Happy 65th Anniversary, Godzilla!

It is now November 3 in Japan so, officially, the King of the Monsters is celebrating the 65th anniversary of the premiere of Godzilla in Japan.

From Toho's official Godzilla anniversary website:

Originally a Jurassic creature that evolved from a sea reptile into a terrestrial monster, Godzilla is awakened by mankind’s nuclear weapons tests in the inaugural film.
Over time, the franchise itself has evolved, as Godzilla and other creatures in the films have become metaphors for social commentary on the real world.
Godzilla and his fellow kaiju monsters are more than mere entertainment icons – they have come to embody the emotions and social problems of our times.

Above, Godzilla attacks the Wako department store in Ginza. Toho Pictures.

From Wikipedia:

Godzilla was theatrically released in Japan on November 3, 1954, and grossed ¥183 million during its initial theatrical run.

 A number of companies, including Seiko, have produced commemorative items to celebrate.

The Meaning Behind Japanese Brands

Above, a large Canon sign next to the Fujiya Building in the Ginza district, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sony. Canon. Seiko. Those are familiar Japanese brand names. But where did those names come from and what do they mean?

Tsunagu Japan has the answers for these and other Japanese brand names in an article just posted today.

They wrote:

Japan has made many famous brands that seem to be part of everyone’s life. For example, when talks about cameras, usually people will think of Canon or Sony. While all of these names are familiar to us, have you ever wondered what the name means?

Above, the Seiko brand name is now below the clock of the
Wako Building at Ginza Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To find out, go here.

The Change To Ginza's Wako Dept. Store Clock Tower

During my February trip to Japan, I noticed a change in the clock tower of the Wako Department Store in Ginza.

The building is well-known to Godzilla fans as it was featured in the 1954 original movie. The clock tower was demolished by Godzilla as the monster rampaged through Ginza.

The first photo is of the Wako Department Store that I took during my December 2010 trip to Japan:

Next, is a photo of the Wako Department Store that I took in February:

Notice the addition of the Seiko sign just below the clock?

Here's a close-up: