The world never seems to be short of big SFX movies, with the announcement of Godzilla Vs. Kong set for release in the US on November 20, 2020 and Shin Ultraman in Japan in 2021.
But what about a comedic kaiju (giant monster) film? Well, that’s exactly what we’re about to get with the surprise announcement that movie companies Shochiku and Toeiーwho are normally rivalsーare coming together for the first time to put a spin on the monster movie genre with a completely original script. The title of the film is Daikaiju no Atoshimatsu (“Cleaning Up After the Big Monsters”), and it’s coming this year.
Ever wondered who cleans up after a giant monster wrecks a city? Who’s in charge of cleaning up a kaiju corpse?“
The story is as follows. One day, a giant monster who wreaked havoc across the country dies suddenly. Its dead body is extraordinarily enormous, enough to make you do a doubleーno, a quadruple take. Time is of the essence as the gas emitting from the dead beast could explode at any moment. If it’s not taken care of immediately, it could mean disaster for the country. Someone has to do it. And that person is Arata Taito (played by Ryosuke Yamada), a member of the Prime Minister’s special forces who is responsible for the role of the field commander for this unprecedented national disaster. Before him appears Yukino Ameoto (Tao Tsuchiya), Arata’s former fiancee and a secretary for the Minister of the Environment. They are tasked with the unheard-of, unreasonable demand to “clean up the giant corpse of a monster,” which they must do using their wisdom, their scheming, and their… love?
Everybody knows what happens in SFX kaiju movies, but nobody has seen into the world of what happens after. Now we’ll get to see that impossible mission unfold.
Japanese actor and singer Ryosuke Yamada (Hey! Say! JUMP), who will play the role of Arata Taito, is known for playing characters who are firm and resolute. This will be his first dive into a fully-fledged comedy movie. Tao Tsuchiya, who will play Yukino Ameoto, is climbing her way to the top in both name and reality in the industry as an actress. This will be Yamada and Tsuchiya’s first time working together.
Cast Comments
Ryosuke Yamada (Arata Taito, Special Forces)
“When we first had talks about this film, although I’ve been in a lot of serious movies, this was my first ever talk about a comedy movie, so I felt really lost. But when they let me read the script, I saw how interesting it was that the protagonist is super serious despite being in such a ridiculous situation. So I said sign me up! I don’t really feel much pressure now. I’m going make the character interesting and go all out to be as ridiculous as I can to meet director [Satoshi] Miki’s expectations.”
He continues: “The movie makes you think, ‘So this is what happens when adults try to be as silly as possible!’ <laughs> And the cast line-up is incredible, you’d think it was a lie. The jokes are really gonna come down! This is my first time working with [Tao] Tsuchiya in a film, but she’s played a lot of movies roles where she’s the serious one in a comedic situation, so she can be both serious and humorous. I’m looking forward to seeing her in action in this one. I wondered to myself if it’s really alright for Shochiku and Toei to come together for the first time in a film like this. It’s industry-shaking. But I also think it’s really significant that such big players in the movie industry come together to go all out have fun like this too. I want to work hard to make this a film where people say, ‘Yamada and Tsuchiya’ do this kind of thing!?’ and make it one that’s more than just people playing to watch it. I ask all of your support.”
Tao Tsuchiya (Yukino Ameoto, Secretary for the Environmental Minister)
“I love heroes. Films that are called SFX talk about things that are important in life, things you can’t forgive, things that you do forgive but will never forget. Like something that satirises reality, like a real sense of danger. It has everything in there, and within that are the heroes who shine bright, who suffer, who fight. They’ve given me so much courage.”
She continues: “When I came to know about heroes as a kid, there wasn’t a system in place at cinemas where you could reserve seats. You would line up in the morning. The first time I experienced experienced excitement before a film starts when it goes dark in the room might have been a Shochiku film or a Toei film. Whatever film it was, I remember getting sucked into the screen, and was intensely moved by it. When I read the script for Daikaiju no Atoshimatsu, the emotions from that memory came flooding back, and my eyes opened. And when I met director Miki, I had a hunch of the power and deepness that this film holds. I’ll stand resolute and return the favour to all those heroes as a member of the team supporting the protagonist, who’s played by Ryosuke Yamada.”
