Happy 70th Birthday, Godzilla!

 

Happy 70th Birthday, Godzilla!

Today is Godzilla Day in Japan and around the world. It was on November 3, 1954 that the King of the Monsters's first movie, Godzilla, premiered in Japan.

From Godzilla.com:

Godzilla is 70! Seven decades after director Ishirō Honda and special effects master Eiji Tsuburaya revealed Godzilla to Japanese audiences on November 3, 1954, the King of the Monsters has only become more captivating and resonant to its growing global fanbase.

Along with that, it has been announced that a new Godzilla movie (possibly a sequel to Godzilla Minus One) has been greenlighted by Toho Co., Ltd. 

Above, the Godzilla filming suit from Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000) with yours truly
at Toho Studios in Setagaya, Japan in 2001. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

To read more, go here.

Significance of Women Characters In Kaiju Movies

Above, Jessica Tseang and I had a reunion before the panel discussion started.

Before getting myself some dinner (necessary to take my meds with), I attended a panel discussion on the significance of female characters in kaiju movies. 

The panel was led by a friend, Jessica Tseang. She was the person instrumental in having me on some of her panels at Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo in Los Angeles. It is now known as the L. A. Comic Con. Before it started, she and I had a little reunion. I saw her last in 2019 at G-FEST.

Above, the panel discussion on women characters in progress. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The discussion was interesting, particularly when it focused on a female character in Godzilla x  Megaguirus (2000). I vaguely remember the character in the beginning of the movie. She was avenging a soldier comrade's death by Godzilla. It has been years since I last viewed the movie, most likely way before I moved to New Mexico.

It looks like I'll have to rewatch the movie.

ANI News: Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Above, pedestrians crossing Shibuya Scramble. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For many kaiju fans, they first became aware of Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing (or Shibuya Scramble) through such films as Gamera 3 (1999) and Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000). It is one of the places in Japan that they make it a point to visit.

Currently, the Shibuya shopping district is undergoing redevelopment, so it will change a bit. It was first built in 1973.

Above, the famous statue of Hachiko is near Shibuya Scramble. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

ANI News has an article on Shibuya Crossing. So whenever this pandemic ends, fans can finally be able go visit Shibuya Crossing.

To see the full article, go here.

Odaiba's Spectacular Views

Above, a view outside of Odaiba's Aqua City shopping mall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In 2000, Godzilla fans became aware of Odaiba, Tokyo's artificial island at Tokyo Bay through the feature film, Godzilla x Megaguirus. Since then, many of them visited Odaiba, including 2004's G-TOUR.

Live Japan has an article on the best photo viewing spots in Odaiba, particularly at night.

They begin it with:

Boasting excellent access from central Tokyo (just half an hour from Tokyo Station), the artificial island of Odaiba offers a variety of exciting spots such as a theme park, museums, shopping malls, and hot springs. Especially famous is Odaiba’s stunning night view of Tokyo Bay, with the illuminated Rainbow Bridge and both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower twinkling in the distance. It’s a breathtaking panorama of city lights, best enjoyed after spending a fun day of sightseeing on Odaiba! We’ll take you to the island’s very best night view spots to make the most out of your Tokyo evening!

Above, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To see more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo: Guide and History of Shibuya 109

Above, the Shibuya 109 department store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally speaking, Godzilla and Gamera fans, the Shibuya 109 department store best known to them because the store was blasted in Gamera 3 in 1999 and in Godzilla x Megaguirus in 2000.

But there's more to Shibuya 109, it is "home" to Tokyo's youth fashion culture.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted an article on the history of Shibuya 109 as well as a guide to what's inside.

They start with:

Founded in 1979 by the Tokyu company, Shibuya 109 was, in part—initially at least, developed in a spirit of competition. At that time, the Seibu department store chain was already gaining serious traction in central Shibuya, an area known for consumer-heavy culture, so Tokyu thought it was time to muscle in on the action. In doing so they changed the neighborhood’s landscape literally and metaphorically.

To read more, go here.  

Tokyo Cheapo: 10 Free Things To Do In Shibuya

Above, the famous statue of Hachikō at Shibuya Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fans of Japanese monster movies are familiar with the Shibuya section of Tokyo.

It had been featured in such movies as Gamera 3 (1999), Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000) and in the comedy, Lost In Translation (2003). Shibuya earned a spotlight page in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 27.

Shibuya is known as the "mecca" of Tokyo's youth culture, but older folks can also enjoy hanging out there.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on ten free things one can do in Shibuya. But, if one wants to spend some yen while in the area, there are plenty of shops and eateries to choose from.

