Tokyo, 1958

Here's a view of Tokyo taken about 1958 with the Morinaga and Company globe to the right.

The location of this photo was in the Ginza area of Tokyo. The Morinaga and Company globe was erected in 1953 (just in time to be featured in Godzilla) and it was dismantled 30 years later.

The big star sign in the center of the photo had also shown up in kaiju movies. I did some searching for information on it, but was unsuccessful.

Sukiyabashi Crossing

Left, Sukiyabashi Crossing in the 1960s, looking towards Ginza Crossing.

The Morinaga & Co. neon globe sign can be seen in the background (center right).











Right, a bag of Fujiya Milky candy. The Milky candy girl's face is seen in the photo at top.

The current Fujiya Building (below) now occupies the property where the Fujiya Milky candy girl's face sign once stood.

Above, today's Fujiya building.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Morinaga & Company Globe

Above, the Morinaga & Co. neon sign at night.  Circa 1953.

Kaiju fans are familiar with the Wako Department Store at Ginza Crossing.  It first appeared in Godzilla (1954) when the clock on the building's tower gonged the hour in Godzilla's face, which caused the great beast to tear it down.

There is another Ginza landmark (no longer there) that also appeared in Godzilla.  It is the Morinaga & Co.'s globe-shaped neon sign.  Morinaga & Co. is a confectionery company specializing in "Foodstuffs, Frozen Desserts and Weider brand."

Above, the Moriaga & Co. globe is seen in this vintage post card from the 1950s.
The Wako Department store can be seen at right.

It was erected around 1953 (just in time to appear in Godzilla).

The Morinaga & Co. neon globe was dismantled in 1983.