New Book Toho SFX Actress Encyclopedia Now Available

The new Toho SFX Actress Encyclopedia is a treasure trove of photos and information about the leading ladies of Toho's fantasy films. © 2011 Yosensha Co. Ltd./ Toho Co., Ltd.

Author: Loren Portillo Official Site: Toho SFX Actress Encyclopedia Released in Japan barely a month ago, the incredible softcover book Toho SFX Actress Encyclopedia (別冊映画秘宝　東宝特撮女優大全集, Toho tokusatsu jouyuu taizenshuu) covers 50 years of Toho special effects film actresses, from 1954 to 2004. Published by Yosensha Co. Ltd., this 158 page marvel includes a stunning amount of rare color and B&W photographs of some of the most beautiful women ever to grace the screens at Toho Studios. 

I would assume finding photographs of these beautiful actresses would be considered very common in Japan, but for the foreign fan it is quite a treat to be able to see so many favorites here in this great book. My particular favorite page is a beautiful 1962 color photograph of all of Toho’s top actress’s in kimono outfits… a very stunning picture, indeed.

There is also a selection of very interesting interviews with such well known genre favorites as Akiko Wakabayashi (DOGORA, GHIDORAH THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER), Yuriko Hoshi (MOTHRA VS GODZILLA, GODZILLA VS MEGAGUIRUS), Yuriko Hishimi (GODZILLA VS GIGAN), Tomoko Ai (TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA), Megumi Odaka (Heisei Godzilla series), Keiko Sawai (FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD, MONSTER ZERO) and, of course, everyone’s favorite femme fatale, Kumi Mizuno (MATANGO, MONSTER ZERO, WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS). The Mizuno interview is a standout; extensive and accompanied by an excellent photo collection. I am sure this will please many fans to see her first-hand recollections about her experiences working at Toho Studios during their golden years.
Toho SFX Actress Encyclopedia is a very exciting book to add to your collection, and can be ordered through online retailers such as Amazon Japan.
Publisher: Source: Yosensha Co., Ltd.
ISBN: 9784862487025
Product Format: Softcover, A4 (29.4 x 21 x 1.2 cm)
Pages: 158
Text: Japanese
Release Date: March 28, 2011
SRP: ￥1,785 (approximately $22.00 US)