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    Photos courtesy of Photos courtesy of Cinema Novencento. WAR OF THE NINJA MONSTERS: JARON VS. GOURA ©Showa Tokusatsu Monster Film Cooperation Corps. GAMERA 4: TRUTH ©2003 Shinpei Hayashiya

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    Photos courtesy of Photos courtesy of Cinema Novencento. WAR OF THE NINJA MONSTERS: JARON VS. GOURA ©Showa Tokusatsu Monster Film Cooperation Corps. GAMERA 4: TRUTH ©2003 Shinpei Hayashiya Source: Cinema Novencento Co., Ltd. The Japanese indie kaiju movie WAR OF THE NINJA MONSTERS: JARON VS. GOURA (忍獣大戦記　蛇龍(ジャロン)対號羅(ゴウラ), Shinobu Kemono Daisenki Daryū Tai Goura, 2024) has already been released to home video in the United States, but will receive its Japanese theatrical premiere in March with a pair of screenings at Cinema Novecento in Yokohama. Billed as "Japan's smallest movie theater," Cinema Novecento will host special events for the film on Saturday, March 15th and Sunday, March 16th, 2025.   Shinpei Hayashiya. Photo courtesy of Cinema Novencento. WAR OF THE NINJA MONSTERS: JARON VS. GOURA was made by Shinpei Hayashiya, a rakugo storyteller who entertains audiences with his comedic live performances. In addition to his stage work,

    Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures. ©2001 Sunrise • Bones • Bandai Visual.

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    Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures. ©2001 Sunrise • Bones • Bandai Visual. Source: Sony Pictures, Iconic Events Releasing Official Site: https://www.iconicreleasing.com/ax-cinema-nights/ Special Thanks to Erik Jansen (MediaLab Public Relations) Photo courtesy of Iconic Events Releasing. ©2001 Sunrise • Bones • Bandai Visual. As part of the Anime Expo Cinema Nights (“AX Cinema Nights”) series from distributor Iconic Events Releasing, the wildly popular COWBOY BEBOP: THE MOVIE (カウボーイビバップ 天国の扉, Kaubōi Bibappu: Tengoku no Tobira, 2001) returns to cinemas across the U.S. and select cities in Canada with subtitled and dubbed screenings. Tickets, participating theaters, and more information are available at: https://www.iconicreleasing.com/events/cowboy-bebop/tickets/   COWBOY BEBOP: THE MOVIE (Sony Pictures)Screens Feb. 5th (sub), Feb. 6th (dub), Feb. 9th (encore of choice) Caught up in a world of dreams, lost in the cruelty of reality. What should have been an easy bounty turns into biological war

    Photo courtesy of Titan Books. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS. TM & ©Netflix.

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    Source: Titan Books Special Thanks to Isabelle Sinnott Photo courtesy of Titan Books. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS. TM & ©Netflix. Titan Books is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a copy of The Art and Making of Ultraman: Rising, a new hardover book written by Drew Taylor that details the creation of the hit Tsuburaya x Netflix animated family feature film ULTRAMAN: RISING. The Art and Making of Ultraman: Rising goes behind the scenes for an in-depth look at the animated movie-making process. Starting at the genesis of the original idea, follow along as the team designs a baby kaiju, creates bold, stylized worlds, and crafts the emotional heart of the story, accompanied by expert commentary from cast and crew, including director and writer Shannon Tindle and co-director John Aoshima. A true love letter to Ultraman, the film and book are treats for fans of the

    Image courtesy of Anime Limited. ©2024 Science SARU INC./STORY Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./JR East Marketing & Communications, Inc./Lawson Entertainment, Inc.

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    Image courtesy of Anime Limited. ©2024 Science SARU INC./STORY Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./JR East Marketing & Communications, Inc./Lawson Entertainment, Inc. From Acclaimed Director Naoko Yamada (A SILENT VOICE), Science SARU (SCOTT PILGRIM TAKES OFF) and Producer Genki Kawamura (YOUR NAME.)Source: GKIDS, Anime Limited Official Site: https://kiminoiro.jp/ (Japan), https://gkids.com/films/the-colors-within/ (US), https://colorswithin.co.uk/ (UK)   GKIDS, the Academy Award-winning producer and distributor of acclaimed and artist-driven animation, has released THE COLORS WITHIN to theaters across the United States (starting today, January 24th). Distributor Anime Ltd. will bring the film to cinemas in the United Kingdom and Ireland on January 31st. THE COLORS WITHIN is a heartfelt coming-of-age story for the whole family that combines fun and catchy songs, beautiful pastel colours, and a touching story about those first steps we take towards finding ourselves. It held its sold-out world premiere as an official selection at the Annecy International

