*Image of Mr. Yamashita by Brett of Sidelong Glances
It has recently become known that Kensho Yamashita, director of Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994) and Chief Assistant Director to Ishiro Honda on Terror of MechaGodzilla (1975), passed away on August 16th, 2016. The cause of death was heart failure. He was 72 years old.
Yamashita began working for Toho in 1969 as an Assistant Director. His first project was the situational comedy Who Am I. His first major project was director Kihachi Okamoto's The Battle of Okinawa (1971).
He was promoted to Chief Assistant Director in 1975 where he worked for Ishiro Honda on Terror of MechaGodzilla. Due to his respect for Honda, he found it difficult to make any suggestions and merely attempted to, “learn his craft.”
In 1979 Yamashita made his directorial debut with Troubleman: Laughs and Kills, followed by Ninteen (1987). After those films he was having a difficult time at the studio—Many projects of his were being pulled from the schedule and it was suggested he leave the studio to find independent work. It was a surprise when former Toho President Yoshinobu Hayashi asked him take over Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla. Of the few movies he directed, his foray into the Godzilla series was his favorite.
Thanks to Toho Kingdom's Patrick Galvan for the news on Mr. Yamashita's passing.
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Sources:
Sidelong Glances of a Pigeon Kicker
Kensho Yamashita Interview
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