Godzilla returns
A Tsunami of Godzilla events flood the area, forcing the City commission to declare the week of Oct. 24-30 "Godzilla week".
By Robert Riley, Jayplay writer
Memories of watching a flickering black and white screen came flashing back. The giant monster, a man in a rubber suit, lumbered through a miniature city setting off sparkler like explosions with every step of wonton destruction. The masses scrambled to avoid certain death as they fled from the wrath of Godzilla. I loved watching those old movies, and trying to figure out what the hell those two tiny twins in the bird cage had to do with anything. I remembered pummeling a small plastic version of the fire, or energy beam, breathing beast with He-man or Voltron, whichever happened to be my favorite at the time. I was absolutely crushed watching him loose that epic battle to King Kong (as if). Years after I had packed up my Godzilla toys (well most of them) I was happy to find out from a friend that in the Japanese version, Godzilla totally kicks King Kong's ass. And once again I am forced to totally reevaluate my impression of the greatest monster ever to hit the silver screen as the footsteps of Godzilla pound the pavement of Massachusetts Street.
The Center for East Asian Studies is celebrating the 50th birthday of Godzilla, Nov. 3, with exhibits in three different museums, a guest lecture conference, and the release of the original Godzilla movie, which has never been seen by American audiences.
"That means Godzilla is eligible for membership in AARP" says Randi Hacker, outreach coordinator for the center of East Asian studies, as she passed out pamphlets for the release of the original Godzilla, or "Gojira", playing at liberty hall absolutely free of charge. She says at 12:30 p.m. on October 28th, Baby J. will be inflating a 28 ft. Godzilla on the roof of the theater. Hacker says that the original Godzilla is totally unlike the Americanized version that we are used to seeing. She says it really captures the animosity of the Japanese about the atomic bomb. James Ford Lawrence sophomore, says he has
seen most of the Godzilla movies, but until he heard about the screening at Liberty Hall he was under the impression that he had seen the original movie. Ford says he enjoyed all of the Godzilla movies he watched while growing up. Ford says that Godzilla vs. Mothra, is probably his favorite. "I can't wait to go see the original, because I think it's great that I'll be able to go see a piece of cultural history."
The American release of the film kicks off the conference on Godzilla on Oct. 29 and 30 at the Lawrence Arts Center. The biggest names in the world who study Japanese pop culture will be in attendance, says Bill Tsutsui, co-director of the center for East Asian studies, "It's the biggest Godzilla birthday celebration in the world." Tsutsui says that Godzilla's actual birthday is on Nov. 3. He says he wanted to schedule the events early so that he could participate in any events in Japan, but that we are at the heart of the celebration right here in Lawrence. Tsutsui is a truly a Godzilla expert, and has recently finished a book on the subject entitled Godzilla On My Mind. Tsutsui says the original film is a deep reflection of the dangers of the atomic weaponry that created the classic monster, but also an important reminder of the consequences of war and disregarding the environment. He has planned a book signing for Oct. 27, at the Kansas Union.
The highlight of the museum exhibits is the Pop Goes Godzilla display at the Spencer Art Museum. One of the capstones of the exhibit is "Oval sitting atop a cosmos ball" by Murakami Takashi. Produced from his studio, Hiropon Factory, this pleasantly disturbing character wears dozens of expressions as it sits on a flowered ball. The ball separates into two pieces revealing a mini-CD inside. The music on the CD is a combination of traditional Japanese music spliced with ambient sound compliments of Zakyumiko, a member of Hiropon Factory. Another striking piece is How to tell the difference
between Japanese and Chinese by Roger Shimomura. The work is actually two paintings, which should be viewed as one piece. The symbolism addresses issues of war, racism, cultural misconception, stereotypes, pop culture, and diversity. Also on display at the museum is Tsutsui's personal Godzilla toy collection, which is admittedly far more impressive than mine. Another event, The Godzilla Body Parts Tour For Kids at the spencer art museum takes place Oct. 15 through Nov. 12. The show is definitely for the youth, but also the young at heart. The purpose of the free event is to identify body parts withing the museum that make up the legendary irradiated lizard.
The king of the monsters' birthday bash is not the only event of Japanese origin to hit the area. The annual Japan Festival at the Johnson County Community College took place earlier this month, along with the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Japanese and American relations. The commemoration was at 4 p.m. October 5th at Chancellor Robert Hemenway's residence. Tsutsui, who received the commendation along with co-director Elaine Gerbert from the consul general of Japan, says that the Center for East Asian Studies has received a great honor by being chosen as one of the 150 recipients across the United States. He says that the center has always focused on having strong Japanese programs throughout its 45-year history.
5,096 students in University housing
3,563 students in residence halls
265 students in family student apartments (Stouffer Place)
483 students in scholarship halls
785 students in single-student apartments (Jayhawker Towers)
21,718 students off-campus
Note: These numbers reflect last year's totals
Source: KU Office of Institutional Research
and Planning
10. 21.04 Jayplay