    Photo courtesy of Crunchyroll. ©Hajime Isayama, KODANSHA/ATTACK ON TITAN The Final Season Production Committee

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    Photo courtesy of Crunchyroll. ©Hajime Isayama, KODANSHA/ATTACK ON TITAN The Final Season Production Committee Crunchyroll Debuts English Dub TrailerSource: Crunchyroll press release Photo courtesy of Crunchyroll. ©Hajime Isayama, KODANSHA/ATTACK ON TITAN The Final Season Production Committee Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will release ATTACK ON TITAN: THE LAST ATTACK (劇場版「進撃の巨人」 ～THE LAST ATTACK～, Gekijōban Shingeki no Kyojin ~Za Rasuto Attaku~, 2024) in the United States & Canada in theatres for one-day-only on February 10. Debuting in 2013, the ATTACK ON TITAN anime has become both a critical and commercial success worldwide garnering praise for its dark themes, stunning animation, and deep intellectual and emotional themes. Often regarded as one of the defining animes of a generation, the series has been ranked as #23 on the top 250 TV shows of all time on IMDb (as rated by IMDB users) and three of the seasons

    GODZILLA MINUS ONE digital matte artist Sachiko Eba will discuss her work at an Amusement Media Academy event. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

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    GODZILLA MINUS ONE digital matte artist Sachiko Eba will discuss her work at an Amusement Media Academy event. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Amusement Media Academy press release Amusement Media Academy (Shibuya, Tokyo, President: Naotaka Yoshida), a vocational school in Tokyo that provides training for professionals in the entertainment industry, will hold a special event for those who wish to pursue a career in the VFX or 3DCG fields. Matte painter/art director Sachiko Eba, known for works such as GODZILLA MINUS ONE (ゴジラ-1.0/ゴジラマイナスワン, Gojira Mainasu Wan, 2023) and MAGIC CANDIES (あめだま, Ame Dama, 2024), will be the guest for a live discussion to be held at the AMG Open Campus on Sunday, February 2nd. Sachiko Eba. Sachiko Eba is a digital matte painter (DMP) who creates backgrounds for live-action films, TV dramas, anime, and other video works, and an art director who handles the

    Photo courtesy of Keith Sherman and Associates. ©Naoko Takeuchi・PNP / “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” The Super Live Production Committee 2025

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    Photo courtesy of Keith Sherman and Associates. ©Naoko Takeuchi・PNP / “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” The Super Live Production Committee 2025 Source: Keith Sherman and Associates press releaseOfficial Site: https://sailormoonsuperlive.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailormoon_thesuperlive/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SailorMoonTheSuperLive YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sailormoonsuperlive Special Thanks to Scott Klein Producers Makoto Matsuda (appare) and Kumiko Yoshii (Gorgeous Entertainment) have announced that following its sensational month-long engagement in London, PRETTY GUARDIAN SAILOR MOON: THE SUPER LIVE, the world-wide smash hit 2.5D musical sensation based on the wildly popular manga, will launch a North American tour this March with technical rehearsals and previews held in Pittsburgh, PA and an official opening on March 15 in Austin, TX and in partnership with SXSW (South by SouthWest). www.sailormoonsuperlive.com. With book, lyrics and direction by Kaori Miura (MUSICAL: THE PRINCE OF TENNIS, TOKYO REVENGERS THE MUSICAL), choreography by Satomi Toma, and music by Go Sakabe and KYOHEI, the visually stunning show follows the stories

    Photo courtesy of CRAZY BUMP. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Source: CRAZY BUMP Inc. press release   Photo courtesy of CRAZY BUMP. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Crazy Bump Inc., a company that organizes and manages special exhibitions themed on subcultures such as manga, anime, and special effects, has announced some new products to be sold at the Giant Mechagodzilla POP UP STORE in Gallery of Hakaba (大メカゴジラPOP UP STORE in 墓場の画廊, Dai Mekagojira Poppu Appu Sutoa in Hakaba no Garō). The POP UP STORE will be held at the Gallery of Hakaba store in Nakano, Tokyo, from January 16 to February 25, 2025. The venue will feature a Mechagodzilla exhibition plus official merchandise. Most products will be available at both the Gallery of Hakaba in Nakano and their online store. For more information on the Giant Mechagodzilla POP UP STORE in Gallery of Hakaba, please see the earlier report here on SciFi Japan.

