On 5th July 2020, a highly anticipated award ceremony was held in Tokyo to honor an individual for their contribution to the Japanese film industry. To many, the winner of the award was no surprise. Ishiro Honda, affectionately known as “the God of Japanese Sci-Fi”, took home the prestigious award and received a standing ovation.
As one of the most influential figures in the history of Japanese cinema, Honda left an indelible mark on a genre of film that has become known throughout the world. From “Gojira” (aka “Godzilla”) in 1954 to “Matango” (aka “Attack of the Mushroom People”) in 1963, Honda’s works have left audiences enthralled and captivated by the genre of giant monster films that he pioneered.
Apart from being a skilled director, Honda was also known for his shrewd and thought-provoking comments about the movie industry at the time. He was a man of tremendous integrity and the awards committee said, “His career was extraordinary not only due to his numerous works, but also for his unforgiving policy he had with studios, which kept him away from the star system prevalent at the time.”
At the awards ceremony, Honda was given a standing ovation by an audience of industry professionals. His wife, Emiko Honda, was also present to accept the award on her husband’s behalf. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of Honda’s work not just in Japan, but also abroad, as his films strongly resonated with audiences the world over.
Though Honda has since passed away, his legacy lives on in the form of numerous remakes, sequels, and spin-offs of his original works. His unique style of filmmaking and strong commitment to his vision will continue to inspire generations of movie-lovers for years to come.
This year’s award ceremony was an important reminder of the fact that Honda’s work has had an enduring impact on both the Japanese film industry and society at large. His films have earned a lasting place in the hearts of fans everywhere and his contribution to the movie world will continue to be appreciated for many years to come.