They begin with:

It may seem like this suburb only loves you for your money, with shiny shops and enticing restaurants beckoning from every nook and cranny. But it is possible to be in the ‘Buya without blowing big bucks. Here are 10 fun ideas for free things to do in Shibuya, so that you can enjoy an inexpensive jaunt to Tokyo’s youth mecca.

Above, a shop in Shibuya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Tokyo's Statue of Liberty

Above, a view of the Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I've never been to New York, the only Statue of Liberty I've ever seen was the one erected at Tokyo's Odaiba.

Back in 2004, G-TOUR made a stop in Odaiba for some shopping at Aqua City. Aqua City and Odaiba, as Godzilla fans recall, was a battleground for Godzilla and Megaguirus in 2000. So a stop there by G-TOUR was, as Mr. Spock would say, logical.

While there with G-TOUR, I noticed a replica, albeit a small one, of the Statue of Liberty.

Here's a little about it from Time Out Tokyo:

Shocking to most Americans, Tokyo’s small Statue of Liberty has little to do with the U S of A. NYC’s Lady Liberty was given to the city by France way back in 1886, while Tokyo’s own version was temporarily moved from its home at Paris’ Île aux Cygnes to Odaiba in 1998 to commemorate Franco-Japanese ties for a year. 

It turned out to be so popular that they decided to erect a new replica on Odaiba in 2000. Combined with the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge, it has been the ultimate photo spot ever since.

To read more, go here. 

Shibuya 109: A Makeover and Logo Contest

Above, the Shibuya 109. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most Godzilla and Gamera fans are familiar with the Shibuya 109 building. It appeared in Gamera 3 and in Godzilla x Megaguirus. In both movies, the building didn't fare too well, if you get my meaning.

The building has been a landmark for about 39 years and it is about to get a makeover.

According to SoraNews24 (formerly known as RocketNews 24):

Your chance to see your design up in lights at one of the world’s busiest intersections.

Shibuya’s 109 building is one of the most famous landmarks in Tokyo, and a dream destination for young women looking to shop for cute and fashionable clothing and goods inside the multi-storey shopping mall. 

Located right by the famous scramble crossing, the building has been looming over the intersection with its large “Shibuya 109” sign for 39 years, and now, to mark its upcoming 40th anniversary in 2019, the building’s operators are looking to give the ageing beauty a facelift, with an all-new logo.

Designs for the new logo, which will feature on advertising for the shopping mall, as well as on the outside of the building, will be selected from the public through a special contest that’s currently running from 18 April to 20 May. Not only will the winning design change the cityscape at Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing, it will also net the winning designer a prize of 1.09 million yen (US$9,967.90), while three runners-up will be awarded 109,000 yen ($996.62) each.

To read more, go here.

Shibuya 109 "Most Likely" To Collapse In Quake

Above, the Shibuya 109 building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Megaguirus blasted it with sonic shock waves in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000) and Gamera blasted it in Gamera 3 (1999). The building, in reality, still stands, but there's a new threat to the structure. 

According to an article in Japan Today:

TOKYO - Since 1979, the Shibuya 109 skyscraper has stood tall, literally, as the epicenter of trendy young women’s fashion in Tokyo. A recent government study, though, considered what would happen if it were the epicenter of an earthquake, and the results weren’t nearly as pretty as the gyaru and one-kei outfits that have been purchased at 109 over the years. 

The study examined the stability of 852 buildings in Tokyo, including large structures such as hospitals, schools, and department stores as well as buildings located near major transportation arteries such as high-speed Shinkansen rail tracks and expressways. Were a magnitude-six earthquake (on the Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale, which differs from the Richter scale and tops out at seven), centered below Tokyo, to strike the capital, 251 of the examined buildings are in danger of collapsing, according to the study. 

Out of those 251 buildings, researchers subdivided them into three categories, based on how likely they are to topple in the face of a magnitude-six quake. Thankfully, 250 of the buildings were classified as Type 2 or 3, the less likely to fall. But the one and only building to receive a Type 1 designation, indicating the greatest danger of collapse? Shibuya’s 109.

To read more, go here. 

Odaiba, Tokyo's Entertainment Island

Above, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Maybe you're not going to Tokyo for Memorial Day weekend, but if you happen to find yourself in Tokyo at any time soon, there's plenty to do there.

For starters, there's Odaiba (made "famous" to Godzilla fans through Godzilla x Megaguirus in 2000). Odaiba is the "entertainment island of Tokyo".

What's there to do in Odaiba?

Japan Info has 11 suggestions for things to do in Odaiba.

