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30
The Last One
The decision that “Godzilla dies” had been made and the final draft script for Godzilla vs Destoroyah was printed today in 1995. And effects filming commenced. Producer Shogo Tomiyama saw the “Godzilla series” as a single book with Godzilla (1954) as the front cover and the back cover as the end of the story. He conceived of a return of the first Godzilla as a ghost. But this did not work for Koichi Kawakita. His assistant director Hideki Oka came up with the idea of Godzilla’s meltdown and another monster “Barbaroi,” which would become Destroyah. The story shifted to focus on killing Godzilla. Godzilla’s creator Tomoyuki Tanaka approved the idea only if Godzilla would be resurrected, leading to the next Godzilla. After being involved in writing scripts for earlier films from Biollante to Mothra, Kazuki Omori returned and agreed to depict Godzilla’s death. Tomiyama left Godzilla’s death in the hands best able to handle it. Director Takao Okawa revised Omori’s draft to create the final version. Omori anticipated making changes during filming. And his screenplay had the most changes made on set. For example, Destroyah carrying Junior away and the encounter between Godzilla and Junior. The final draft was submitted on June 30, 1995. Learn More
Resource: Wikipedia:ゴジラvsデストロイア
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Meet MechaGodzilla’s Maker
I owe the creation of my favorite Godzilla iconic mechanical doppelgänger MechaGodzilla to the man and the hands of artist and production designer, Akihiko Iguchi (井口 昭彦), born this day, June 29, 1943. He created many designs for Tsuburaya and Toho, including King Caesar and Titanosaurus. I was honored when he used my toy photo on his Facebook page. Happy Birthday Master Iguchi!
Learn More | Photo: @kaikoten2026
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June 26, 1998
In the early morning, Godzilla lands in Manhattan, New York. He hides underground, but after 9 pm, he reappears above ground drawn by a large number of fish. Godzilla has a big battle against the military.
June 27, 1998
The U.S. military attacks Godzilla in Central Park, but he escapes into the Hudson River. Nick Tatopoulos discovers a Godzilla nest with a large number of eggs in Madison Square Garden with intelligence agent Philippe Rocher.
June 28, 1998
Godzilla is entangled in the wires of the Brooklyn Bridge. He is unable to break free. The US military defeats him off with a missile.
25
The new Godzilla was coming!
Next month is the 10th anniversary of the release of the award-winning Shin Godzilla, directed by Anno Hideaki and Shinji Higuchi. By this time in 2016 the anticipation had already reached a fever pitch. Speculation and discussion had been stirring since the infamous leak. Then came the official announcement of the 29th Godzilla film in March of 2015 with the release of Godzilla’s footprint with embedded trilobites. Higuchi said, “Finally, the time has come, we will deliver the greatest and worst nightmare to everyone.” In September the cast was revealed and shin-godzilla.jp was launched. In November we learned the U.S. release would be titled “Godzilla Resurgence.” In December, the official movie poster was revealed. Then in January 2016 the unforgettable photos leaked. In March, promotional materials began to appear followed by the first trailer in April. By summer Shin Godzilla was everywhere across Japan after slumbering for almost a decade. Sixteen years ago, today, the “Shin Godzilla x Umihotaru Campaign”「シン・ゴジラ×海ほたるキャンペーン」began (flyer) at the Umihotaru Parking Area on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line「海ほたるパーキングエリア」until October 31st featuring a 1/60 scale Shin Godzilla statue, life-size footprints, and behind-the-scenes photos from the filming of the movie. And Director Shinji Higuchi spoke on the first day. I was missing out on all the fun. My trip to meet the New Godzilla could not come sooner.
24
Weeks before Godzilla hit the big screen, Godzilla was adapted to radio by screenwriter and radio drama producer, Horie Shiro (堀江史朗, died May 14, 2009), born today, June 24, 1913. He began his work on radio drama broadcasts in 1937. Later he served as Head of Literary Department at Toho Studios. “Science Adventure Drama: Monster Godzilla”『科学冒険劇 怪獣ゴジラ』was broadcast in 11 episodes from July 17 to September 25, 1954. Today, only the final episode survives.
Old Stuff, New Surprises
I’ve been working on my Godzilla Collection Room for several weeks now. It’s been a laborious process. I’ve taken the process of reimagining the space very slowly. I’ve been intentional about what stays and why goes. Sadly, many figures have gone into plastic bins in my basement. But I’m pleased with what my shelves look like. There is more visual interest and color. When I need ideas I turn to Pinterest and check out what others in fandom are doing with their collections. Each day I wake up with a few specific steps to take before the day is done. I’ve been laying out my collection in chronological order from my earliest collectibles to my latest purchase. Today, I went into the basement and stumbled across some items I have seen since the 90s. First was the Bandai Deluxe Electric King of the Monsters Godzilla King of the Monsters (DX電動怪獣王ゴジラ, 1993) never removed from its box. I think I bought that from either Japanimation & Comics Too or Quakerhead Collectibles. Inside I had stowed away sealed and unused Godzilla Flavored Lip Balm from 1998. Despite how I felt about the film then, I still love those days and now I have a greater appreciation for ‘98. Among keychains and mini figures, a stack of Godzilla trading cards from 1995 were stashed on the side. There are a lot of good times associated with these items. They will certainly be on display. Please share photos of your collection with me via email. And I’d love to post them on The Daily.
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“Why did ‘Godzilla’ have to be produced 28 times over the next 50 years?” The answer is that “Once ‘Godzilla’ existed as a ‘eerie thing,’ it had to be sanitized, sterilized, and rendered harmless to fit into postwar society. The “revenant”—that uncanny entity—is a specter, but it is also ‘that which returns.'”
Original Japanese
加藤は「なぜ「ゴジラ』がその後、五○年にもわたって、二八回も作られつづけなければならなかったか」と問い、「いったん、『ゴジラ』が『不気味なもの』として存在してしまった上は、これを衛生化、無菌化、無害化し、戦後の社会に馴致しなければならな」かったからだと答えている。不気味なものrevenantとは亡霊であり、また「再来するもの」でもある。
4/1/1948 – 5/16/2019
Literary critic and author
『さようなら、ゴジラたち』
Source:『テロルとゴジラ』by Kiyoshi Kasai (笠井潔), p 87 | Photo: Mainichi.jp
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On this day in Godzilla history
“Fire-breathing Godzilla”
On June 23, 1962, this caption appeared below a photo similar to this in the Kanto Nippo (関東日報) under the headline “Godzilla’s failure to attack is certain… No decisive evidence regarding radiation”「ゴジラ未襲は確実 放射能に決め手なし｣ in response to the reemergence of Godzilla from a glowing iceberg in the Arctic Ocean on the day before in King Kong vs Godzilla (1962). That edition of the Mainichi Shinbun was on display at the Tokusatsu DNA Ueda exhibit (2024). Photo Source: Godzilla Graffiti (1983)
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“Ironically, while the original Japanese version sought to erase the shadow of the U.S. military presence in Japan, it still made indirect references to the United States through the atomic bombing and hydrogen bomb testing; however, “Godzilla, King of the Monsters!” excised these elements, thereby distancing the film even further from the U.S. context. The perspective of viewing Godzilla through an American lens was completely eliminated from the film. Left as is, the story would have remained a conflict over Godzilla confined to Japan; instead, by framing the narrative around the experiences of a viewpoint character—Steve Martin—it was rewritten into a story rooted in American exceptionalism, much like ‘Man of Steel’… It’s not hard to compare Godzilla to America, our enemy during the Pacific War, because it’s a foreign enemy attacking Tokyo.”
Original Japanese
皮肉なことに、日本のオリジナルが在日米軍というアメリカの影を消しつつも、原爆投下や水爆実験という形で間接的にアメリカに言及していたのだが、その部分を『怪獣王ゴジラ』では消してしまったせいで、二重にアメリカと離れてしまった。アメリカとしてゴジラを捉える視点は映画のなかからまったくなくなった。そのままでは日本内部だけのゴジラ紛争となってしまうところが、視点的人物であるスティーブン・マーティンのゴジラ体験記とすることで、『マン・オブ・スティール』とおなじくアメリカ例外主義に基づく物語へと書き換えられたのだ。 「ゴジラの精神史」The Cultural History of Godzilla 1954 by Shuntaro Ono (2014, p 154-55)
「ゴジラの精神史」The Cultural History of Godzilla 1954 by Shuntaro Ono (2014, p 154-55)
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The iconic landmark Nagoya TV Tower was completed on this day, June 16, in 1954 so ten years later Godzilla could yank it down with his tail in Mothra vs Godzilla (1964). Then again in 1992, Mothra’s evil counterpart Battra brought it down in Godzilla vs Mothra. The TV tower has been a favorite of disgruntled monsters for years. When I lived in Nagoya in 2014, every Saturday I walked Godzilla’s destructive path to Nagoya Tower before heading to Osu Kannon Shopping Streets to find him on the shelves of my favorite toy shops. Today, the 180-meter tall tower is known as the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER. Visit Nagoya and stop by the tower. You can’t miss one of my favorite Godzilla places.
