The Big G that almost got away
After a price scare I couldn’t put it off any longer. So I brought this big boy home yesterday. I have no place to put this gigantic Godzilla but he’s where he belongs. The Mezco Ultimate Godzilla is one of those toys I dreamt about as a kid. And as an adult I made those dreams come true. After months of contemplating and self-negotiating I bit the bullet and put the money up now rather than pay so much more later. An 18-inch detailed, articulated poseable light-up roaring gigantic Godzilla in a fabulous box. 8.25.2024
My trip is over but MyKaiju is still in Tokyo
To my soul’s delight a photo from The Godzilla Store at Hakuhinkan Toy Park Ginza Main Branch (ゴジラ・ストア 博品館TOY PARK銀座本店 出張所) was shared on X.com. The X-Plus Yuji Sakai Godzilla 1954 model kit box with MyKaiju toy photography can be seen on a top shelf below posters for Shin Godzilla and Godzilla -1.0. Thanks X-Plus, Master Yuji Sakai and Summit Kaiju! Credit: @DDoslove0205 | 8.25.2024
While I was at Play With This Toys & Collectibles I also picked up the Super7 Toho ReAction Anguirus (Glow) and Toho ReAction Figures Godzilla & Jet Jaguar Shaking Hands.
New Stuff
ゴジラ&東宝特撮 Official Mooks (Vol. 23, 27, 28, 30)
There’s no rest with the Godzilla & Toho Tokusatsu Official Mook Series. The series is quickly reaching 40 and the reprint of the King Kong vs Godzilla (1962) script will follow. I’m still missing some books and I will need some help from friends in Japan to acquire the script. But until then Kinokuniya online has proven to be a good way to fill in the missing volumes. The shipping cost is much less than Amazon Japan. 8.24.2024
I had to have this inexpensive cassette recording of the Magma Taishi theme by the Yupiter TV Record. 8.24.2024
Memories of the 1984 Godzilla Boom
We are living in the greatest Godzilla Boom. Godzilla is everywhere all the time! Booms were periodic over Godzilla’s 70-year history. Since the monster boom of 60s, they grown bigger and better. Booms accompanied Godzilla’s revivals after decade-long retirements in 1984, 1999 and 2014. My first boom was in 1984. As I was coming of age the world of Japanese Godzilla collectibles was exploding and landing on the shelves of the local toy shop Rocketships & Accessories. A flood of Godzilla goods appeared regularly that included albums, books, buttons, calendars, cassettes, comics, expos, fanzines, fan clubs, games, garage kits, model kits, magazines, manga, movie events, posters, stamps, stickers, toys, video tapes, vinyl figures and more. Today I’m still buying releases from the 80s Godzilla boom. Some I didn’t know existed. Others I’ve wanted for decades. They were a big part of my childhood and add context to my childhood that I long to recreate. When did you first see Godzilla? What were the collectibles that you wanted? Do you still have them? Do you want to collect the ones you missed out on? 8.23.2024
The Art of Filmmaking
Film is a beautiful art and skill. I love how the opening and closing of movies mirror each other. All Monsters Attack (1969) opens and closes with the latchkey boy Ichiro Mitsuki’s experience of bullying marching to and from school and his invisible friend Minilla encapsulated by the Monster March theme. Like monsters the kids play and pick on each other along the way making Ichiro’s life difficult. He finds comfort and courage retreating to Monster Island in his dreams to learn from Godzilla’s son Minilla. In the closing scenes, when asked by reporters if he was scared by the robbers who captured him, Ichiro replied Minilla was with him. Toy designer Shinpei Minami explains, Minilla “is like a higher power. Adults believe in gods, so why can’t kids have their own gods, like Minilla.” This scene parallels and complements the opening scene when Ichiro compares the sound of the swirling car to that of Minilla, whose existence is questioned by his school friend Sachiko. By the movie’s end Ichiro has become the embodiment of the strength and courage of Godzilla’s son. The Monster March song provides the movie’s interpretive key: the earth has become a hard place to live and the real monsters are the smog and pollution produced by his hometown Kawasaki. Ichiro’s story is told well by the movie’s bookends. 8.18.2024
55-Year Old Comments Worth Considering
I’ve been enjoying All Monsters Attack these days which is easily observable. This morning I came across a fascinating comment made in an article “Monster movies are a compulsory subject in childhood” written during its filming that’s worth sharing: “Godzilla and his friends can be made into whatever they want depending on the times. I feel a little sorry for them. I guess they don’t have autonomy. Movies are no longer made by companies, but by fans all over the country. I believe that monster movies are one of the gateways to childhood. It is a compulsory subject in childhood, a prelude to youth, and a fond memory for all ages.” Read | 8.20.2024
“Ring, Ring, Ring!”
