Monster Zero x SciFi Japan - Archive Only

In GKOTM there's a scene where a World War 2-era Zero fighter buzzes Godzilla. Or a least it's shown briefly. It can also be seen in the poster. Was this scene supposed to be symbolic or something? Granted, G1954 isn't realistic drama or anything, but even by movie logic, this scene is puzzling. I doubt there were any Zeros still in flying condition in 1954--probably only a handful in any condition. Even if there were, why send up such an obsolete plane when Japan had (in the movie at least) what were then state-of-the-art F-86 jets? Unless the pilot was on some kamikaze mission.

Huh...never thought of that. I guess it most likely was symbolic, but I don't really know...

I saw the Zero on the poster, but I can't say I caught it in the film. Perhaps it was a left over prop from one of Tsuburaya's WWII films?

Seems I've finally found a fresh Godzilla related urban legend! This isn't the first mention I've heard a Zero in G54, but I sure never noticed anything of the sort.

I'm curious to know if the JDF was really still using Sabres in 72 and 73 or just Toho wouldn't budget in new props untill TOMG?

^ They used G54 props in Gigan?

Are you sure they weren't newer props representing F-100 Super Sabres? Still would have been obsolete, but not to such an extent.

On Okinawa I spotted a demonstration flight of F-86s in an attractive blue and white scheme. (They were not -D versions.) That was in 1991.

Coincidentally, on one approach into Okinawa City there is (or was) a building with a 20-30 foot tall statue of kong-goji on the roof. As one came up the road it looked just as though Godzilla was in the near distance.

good observation!