18
The Design of Godzilla
Toho Video brochures don’t disappoint
A beautiful Godzilla promotional print piece arrived last night. This is the Toho Video Tokusatsu Collection Guidebook (特撮全集読本) from the time of the release of Godzilla vs King Ghidorah (1991). This full-color double-sided eight-panel closed-gate brochure folded is 5-13/16″ wide x 8-1/4″ high and opens to 23-1/8 inches. The vibrant cover features a great illustration of adorable super deformed Godzilla and his kaiju friends with the Toho vanity card across the top. The timeline traces 17 movie productions from Godzilla (1954) to Godzilla vs Biollante (1989). The back cover promotes the release of Godzilla vs King Ghidorah on December 14, 1991. The brochure opens to a powerful spread with the black BioGoji silhouette on a red background. The page champions the lineup of 7 Toho VHS releases of their characters lead by Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra. The brochure features 10 non-Godzilla films to be released on video starting August 1 at sale prices that range from 4,000 to 6,000 yen. Inside is a special promotion for the first 500 who buy these 10 films and send in four entry coupons they contain, will receive a special telephone card set. The brochure closes with a handsome timeline that puts these 17 releases in the context of the other Toho tokusatsu film family tree. The colors are rich and attractive. The use of duotone and full-color character silhouettes and cutouts is very effective and engaging, carrying the eye across the three-column panels.
Outside
Inside
17
Sounds, Sacred Spaces & the Shikine
I cannot get out of my head the name “Shikine” for the Japanese patrol vessel featured prominently in Godzilla (1954). I keep saying the name because it sounds like a word very important and familiar to me. I teach Biblical Hebrew and I’ve been reading the Hebrew Bible since 1991. And overtime one learns that Hebrew words that share the same letters and same pronunciation are connected theologically. It’s a joy to discover how the words are related because they reveal deeper meaning and significance where they occur. So when I hear and see the word “shikine” (しけね) I immediately hear the Hebrew word “sh-k-n” (שכן). These words do not share a common origin, root nor etymological history. But there is something there I will explain. Hebrew words are typically made up of two or three consonant root letters. By assigning different combinations of vowels creates different words that share similar meanings. So these three Hebrew letters can mean a range of words from verbs to nouns having to do with “dwelling”: settle down, abide, dwell, establish. The noun form is “mishkan” and means “dwelling place,” which is used for the dwell of the God of ancient Israel. The Japanese word “shikine” is the name given to a patrol vessel built by the Japan Coast Guard in the 1950s. Shikine (敷根) is a term primarily used for place/island names such as Shikine-jima and even surnames. The ship’s name comes from Shikinejima in the Izu Islands.1 The vessel was used to remove mines. Ogata is a diver working on the Shikine and demonstrated an amount of authority on board.2 Its name is related to the verb “shiki” (敷き) meaning “spreading, laying out, covering“ and the verb “shiku” (敷く) meaning “to spread out (e.g. a futon); to lay out.” Both words share similar pronunciations and there is similarity in meaning and purpose that can be seen on the big screen. The Hebrew word, “mishkan” is translated “tabernacle” and refers to the moveable tent used to house God’s glory, the “Shikenah,” describing “the visible, tangible, and localized presence of God on earth.” It housed the Ark of the Covenant, a chest layered in gold with a lid with two cherubim facing each other. The Shikenah of God rested upon the lid. Inside the ark sacred and powerful objects were kept: The Ten Commandments, a sacred rod and a jar of manna. The Shikenah rested above the ark within the mishkan. The ark went before the people of Israel to lead them through the wilderness. It was so powerful and dangerous that no one could not touch it or he or she would die (2 Samuel 6:6-7). The ark was carried on long rods that rested upon the shoulders of the priests. The ark was used in war and feared (Numbers 10:33-36). It brought judgment on those who stole it (1 Samuel 4:11-22). The art and its tent were the site where the people sought direction and experienced great jubilation and deep sorrow. Now consider and compare the role and significance of the patrol vessel Shikine in the battle against Godzilla. The Shikine was a place of inquiry, celebration and sorrow. Like the sacred mishkan, the Shikine carries Dr Yamane, Dr Serizawa, Ogata, Eriko and the Japan Coast Guard officials through the sea to Godzilla’s location. And it is the dwelling place for the powerful weapon Oxygen Destroyer, similar to the sacred ark, that can only be handled or operated by Dr. Serizawa, who died in the sea, taking its secrets and delivering its deadly payload. Cheers, tears and secrets were shared among those who boarded the Shikine. The Shikine and Shikenah share not only sounds, but also sacred meanings and purposes.
References: 1 「ゴジラの精神史」The Cultural History of Godzilla 1954 by Shuntaro Ono (2014), p 23, 2 Ibid, p 23, 43.
16
From Monster to Hero: Time to Talk
This morning I was stirred up by a good social media post from JonZilla who argues that “Showa Godzilla has the best character development compared to the rest of his counterparts, but nobody wants to talk about that.” John Paul Cassidy reply, “The reason Godzilla’s evolution from villain to hero worked in the Showa era (more so than other eras) was because it was *earned.* Godzilla’s first hero years started with being a reluctant antihero throughout the 1960s, and that was quite relatable.” I agree with them both. However, in the discussion when we to reckon with why Godzilla was a villain in the first place. We tend to leave ourselves out of the equation. At play is a deadly mix of human fear, greed, jealousy, rivalry, theft, violence and war. Without these there is no Godzilla. In the wake of human violence are large swaths of human and non-human victims, of whom Godzilla is one. But unlike most innocent or relatively innocent victims, Godzilla returns to get revenge. Then we fight the monsters we made and never get around to fixing the human behavior that causes the crisis. In Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster (1964), when Godzilla fights for Mothra when he can no longer watch Ghidorah pummel her. Mothra understands the common threat to earth and implores Godzilla and Rodan to join her in its defense. In that moment, Godzilla begins his transition to hero. In future films, Godzilla will emerge as a justice fighter uniting with humans and other monsters to fight their common enemies that include alien invaders and their monsters. Henry G. Saperstein explains this transition in his prologue to Terror of MechaGodzilla (1975). This story arc tracks beautifully with the profound and penetrating theory of Rene Girard, the Scapegoat Mechanism. In strange and mysterious psychological ways, the monsters we make become the monsters that save us. The lesson drilled into us across all Godzilla movie era is that humans are the monsters too and the problem starts with us. Growing up I loved hero Godzilla but I hated his first movie. Today, I still love justice Godzilla but for a different reason: Godzilla shows us who we really are. We love when our monsters fight for us and we can avoid changing our destructive behavior. Remember after the defeat of Hedorah, Godzilla turned and stared at the humans because they were the reason for pollution and the monster in the first place. And for this we should be chided. When we don’t see the harm we do. We have ways of blaming and punishing the wrong people and things. We have a way of making gods out of our victims whose destruction somehow saved us. We rewrite their stories to fit our narratives that leave out how we made them monsters in the first place. Godzilla shows us what we do. Godzilla has a lot to teach us if we look at the whole story and don’t leave out the role we play.