Information
Daikaiju no Atoshimatsu
Release Date: 2020 (Japan)
RELATED ENTRIES
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In February, Godzilla fans were excited to hear that they would be tasked with protecting Atami Bay Resort Korakuen in a new escape room coming soon. Now, the Escape from Godzilla event has a starting date: May 27, 2022!
Atami Bay Resort Korakuen has been a familiar sight in Atami since 1965. The beautiful property sits on the gorgeous Sagami Bay, treating guests to unforgettable views. The Escape from Godzilla event will ask players to solve mysteries throughout the hotel. Visitors will need to explore rooms and sometimes interact with hotel staff to reach the end. SCRAP, known for its numerous crossover escape games, created the project.
Atami is the setting of the decisive battle in the 1962 film King Kong vs. Godzilla. 2022 is the 60th anniversary of the film, and guests are invited to enjoy an original story and original images showing Godzilla’s attack on present-day Atami in cooperation with Toho.
Five original pieces of merchandise have been announced as part of the project. These Godzilla-themed items can only be purchased during the event.
Commemorative Puzzle Game Set: ¥2,300 (Tax Included) / Door Plate / Sticker / Hotel Keychain
Plush: ¥1,800 (Tax Included)
Fans can grab a commemorative set including a special Godzilla sticker, a hotel keychain, and a door plate perfect for decorating at home. Clear folders and celebratory stickers for escape room winners will also be available, along with special hand towels printed with a special Atami design.
Tickets for the event are now on sale!
Information
Real Escape Game – Godzilla vs. Atami Bay Resort Korakuen “Escape from Godzilla”
Venue: Atami Bay Resort Korakuen (10-1 Wadahamaminamicho, Atami, Shizuoka)
Running: May 27, 2022~Special Event Site: https://realdgame.jp/atami-godzilla/
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Escape rooms invite family and friends to solve exciting puzzles and riddles within a time limit, and have become massively popular around the world. Since the first one opened in 2007, over 8 million people in Japan have participated in one of these exciting events held everywhere from apartment buildings to amusement parks.
The Escape from Godzilla event will be held throughout the Atami Bay Resort Korakuen, and will ask players to solve mysteries throughout the hotel. Visitors will need to explore rooms and sometimes interact with hotel staff to reach the end. SCRAP, known for its numerous crossover escape games, created the project.
Atami is the setting of the decisive battle in the 1962 film King Kong vs. Godzilla. 2022 is the 60th anniversary of the film, and guests are invited to enjoy an original story and original images showing Godzilla’s attack on present-day Atami in cooperation with Toho.
Keep an eye out for more details coming later in February!©SCRAP TM ＆ © TOHO CO., LTD.
Information
Escape from Godzilla
More Details to be Announced in Late February
Official Site: https://realdgame.jp/atami-godzilla/
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To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Yoshimitsu Banno’s 1971 film Godzilla vs. Hedorah, Shibuya PARCO is holding a special exhibition from November 12 until November 23, 2021.
The venue will feature psychedelic imagery created by video artist Akiko Nakayama and a large-scale figure made by Chandelier artist Kim Songhe. Costumes and dioramas that were used to create the film in 1971 will be on show along with highly-treasured photos from the set.
Fans of Hedorah will also be able to buy unique merchandise including figures colored by artists such as Coin Parking Delivery and Keiji Ito.
Have you seen this classic kaiju film?
Information
Hedorah 50th Anniversary Exhibition
Running: November 12 – November 23, 2021
Address: Shibuya PARCO B1F GALLERY X (15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya)
Hours: 11:00-20:00
Official Site: https://art.parco.jp/galleryx/detail/?id=800
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A new collection of Godzilla Singular Point merchandise has hit up the Japanese anime, manga, and hobby online store CharaDepa and includes stickers, badges, and multipurpose pouches. The items are available to buy until June 11.
