This book has a special nod to my mum, who started studying Mishima when I was about twelve. Growing up in a small town, this problematic, mesmerizing guy blew my mind and started a lifelong interest in all things Japanese. Mum, you rock! (You too, Dad!)
I have to thank the old WUTV Channel 29 in Buffalo. My brothers and I grew up watching Godzilla trash Tokyo, fight Rodan, Megalon. I had an old metal hamper that sounded just like Godzilla’s roar if you opened the lid just right, and the memory still sends chills down my spine.
Doug and Mike and later Tim have always been there for all the fun stuff. Mike’s still watching with us up in heaven (the great Toho studio in the sky!)
We even started a letter-writing campaign when Channel 29 changed its programming and dropped Ultraman. NOOOOOOOOO! Our repeated pleas, sent with different signatures and from different addresses, failed to move the powers that were . . . sigh.
The people of Japan have put up with incredible struggles and challenges, yet they continue to create some of the most amazing art, culture, music, and food in the world. Domo arigato.
And to all the musicians who keep me happy as I work and rework these stories in my attic studio—Coeur de Pirate, Joel Plaskett, Juston Rutledge and especially Rich Stirfry, I mean Terfry, and the rest of the crew on CBC Radio 2—MERCI!
Last and never least, Emily my music bud, Erin the horrible and Lolo. Love and tempura. . . .