14
The Daily Bookshelf
Pages of Garage History
Godzilla plastic model kits are back in a big way with releases from Aoshima, Bandai, Kaiyodo, Kotobukiya, Moderoid, Toho, X-Plus and more. They have made plastic kits exciting to collect and build again. Plastic kits are more accessible to the general public, less expensive and require less know-how and resources for assembly. However, unlike plastic kits, the production of Godzilla garage kits has never waned since their inception. In the early 80s, when fans wanted suit-accurate Godzilla figures, sculptors made high-quality assembly kits from resin, soft vinyl and even metal in small batches in their “garages.” Then came companies like Kaiyodo and Bandai. Some of these kits became the prototypes for the mass production of Bandai’s Godzilla vinyl figures. Kaiyodo produces these kits in larger quantities. In this milieu came Wonder Festival where these kits could be sold. This early history of garage kits can be found in the 80s Japanese sci-fi and hobby magazines like Uchusen and Hobby Japan in articles and ads. Recently, this early history was celebrated at Kaiju World Festival 10 (怪獣ワールドフェスティバル10) with some of these earliest kits and publications on display. Here is a short list of some of these priceless magazines, pamphlets and books from 1983 through the 2000s. These publications continue to inspire creators and collectors alike. Read More
Left to right: 1. Kaiyodo ’83 Catalogue, 2. ARTPLA (アートプラ 1983), 3-4. Uchusen (宇宙船 Summer & Autumn 1983), 5. Model-Making Radio(模型ラジオ 3/1984), 6. ARTPLA (1984), 7. 3D怪獣全集 Monsters Catalogue in 3D published (Asahi Sonoroma, 1984), 8. Monster Diorama Encyclopedia (怪獣ジオラマ大図鑑, 1984), 9. Bandai Monsters Hand Book 1-3 (怪獣 The特撮Collection ゴジラ東宝怪獣編, 1984), 10. Hobby Japan (ホビージャパン, 1/1985), 11. Model Graphic Visual Monthly for Every Modeler (月刊モデルクラフィックス Vol. 3 1985), 12. Godzilla ’85 (コミックボンボン スペシャル, 講談社, 1985), 13. Uchusen (1989), 14. Godzilla Super Diorama Theater (1992), 15. Hobby Japan (6, 1992), 16. Hobby Japan (Winter, 1993), 17. Uchusen (Vol 65. 1993), 18. Hobby Japan Special Issue GODZILLA Legend of the Super-Beasts (GODZILLA 超獣伝, 1993), 19. Hobby Japan Extra (Winter 1998), 20. Hobby Japan Extra The Great Kaiju Advance (怪獣大撃進, 2002), 21. Hobby Japan GODZILLA DREAM: A Collection of Sculptures by Yuji Sakai (GODZILLA DREAM ~酒井ゆうじ造形作品集~, 2005) and 22. Hobby Japan GODZILLA DREAM Evolution presented by Yuji Sakai (2013). Photo above: MosuGoji by Masao Inoue (Source: 3D怪獣全集)
13
Growing up I clung to every word I read about Godzilla. In Fangoria’s premiere issue, Ed Godziszewski connected The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms to Godzilla (1954). They share important similarities and departures. Both were dinosaurs. The beast was a frozen Rhedosaurus in the Arctic. The Beast was released sixteen months earlier to critical praise and prepared the way for Godzilla’s appearance in the “atomic monster” genre. In 1954, the working production title of the “G film” was “The Giant Monster from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” (海底二万浬から来た大怪獣). Both were awakened by nuclear bomb tests. In contrast, the Beast was created in the established technique of stop-motion animation of the legendary Ray Harryhausen. But Godzilla was brought to life by the father of Japanese tokusatsu, Eiji Tsuburaya, who pioneered suitmation that exponentially reduced the time and expense required for the older method. The Beast was a quadruped, while Godzilla walked upright like the human who animated the suit inside. The Beast was a trailblazer, but Godzilla became the King of the Monsters. Watch
“Godzilla seems to be more anthropomorphized in America than in Japan. Either way, he is arguably the greatest hero that Japanese cinema has ever sent overseas.”
「アメリカでのゴジラの受けとめ方は、日本よりももっと擬人化されているようです。どちらにしても、日本映画が海外に送り出した最大のヒーローでしょう」
— Minamiue Hiroshi (南畝宏取締), Director of Toho International
Source: “Godzilla walks on his own”
12
Close Encounters of the Takashi Kind
Happy Birthday to the Oscar-winning director of Godzilla -1.0, Yakashi Yamazaki, born today, June 12, 1964. Godzilla fans never forget meeting the people who make Godzilla. We get a moment to talk, take a picture and get an autograph. Those special occasions are like otherworldly and extraterrestrial encounters. Today I recall my close encounters with Director Yamazaki. We’ve never met but we’ve crossed paths three times and each time we get closer. In my first encounter, he graciously liked the Twitter post of my toy shot of Godzilla Ride. I missed his autograph session at New York Comic Con 2024, but when he walked directly across my path into the Godzilla booth I knew it was divine fate (lol). My third encounter came at Godzilla Fes 2025 where he was interviewed by Shinsuke Kasai on the public and theater stage at the exclusive premiere of Godzilla 1954 4K Digitally Remastered at Toho Cinemas later that night. I’m looking forward to next time.
11
Two scientists, the Shikine and their burden
Little did I know that Dr Yamane had made his way to the back of the Shikine after Ogata was retrieved from the depths of the sea back aboard the coast guard patrol vessel Shikine. This is the second and tragic time Dr Yamane looks down upon Dr Serizawa from the deck of the Shikine. Earlier in Godzilla, Dr Yamane, Eriko, Ogata and the remaining Odo Island Research Team departed for Odo Island aboard the Shikine. From the deck they waved to exorbitant well-wishers as a quiet Serizawa watched. But in the closing scene, again from the deck, they watched Serizawa lowered to his unforeseen final departure into the depths of the sea from where he delivered his wish and final goodbye. After the collective lament of the loss of Dr Serizawa, Dr Yamane walks towards the stern of the Shikine where he quietly laments the loss of Godzilla alone. Dress in a dark suit jacket as a funeral attendee he delivers a funeral dirge as the girls chorus offers the Prayer for Peace. He stands as the others salute Serizawa from the ship’s side. Alone again with his thoughts about Godzilla as he was in his office and as Serizawa in his basement laboratory. His thoughts distance him from others as much as his physical proximity. He is burdened by a desire and dilemma shared with his fellow scientist that point them at odds with society. Dr Yamane wrote of it in his memoir: “[Scientists] simply seek to discern the truth of things. In short, intellectual desire is everything. Even if a terrifying monster lies in ambush ahead, a scientist belongs to that breed of people who cannot rest content until they have taken a peek…. As a biologist, I simply wanted to learn more—anything at all—about that colossal creature. I wanted to know, purely for the sake of knowing. That is why, if at all possible, I had hoped it would be spared. That colossal creature is a precious living fossil—one that has appeared solely in Japan, and which no scholar anywhere in the world has ever laid eyes upon. I wanted to unravel the secrets of a life form that continues to endure, even while being subjected to the radiation of a powerful hydrogen bomb…. And so, I implored the government not to kill it—but such a plea was never destined to be heeded. That was only to be expected. As long as Godzilla remained active, casualties would inevitably mount. When faced with the choice between Godzilla and human life, there is no question that anyone would choose human life…. Amidst the grim reality of a death toll rising by the minute, the pleas of a foolish biologist must surely have appeared as nothing more than the ravings of a madman.”
Yamane’s Memoir Pt 1 | 2 | 3
10
The Godzilla Fes 2026 project is underway and contributor rewards have been revealed. But this is not new. Godzilla has a long history of fan contribution. Shortly after the release of Godzilla (1984), Toho began planning his return and began its search for the next story with the announcement of the “Godzilla Story Recruitment” (ゴジラストーリー募集) in April 1985. Flyers were given out at theaters inviting submissions of unpublished original stories for the second Godzilla revival. The deadline was today, June 10, 1985. 5025 applications were received and the results were announced on October 23, 1985. The winning writer received 3,000,000 yen. Story History | Inside the Script | Read More
09
I could only dream of owning the $40K human-sized Godzilla 1991 Hokkaido Version sculpted by Yuji Sakai and unveiled by Bandai at the Tokyo Toy Show 2016 on June 9. But I did get up close and personal with it last year at the Toho Entertainment Store in Hibiya Chanter. Godzilla is an absolute perfect beast. This big bad boy was worth the big bucks. I was broke but I did have the honor of creating the cover art of its mini-me for Sakai’s soft vinyl model version for X-Plus. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Learn More
On this day in Godzilla History
When did Godzilla live in an apartment? This video has been circulating social media for years. Little did I know Godzilla was living in the apartment of Nakai Kiichi, who also owns cool Godzilla figures. Godzilla (GiraGoji) comes storming out of his apartment to the astonishment of his neighbors. Pets are prohibited in his complex. Later Megaguirus appears. This hilarious social media clip from the Toho film All About Our House『みんなのいえ』(“Minna no Ie”) directed by Mitani Koki (三谷幸喜) and released on June 9, 2001, about seven months after Godzilla vs Megaguirus (11/3/2000). Watch Clip
08
Coming back and better than ever
After two decades of slumber, “Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee” is roaring back for the PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC on Godzilla Day. Publisher Atari and developer Pipeworks is remastering the classic kaiju battle. It will re-release on November 3 for $29.99. In addition physical copies Physical will be available for PlayStation 5, with the Switch 2 version priced at $39.99. Pre-orders are available now. Learn More
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“At the heart of the darkness lies, of course, Godzilla. Godzilla’s very appearance on screen was a battle between darkness and light… Godzilla is an entity in which a black Godzilla and a glowing Godzilla are fused as one. The black Godzilla connects to the darkness of deep-sea caverns, while the glowing Godzilla aligns with the light of hydrogen bomb testing—a fact made clear by Dr. Yamane’s explanation. Godzilla emerged when a clash between darkness and light occurred deep beneath the ocean. Moreover, Godzilla incorporated that very collision and struggle—the meeting of darkness and light at the moment of its emergence—into its own body.”
