2.28.2021
Godzilla vs Megalon (1973) had fascinating and interesting locations. One of which was the laboratory of Inventor Ibuki. Another was Ogochi Dam which was meticulously recreated for Megalon to destroy. Let’s take a tour and learn some facts about these Godzilla places.
This is the laboratory of Inventor Goro Ibuki (played by Katsuhiko Sasaki) located in Kaminage, Steagaya (2-18 Kaminoge, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0093). It is called the Blue Box House (〒158-0093 東京都世田谷区上野毛２丁目１８). It is “a brutalist style residence designed by Mayumi Miyawaki Architect & Associates (Tokyo) in 1971. The bright blue exterior is typical of the architects style at the time. An original feature of this concrete box-shaped building is the opening underneath the cantilever which allows for bamboo to grow up within the structure to a courtyard area above.” (Source: Architectuul.com) “It is a private house built in a residential area in Tokyo. It is built on a steep cliff and a box pops out of the cliff.
Blue Box House is iconic to the film and is considered a masterpiece in the “Box Series” of architecture developed by Miyawaki in the 1970s. This series of urban houses contains a complex living space in a simple box. It classified as “Brutalist architecture, also called New Brutalism. It is an architectural style which emerged during the 1950s in Great Britain, among the reconstruction projects of the post-war era. Brutalist buildings are characterised by minimalist constructions that showcase the bare building materials and structural elements over decorative design. The style commonly makes use of exposed concrete or brick, angular geometric shapes and a predominantly monochrome colour palette; other materials, such as steel, timber, and glass, are also featured.” (Source: Wikipedia) The exterior painted in blue and green is from the color of the racing Mini Cooper of the owner and designer Osamu Hayasaki. The mural was drawn on the wall of the garage by Yuzo Yamashita, a graphic designer and a race companion of Hayasaki. (Source: Brutus) For the film, Ibuki’s name was written above the parking space.
Easter Island, a Chilean territory, is a remote volcanic island in Polynesia. Its native name is Rapa Nui. It’s famed for archaeological sites, including nearly 900 monumental statues called moai, created by inhabitants during the 13th–16th centuries. The moai are carved human figures with oversize heads, often resting on massive stone pedestals called ahus. (Source: Google).
The Easter Island moai are use several times as representative as part of Seatopia in the film. As the plot developments, the Seatopia Emperor (played by Robert Dunham) calls on Easter Island (「直ちにイースター島経由で送信してくれ」).
Minamitsukushinoyanagi Park is a 1.7 mile (4,000-step) route located near Machida, Japan. The park is open 24 hours a day.
Rokuro ‘Roku-chan’ Ibuki riding his baby rider (ベビーライダ) beside Yanagi Park (see sign). The park is not fake, but rather Yanagi Park in Minamitsukushino, Machida City. There, the Seatopian agents pursue and abduct him.
The Ogouchi Dam (小河内ダム) is located in Okutama Town, Tokyo (about 65km from the city center) at an altitude of 530m. The catchment area, which has its water source in the upper reaches of the Tama River, spans four municipalities: Okutama Town, Tokyo, Tabayama Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Kosuge Village, and Koshu City. The Okutama Dam groundbreaking ceremony was on November 12, 1938. However, due to the increasingly fierce battlefield, construction was canceled on October 5, 1943. The construction resumed in September 1948. It was completed on November 26, 1957. Today, it plays an important role in ensuring stable water supply for residents.
The Ogochi Dam scene, set and destruction are very realistic and are the best in the film. Our tour of Godzilla vs Megalon places is over for now. There is another location I’m trying to pinpoint and I will add it later.