They begin with:

Odaiba is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, separated from central Tokyo by the famous Rainbow Bridge and accessible by monorail, subway and even boat. It is home to various small theme parks, museums, shopping malls, and boasts beautiful views of the sea and the city. It is a must-visit for families, friends, and couples for its ultra-modern American-style town, entertainment, and breathtaking night views. If you’re looking for an excellent day out to enjoy one of Tokyo’s most exciting and unique areas, check out these 11 things to do in Odaiba!

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty from Aqua City in Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To see what they are, go here. 

Shibuya Area Map & Sightseeing Information

Above, Shibuya Crossing near the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In Gamera 3 (1999), Gamera and several Gyaos birds battled and reduced the Tokyo district of Shibuya to a burning rubble.

In Godzilla x Megaguirus (2001), Megaguirus flooded most of the district. What wasn't flooded was torn apart by sonic blasts when Megaguirus took flight. Fortunately, Shibuya has been rebuilt and the Shibuya Station area is now undergoing redevelopment.

Live Japan has posted an area map and sightseeing information for those who wish to visit the district.

It begins with:

Famous for its dizzyingly busy scramble crossing and its shopping centers, Shibuya is a place where people of all ages can have fun day and night but only if they are willing to brave the agoraphobia-inducing crowds. Most first-time visitors will first stop and say hi to Hachiko, the dog whose love and devotion has been bringing people to tears for almost a century. From a village in the 19th century, Shibuya became one of the most famous Tokyo district. This is especially true among the youth who come to enjoy worldwide renowned fashion department stores, such as the Shibuya 109, located close to the Station. A little further away, along the Dogenzaka area, some of the best nightclubs, restaurants and bars in the city are always attract a diversified clientele.

Shibuya is spotlighted on page 27 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read more, go here.

Godzilla Millennium Series Retrospective - Part 1

Above, yours truly with the Godzilla filming suit from Godzilla x Megaguirus in November 2001. Photo by Richard Pusateri.

With Shin Godzilla (Godzilla Resurgence) coming out in a limited release in American theaters, Scified.com decided to take a look back at the last series of Godzilla movies (popularly called the Millennium Series) in several parts. They have now posted part one.

They begin it with:

In a week, Toho's long awaited return to a Godzilla production will hit American theaters and fans will undoubtedly spend the better part of the next year debating its merits. (Not unlike a certain Hollywood production from two years ago.) As we dive head first into that mayhem, it seems appropriate to revisit Toho's last era of Godzilla films.

To read more, go here.

Escape To Odaiba

Above, Odaiba's Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are planning a trip to Japan in late-summer or early-autumn, if one is looking for a relaxing place to unwind or enjoy some amusements, Odaiba is a place in Tokyo they should look in to.

Japan Today posted an article on things to see and do in Odaiba.

They begin with:

TOKYO —You can feel it in the air. Summer is winding down. For people in and around Tokyo, you may be ready for the heat and stickiness to be over, so you’re just looking for somewhere that’s cool to spend some time. Or maybe you still want a little more beach time, but don’t have time to travel too far from the city. 

Odaiba, the island just across the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo, is a great place to spend a late summer day. There are outdoor activities and attractions for those who want them, as well as comfortably air-conditioned shopping, museums, amusements and more.

Of course, Odaiba is a familiar spot to Godzilla fans as it was showcased in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000).

To read more, go here.

Odaiba and The Rainbow Bridge

Above, the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba caught the attention of Godzilla fans through Godzilla x Megaguirus in 2000.

In the movie, Godzilla battles the giant dragonfly Megaguirus in Odaiba. Aqua City, the Fuji TV Building and the Rainbow Bridge were prominently featured.

Above, a view of the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from Tokyo City View at Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Savvy Tokyo has an article on the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba that should be useful if one decides to pay a visit there while in Tokyo.

They begin with:

Tokyo is a city of bridges, with the Sumida River alone being home to 26 bridges along its 27-kilometer course. But perhaps the most dramatic of the city’s bridges is the Rainbow Bridge, a conduit into and out of the city, especially for those headed to Narita and beyond by bus or car and for day trippers to the island of Odaiba. 

At only 798 meters in length, the Rainbow Bridge is not a great workout for the dedicated walker. However, it is an interesting and accessible wander for both locals and tourists alike.

 To read more, go here.

Tourists Flocking To Japan's Dams and Bridges

Above, the Rainbow Bridge of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that tours to bridges, dams and other infrastructures in Japan are gaining in popularity for tourists.

Those of us who are kaiju fans, already have reason to see some. The Saikai Bridge in Kyushu (near Sasebo City) was featured in Rodan (1956), the Kachidoki Bridge in Tokyo was featured in Godzilla (1954) and the Rainbow Bridge that spans across Tokyo Bay was featured in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000), just to name a few. These are spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

According to an article in AsiaOne Travel:

"Infra-tourism," or sightseeing at large-scale infrastructure utilities such as dams, bridges and roads, is gaining popularity. Visitors can enjoy dynamic views such as the thunderous discharge of water at a dam, or a suspension bridge from high above, while also learning about the roles of utilities.