—Takahashi Toshio (ゴジラの謎 怪獣神話と日本人, p 155)
06
My ticket stub: A memory lost and found
Godzilla has been getting 4K makeovers for both the big and little screen. Godzilla returned to the Alamo Drafthouse. Godzilla Minus One popped back up in theaters. G-Fest reveals the lineup at the Pickwick. Director Takashi Yamazaki is shooting Minus Zero for IMAX. Seeing Godzilla on the big screen has always been peak. My first Godzilla movie experience was on Halloween night in 1980 followed by Godzilla (1998), Space Godzilla (1994), MechaGodzilla (2003), Godzilla (2014), Shin Godzilla (2016) and Minus One (2023). But one movie night I could not recollect. Then several days ago, while cleaning my curio, I found my memories of Godzilla 2000 when my eyes landed upon my old ticket stub that I assumed was for Godzilla 2014. Upon close inspection, what my eyes couldn’t believe I could recall what was lost without this stub. Godzilla and I could be found Saturday, September 2 at 9:30 pm Plymouth Meeting General Cinema theater 12. Don’t take your memories for granted. Keep your ticket stubs and your memories of Godzilla movie experience. I went out of my way to get the small Godzilla Theater giveaway sticker after seeing the 4K remaster of Godzilla (1954). Stubs, stickers, pamphlets and posters are keepsakes. Every Godzilla movie experience is a precious memory waiting to be made and worth keeping. After many years have gone by, your members will remain.
05
Going to Japan is one of the best trips in the world. And Godzilla is a big part of that. He can be found across Japan. I go looking for Godzilla on every trip to Japan. Some Godzilla places are a must on every visit. One such is Toho Studios and the great Godzilla mural, which was unveiled today, June 5, 2014. On May 11, Japanese actor Akira Takarada and American director Gareth Edwards were there for the unofficial unveiling for Godzilla’s 60th Anniversary. The 14-by-17 meter Godzilla was painted by Masao Hanawa (塙 雅夫) on the exterior wall of Stage 8. Check out my trip video. 1 2 3 4 | Read More
04
On this day in Godzilla History
In the evening of June 4, 1954, Shigeru Kayama discussed the “Godzilla” scenario at a certain inn in Seijo Gakuen, according to his diary. In this photo, he appears with the film production staff at the Yagyu ryokan in Seijo after the completion of Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again. From left: Motoyoshi Oda (小田基義), Tomoyuki Tanaka (田中友幸), Shigeru Kayama (香山滋), Shigeaki Hidaka (日高繁明), Takeo Murata (村田武雄), Eiji Tsuburaya (円谷英二) and Tadashi Matsushita (松下忠). Read More
03
From Wall to Museum
For a week I’ve been reworking my Godzilla room. What started on a wall is now a full room. But it has become a messy storage room rather than a little museum which I always imagined. My Godzilla collection and room have grown exponentially over the years. My room was at its best when it was on U.S. and Japanese TV. But now boxes are stacked high, figures are piled up and the bookshelves are overflowing. I can barely walk through my room. So I’m sorting out what must stay and what must go down into my basement where there is more in storage than on display. The process has been daunting. But I’m taking it slow with thorough planning. I have new collectibles coming soon that deserve center stage. For many months I’ve been reimagining the space. Now it’s time to do it! I’ve divide the room into major sections: “Growing Up Godzilla” for my earliest collection, “My Room” for all things nostalgia, “G-TV” for all media from a boob tube to a record player, “The Godzilla Store” for new and latest collections and “The Godzilla Library” for all my books and print material. For this reason new posts for The Daily will be delayed. But big and better things are coming! I’m excited to share them with you!
02
Birthday Wishes
Memory Maker
Growing up I was just as familiar with the name Henry G. Saperstein (June 2, 1918 – June 24, 1998) as I was Eiji Tsuburaya. Tsuburaya brought Godzilla to life on the big screen but Saperstein brought Godzilla to my TV screen. His name was blazoned across the opening of about every Showa Godzilla. Businessman, filmmaker and owner of the UPA (United Productions of America) studio, Saperstein teamed up with Toho bringing American actors such as Nick Adams along with him. He was executive producer of Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965), Frankenstein vs. Baragon (1965) and The War of the Gargantuas (1966). His opening prologue of Terror of MechaGodzilla (1975) was forever etched in my memory and was my go-to script for telling the story of Godzilla. He also made my childhood great. And we are both left handed.
01
The Art of Godzilla
The Art of Shogakukan
The history of Godzilla art is prolific and it began even before the king of the monsters appeared on the big screen. Godzilla shows up in a variety of media for production, promotion and products. Older commercial art and artists have inspired our imaginations for decades. Some remain largely unseen in inaccessible print material. A prime example are the nine books of the Monster Series Godzilla Books (小学館の怪獣シリーズ決定版ゴジラブックス) published by Shogakukan from 1983 to 1984 at the height of Godzilla’s revival. They were written by Tomoyuki Tanaka in cooperation with Naoki Yamamoto (山本直樹) and Masami Yamada (山田正己), who served as the editor. Set within beautiful layouts by Shinji Tsuruoka (鶴岡信治) are Toho photos and fantastic illustrations by the commissioned artists Toshio Okazaki (岡崎甫雄), Tatsuji Kajita (梶田達二) and Takashi Minamimura (南村喬之). According to Mr Yamada’s account, each had his own specific areas of expertise. Mr Kajita excelled at aircraft and ships. So he illustrated various mechanical subjects such as the Maser Cannon and Moonlight SY-3. Director Tanaka served as the project’s official supervisor. He told Yamada, “Go ahead and do whatever you like.” He also shared the secret behind Godzilla’s enduring success, “Godzilla is scary, yes, but he’s also—cute.” Read Yamada’s full account of those days. I have six of the nine books. Each contains a mix of photography and illustrations
Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla Timeline
6/1/1994: 1994: Robot engineer Kazuma Aoki from the United Nations G-Force Center joins G-Force. 1 | 2
6/2: Aoki Kazuma begins training as a MechaGodzilla member. 1 | 2
6/14: G-Force training for the rotating cockpit is conducted.
6/15: Miki Saegusa senses something strange happening in the northern seas.
6/16: Godzilla lands on Adonoa Island in the Bering Sea, defeats Rodan, who was born on the island, and then disappears back into the sea (from an article in the Nitto Shimbun『日東新聞』on June 28th). 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
6/17: A research team led by Dr. Ohmae transports Baby Godzilla’s egg from Adnoa Island in the Bering Sea to the National Institute of Life Sciences. The day after Godzilla lands on the island on June 16. 1
6/25: G-Force member Aoki Kazuma visits the National Institute of Life Sciences in Kyoto. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
6/27: Baby Godzilla is born from an egg stored at the National Institute of Life Sciences in Kyoto. Godzilla then appears in Ise Bay and lands in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture. After passing through Suzuka and battling MechaGodzilla in the mountains of Otsu, Godzilla causes severe damage to Kyoto and Osaka, then leaves for Osaka Bay. More than 20,000 people are killed or missing (from the Nitto Shimbun newspaper the following day. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
6/28: G-Force member Kazuma Aoki is transferred to parking lot attendant due to absenteeism on June 27. 1
7/5: Baby Godzilla is transferred from the National Institute of Life Sciences in Kyoto to the G Countermeasures Center in Tsukuba.
7/10: The head of G-Force announces the G-Crusher plan. Kazuma Aoki proposes to Dr. Asimov a plan to combine Garuda and MechaGodzilla.
