Keizo Murase: The Last Monster Maker

Incoming Editorial·Reviewed July 10, 2026

Artist. Innovator. Teacher. Inspiration. From his humble beginnings as a modeling assistant in 1958 to his acclaimed directorial debut, Brush of the God in 2024, the legendary Keizo Murase spent his career dedicated to the art of monster making, bringing life to many of Japan’s most iconic and beloved kaiju characters. But behind every rampaging monster and transforming superhero were the hands of a dedicated artist, whose contributions to the Japanese film industry might have been forgotten, if not for a dedicated group of close friends, longtime admirers, and fans from every corner of the globe. For the first time in the English-speaking world, the life and career of this singular creative visionary is revealed and celebrated in a feature-length tribute that sheds detailed light on the accomplishments of Japan’s last great monster maker, and preserves the stories of those who knew and loved him best.