The Godzilla Club

2.18.2022

In lead up to return of Godzilla on December 15, 1984, Toho and Producer Tomoyuki Tanaka called for all passionate Godzilla fans to join the “Godzilla Club” (ゴジラクラブ) in stir up the excitement for the Big G’s next appearance. The club was exclusive, limited to 50,000 people. The club fee was 2,000 yen, about $20 USD today, but much cheaper back then. Applications were accepted from June 24 to July 29. 106 theaters across Japan were available for club members to convene. Lucky club members were recipients of seven club exclusives: 1) new “Godzilla” special sale ticket, 2) invitation to the first screening event of “Godzilla”, 3) limited B poster (Mr Noriyoshi Ohrai Illustration), 4) special membership card, 5) 55mm large bag (Mr Noriyoshi Ohrai Illustration), 6) LP bag (Mr Noriyoshi Ohrai Illustration), and 7) the Godzilla Club Bulletins. The Godzilla Club also had a constitution.

The Godzilla Club Constitution states: 1. The “Godzilla Club” is organized by people who love Godzilla, and at the same time, it promotes mutual friendship among members through Godzilla, and at the same time, wishes for the resurrection of Godzilla and the return of the Godzilla boom. 2. Membership fees are, in principle, used for the management and benefits of the association. Information on the new work “Godzilla” will be given priority to all members through newsletters, events, etc. 3. Information on the new work “Godzilla” will be given priority to all members through newsletters, events, etc. 4. Members must present their membership card when visiting the Godzilla Club Executive Office, participating in various events of Godzilla Club, and when necessary. 5. The membership card will be invalid except for the registered person and will not be reissued. 6. The meeting will be operated from June 24, 1984 to February 8, 1985 (at the end of the screening of the new “Godzilla”). 7. Among the members, those who write the honor and social credibility of Godzilla Club and hurt him shall be dismissed. (Source: ゴジラクラブ Toho presents Godzilla Vol 1)

Decades ago, I’ve had in my possession the first two volumes of the Godzilla Club bulletin. I didn’t know the situation out of which the club was formed and I didn’t think much about it. In hindsight, the Godzilla Club was special. It helped connect Godzilla fans across Japan and stoked up excitement for Godzilla’s return. It served the same purpose as the Godzilla 1983 Revival Festival (ゴジラ1983 復活フェスティバル). Take a look a sample pages from the bulletins.

Included with the club membership was this invitation to club members to attend the screen of the first Godzilla film held on August 26 at the Place Yomiuri Hall (読売ホール) in Chiyoda City, Tokyo. Thirty years after his premiere, Godzilla 1954 returns to the silver screen to remind Japanese fans when he first landed in Japan.

Recently, I acquired a Godzilla Club Membership Card (ゴジラクラブ会員証 “Godzilla Club Member ID”). It is a beautiful gold card made of metal featuring the promotional Godzilla 1984 poster art by Noriyoshi Ohrai. My card is unsigned and was inscribed for member no. 01852. The club constitution is printed on the back with a warning of expulsion for those whose behavior dishonors the club. The card expired in February 8, 1985. A cool Godzilla button was included featuring Ohrai’s Godzilla in color. Written around the edge are the words, “Here He Comes on 15 Dec, ‘84!”