7/11: Aoki Kazuma of the G Countermeasure Center returns to the robotics department from his job as a parking attendant. Meanwhile, Rodan of Adonoa Island is revived as Fire Rodan by a chorus of psychic girls from the Mental Development Center who visit Baby Godzilla’s breeding room.
7/13: G Force implements the Godzilla lure operation. Attracted by this, a fire radon flew from Adonoa Island. MechaGodzilla and Garuda meet at Makuhari, but Godzilla also lands. The final battle begins between Super MechaGodzilla, which has combined with Garuda, and Godzilla, which has combined with Fire Radon.
7/14: Godzilla crushes Super MechaGodzilla. He leaves to the sea with Baby Godzilla. The morning after July 13th, when the battle at Makuhari began. By the time Godzilla leaves, the sky begins to turn white.
On this day in Godzilla History
On June 1, 1954, special effects Director Eiji Tsuburaya turned to sculptor Teizo Tokimitsu (1909~1982) to bring Godzilla to life based upon the illustration of manga artist Wasuke Abe. His first clay prototype of Godzilla had fish scales covering its entire body, fitting for a Godzilla who lives in the sea.
Photo Source: Toho SFX Movies Authentic Visual Book Vol 1: Godzilla 1954
MyKaiju Korner
While searching for old G-Fan magazines for a fellow fan I came across the print ad I made for the collectible shop Dimension in G-Fan Sep/Oct 2000 issue. The shop was located down the street from my old workplace in Ambler, PA. I would walk over there during lunch to checkout what was new. I had fun making this ad with my favorite monster, mech and heroes. 6.1
I had a great time at Kaiju Brooklyn. It was great to see the amazing Kaiju Live table. And to my surprise there were stickers with the Spiral Toys logo and header cards design by MyKaiju. 6.1
June Box Daze
Another Super Sunday and a great start to June! We drove up to Kaiju Brooklyn where we had more friends in attendance and more fun than we had last year. Godzilla and Ultraman were everywhere! To top the day off we had a personal encounter with Godzilla outside the suit, T.J. Storm, and a fan inside a suit. On display and walking around the vendor room was a fan-made Godzilla. And outside the vendor room T.J. Storm was on the move when he walked by, we called out. We shook hands, we lauded his work as Godzilla and we talked about the great croissants we were enjoying. In the vendor room, I picked up some great unique Godzilla things and Super MechaGodzilla I wanted if I saw it. I came home with a lot of goodies and a gift from Alex from his recent trip to Japan. The vendors were awesome and they gave gifts too. The show was made great by great friends! Leslie, Sandra, Alex, Eric, Aria, Rich, Aj Russo, his wife, Papa Russo, Louie from MARUSAN, Michael of The Vampire Robots, Chris of Seismic Toys, Octeel and John Bellotti Jr of Super7 who put together another great show at Industry City. 6.1
Banpresto Art Vignette Godzilla -1.0 & Ichibankuji Super MechaGodzilla 1993
CCP Retro Kaiju Series King Ghidorah 1991
Super7 Alien Baltan T-shirt
Sunguts Factory Toho Kaiju All-Out Attack Anguirus
Respect Dr Serizawa sticker
OCTEEL buttons
Respect Godzilla pillow
BxE Buttons X StaciaMade Godzilla (chenille back patch)
Godzilla Monster Head Magnets
Godzilla and MechaGodzilla Cutout Magnets
Godzilla and MechaGodzilla Cutout Decorations
It was fitting for my Yamakatsu MechaGodzilla model kit to arrive in the mail on the day MODEROID announced its MechaGodzilla 1974. I just love the art on these old kits. 6.3
Strike up the orchestra because I can hear the Akira Ifukube score as I pull out the beautifully-made Ichibankuji Machine Chronicle Mecha-King Ghidorah Head from its shipping box. 6.2
Two packages of great Godzilla print material arrived late Wednesday afternoon. Inside was 映画テレビ技術 The Motion Picture & TV Engineering (1992, No 473, featuring Godzilla vs King Ghidorah), Toho Video Tokusatsu Collection Guidebook (特撮全集読本), Godzilla vs King Ghidorah telephone card holder and four movie tickets. 6.17
The big items as this original complete Godzilla vs King Ghidorah (1991) press kit. I won it on Yahoo auctions. Learn More | 6.17
And I picked up a cool Showa Godzilla stamp from TOMY to add to the collection. “Bravo! Bravo!” (あっぱれ あっぱれ) is written above Godzilla holding a Japanese fan. 6.17
Extra! Extra! The Great Godzilla Newspaper (大ゴジラ新聞) has arrived with the headline “Godzilla Attacks Ikebukuro!!” (ゴジラ、池袋に来襲!!) announcing the Great Godzilla Special Effects Exhibition (大ゴジラ特撮展) from August 8 through 17 in 2014 for Godzilla’s 60th Anniversary. 6.25
A complete Showa Godzilla kite blew in on the tail end of a windy day. I love the great illustration. 6.19
FedEx delivers but not always at the right door. Today, I got another copy of the Godzilla (1984) program booklet along with a stack of others. But the prize was the “Call for Godzilla Stories!!” (ゴジラストーリー募集!) flyer that lead to Godzilla vs Biollante (1989). 6.25
Included in today’s box daze, was the 2026 Jimbocho Map! Jimbocho is a big book district in Tokyo. It’s a Japanese book heaven. It’s a must for old and new books, coffee, music and more. If you love Japanese Godzilla books and more definitely add this location to your trip itinerary. 6.25
What’s Happening
Check out the HIYA Exquisite Basic Series None Scale 7.9 Inch Godzilla vs. Biollante 1989 Biollante Action Figure! Prime 1 Studio unveils an amazing “Godzilla vs. New Shinmaru” statue. Check it out on YouTube. Preorder at BigBadToyStore! MONDO expands on the Octeel’s Godzilla UFO Vinyl Designer Figure line with Godzilla UFO and King Ghidorah Invasion of Astromonster Variants. Orders open Tuesday, June 23 at 11 AM CT. Super7 Toho ULTIMATES! Godzilla (Minus One, Fully Charged) appears! The The PLAfig. No. PF-03 Destroyer Complete Form is scheduled for release in November 2026. Check out the new X-Plus Defo Real Burning Millennium Godzilla (16,500 yen). He weighs in at 13cm high and 17cm long! Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered is coming in November! Game Informer: “Developer Pipeworks Studios and publisher Atari have revealed Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered, and it’s launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on November 3. As the name implies, it’s a remaster of the original 2002 kaiju brawler hit (at least in my living room), Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee.” Watch Clip! The Nendoroid Godzilla (2023) has been revealed. The Gutsma Official Shop Exclusive comes with a bonus Clock Tower (1947). Here comes MechaGodzilla (1974) and M.O.G.E.R.A. has been for the MODEROID series lineup! Look out here comes Wave 8 of the Super7 Toho Ultimates: Godzilla 74, MechaGodzilla 74, and Godzilla 54. Pre-Order Now! Bandai reveals the Movie Monster Series In-Motion Godzilla 1967 and Godzilla 1992. Then the awesome MARUSAN Toho Kaiju Soft Vinyl 60th Anniv. Marusan Toho Champion Festival Godzilla Green Painted Ver. is available again. Check out the An Ukiyo-e Style Jigsaw Puzzle Depicting the Fierce Battle Between Godzilla and Anguirus. Hiya Toys delivers again this time it’s Godzilla: Final Wars Figure. Check out the new MONDO Godzilla 1954 Vinyl Designer Figures by Tanaka Studios available to pre-order Tuesday, June 2 at 11 AM CT. Friend and former CAM co-host David Dopeko painted the prototype.
