The Kaiju universe has lost another cherished star as Hiroshi Koizumi has passed on at age 88 due to pneumonia. Koizumi was probably one of the most recognizable faces working in the industry throughout the Sixties, and he’s left behind a cornucopia of giant monster memories.

In 1955 Koizumi played Shoichi Tsukioka, the lead role in Godzilla Raids Again; he was also Dr. Shinichi Chujo in Mothra (1961) and Professor Miura in both Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964) and Ghidorah: The Three Headed Monster (1964). Outside of the Godzilla universe, Hiroshi appeared in Atragon (1963), Matango (1963), and Dogora (1964) as well as in Eiji Tsuburaya’s Ultra Q (1966).

At this time we here at Dread Central would like to take a moment to extend our deepest condolences to Hiroshi’s friends, family, and constituents. Domo arigato.

思い出のすべてのためにあなたに小泉浩ありがとう。あなたの遺産は永遠にゴジラや怪獣映画ファンの心の中に生き続けます。あなたは平和を見つけることができます。神のご加護を。