The Line-Up
GG3 Stickers | ¥800 (Before Tax)
Badges | ¥1,500 (Before Tax)
Acrylic Pass Cases | ¥1,500 (Before Tax)
Multipurpose Pouches | ¥1,800 (Before Tax)
TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
Information
Godzilla Singular Point New Merchandise
Order Window: May 30, 2021 – June 11, 2021
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Japanese online retailer ARMA BIANCA is now taking orders for an all-new Gozilla and Ed Hardy collaborative collection. ARMA BIANCA’s concept is to create merchandise that brings about new value by way of collaboration.
T-Shirt | ¥4,500 (Before Tax)
The collection includes a t-shirt fusing together the worlds of Godzilla and Ed Hardy. It features standard styling and a silhouette adaptable in many situations.
Hoodie | ¥6,980 (Before Tax)
A simple pullover hoodie that can be worn as loungewear or outdoors.
Tote Bag | ¥3,000 (Before Tax)
A handy large-sized tote bag with a versatile design.
Sticker | ¥600 (Before Tax)
The sticker is made from synthetic paper making it water and weather resistant.
TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
Information
Godzilla x Ed Hardy
Released: April 25, 2021
Buy Here: https://armabianca-shop.com/products/title/104,444?utm_source=press
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In promotion of the Godzilla vs. Kong movie, Japanese soft drink manufacturing company Cheerio Corporation released a new energy drink called GODZILLA ENERGY on April 30.
The Godzilla franchise began in 1954 with the first movie release. Since then, it has gone on to receive 29 films, three animations, and three Hollywood adaptations. An anime series began airing last month, and Godzilla vs. Kong was released worldwide on March 31 (but is releasing in Japan on May 14).
GODZILLA ENERGY is imbued with the full force of Godzilla’s energy so you too can stomp relentlessly on your way to victory. The 500ml can has today’s standard 210mg caffeine and 630mg arginine今.
The can’s design features a monstrous image of Godzilla with a neon logo and the drink itself is the same vibrant colour.
TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
Information
GODZILLA ENERGY
Released: April 30, 2021
Where: Japan (Cheerio Online Shop / Cheerio Vending Machines in Japan / Stores in Japan)
Godzilla Official Website: https://godzilla.jp
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Arclight Games and Drosselmeyer have announced that Godzilla is getting a board game adaptation as part Kaiju on the Earth LEGENDS, a new series in the popular board game series Kaiju on the Earth which has sold over 20,000 units.
Kaiju on the Earth is a board game series that depicts mankind’s fight against towering Kaiju monsters. Godzilla comes as the first entry to the new Kaiju on the Earth LEGENDS series. Like the original series, it is being developed by Arclight Games and Drosselmeyer.
Kaiju on the Earth LEGENDS: Godzilla
The multiplayer board game sees one player take on the role of Godzilla while the rest play as humans. It is the task of the Godzilla player to destroy landmarks around Tokyo as well as attack humans. The human players must work together to create routes to evacuate citizens to neighbouring prefectures while avoiding the destruction wrought by Godzilla.
The game was teased at Game Marker 2021 Spring at Tokyo Big Sight which was held on April 10 and 11.
The game is set to be released sometime between Winter 2021 and Spring 2022.
TM ＆ © TOHO CO., LTD.
© 2021 Arclight, lnc. / Drosselmeyer & Co. Ltd.
Information
Kaiju on the Earth LEGENDS: Godzilla
Release Date: Winter 2021 – Spring 2022
Kaiju on the Earth Official Website: http://kaijuontheearth.com/
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Kyoto Tower is set to be host to the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kyoto event which is running from April 16 to June 30.
Key visual illustrated by Yusuke Nakamura
Stamp design
Stamp design
Stamp rally postcard
Godzilla vs. Kyoto Official Merchandise
Novelty illustrated by Yusuke Nakamura – available for the first 50 people each day
Kyoto Tower will hold a stamp rally event as part of Godzilla vs. Kyoto which will have people trying to find stamps in six locations in the tower as well as at Toji Temple and elsewhere. There is also a selection of official merchandise, a Godzilla exhibition, and much more planned.
If you’re in Japan this spring, don’t miss Godzilla taking over Kyoto.