My preorder list
PLAfig. Burning Millennium Godzilla Kit
Hiya Destoroyah
Spiral Studio Godzilla 2023
XPNA TKWS Destoroyah
Godzilla Theater Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack 4K Digital Remastered Version starts Friday, June 19. The most vicious and terrifying Godzilla in history makes its appearance! To protect the “Land of Yamato” from Godzilla rampaging through Japan, the three guardian beasts—Baragon, Mothra, and Ghidorah—stand up to it. More Info | 6/19
The film set in Nagoya, “Mothra vs. Godzilla,” is now playing for a limited time at TOHO Cinemas Nagoya Sakae! In celebration of the grand opening of TOHO Cinemas Nagoya Sakae and the “Godzilla Theater” screenings starting Friday June 19. Screening in stunning high quality with the 4K digital remaster version. General admission is 1300 yen. More Info | 6/16
My dear friend Makuta-san let me know about the Ultraman Series 60th Anniversary Commemorative Documentary Film “The Origina of Ultraman”(オリジン オブ ウルトラマン) in Japanese theaters on Friday, July 3. This masterful film explores the origins of the legendary Japanese Tokusatsu series, Ultraman. Through the eyes of today’s most influential filmmakers and visionaries, the truth behind Ultraman is finally unveiled. The film is directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, along with Guillermo del Toro, Hideo Kojima, Hideaki Anno, Shinji Higuchi, and other world-renowned film directors and creators come together! Watch Teaser | More Info | 6/1
MyKaiju Goodies
MyKaiju Wallpaper
Cool Pics
June Calendar
Gareth Edwards (6/1)
Henry Saperstein (6/2)
Shinichi Sekizawa (6/2)
Setsuko Wakayama (6/7)
Shusuke Kaneko (6/8)
Yuriko Hoshi (6/10)
Yasuko Sawaguchi (6/11)
Takashi Yamazaki (6/12)
Yumiko Shaku (6/12)
Godzilla Daily
June 1
1954: Eiji Tsuburaya asks Teizo Tokumitsu to create a clay model of Godzilla (from Takeuchi Hiroshi’s “The Birth of Godzilla” 『ゴジラ』の誕生」)
1975: Birthday of Gareth Edwards, Director of Godzilla (2014)
1981: Plot completed for Akira Murao’s “Godzilla: Resurrection 2” (unproduced film).
1983: Birthday of Mine Hirata (died August 5, 2016), who played the role of a child at the Mental Development Center (the tallest child in the chorus, center) in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla
1984: Keibunsha Encyclopedia 185 Monster Plastic Model Encyclopedia『ケイブンシャの大百科185怪獣プラモ大百科』(Keibunsha) published. A Godzilla plastic model appears on the cover.
1994: Robot engineer Kazuma Aoki from the United Nations G-Force Center joins G-Force (Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla)
2015: To commemorate the opening of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Godzilla Ningyo-yaki is available as a breakfast item at 28 Washington Hotels and Hotel Gracery locations nationwide.
June 2
1994: Aoki Kazuma begins training as a MechaGodzilla member (Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla)
2001: Extra filming for Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack takes place in Shimizu City (now Shizuoka City).
1920: Birthday of Sekizawa Shinichi (died November 19, 1992), wrote screenplays for King Kong vs Godzilla, Mothra vs Godzilla, Ebirah, Horror of the Deep, Son of Godzilla, All Monsters Attack, Godzilla vs Gigan, and others. Original story for Godzilla vs Megalon and Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla
1938: Birthday of Sakai Ken, Art for Godzilla vs King Ghidorah to Godzilla vs SpaceGodzilla
1944: Birthday of Hiraizumi Sei, plane the roles of Ueda, Director of Cabinet Research Office, in Godzilla vs Destroyah, and Satomi Yusuke (Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries → Acting Prime Minister) in Shin Godzilla.
1966: TBS TV airs “Modern Main Character Ultra Q’s Dad” 『現代の主役ウルトラQのおやじ』There is a scene where Eiji Tsuburaya and Sadamasa Arikawa are discussing a movie project for King Kong and Mothra (replacing King Kong with Godzilla and making it into a film called Ebirah Horror of the Deep).
June 3
2000: First filming of Godzilla vs Megaguirus G Annihilation Plan.
2002: First filming of Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla.
1975: Birthday of Chiharu Matsuda (松田千晴), singer of Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla and the Godzilla 40th Anniversary Campaign Song “Sad Godzilla”「悲しみのゴジラ」(as Bukabuka)
1987: Birthday of Masami Nagasawa (長澤まさみ), Godzilla vs Mothra vs MechaGodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. as Mana, and “Godzilla: Final Wars” as Mana.
June 4
1954: A meeting to discuss the script for Godzilla is held at a hotel in Seijo (from Kayama Shigeru’s diary).
1999: Special effects filming for “Godzilla 2000 Millennium” begins.
2004: Main filming for Godzilla FINAL WARS begins.
1965: A party is held at Tadao Takashima’s house with Nick Adams as the guest of honor. Eiji Tsuburaya also attended.
1937: Birthday of Hideki Mochizuki, lighting for Godzilla vs Mothra – Godzilla x Mothra x MechaGodzilla: Tokyo SOS
1960: Birthday of Katsuro Onoue, Associate Director, Special Effects Supervisor, and B-Team Director for Shin Godzilla
1970: Birthday of Hideo Sakaki, played First Lieutenant Eclair in Godzilla FINAL WARS
June 5
2014: The Godzilla mural is unveiled at Toho Studios in Kinuta, Tokyo.
June 6
1968: Birthday of Ohashi Akira, King Ghidorah suit actor and Yaizu Port fisheries cooperative employee in Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah, Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, and others
June 7
1954: A meeting to review the Godzilla script is held at the Yagyu Inn in Seijo (Source: Kayama Shigeru’s diary).
2014: A digitally remastered version of the first Godzilla film will be released to commemorate the 60th anniversary.
1918: Birthday of Ishii Choshiro (Died February 26, 1983), Godzilla Lighting
1929: Birthday of Wakayama Setsuko (Died May 9, 1985), played Yamaji Hidemi (Marine Fisheries KK radio operator) in Godzilla Raids Again
June 8
2004: Special effects filming begins for Godzilla FINAL WARS.
2018: Original release date of the Legendary Pictures sequel to Godzilla. Later changed.
1945: Birthday of Hara Kazuo, Biologist role in Shin Godzilla
1955: Birthday of Kaneko Shusuke, director and co-scriptwriter of Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack
1962: Birthday of Yuki Toyohiro, assistant in Ijuin’s lab. Announcer for Yomiuri TV when appearing in Godzilla vs Destroyah
June 9
1947: Birthday of Eguchi Kenichi, Special effects filming for Godzilla vs Biollante – Godzilla x Mothra x MechaGodzilla: Tokyo SOS
2001: Toho film “Minna no Ie” (三谷幸喜監督の東宝映画『みんなのいえ』) directed by Mitani Koki is released. Nakai Kiichi (playing himself) is found out by the residents’ association for keeping a Godzilla in an apartment complex where pets are prohibited. Godzilla that appears is a costume for the attraction Godzilla vs Megaguirus G Annihilation Strategy/Two types of Godzilla figures, large and small, can be seen in Iijima’s room]
2016: Bandai develops a human-sized Godzilla figure. It was revealed at the Bandai booth at the Tokyo Toy Show 2016 (June 9-12, Tokyo Big Sight) that it is currently being commercialized. The Godzilla figure on display is the Hokkaido version of Godzilla vs King Ghidorah, 183 cm tall and 2.7 m long (including the tail) — the actual size of the costume, and the largest Godzilla doll ever produced. Sculpted by Yuji Sakai. Release date and price to be determined.
June 10
1954: Preliminary draft of Godzilla completed. Although there are no exact records, it is said to have been written around this time/Included in “Toho SF Special Effects Movie Series Vol. 3 Godzilla/Godzilla Raids Again/Giant Monster Varan” (Toho) on May 1st, 1985.
1985: Closing date for “Godzilla Story Call!,” a public call for submissions for the second Godzilla revival. Public announcement in April of the same year, results announced on October 23rd
1999: First filming of Godzilla 2000 Millennium.
1935: Birthday of Kouji Takahashi (高橋幸治), who was robed Dr. Genichiro Shiragami in “Godzilla vs Biollante”
1947: Birthday of Yuriko Hishimi (菱見百合子 ひし美ゆり子). Tomoe Tomoko in Godzilla vs Gigan (1972)
June 11
1973: Episode 11 of “Zone: The Meteor Man” “Godzilla’s Scream at the Last Moment!” (『流星人間ゾーン』第11話「間一髪ゴジラの叫び!」) airs on Nippon Television. Godzilla and Gigan appear. Gigan, who appears as a future monster, confronts Godzilla and the Zone Fighter. He is dealt the finishing blow by the Zone Fighter.
1929: Birthday of Kusakawa Naoya (草川直也), who played a reporter in King Kong vs Godzilla, Doctor Who’s assistant C, International Police detective C in Destroy All Monsters, and as a police officer (receptionist) in Godzilla vs Gigan, as a police officer, and others.
