foreign invasions | Kaijuvision Radio

This is our G-Fest Conference panel, which took place at 12:00pm (CDT) on July 14, 2019 at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. In it, we compare and contrast alien invasion stories in movies from the Godzilla franchise and from American kaiju/sci-fi movies. I connect the stories from the Godzilla movies to events and trends in Japanese history, while Taylor connects the stories from American films to events and trends in American history. I highlight events from World War II, post-war globalization, nationalism, and the Japanese stock market crash in 1989/1990. Taylor highlights events from the Great Depression, the Red Scare, resource management, and technology.

I’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi, Sean Stiff, William Mize, and Eric White. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.

MP3:

Co-Hosts: Brian Scherschel and Taylor Hensley

Editor/Director/Video: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: Crowne Plaza O’Hare, Rosemont, Illinois

“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)

Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)

As promised, here’s the audio and video of our G-Fest Conference panel, which took place at 3:00pm (CDT) on July 13, 2018 at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. We had a larger-than-expected turnout, including several attendees who were listeners and a university professor who was impressed with our presentation. If he was amazed, we know you’ll be, too!

In this, we discuss Godzilla (1954), The Return of Godzilla (1984), Shin Godzilla (2016), and Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), and the international relations issues that were surrounding them when they were made.

We introduce ourselves, the podcast, and its mission. Then Nate examines the 1954 and 1984 movies with respect to the JSDF, the US-Japan Alliance, and Japanese domestic issues. Brian then updates the audience on what has happened in Japan and the world between 1984 and 2016. Nate examines the 2016 movie across the same issues. Brian analyzes Godzilla vs. Gigan and all that the movie communicates to the audience about globalization. Brian finishes the panel by mentioning what all will happen to Japan in 2019 and 2020, and gives a spirited case for defending democracy.