When I thought the M1 Godzilla tricycle sofubi couldn’t get any more awesome. The imposter rolls into town. MechaGodzilla comes in a beautifully illustrated box. This was another must-have figure I found irresistible. I jumped on it for a good price before it got away. He will add more color and interest to my shelfs when I get around to reworking them. See More | 8.20.2024
Learning About Godzilla Everyday
For more than two years I’ve posted an English translation of Japanese Godzilla content from various sources on my Godzilla Reader page. It’s been a labor of love. But above anything else, I’ve enjoyed learning something new about the King of the Monsters everyday. Sometimes it’s something small out of often repeated content such as monster diagrams and statistical charts. But then more often then not I find the most insightful information or commentary. I usually do four days worth of translations at a time. Lately, I’ve been reading through news articles from 1995 and the death of Godzilla. Today, I had a great discovery. In the Godzilla (1954) “G Works” draft there are startling plot twists I never imagined. For example, the film was going to open with an announcement condemning atomic and hydrogen bombs with footage related to the Lucky Dragon No. 5 incident. Another occurs on Odo Island where Emiko peers into some water lilies by the water when she sees the reflection of Godzilla’s face in the water from behind her. Creepy stuff! And finally, more than 10,000 petitioned Toho not to kill Godzilla, whose coffin was placed in the Umeda Theater lobby in Kita, Osaka. Director Kazuki Omori appeared and offered red carnations. He remarked, “I never thought it would cause such a fuss.” 8.16.2024
Small collectibles that pack a punch. I got the Takara Kaijyu Oh Godzilla Punch (怪獣王GODZILLAパンチ) in 1999. With the press of a button Godzilla’s furry hand and yellow claws fly out with his load roar. | 8.17.2024
TV Magazine Godzilla Giant Monster Card Case September issue bonus (テレビマガシンゴジラ大怪獣カードケース 9月号ふろく). Thirty-six color Showa Godzilla monster cards (102mm × 68mm) from the familiar to the obscure with descriptions and data on the back of each. 8.18.2024
In 1998 the Tristar Godzilla was all the hype. And I collected everything I could until the release. This is my brand-new, unused, and unworn 1998 Swatch Watch Irony Godzilla 1st Edition Wristwatch (round roasted chestnut quartz round aluminum analogue men’s wristwatch) 8.18.2024
I couldn’t resist the brown beast
When I saw the beautiful Marmit Monster Kaiju Godzilla 1962 Limited ver 14″ Soft Vinyl Figure at Play With This I couldn’t resist. Although I tried opting out to buy the Megaton Godzilla 1971, I went back to the store with my brother on Saturday and did it again. But I lost all my restraining power on Tuesday when I went back yet again this time with my friend John. This KinGoji has a beautiful sculpt and light brown paint application that I just couldn’t pass on. 8.16.2024
From Japan
I’m blessed with wonderful friends here at home and in Japan. During my trip Collect All Monster Creator Kyle gifted me the Bandai Godzilla Waiting MechaGodzilla. And yesterday my dear friend Jodi sent me a video message the Godzilla Store popup in Osaka. Thank you both! 8.14.2024
My Top 10 Godzilla Tracks
10 Days 10 Tracks
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Other Favorites: Bio Wars (1989), Introduction (1993), Identity Investigation (1972), Ending (1969), Early Morning from Tokyo (2016), Echoes of Love (1994), Snowflakes on the Southern Sea (1967)
Happy Birthday King Kong vs Godzilla