1965: Birthday of Sawaguchi Yasuko (沢口靖子), played Okumura Naoko (Japan Academy Award Newcomer Award) in Godzilla (1984) and as Erika Shiragami in Godzilla vs Biollante
June 12
1964: Birthday of Director Takashi Yamazaki, Godzilla -1.0 (2023)
1933: Wakamatsu Akira (若松明), played role of X-Alien (employee of the World Education Company at the Earth Base) in Invasion of Astro-Monster, role of Nelson’s subordinate in Mothra, role of Matsu of the Diamond Robbers in Dogora.
1952: Birthday of Oki Masaya (沖雅也m died June 28, 1983), role of Muroi Reisuke (Defense Force pilot instructor) in The War in Space.
1974: Birthday of Matsui Hideki (松井秀喜), who played himself in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla/The nickname “Godzilla” was given to him by the media around the time of the 1992 Spring Invitational Tournament (his third year of high school)…before that, he was nicknamed “Monster,” “Prodigy,” “Sekitori,” “Sumo Wrestler,” etc.
1978: Birthday of Yumiko Shaku (釈由美子), played as Akane Ieshiro (Special Self-Defense Forces Third Lieutenant → Second Lieutenant, Dragon Squad Operator) in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla and Godzilla vs Mothra vs MechaGodzilla: Tokyo SOS.
June 13
2003: Storyboard script printing for Godzilla x Mothra x MechaGodzilla: Tokyo SOS.
1978: Birth of Mikako Ichikawa (市川実日子) who played Hiromi Ogata (assistant director of the Wildlife Division of the Ministry of the Environment’s Natural Environment Bureau, then acting director) in Shin Godzilla.
1990: Birthday of Aaron Taylor-Johnson who played Captain Ford Brody in Godzilla (2014).
1953: The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms directed by Eugene Lurie, released in the US. Influenced the production of Godzilla. The first working title that Tomoyuki Tanaka, who planned Godzilla, gave to the film was “The Giant Monster from 20,000 Miles Under the Sea,” which was reminiscent of the original title of The Atomic Monster Appears / Released in Japan on December 22, 1954.
1971: Tezuka Osamu’s essay “Monsters and Dinosaurs”「怪獣と恐竜」was published in the June 13, 1971 (1971年6月13日号(朝日新聞社)) issue of Asahi Larousse World Animal Encyclopedia (Asahi Shimbun, 『朝日ラルース世界動物百科』). Tezuka analyzed, “Godzilla was also impressed by the laser-like superhuman power beams that came out of his mouth, and the modern way in which he stomps down buildings.” Also, Eiji Tsuburaya is quoted as saying to Tezuka, “The monsters are the ones I created from manga. The absurdity and exaggeration of manga…” (included in Tezuka Osamu Manga Complete Works Volume 389, Tezuka Osamu Essays Volume 3, Kodansha). Tezuka analyzed, “Godzilla was also impressed by the laser-like superhuman power beams that came out of his mouth, and the modern way in which he stomps down buildings.” Also, Eiji Tsuburaya is quoted as saying to Tezuka, “The monsters are the ones I created from manga. The absurdity and exaggeration of manga…” (included in Tezuka Osamu Manga Complete Works Volume 389, Tezuka Osamu Essays Volume 3, Kodansha)
June 14
1994: G-Force training for the rotating cockpit is conducted in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla.
1962: The special effects center is completed at Toho Film Studios (now Toho Studios).
1914: Birthday of Nagai Tomoo (Died June 17th, 1991) voice of Ogata Hideto in the radio drama “Godzilla the Monster”[ラジオドラマ『怪獣ゴジラ』(July 17th, 1954 – 11 episodes in total)
June 15
In 1994, Miki Saegusa senses something strange happening in the northern seas in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla.
1979: The original novel for the new Godzilla movie, Aramaki Yoshio’s “Super Godzilla: The Angry Messenger of the Gods” (unproduced work), is completed. A novelization of the plot of the new Godzilla movie, “God’s Godzilla: Godzilla of the Gods” (April 16, 1979), included in “Godzilla: Toho Special Effects Unreleased Materials Archive Producer Tanaka Tomoyuki and His Times” (Kadokawa Shoten), March 31, 2010.
1965: “The Monster Baragon Appears”「怪獣バラゴン登場」aired on NET’s “Afternoon Show” 『アフタヌーンショー』starring Eiji Tsuburaya.
1918: Birthday of Junpei Natsuki (夏木順平, died February 21, 2010. In Godzilla Raids Again, he played the prisoner who crashes into the tank and an employee of the Hokkaido branch of Marine Fisheries KK; in Mothra vs Godzilla, he played the employee of Mainichi Shimbun, the man from Kuratahama reclamation area, and an Infant Islander; in Terror of MechaGodzilla, he played the scholar in the photo (fifth from the left), and many others]
1924: Birthday of Mototomi Tomioka (富岡素敬, died December 20, 2011), Director of photography for All Monsters Attack and Terror of MechaGodzilla; Special effects photography for Gorath to Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla (excluding Godzilla vs Hedorah)
1928: Birthday of Ryunosuke Kaneda (金田龍之介, died March 31, 2009), played the role of Seigo Okouchi (head of the Okouchi Foundation) in Godzilla vs Biollante
June 16
1994: Godzilla lands on Adonoa Island in the Bering Sea, defeats Rodan, who was born on the island, and then disappears back into the sea in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla (from an article in the Nitto Shimbun『日東新聞』on June 28th).
1963: The final draft of Takeshi Kimura’s screenplay Matango is printed.
1925: Birthday of Shigeo Kato (加藤茂雄), In Godzilla, he played the role of a member of the Self-Defense Forces who reports Godzilla’s location in the third district; in King Kong vs Godzilla, he played the role of a Pacific Pharmaceuticals employee and a newspaper reporter; in Mothra vs Godzilla, he played the role of an Infant Islander (a scout painted in red); in Invasion of Astro-Monster he played the role of a member of the Self-Defense Forces; in Godzilla vs Hedorah, he played the role of a construction worker; in Ebirah, Horror of the Deep, he played the role of a reporter and an Infant Islander; in Destroy All Monsters, he played the role of a refugee, a member of the Defense Forces, a command center officer, and a TV staff member; in Terror of MechaGodzilla, he played the role of a crew member of Akatsuki No. 2 (who discovers Titanosaurus); in Godzilla (1984), he played the role of the fifth Yahatamaru radio station chief (who is later discovered as a mummy); in Godzilla vs Megaguirus: G Annihilation Strategy, he played the role of Ito, the Special G countermeasure receptionist; and many others.
1959: Birthday of Kaoru Mizuki, played Supermarket Lady in Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack
June 17
1994: A research team led by Dr. Ohmae transports Baby Godzilla’s egg from Adnoa Island in the Bering Sea to the National Institute of Life Sciences in Kyoto in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla. The day after Godzilla lands on the island on June 16.
1955: The third draft of Hideo Umi’s script for Godzilla’s Bride (unproduced) is completed. Leon and Archaeopteryx also appear. Godzilla’s Bride tears open Anguirus’s mouth, a scene reminiscent of Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla. The content can be said to be the roots of Godzilla / March 31, 2010 “Godzilla Toho Special Effects Unreleased Materials Archive: A Story of a Beautiful Giant Robot Godzilla’s Bride Confronting Godzilla. Anguirus, Giant Kameiv Producer Tomoyuki Tanaka and His Era” (Kadokawa Shoten)
2001: Extra filming for Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack was done at Tsurumi Ginza Shopping Arcade, set in Yokohama Chinatown
1907: Birthday of Murata Takeo (村田武雄, died July 19, 1994), co-writer of Godzilla, Godzilla Raids Again, and Rodan
1912: Birthday of Ikeda Seiji (池田生二, died 1998), played the role of a police officer who talks to the doctor in the village in Ghidorah The Three-Headed Monster, and the role of the fishery association leader in Ebirah Horror of the Deep
1925: Birthday of Sadamasa Arikawa (有川貞昌, died September 22, 2005), Special effects director (special effects) for Ebirah Horror of the Deep to All Monsters Attack; involved in cinematography for almost all Toho special effects films from Godzilla onwards
1938: Birthday of Yasuo Araki (荒木保夫), in King Kong vs Godzilla, as the pilot of the Second Shinmorimaru; in Mothra vs Godzilla, as an employee of the Mainichi Shimbun, the Garogavaran alien in episode 1 of Meteor Man Zone, and others
1954: Birthday of Naoki Kusumi (楠見尚己), Godzilla (2014), voice of Stan Walsh (Gary Chalk)
1961: Birthday of Koichi Yamadera (山寺宏一), host (playing himself) in Godzilla vs Megaguirus: The Annihilation Plan, TV producer in Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, narrator in Godzilla: Final Wars
1991: Birthday of Haru (波瑠), dubbed version of Godzilla (2014), voice of Elle Brody (Elizabeth Olsen)
June 18
1992: Godzilla vs Mothra begins filming.
