Godzilla Suits & Props

Above, a "GMK" Godzilla filming suit on display at the Shibuya
HMV store in November 2001.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I managed to see a lot of movie history in the U.S. and in Japan.

In November 2001, I made my first visit to Japan and was treated to a V.I.P. look at Toho Studios.  I was lucky to be able to see the studio as it pretty much was when Ishiro Honda, Eiji Tsuburaya and Tomoyuki Tanaka were in their heyday.

After Godzilla Final Wars (2004), the studio lot underwent a major change.  Several of the old sound stages were torn down (including Stages 1 and 2, where much of Godzilla's battles were shot) as well as the giant pool and other buildings.  New sound stages were built as well as a new front entrance to the studio.  While it is understandable that a studio would want to modernize to keep up-to-date with modern movie-making, it is sad to see historic structures go the way of the wrecking ball. The historical value of a studio visit is lost when those old structures were demolished. I'm glad I got to see them before the ball swung.

I was perusing my photo collection and thought that I should post some of Godzilla suits and props that I have seen. Enjoy!

Above, the green-hued Godzilla filming suit from
"Godzilla x Megaguirus." Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

Above, Armand and Richard Pusateri with a "GMK" Godzilla  prop.
The Mothra prop sits nearby on a shelf.  Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

Above, one of the "GMK" Godzilla filming suits on display at the
Shibuya HMV store in November 2001.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Baragon filming suit getting ready to pounce on the "GMK"
Godzilla filming suit at the Shibuya HMV store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a "GMK" Godzilla event suit entertains the crowd at the
2001 Tokyo International Film Festival.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a close-up of a Godzilla prop used in "Godzilla x Megaguirus"
at the Bandai Museum in 2005.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the press gets blasted by "atomic breath" sprayed from a "Godzilla
Final Wars" event suit in Hollywood in 2004.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Richard Pusateri surveys the giant pool at
Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.