Culture

Massive Godzilla 'Attacks' Tokyo Gov't Office in Shinjuku

Godzilla joins the world's largest projection mapping show in the bustling metropolis of Shinjuku, where it famously clashed with King Ghidorah in 1991.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 8, 2024

Hidemitsu Kaito

Projection mapping show "Godzilla: Attack on Tokyo" displayed on the wall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government No. 1 Building on April 28. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)

Since February, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government No. 1 Building has served as the canvas for the world's largest projection mapping show. Adding to the excitement, a new program titled "Godzilla: Attack on Tokyo!" made its debut on weekends and holidays starting April 27.

*Godzilla spews out radioactive rays. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

In this latest display, audiences are treated to a battle between an approximately 100-meter-tall Godzilla and anti-Godzilla weapon Super X2 Kai at the iconic government building.

*Godzilla takes on anti-Godzilla weapon Super X2 Kai (front right). (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

Godzilla and Shinjuku

Godzilla's connection with Shinjuku dates back to the 1991 film Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, where the district served as the backdrop for the epic clash. Now, in 2024, marking the 70th anniversary of the first 1954 film, Godzilla has attacked the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which has become a symbol of Shinjuku since its establishment in 1991.

*The program also features Mechagodzilla. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

"Godzilla: Attack on Tokyo!" unfolds with Tokyo deploying its secret weapon, Super X2 Kai to combat Godzilla's threat. To truly immerse oneself in the drama of this showdown, a visit to Shinjuku is a must.

*The projection-mapped Godzilla is around 100 meters tall. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

Leading this spectacle is director Kazuhiro Nakagawa, known for his role as assistant director on Shin Godzilla (2016). Employing a mix of live-action footage using the iconic Godzilla suit and special effects, Nakagawa delivers a "life-size" Godzilla upon the walls of the government building. Notably, the Godzilla suit was used in producing the Heisei-era films, also known as the "VS series," which hold a special place in the hearts of many Godzilla fans.

*A crowd watches the showdown on April 28. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

The show is screened three times a day on weekends and public holidays at 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:30 pm. Following the conclusion of "Godzilla: Attack on Tokyo!" audiences can look forward to a piece titled "Ukiyo," starting on May 18. The show is inspired by the traditional Japanese art of ukiyo-e woodblock prints.