1904: Birthday of Keye Luke (ケイ・ルーク, died February 12th, 1991), voice of Tsukioka Shoichi (Koizumi Hiroshi) in the international version of Godzilla Raids Again
1936: Birthday of Otsuki Yoshihiko, physicist (Emeritus of Waseda University in Godzilla FINAL WARS, he played the role of himself (panel member in a TV debate)
1976: Birthday of KREVA, played Murazaki (tank battalion commander) in Shin Godzilla
1983: Birthday of Shohei Abe, played role as a Fire and Disaster Management Agency crisis management officer in Shin Godzilla
June 19
2003: Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo SOS begins filming.
1952: Birthday of Masako Omata (小俣雅子), announcer and himself in Godzilla 2000 Millennium
1964: Birthday of Yoichi Nukumizu (温水洋一), Godzilla 2000 Millennium (passenger B on the train), Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (man in the toilet at the guesthouse)
June 20
1984: The production announcement for Godzilla (1984) is held at the Tokyo Prince Hotel.
1941: Birthday of Koji Ishizaka, plays Ihama Nuclear Power Plant employeein Godzilla (1984)
June 21
1936: Birthday of Osamu Ichikawa (市川治, died January 2nd, 2009), narrator and radio operator in Godzilla vs Megalon, radio announcer in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla, presenter and car radio voice in The Prophecies of Nostradamus
1949: Birthday of Miyauchi Keiko (宮内恵子牧れい, Maki Rei), Kiraak Alien in Destroy All Monsters
June 22
1962: Godzilla appears from a shining iceberg in the Arctic Ocean in King Kong vs Godzilla. Since articles about Godzilla filled the front pages of the Mainichi Shimbun, Tohto Nippo, and Kanto Shimpo on June 23rd, 1962, it is believed that Godzilla appeared the day before. Although the Mainichi Shimbun lists the day of the week as Friday, that same day was Saturday that year, and this date was only a Friday in 1961.
1998: Japan premiere of Roland Emmerich’s Godzilla at the Nippon Theater. A press conference for Director Emmerich and Dean Devlin (producer) was also held at the Imperial Hotel.
1977: Murao Akira and Nakanishi Ryuzo’s script “King of Monsters Godzilla’s Resurrection” (unproduced work) draft printed. Script written at the planning stage of the new Godzilla movie. The story is about Godzilla being revived and coming to Japan due to a nuclear reactor explosion in the Soviet Union. It is sprinkled with original elements from the 1984 version of “Godzilla,” such as the appearance of the giant tick Shokkilla that parasitizes Godzilla, Godzilla’s use of radiation as energy, and the plan to bury himself in Mihara Mountain. / March 31, 2010, included in “Godzilla Toho Special Effects Unreleased Materials Archive Producer Tanaka Tomoyuki and His Era” (Kadokawa Shoten)
1948: Birthday of Sasano Takashi (笹野高史), played a taxi driver in Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack
1964: Birthday of Abe Hiroshi (阿部寛) played Katagiri Mitsuo (Chief of the Crisis Management Information Bureau) in Godzilla 2000 Millennium
June 23
1998: The production announcement for Mothra 3: King Ghidorah Attacks is held at Toho Studios.
1918: Birthday of Hirose Shoichi (広瀬正一), Prisoner D in Godzilla Raids Again, King Kong suit actor in King Kong vs Godzilla, King Ghidorah suit actor in Ghidorah The Three-Headed Monster and Invasion of Astro Monster, natives fleeing in a canoe in Ebirah, Horror of the Deep, and earthling laborer in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla, and many others
1954: Birthday of Masahiro Kizawa (木澤雅博), Professor Sasaki of Kyoto University in Godzilla 2000 Millennium, Owner of “Godzilla-ya” in Koenji (antique toy appraiser)
June 24
1913: Birthday of Horie Shiro (堀江史朗, died May 14, 2009), adapted and directed radio drama “Godzilla the Monster” (July 17, 1954 – 11 episodes in total)
1960: Birthday of Inudo Isshin (犬童一心), played paleontologist in Shin Godzilla
2016: ”Nishikawa Shinji Godzilla Art Book”『西川伸司ゴジラ画集』(Yosensha) published.
June 25
1994: G-Force member Aoki Kazuma visits the National Institute of Life Sciences in Kyoto in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla (1993)
2016: The “Shin Godzilla x Umihotaru Campaign”「シン・ゴジラ×海ほたるキャンペーン」will be held at the Umihotaru Parking Area on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line「海ほたるパーキングエリア」until October 31st. Displays include a 1/60 scale Shin Godzilla statue, life-size footprints, and behind-the-scenes photos from the filming of the movie. On the first day, there will also be a talk show with director Shinji Higuchi.
June 26
1994: In 1994, team members Kazuma Aoki and Miki Mitoko visit the psychic with a sample of an ancient plant in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla
1998: Early in the morning, 1998, Godzilla lands in Manhattan, New York. He hides underground, but after 9pm, he reappears above ground, attracted by a large number of fish, and engages in a fierce battle with the US military (Godzilla 1998).
June 27
1994: Baby Godzilla is born from an egg stored at the National Institute of Life Sciences in Kyoto. Godzilla then appears in Ise Bay and lands in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture. After passing through Suzuka and battling MechaGodzilla in the mountains of Otsu, Godzilla causes severe damage to Kyoto and Osaka, then leaves for Osaka Bay. More than 20,000 people are killed or missing in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla (from the Nitto Shimbun newspaper the following day. The date is not visible on the screen, but it can be seen in a prop photo in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla Super Complete Collection (Shogakukan)).
1998: The U.S. military attempts to lure Godzilla to Central Park and launch an all-out attack, but fails. Godzilla escapes into the Hudson River, and they even lose their submarine. Meanwhile, Nick Tatopoulos discovers a Godzilla nest and a large number of eggs in the basement of Madison Square Garden with Philippe Rocher, an intelligence agent from the French External Security Agency in Godzilla (1998)
1994: Kanji Kashiwabara’s script “Godzilla vs Space Godzilla” final draft printed. Special effects filming begins for the film. [The script was included in “Toho SF Special Effects Film Series Vol. 9 Godzilla vs Space Godzilla” (Toho Publishing, Product Business Department) on December 10th, 1994, and “’94 Annual Representative Scenario Collection” (Eijinsha) on May 29th, 1995]
2001: The production announcement for Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack is held at Toho Studios.
1962: Birthday of Toru Tezuka, played the role of Sekiguchi Goro (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) in Shin Godzilla
June 28
1994: G-Force member Kazuma Aoki is transferred to parking lot attendant due to absenteeism on June 27th in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla
1998: Godzilla is entangled in the wires of the Brooklyn Bridge and is unable to move, so the US military finishes him off with a missile in Godzilla (1998). [Presumably the early morning of the day after Godzilla’s nest was discovered on June 27th]
2000: The production announcement for Godzilla vs Megaguirus is held at Toho Studios.
1930: Birthday of Aozora Chiya (青空千夜, died June 20th, 1991), TV presenter in Ghidorah The Three-Headed Monster
1955: Birthday of Kaneko Yoshinobu (金子吉延) in King Kong vs Godzilla, child role in evacuated housing complex
June 29
1994: Kazuma Aoki is transferred to the parking lot attendant position in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla (1993)
1943: Birthday of Akihiko Iguchi, MechaGodzilla & King Caesar design for Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla, Titanosaurus design for Terror of MechaGodzilla, Giant Slug for The Prophecies of Nostradamus, and other designs.
June 30
1995: Printed the final draft of Omori Kazuki’s script Godzilla vs Destroyah. Special effects filming for the same work started. [The script was included in “Toho SF Special Effects Movie Series VOL.10 Godzilla vs Destroyah” (Toho Publishing, Product Business Department) on January 26, 1996]
2001: The special effects room at Toho Studios was demolished.
2016: Shin Godzilla Gallery opens at Sendai Parco. Until July 18th. [Murakami Takashi’s original drawings for Godzilla vs Evangelion are also shown for the first time]
Source: ゴジラ365日 毎日がゴジラの日, Yosensha Publishing Co, Ltd.
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. Growing up we had the Weekly Reader in school. This is my version as an adult Godzilla fan. Made by my Mac and best for desktop browsing. Thanks for visiting!