TM & (C) TOHO CO., LTD.
イラスト/中村 佑介 TM & (C) TOHO CO., LTD.
Information
Godzilla vs. Kyoto
Where: Kyoto Tower
Running: April 16, 2021 – June 30, 2021
Opening Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last Entries 18:30)
Kyoto Tower Light-Up: May 14, 2021 from sunset to midnight
Event Details: https://www.keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp/kyoto-tower/event/2021/03/godzilla2021.html
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Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji: The World’s First Large-Scale Godzilla Attraction Opens at Nijigen no Mori
Nijigen no Mori, an anime theme park located on Awaji Island in Hyogo, Japan, is now home to a towering 120m tall Godzilla statue. The park’s new Godzilla area, which features a host of attractions from zip-lining to shooting, will open on October 10, 2020.
In line with the opening of the new area, Nijigen no Mori is now offering free Godzilla postcards with tickets when bought online. Check out the official promotional video for the area below.
The new attraction imagines Godzilla landing on Awaji Island, ready to display his immense size and power to the people living there. Those brave enough to go head-to-head with the giant monster can look forward to a variety of missions, including zooming along a zipline straight through a detailed recreation of Godzilla’s insides, a shooting game, and more.
Theatre
Guests who participate in the attraction become a member of the National Awaji Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster. They will watch a video created by Toho which explains the attraction.
Zipline
Guests will be strapped into a harness and zipline on one of two courses: a 162cm course which goes straight through Godzilla’s insides, and a 152m one which lets you zoom past Godzilla to see him from the outside.
Shooting
After getting up close and personal with Godzilla, guests can have a hand at shooting down the monster.
Godzilla Museum
The park will also be home to the world’s first permanent Godzilla Museum which will showcase dioramas of scenes from the films, over 100 figures, and lots of other material related to the franchise that fans won’t want to miss.
Museum Shop / Mori no Terrace
The museum will also have its own shop selling exclusive Godzilla merchandise you can’t find anywhere else. There will even be a restaurant called Mori no Terrace serving 14 different dishes themed on Godzilla, like the black and red Godzilla Curry.
Information
Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji ~National Awaji-Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster~
Grand Opening: October 10, 2020Location: Nijigen no Mori, 2425-1 Kusumoto, Awaji, Hyogo
Official Website: https://nijigennomori.com/godzilla_awaji
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Last year marked the 65th anniversary of the first-ever Godzilla film which was released in 1954. The Hollywood live-action movie Godzilla: King of the Monsters was released last year, and the new Godzilla vs. Kong will release on November 19, 2020 as Hollywood’s third Godzilla film. Going into 2020, many things are planned as part of the 65th anniversary celebrations.
This includes the new collaboration with the brand ZEN, which aims to promote a type of traditional clothes dyeing from Kyoto called kyo-yuzen which involves the artist painting directly onto the cloth. ZEN has teamed up with Godzilla and will release their new Godzilla jeans on March 18, 2020.
ZEN produces its jeans in Okayama, the only place in Japan famous for manufacturing denim. All of their jeans are hand drawn one by one by skilled artisans of Kyoto Kimono Yuzen, making them a difficult to mass produce. The process of using this type of dyeing is so delicate that the slightest change in pressure on the brush can make drastic changes. This means that no one pair of their jeans is the same, making every pair unique and the only one in the world. This gives them a “Made In Japan” quality and makes them more special－rather than being mass produced, your pair of jeans has had time and careful consideration put into by the dyer.
The Representative Director (⻯⽥昌雄) at Kyoden, Inc. said: “We want to promote art and culture from Kyoto by creating, so getting to collaborate with a name like Godzilla, known the world over, is a dream for us. I was really happy to hear about this project. We will use this opportunity to get Godzilla fans interested in Kyoto’s culture, and to make sure that happens, we have been conscious about the touches that are unique to hand-drawing, while making something that reminds people of Japan.”
TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
Information
ZEN x Godzilla Hand Drawn Jeans
Release Date: March 18, 2020
Price: ¥30,000 (Before Tax) *40″ only
Sold at:
Godzilla Store Tokyo (Shinjuku Marui Annex 1F)
Godzilla Store Online: https://godzilla.store/shop/default.aspx
Kyoden: http://www.kyoden-zen.com/
Godzilla Portal Site: https://godzilla.jp
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This year is a towering year for Godzilla, marking 65 years since the first Godzilla film was first released in 1954. The third-ever Hollywood studio adaptation from the franchise, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, was released on May 31 this year. A new film from Hollywood, entitled Godzilla vs. Kong, will be released on March 13, 2020.
Nijigen no Mori, a theme park on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, has announced that a new Godzilla-themed attraction entitled “Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji ~National Awaji-Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster~” will open at the park in summer 2020.
Zip Line
Shooing Game
The new attraction imagines Godzilla landing on Awaji Island, ready to display his immense size and power to the people living there. Those brave enough to go head-to-head with the giant monster can look forward to a variety of missions, including zooming along a zip line straight through a detailed recreation of Godzilla’s insides, a shooting game, and more.
There will also be official and exclusive themed merchandise and food too. If you’re looking for a real Godzilla experience when visiting Japan, then look no further (and try not to get eaten!)
TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
Information
Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji ~National Awaji-Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster~
Grand Opening: Summer 2020 (Subject to Change)
Location: Nijigen no Mori, 2425-1 Kusumoto, Awaji, Hyogo
Official Website: https://nijigennomori.com/godzilla_awaji
*Listed information is correct at the time of this article’s publication but is subject to changes. Please visit the park’s official website for the latest information.
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To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Godzilla franchise, stylish sneaker company Patrick has created 4 different shoe models: Godzilla Marathon, Chibi Godzilla Marathon, and two Chibi Godzilla Velcro.
Chibi Gozilla was created this year for the anniversary and is aimed at children. A book entitled Ganbare Chibi Godzilla was released in October last year and by the following month, huge orders were placed as the book received huge attention. A second picture book was released in May this year titled Nakayoshi Chibi Godzilla. In the books, a cute and tiny Godzilla befriends an equally cute and tiny Mothra and Anguirus. The first Chibi Godzilla animated film is also now airing at TOHO cinemas across Japan, attraction the attention of not only kids but movie fanatics too. A Hollywood movie titled Godzilla: King of the Monsters was also released earlier this year and became a worldwide hit.
And now, from the big screen and books, the Godzilla craze is now entering the real world in the form of sneakers. Let’s take a look at the models.
Godzilla Marathon (Unisex) *Adult size
These sneakers are made from a special lacquer material to make it feel like Godzilla’s tough, amour-like skin. The specially-designed insoles and woven logo are sure to be a hit with Godzilla fans.
Chibi Godzilla Marathon (Unisex) *Adult size
The entire shoe is covered with illustrations of Godzilla. The insoles have logos have also been specially designed for this model.
Chibi Godzilla Velcro
Also featuring Chibi Gozilla’s iconic green colour is this model pair with Velcro for an easy fit. The kids version comes with double Velcro.
The line-up features sneakers that both kids and adults alike can enjoy. Which pair is your favourite?
TM ＆(C) TOHO CO., LTD.
TM &(C) TOHO CO., LTD. Designed by Chiharu Sakazaki
Information
Godzilla Marathon
Price: ¥19,000 (Before Tax)
Size: 35-45 (22.5cm-28.0cm)
Colour: Black
Material: Steer Leather
Release Date: End of October 2019Chibi Godzilla Marathon
Price: ¥15,000 (Before Tax)
Size: 35-45 (22.5cm-28.0cm)
Colour: Green
Materials: Nylon x Velvet
Release Date: End of October 2019Godzilla Velcro
Price: Kids Model ¥7,500 (Before Tax) / Junior Model ¥9,500 (Before Tax)
Size: Kids 14.0cm-18.0cm / Junior 19.0cm-22.0cm
Colour: Green
Materials: Nylon x VelvetRelease Date: End of October 2019
Available At: Patrick and Godzilla Store Tokyo
Godzilla Store Tokyo Official Website: https://godzilla.store/tokyo/
