stories in movies from the Godzilla franchise and from American kaiju/sci-fi movies. I connect the stories from…
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Episode 51: Godzilla: King of the Monsters (US) (2019) (Eco-terrorism/Climate Change)
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...
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Episode 50: War of the Gargantuas (1966) (The Ascension of Emperor Naruhito)
With beautiful cinematography, detailed miniatures, and lots of work involving water, War of the Gargantuas is an incredible movie! Russ Tamblyn gives us a natural and cool performance in his role as Dr. Stewart. This movie is so refreshingly itself. The related topic for this episode is the…
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Episode 49: Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965) (Ryuichi Shimoda et al. v. The State)
I address the film's depiction of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and how that scene is edited for the English-language version. Frankenstein is a stand-in for atomic bombing victims in this movie. I'll pay attention to the scientific ethics explored in the story too. This movie is when...
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Episode 48: Dogora, the Space Monster (1964) (The Liancourt Rocks Dispute)
Robert Dunham has always impressed me with his performance in this movie! And his ability to speak Japanese adds to the flavor of this entertaining classic Sekizawan kaiju movie. I examine the underappreciated Mark Jackson character. I zero in on the diamond heist plot and explain why it's in the...
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Episode 47 (3/3): Godzilla Anime Trilogy (2017-2018) – Godzilla: Bigger Than Human Existence
Daniel and I go further into what the anime trilogy makes us think about. We examine which historical figures the Exif could have been responsible for, the inevitability of Godzilla, the cycle of civilizations, and a fun economic term called entropy pessimism. I compare the story in the anime...
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Episode 47 (2/3): Godzilla Anime Trilogy (2017-2018): Main Discussion
Haruo asks Metphies "Why are you showing me this?" This is also what some people watching the anime trilogy were thinking. We'll give our opinions and share our reactions to these experimental, risky, and unrestrained trio of movies. We appreciate the story and how it brings up intriguing…
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Episode 47 (1/3): Godzilla Anime Trilogy (2017-2018): General Reflections
"The big idea was to create a thought-provoking anime-style story that introduces a cohesive concept that connects Godzilla to the entirety of human existence." In the first part of a special three-part episode, we give our opinions on the anime trilogy as a whole. Daniel DiManna of the Godzilla...
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Behind-the-Scenes Bonus Feature 2: Which Movies Expanded the Godzilla Franchise?
See the diagrams of all the Godzilla movies yourself! What do you think? Which Godzilla movies expanded the style of the franchise? Roughly one in three is an expansion film. In this YouTube video, I say which ones those are. In Part 1 of every movie-centered episode of Kaijuvision Radio, the…
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Episode 46: Atragon (1963) (Hiroo Onoda and Japanese Holdouts)
Come for the Gotengo. Stay for the patriotism vs. nationalism/imperialism parable. What do you get when you combine Ishiro Honda, Shinichi Sekizawa, and at least seven different sea-related fictional stories? This movie, that's what. It's filled with juicy layers of rich historical symbolism, so...
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Episode 45: Matango (Attack of the Mushroom People) (1963) (Westernization and Globalization)
Hop aboard the Affluenza Maru (or the S.S. Affluenza) for this morality fable. It's a Kaijuvision Christmas! Coincidentally, I'm doing the movie that decries consumerism during the busiest shopping period of the year. Matango, the most Hitchcockian movie of this season, is a monumental…
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Episode 44: Gorath (1962) (Near Earth Objects/Science of Gorath)
And now it's time to appreciate the immense imaginative power of Gorath! When it comes to mind-bending Toho technology, rows of atomic-powered thrusters nearly the size of New Mexico in Antarctica is on par with the Dimension Tide black hole gun from Godzilla vs. Megaguirus –and I love both of...
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Episode 43: The Last War (1961) (NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization))
Brian and Daniel team up for this rare and incredible tokusatsu disaster film from Toho. Find it and watch it! It's a nuclear war scenario between stand-ins for NATO and the Warsaw Pact at the height of the Cold War – and Japan is caught in between! It's like an Ozu film with Tsuburaya's special...
