Kenpachiro Satsuma, the Heisei Godzilla, Dies at 76

Kenpachiro Satsuma, the man who donned the Heisei Godzilla suit for seven films in a row, died on December 16, 2023, due to complications with interstitial pneumonia. He was 76.

Satsuma was a stuntman that worked with Toho in the 1970s, having played Hedorah in Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) and Gigan in both Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) and Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973). In 1984 he was a replacement for another actor slated to play Godzilla--a moment that would change his life. He took his role as Godzilla very seriously and would become the Godzilla for a new generation in seven films, retiring after his work on Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995). He credited his performance in Destoroyah as his best work.

Satsuma developed his own form of martial arts that helped him remain calm and focused during filming for Godzilla. He was also very vocal against CG interpretations of Godzilla, particularly the 1998 movie. Satsuma would go on to do many conventions in the west, meeting with plenty of international fans and sharing stories of his days with Toho.

Sayanora, Satsuma.
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Source:
Toho