The Shinjuku ward in Tokyo, known for its bars and restaurants, has a new ambassador, one that used to bring destruction and chaos: Godzilla! The gargantuan beast that has starred in well over 30 films has been designated as a special resident and the tourism ambassador for Shinjuku in a move aimed to drive more tourism.
A giant Godzilla-sized head was unveiled on top of the Toho offices as part of the ceremony. Shinjuku Mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi oversaw the ceremony yesterday that included an actor in a rubber Godzilla suit (did anyone expect anything less?). However, the suit was not designed to accept the residency certificate, so Toho executive Minami Ichikawa had to take it instead.
Yoshizumi stated, “Godzilla is a character that is the pride of Japan.”
American audiences recently saw the irradiated lizard in last year’s Godzilla, which was directed by Gareth Edwards. A sequel is set for a June 2018 release. Meanwhile, Toho studios are planning their own reboot, which will come out before America’s sequel.
"The 'Godzilla View Room' of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku in Tokyo" (Toru Yamanaka/AFP) pic.twitter.com/6f48aHT4vs
— pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) April 9, 2015
