Keizō Murase
Keizō Murase was a Japanese suitmaker, stuntman, sculptor, modeler, and film director. He is particularly well known for his work in giant monster films, including Mothra, King Kong vs. Godzilla, and The Mighty Peking Man.
Life and career
Murase was born in Ikeda, Tokachi, Hokkaido, Japan on October 5, 1935.
In 1958, Toho hired Murase to sculpt the Varan suit for Varan the Unbelievable. An amateur photographer, Murase extensively documented his work which was published in his 2015 autobiography, Monster Maker: Keizo Murase. After working for Daiei Film on Gamera, he, Masao Yagi, and Akira Suzuki founded the modelling company, Ex Productions, he later left in 1972 to form his own company, Twenty.
Murase died from cirrhosis of the liver on October 14, 2024, at the age of 89.
Filmography
Film
The H-Man Varan – Varan sculptor / Miniature constructionMothra – Mothra imago sculptorKing Kong vs. Godzilla – King Kong and Godzilla sculptorGorath – Maguma sculptorMatango – Matango sculptorMothra vs. Godzilla – Godzilla sculptorDogora – Dogora sculptorGhidorah, the Three-Headed Monster – Godzilla and King Ghidorah sculptorFrankenstein Conquers the World – Frankenstein and Baragon sculptorGamera – Gamera sculptorReturn of Daimajin – Daimajin sculptorDaimajin Strikes Again – Daimajin sculptorGamera vs. Gyaos – Gyaos sculptorYongary, Monster from the Deep – Yonggary sculptorGamera vs. Viras – Viras sculptorTerror of Mechagodzilla The Mighty Peking Man – Peking Man sculptorThe Seventh Curse Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah – King Ghidorah and Mecha-King Ghidorah sculptorGodzilla vs. Mothra Howl from Beyond the Fog Brush of the God – Director
Television
Kamen Rider Ultraman Ace Ike! Greenman – Greenman sculptor