    Promo art for the Ultraman Zero POP UP STORE feat. Ultraman Leo in JUNGLE. Photo courtesy of JUNGLE. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS

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    Source: Entertainment Hobby Shop JUNGLE press release Promo art for the Ultraman Zero POP UP STORE feat. Ultraman Leo in JUNGLE. Photo courtesy of JUNGLE. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Jungle Co., Ltd. (Head office: Nipponbashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; CEO: Koji Shiota) will host the Ultraman Zero POP UP STORE feat. Ultraman Leo in JUNGLE (ウルトラマンゼロ POP UP STORE feat.ウルトラマンレオ in JUNGLEを大阪, Urutoraman Zero POP UP STORE feat. Urutoraman Reo in JUNGLE) at their Entertainment Hobby Shop JUNGLE location in Osaka from Friday, January 24th to Sunday, February 23rd, 2025. Jungle regularly holds special events at their Japan stores, while their US branch recently ran the Godzilla 70th Anniversary POP UP STORE in Los Angeles.   ■ Event Description Connect the Future! The 15th Anniversary of Ultraman Zero and 50th Anniversary of Ultraman Leo! Ultraman Zero, the son of Ultraseven, made his shocking debut in the 2009

    Radio personality Misaki Kuroe and SHIN GODZILLA director Shinji Higuchi at the FM AICHI entrance after the recording. Photo courtesy of FM AICHI. © FM AICHI BROADCASTING. Godzilla © TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Radio personality Misaki Kuroe and SHIN GODZILLA director Shinji Higuchi at the FM AICHI entrance after the recording. Photo courtesy of FM AICHI. © FM AICHI BROADCASTING. Godzilla © TOHO CO., LTD. Source: FM AICHI Co. press release Fans in Japan should be sure to tune into FM AICHI (FM Aichi Co., Ltd. Nagoya FM 80.7MHz / Toyohashi FM 81.3MHz) from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. JST on Monday, December 30, 2024 as the station will broadcast a special program called  TOKUSATSU RADIO DAISAKUSEN! (特撮ラジオ大作戦!, Tokusatsu Rajio Daisakusen!) - the title translates to "Special Effects Radio Mission!" - at that time. The program will be hosted by FM AICHI personality Misaki Kuroe and director Shinji Higuchi, a leading Japanese special effects filmmaker who won the Best Director Award at the Japan Academy Prize for SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016). This will be the second annual TOKUSATSU RADIO

    Photo courtesy of CRAZY BUMP. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Source: CRAZY BUMP Inc. press release   Photo courtesy of CRAZY BUMP. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Crazy Bump Inc., a company that organizes and manages special exhibitions themed on subcultures such as manga, anime, and special effects, has provided information on the Giant Mechagodzilla POP UP STORE in Gallery of Hakaba (大メカゴジラPOP UP STORE in 墓場の画廊, Dai Mekagojira Poppu Appu Sutoa in Hakaba no Garō) to be held at the Gallery of Hakaba store in Nakano, Tokyo, from January 16 to February 25, 2025. Among the many monsters that appear in the Godzilla series, the world-famous special effects film masterpieces that are the pride of Japan, the mechanical monster Mechagodzilla reigns as Godzilla's absolute rival. Since its first appearance in 1974's GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (ゴジラ対メカゴジラ, Gojira Tai Mekagojira), Mechagodzilla has been an indispensable character in the Godzilla series, boasting overwhelming popularity to

    Photo courtesy of Daimaru Department Stores. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores Co., Ltd.press releaseOfficial Site: https://www.daimaru.co.jp/umedamise/   Photo courtesy of Daimaru Department Stores. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. The Daimaru Department Store in Umeda, Osaka, is hosting a holiday sale from Thursday, December 26, 2024 to Tuesday, January 14, 2025 that features Godzilla sculptures by monster artist Shigeo Mori, including some very limited pieces. In 2024, several Japanese pop culture shops opened at Daimaru Umeda location, seeing an increase in the number of customers looking for collectibles. Shigeo Mori also had his first solo exhibition at Daimaru Umeda this past August 2024. The success of that event has led to the "Toho Monsters Created by Monster Artists" (怪獣アーティストがつくる東宝怪獣, Kaijū Atisuto ga Tsukuru Tōhō Kaijū) promotion during the holiday season. Customers can enter a lottery to purchase the one-of-a-kind sculptures by using the QR code displayed at the store. The winners will

    Win the new ULTRA GALAXY FIGHT SERIES 1-3 + ULTRAMAN REGULOS/FIRST MISSION Blu-ray set from Mill Creek Entertainment. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek. ULTRA GALAXY FIGHT: NEW GENERATION HEROES ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS.

