Kita Takeo

Born in Osaka, Kita Takeo began his career at Photo Chemical Laboratories (P.C.L.), the predecessor to Toho. He quickly established himself in the industry, becoming the first director of the Japan Film and Television Art Director Association upon its founding in 1939.

He is best known for his extensive collaboration with director Honda Ishirô, serving as the art director for many of Toho's most famous tokusatsu films, including the original Godzilla (1954), King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), and Destroy All Monsters (1968). His set designs helped define the look of the studio's Golden Age of sci-fi.

In the 1960s, Kita took on significant executive roles, becoming Toho's General Production Manager in 1961 and later the President and Representative Director of Toho Built in 1962. He passed away in 1979.