The Visual Effects Society (VES) has announced that it will posthumously induct two pillars of Japanese cinema, director Ishirō Honda and producer Tomoyuki Tanaka, into its Hall of Fame. The recognition is scheduled to take place during the 2026 VES Honors Celebration, hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles this September.
Honda, the visionary behind the 1954 Godzilla, directed eight entries in the legendary monster franchise and over 40 films throughout his career, including Mothra and King Kong vs. Godzilla. Beyond his kaiju work, Honda was a versatile filmmaker who directed television episodes for Return of Ultraman and maintained a long-standing creative partnership with Akira Kurosawa, notably contributing to the 1980 film Kagemusha.
Tomoyuki Tanaka’s inclusion recognizes his monumental role as a producer, having overseen more than 200 projects during his tenure at TOHO Studios. As the producer of the original Godzilla, Tanaka was instrumental in establishing the foundation for the studio’s most enduring franchise. His prolific career also included producing Kurosawa classics such as Yojimbo and High and Low, eventually culminating in his role as Chairman and CEO of TOHO Pictures in 1989.
This induction marks the second consecutive year the VES has honored a Japanese giant of the craft, following the 2025 induction of special effects pioneer Eiji Tsuburaya. The move underscores the lasting impact of the team that defined the practical effects and storytelling language of the tokusatsu genre.