On August 11, 1962, King Kong vs Godzilla was released in Japanese theaters. It is a film of many firsts. It is the first Godzilla film in color. Godzilla’s atomic breath appears in blue for the first time. The film was a great box office success and became a culture phenomenon entertaining the world and shaping future Godzilla directors. Its impact is undeniable and influence is still felt today with Legendary’s Kong-Godzilla series. Contrary to old reports, King Kong vs Godzilla has only one ending with the fight concluding in a tie. 8.11.2024
Pacific Pharmaceuticals mascot Pashin Boy based on Travel Min Boy, the character for Eisai. Learn More
Small Memories
Small but great memory from my July trip to Japan is the gifting of the Godzilla Store Toho Tokusatsu Collection Card 45 featuring the scene of Legendary Godzilla arising from the Roman Colosseum from Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024) with the caption「目覚める怪獣の王」”The King of Monsters Awakens.” 8.11.2024
Wallpaper
New MyKaiju Box Art
Although I missed the Wonder Festival, I was there in spirit. New MyKaiju box art appeared on the of the new X-Plus Yuji Sakai Godzilla 1992 Model Kit at the show. This was one of my most challenging shots to date. I want to thank the entire X-Plus team and Master Yuji Sakai for another great opportunity to create Godzilla art. 8.11.2024
Defo Power
Defo Dynomite. My X-Plus Defo Real Godzilla 2023 finally arrived and it’s so cool. It comes with the extra mouth biting the Yamanote train car. 8.12.2024
Zilla gets a home. I finally added a Godzilla 1998 figure that I can shoot when creating posters celebrating the 70 years of Godzilla. 8.11.2024
From the Godzilla Reader
｢ゴジラは「悪いヤツ」でなくてはいけない。「恐怖のかたまり」でなくてはいけない。それが顔なじみになるにしたがい、友だちになり、ヒーローになり、アイドルになっていく。本来ゴジラは、核の恐怖を身につけた、「いてはいけない存在」なのだ。『ゴジラ』はシリーズ化すべきではなかったのかもしれない。なぜなら登場を重ねるにつれ、どうしてもゴジラに情が移ってしまうからである｡」”Godzilla has to be a “bad guy.” He has to be “an embodiment of fear.” As he becomes a familiar face, he becomes a friend, a hero, and an idol. Godzilla is, in reality, an “unfit for the taking,” someone who has acquired the fear of nuclear weapons. Perhaps “Godzilla” should not have been made into a series. This is because, as Godzilla appears in more and more films, it is inevitable to grow attached to him.” Source: The Story of Godzilla’s Birth, p 187 | 8.11.2024
New Stuff
My Megaton Gigantic Godzilla
I didn’t buy much during my trip to Japan trip. So when I came home I treated myself to a surprise find over at Play With This Toys & Collectibles in Merchantville NJ. I added the Marmit Megaton Godzilla 1971 (HedoGoji) was initially released in 2009 in the Monster Heaven series) to my collection. I had been wanting this figure for a long time. It was pricey but worth it. The figure is about 20 inches tall and accompanies the megaton Hedorah figure. Resource: ClubTokyo.org | 8.11.2024
A-Must-Buy
Super7 has a knack for making stuff I gotta get. As soon as I saw the Toho ReAction Figure Godzilla Model Kit In Box it was a must-have. The Aurora Godzilla Model Kit was my earliest Godzilla. My earliest childhood memories are associated with that kit. 8.12.2024
A Much Needed Weekend
I’ve been exhausted recovering from heat exhaustion since my Japan trip. My freelance workload was full last week. So this Saturday was much needed. Today was the first day of Zolocon. Before Eric, his daughter Aria and I headed to The FUGE in Warminster PA, Eric surprised me with Godzilla’s doppelgänger, the Toho ReAction Figures Mechagodzilla ’74 Stern Pinball which we both have been hunting for. It had proven to be the chaser. I love the packaging as much as the figure. Thanks Eric! I love Zolocon because it’s all vendors and all classic toys and nostalgia. I picked up a cool Godzilla display sign too. 8.17.2024
August Calendar
Welcome to MyKaiju Daily, a daily diary and journal. While I’m in between writing articles and doing new toy photography, there’s daily Godzilla news I would like to comment on. This is a space for my quick blurbs, shares, comments and more on the old and new stuff about Godzilla. Hero illustration is by Tatsuji Kajita (梶田達二).