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    Win the new ULTRA GALAXY FIGHT SERIES 1-3 + ULTRAMAN REGULOS/FIRST MISSION Blu-ray set from Mill Creek Entertainment. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek. ULTRA GALAXY FIGHT: NEW GENERATION HEROES ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS. Source: Mill Creek Entertainment Special Thanks to CJ Johnsen and Spencer Kopp Photo courtesy of Mill Creek. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS. Mill Creek Entertainment is offering our readers a chance to win their new Blu-ray set of ULTRA GALAXY FIGHT SERIES 1-3 + ULTRAMAN REGULOS/FIRST MISSION. This 3-disc collection presents 4 mini-series -- ULTRA GALAXY FIGHT: NEW GENERATION HEROES, ULTRA GALAXY FIGHT: THE ABSOLUTE CONSPIRACY, ULTRA GALAXY FIGHT: THE DESTINED CROSSROAD and ULTRAMAN REGULOS  -- and the special ULTRAMAN REGULOS: FIRST MISSION with Japanese and English audio. ULTRA GALAXY FIGHT SERIES 1-3 + ULTRAMAN REGULOS/FIRST MISSION is on sale now and has a SRP of $39.98. The set can be ordered from Amazon, Deep Discount and other

    Takamiy, Mamoru Miyano, Takeshi Tsuruno, DAIGO, and voyager are scheduled to perform at the ULTRAMAN MUSIC LIVE Ultraman Zero 15th Anniversary concert. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS

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    Takamiy, Mamoru Miyano, Takeshi Tsuruno, DAIGO, and voyager are scheduled to perform at the ULTRAMAN MUSIC LIVE Ultraman Zero 15th Anniversary concert. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Source: Tsuburaya Productions press releaseOfficial Site: https://m-78.jp/event/post-139947   Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and COO: Masayuki Nagatake) will hold a live music concert, "ULTRAMAN MUSIC LIVE Ultraman Zero 15th Anniversary ~Beyond the STARS~" (ULTRAMAN MUSIC LIVE ウルトラマンゼロ15周年～Beyond the STARS～,  ULTRAMAN MUSIC LIVE～ Urutoraman Zero 15-Shūnen ～Beyond the STARS～ ) to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the first appearance of the popular Ultra Hero Ultraman Zero, at Zepp HANEDA in Tokyo on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Tickets will go on sale through Tsuburaya Productions' subscription service TSUBURAYA IMAGINATION.   Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS About "ULTRAMAN MUSIC LIVE Ultraman Zero 15th Anniversary ~Beyond the STARS~"

    Photo courtesy of Yokosuka City. Godzilla TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Source: Yokosuka City press releaseOfficial Site: https://www.kanagawaparks.com/kurihama/   Photo courtesy of Yokosuka City. Godzilla TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. The 10-meter (approximately 29.5 feet) tall Godzilla Slide statue has been beloved by Yokosuka residents and Godzilla fans since it was installed at the Adventure Land zone of Kurihama Hana no Kuni (Kurihama Flower Park) Adventure Land on Godzilla's birthday (November 3) 25 years ago. In recent years, the statue has been lighted with festive colors during the holiday season. This year, it will be lit up in burning red tones to evoke the epic movie GODZILLA VS. DESTOROYAH (ゴジラＶＳデストロイア, Gojira VS Desutoroia), which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025. Please take this opportunity to enjoy Godzilla in burning colors to commemorate the “Burning Godzilla Year” (バーニングゴジラ・イヤー, Bāningu Gojira Iyā).   Godzilla Light-Up Overview Dates and Times: Saturday, December

    Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

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    Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Bandai SpiritsOfficial Site:  https://1kuji.com/products/godzilla6 Bandai Spirits is now running their Ichiban Kuji Lottery Godzilla 70th Anniversary (一番くじ ゴジラ 70th Anniversary, Ichiban Kuji Godzilla 70th Anniversary). Ichiban Kuji is a Japanese character lottery where participants win original colectibles based on a specific brand like Godzilla, My Hero Academia, Wizarding World, Dragon Ball Z, Toy Story and Crayon Shin-chan. Customers can purchase their entries online and at the Ichiban Kuji Official Shop, convenience stores, bookstores, hobby shops, and other retailers  across Japan, with each entry guaranteed to win one of the products offered in the lottery. In addition, the contestant who purchases the last lottery entry at a shop will get a special "Last One" prize. Members of the Ichiban Kuji Club can also take part in the "Double Chance Campaign" to better their odds of winning a

    Image courtesy of Crunchyroll.

