Shinji Speaks

8.5.15

Recently, Shinji Higuchi, the director of Toho’s next Godzilla film, sat down for an AP interview and provide more clues into his coming incarnation of Godzilla. But first we also got a look at his love for Godzilla.

I’m confident I am among the top-50 lovers of Godzilla in the world. That’s how much I love Godzilla. Maybe I’m not in the top 10, but definitely in the top 50.

Shinji will return Godzilla back to his roots because of the many stages through which he has passed. He promises to create the most terrifying Godzilla he can. His Godzilla will not be kid-oriented and kind.

Shinji said that people ran from Godzilla but they never faced the issue of accountability. He is getting at what is hidden behind the imagination of our “monsters.” As fans it becomes our obligation to think more clearly and deeply about the meaning of the monster we love. The lessons are there and our responsibilities become evident.

Perhaps we are all waiting for that horrible thing that’s within us that we fear.

I believe Higuchi-san will reveal the true nature of Godzilla and of humanity. I personally have much to say about that. I will do so in the near future. The publication of this article is fitting in light of this day marking 70 years since atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

If Shinji’s latest work, Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人), has something to say about his approach to Godzilla, then we should be excited!