I spent a lazy afternoon during my recent time in Tokyo to visit the Godzilla sculpture found near Yurakucho station, just behind the Hibiya Chanter Toho cinema. The model is based on the latest Godzilla design from Hideaki Anno’s Shin Godzilla film.
The sculpture itself isn’t fantastically big ( about 4 meters tall by my estimates ), but it is painstakingly modeled and looks very detailed, even upon closer inspection. I also like the dark rock structure that forms the base of the sculpture, which almost looks like a roiling, churning formation mirroring the violent nature of the monster.
(above) The area around the sculpture is suitably named “Godzilla Square”. ( below ) I personally think English translation for the info board tagline reads better/more accurately as “Man must strive to co-exist with Godzilla” than just “Man must live with Godzilla”.
(above & below) Just check out the size of that tail ! I did not take a close-up picture of the tail tip, but upon closer examination the tell-tale signs of grotesque, humanoid figures emerging from it is also there as it is in the film, I think. The imagery ( below ) is clear in this concept art piece by Mahiro Maeda found in the Art Of Shin Godzilla book.
Definitely go pay your respects to the King Of Monsters if you are ever in the city. Also, if you’re fascinated by the design of Hideaki Anno’s Shin Godzilla, definitely check out the gargantuan sized art book featuring tons of creature designs for Godzilla.
You might also be interested in these items :
July 18th, 2018 at 3:56 pm
Whoa!
July 20th, 2018 at 3:15 am
Damn! I was JUST there today and I didn’t see it!
But on the bright side, I DID attend Hisashi Eguchi’s “Step” exhibit in Ginza, and was able to get his autograph!!
July 21st, 2018 at 3:25 am
Josh – Oh man, Eguchi’s exhibition probably wasn’t on yet while I was in Tokyo, or I won’t have missed it. Jealous !
July 22nd, 2018 at 12:03 am
Yeah, it’s not sporting to brag or rub it in, but as always it’s amazing to be surrounded by his rough pencils and inks and than immaculate final inks and colors to his pieces. Just genius, no other way to say it.
The fact that he popped in to the tiny, tiny space and took the time to sign something for everyone crammed in there shows he’s a classy guy as well.
Sorry you missed it but hopefully next time!