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    Crunchyroll Acquires ATTACK ON TITAN: THE LAST ATTACK Movie in Select Territories, Crunchyroll Anime Awards Return to Tokyo, Takashi Miike Revealed as Executive Director for NYAIGHT OF THE LIVING CAT, and MoreSource: Crunchyroll press release On Thursday, Crunchyroll held its Industry Panel at CCXP 2024 at SP Expo in São Paulo, Brazil. See below for all the thrilling announcements made during the panel:   Image courtesy of Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll has acquired theatrical rights for the dark epic fantasy omnibus movie ATTACK ON TITAN: THE LAST ATTACK for select territories in Latin America, including Brazil, North America, EMEA, and Australia / New Zealand. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will bring the cinematic experience that combines the final chapters of the highly acclaimed anime series based on the award-winning manga by Hajime Isayama to theaters in one colossal film in Early 2025. For more information and to see the

    The 100th anniversary celebration for Kawasaki City will include events for Godzilla and special effects director Koichi Kawakita. Photo courtesy of Kawasaki City. Godzilla TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

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    The 100th anniversary celebration for Kawasaki City will include events for Godzilla and special effects director Koichi Kawakita. Photo courtesy of Kawasaki City. Godzilla TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Kawasaki City press releaseOfficial Site: https://kawasakicity100.jp/ Kawasaki City in Kangawa Prefecture is celebrating its 100th anniversary. As a launching point for creating a "new Kawasaki" for the next 100 years, the entire city is carrying out a variety of commemorative projects with the slogan "Colors, Future! Actions." The "Asao Kawasaki 100th Anniversary Festival" will be held on Saturday, February 1st and Sunday, February 2nd, 2025. In honor of SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016), which was filmed on location in Kawasaki City, and Koichi Kawakita, one of Japan's leading special effects directors who had lived in Ozenji in the Asao Ward of Kawasaki for many years, the city will celebrate its 100th anniversary with concerts, film

    Image courtesy of STUDIO4℃. ©Beyond C.

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    Image courtesy of STUDIO4℃. ©Beyond C. Source: STUDIO4℃, Wright Film Co. press releaseOfficial Site:  https://happinet-phantom.com/hinotori-eden/ (Japan)Twitter: @hinotori_eden   Image courtesy of STUDIO4℃. ©Beyond C STUDIO4℃ is pleased to announce the anime feature film PHOENIX: REMINISCENCE OF FLOWER (火の鳥 エデンの花, Hi no Tori Eden no Hana, 2023), an adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's legendary original story Phoenix (火の鳥, Hi no Tori) will be screened with a live performance by a full orchestra on Christmas Eve for one night only. Osamu Tezuka, the “God of Manga,” is still revered around the world. His masterpiece and lifework was Phoenix, comprised of 12 stories created from 1967-1988. One of those stories, Nostalgia (望郷編, Bōkyō-hen), which depicts the future of the earth and the universe, was adapted by STUDIO4℃ as PHOENIX: REMINISCENCE OF FLOWER, which was released in Japan on November 3, 2023. REMINISCENCE OF FLOWER returns for a special

    Attendees watch Shin Godzilla, projected on Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, in the new short film, TOKYO GODZILLAs. Photo courtesy of TOKYO Night & Light. © TOHO CO., LTD. © Tokyo Projection Mapping Executive Committee. All Rights Reserved.

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    Attendees watch Shin Godzilla, projected on Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, in the new short film, TOKYO GODZILLAs. Photo courtesy of TOKYO Night & Light. © TOHO CO., LTD. © Tokyo Projection Mapping Executive Committee. All Rights Reserved. Source: TOKYO Night & Light PR Office press releaseOfficial Site: https://tokyoprojectionmappingproject.jp/ (Japan) In an effort to revitalize nighttime tourism, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been showing projection mapping using the East wall of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, one of Tokyo's landmarks, as a canvas to display a variety of content with light and sound, created by high artistry and world-leading technology. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building projection mapping project “TOKYO Night & Light” launched in February and has grown to become a popular new tourist attraction in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo, viewed by approximately 430,000 people to date. It was also recognized by Guinness

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