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Episode 42: Battle in Outer Space (1959) (The Space Race between the US and the USSR)
Daniel DiManna of the Godzilla Novelization Project comes back to the show to review this tokusatsu extravaganza. The film is based in science-fiction, action, and Ishiro Honda's particular brand of optimistic pacifism. With the combination of superb models and vehicles, top-notch effects, and a...
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Episode 41: The Three Treasures a.k.a. Nippon tanjo (The Birth of Japan) (1959) (Shinto)
Daniel DiManna of the Godzilla Novelization Project joins me to appreciate Kaijuvision's first epic. 182 minutes long, it's the Japanese response to Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments (1956). The kaiju is Yamata no Orochi, the 8-headed dragon. Toshiro Mifune plays the legendary Prince Yamato...
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Episode 40: Varan (1958) (Hisabetsu-Buraku) (Discriminated Communities)
Kaiju non-fiction author John LeMay joins me for a detailed analysis on the good Japanese version of Varan, and a brief review of the pain-inducing American version “Varan, the Unbelievable” starring Myron Healey from “The Unearthly” and released in theaters by the same company that gave us “The...
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Episode 39: The Mysterians (1957) (Normalization of Japan-USSR Relations)
They want your land, your women, then more of your land, and, well, you get the idea. The aliens have even searched through binders full of women for very best ones. Listen as I analyze Moguera, the Markalite FAHPs, and those fabulous matte paintings! And then I'll connect the story in the movie…
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Episode 38: Half Human (1955) (Genetic Origin of the Ainu People)
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…
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G-Fest XXV (2018): Daniel DiManna Interview
I must say this interview is an immensely impressive accomplishment of film appreciation! At G-Fest XXV, Brian and Nate recorded an interview with Daniel DiManna of the Godzilla Novelization Project. His goal is to complete novelizations of every Japanese Godzilla movie. We discuss putting…
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G-Fest XXV (2018): John LeMay Interview
At G-Fest XXV, Brian and Nate interviewed kaiju author John LeMay. His latest book is called "Terror of the Lost Tokusatsu Films!". We address a few lost Godzilla films, his research process, why some of these lost films didn't get made, and how some elements of these films could still end up in...
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G-Fest XXV (2018) Panel: Godzilla and the Japanese National Spirit
As promised, here's the audio and video of our G-Fest Conference panel, which took place at 3:00pm (CDT) on July 13, 2018 at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. We had a larger-than-expected turnout, including several attendees who were listeners and a university professor who was...
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Episode 37: Shin Godzilla (2016) (2011 Great East Japan Earthquake/Tsunami/Fukushima Meltdowns)
At last, it is time. Fasten your seat belts, kaiju fans. It's like this movie was made for Kaijuvision Radio. Just as I was planning a podcast emphasizing the connection between the Godzilla franchise and international affairs, this masterpiece was delivered to me on a silver platter. This…
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Episode 36: Godzilla (US) (2014) (2014 Reinterpretation of Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution)
In the penultimate episode of Road to Shin Godzilla Month, Brian and Nate discuss Godzilla’s return to America with Legendary Pictures’ 2014 reboot directed by Gareth Edwards. Your hosts channel Siskel & Ebert again, only in reverse: Nate loves this film but Brian thinks it’s a mixed bag. They…
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Episode 35: Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) (Abenomics)
At the midpoint of Road to Shin Godzilla Month, Brian and Nate come to the Millennium Series’ explosive finale, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Godzilla. Though this is the last entry of the series, it's the first Internet Age Godzilla movie – and a valentine to G-fans. It resembles...
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Episode 34: Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) (Deflation in Japan)
Road to Shin Godzilla Month marches on with the final entry of the “Tezuka Trilogy,” a film that astonished Brian and Nate on the re-watch. Nate was surprised that this direct sequel to the previous film—which disappointed him—actually made good use of Kiryu having the original Godzilla’s soul...
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Episode 33: Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) (Women in Godzilla Movies, Makiko Tanaka)
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…
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Episode 32: GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001) (Election of Koizumi,USS Greenville Collision)
Turn of the Millennium Month comes to an end as Brian and Nate discuss an outlier of the Millennium Series and one of the highest-rated films in the franchise. Directed by Shusuke Kaneko, the mastermind behind the acclaimed Heisei Gamera Trilogy, this is a complex film meditating on deep themes...
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Episode 31: Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000) (Energy in Japan, Prime Minister Mori’s Gaffe)
Turn of the Millennium Month continues with the first of three Godzilla movies which are directed by Masaaki Tezuka and becomes the standard bearer for the Millennium Series. Brian proclaims that this movie is fantastic because Tezuka brings back many stylistic elements from the Showa series....
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Episode 30: Godzilla 2000 (1999) (The Tokaimura Nuclear Accidents)
Continuing Turn of the Millennium Month, Brian and Nate appreciate the film where Japan reintroduces us to the authentic and complex Godzilla! Godzilla 2000 actually gives us subjects to think about, and it lets us get philosophical about Godzilla's existence. We find similarities to The Flight…
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Episode 29: Godzilla (US) (1998) (1998 North Korean Missile Test, 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics)
It's Turn of the Millennium Month at Kaijuvision Radio. We will cover Godzilla movies from 1998-2001 all this month every Wednesday! It's appropriate that this is April Fools' Day week and we're doing the episode on the Godzilla movie made by a fool and loathed by Godzilla fans. The film is...
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Episode 28: Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995) (Act on National Anthem and Flag)
Brian and Nate come to the end of the Heisei Series with a film where—spoiler warning!—Godzilla dies. It’s one of the highest-rated Godzilla films, and with good reason. Your hosts discuss Godzilla’s death scene, the power of finality in stories, and Kazuki Omori turning Alien’s xenomorph into a...
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Episode 27: Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994) (The Senkaku Islands Dispute)
In a hilarious new episode, Brian and Nate take on the most eccentric entry in the Heisei Godzilla series. The kaiju and some special effects are amazing, but the story is so overstuffed it feels like three unrelated films packed together. Your hosts’ biggest riffs are aimed at MOGUERA, the most...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Season 2 (episodes 38-now): Brian Scherschel chronologically, critically and academically examines a Godzilla/kaiju/tokusatsu film in each episode. Brian relates the movies to pertinent issues about Japan. Kaijuvision Radio is dedicated to discovering the Japanese National Spirit in Toho tokusatsu films.
Kaijuvision Radio’s 3-Part Format:
Part 1: A short description (not a summary) of the movie. It’s an analysis tailored to kaiju and tokusatsu movies, to arm the listener with the facts. At last, a way to compare these movies to each other.
Part 2: With the facts out of the way, I will analyze and give my opinions on the film.
Part 3: A brand new, one-of-a-kind fusion of international affairs and movie analysis. Japan-related topic(s) either brought up by the movie, or going on at the time the movie was released. Topics are historical, political, economic, or cultural.
Season 1 (episodes 1-37): It's impossible to tal
HOSTED BY
Brian Scherschel
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Kaijuvision Radio have?
Kaijuvision Radio currently has 79 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Kaijuvision Radio about?
Season 2 (episodes 38-now): Brian Scherschel chronologically, critically and academically examines a Godzilla/kaiju/tokusatsu film in each episode. Brian relates the movies to pertinent issues about Japan. Kaijuvision Radio is dedicated to discovering the Japanese National Spirit in Toho tokusatsu...
How often does Kaijuvision Radio release new episodes?
Kaijuvision Radio has 79 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Kaijuvision Radio?
You can listen to Kaijuvision Radio on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Kaijuvision Radio?
Kaijuvision Radio is created and hosted by Brian Scherschel.
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