To read more, go here.

Things To Do In Shibuya

Above, the Hachikō statue outside of Shibuya Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyoing.net has posted a handy area guide for Tokyo's mecca for the Japanese youth culture, Shibuya.

They begin it with:

Shibuya is popular as a youth hang-out and a center of fashion and culture. Outside of the station is the famous Hachiko bronze dog statue, which is also famous as a meeting spot. 

There are many people Crossing at the diagonal crosswalks in front of the station. Shibuya 109, Seibu, Parco, and Tokyu department stores can be found here, and its Center-ga area has many restaurants and bars.

For kaiju fans, Shibuya was prominently featured in Gamera 3 (1999) and Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000).

To see more, go here. 

Shibuya Crossing: An Intersection Worth Visiting

Above, Shibuya Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This place has been featured in kaiju movies such as Gamera 3, Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack and Godzilla x Megaguirus. But it is also one place that is recommended to see in many, if not most, travel guides, including The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan (page 27).

It is Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, also known as Shibuya Scramble.

The Asahi Shimbun has an article on Shibuya Crossing and they say it is "one intersection worth visiting."

They wrote:

For those in the know, the intersection in front of Tokyo's Shibuya Station is the place to be on New Year's Eve, Halloween or any other major event where big crowds gather. 

Not for nothing is this classic landmark known as Scramble Crossing: Hordes of pedestrians cross diagonally from four directions at once--seemingly never bumping into one another--against a backdrop of giant video screens and neon. 

It's not just major events that draw thousands of young Japanese to the area and a large number of foreign tourists to the site on a daily basis. 

The Lonely Planet series of travel guides lists "Shibuya Crossing" as a must-see site for its Japan edition.

To read more, go here.

Rainbow Bridge Offers Vistas of Old and New Tokyo

Above, the Rainbow Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge is best-known to kaiju fans when it was featured in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2001). It spans across Tokyo Bay to Odaiba.

There is another aspect to the bridge: its walkways.

According to Kyodo News:

The Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo Bay is a symbol of the Japanese capital, but it is less known that the walkways of the suspension bridge offer a great view of the bay fringed by skyscrapers, including an island fortress built in the 19th century to counter Americans forcing Japan to open up. 

The bridge has a two-deck structure and the walkways are on the lower deck, along with the Yurikamome unmanned train system. The upper deck carries a portion of the Shuto Expressway. 

Shibaura Anchorage, about five minutes' walk from Shibaura Futo Station on Yurikamome, is the entrance to the walkways, which are free of charge and open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. between April and October and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between November and March.

To read more, go here. 

Odaiba's Hidden Oddities

Above, a view of Odaiba from a Sumida River cruise boat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Odaiba section of Tokyo is best-known to monster fans as the battleground of Godzilla and Megaguirus in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000).

But Odaiba is also known for its shopping and amusement centers.

Japanista has an article on Odaiba's hidden oddities that are "off the beaten path".

It begins with:

Odaiba, a must see city on the backpacker’s checklist when traveling through Japan. This manmade island features some of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions and an extensive selection of shopping, dining, and date night hot spots. 

What a lot of travelers don’t know about are the gems waiting to be discovered under the cover of what might appear to be a tourist trap island. While the Rainbow Bridge, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Fuji TV Building, and the “life size” Gundam statue in front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza are worth the journey to explore, there is a side to Odaiba that also appeals to the traveler looking for an adventure off the beaten path.

To read more, go here. 

Shibuya Shedding Youth Image

Above, Tokyo's Shibuya shopping district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Shibuya section of Tokyo is well-known as the "mecca" for young Japanese shoppers and youth culture. It is also well-known to kaiju enthusiasts as the battleground between Gamera and several Gyaos in Gamera 3 and demolished by Megaguirus in Godzilla x Megaguirus.

According to The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun), the Shibuya shopping district is getting a transformation.

They wrote:

The Shibuya area of Tokyo is shedding its strong image as a “young person’s town,” as the growing number of mainly information technology companies and ongoing redevelopment are bringing in more and more working adults. 

From the 1970s to the ’90s, Shibuya Koen-dori avenue was a center of youth culture, characterized by the vogue “DC Brands” of Japanese designers and the Shibukaji (Shibuya casual) fashions worn by young people. 

Now, however, department stores and commercial facilities have begun large-scale renovations with adult customers in mind.

To read more, go here.