SciFi Japan

    GODZILLA VS. SELF-DEFENSE FORCES cover art. Photo courtesy of Bungeishunju Ltd. Godzilla TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

    Godzilla - Toho

    Japan's Top Class Military Experts Discuss War in Anime and Special Effects FilmsSource: Bungeishunju Ltd. press releases GODZILLA VS. SELF-DEFENSE FORCES cover art. Photo courtesy of Bungeishunju Ltd. Godzilla TM & © TOHO CO., LTD. Bungeishunju Ltd.. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Shigeyuki Iikubo) will release a new paperback book, Godzilla vs. Self-Defense Forces: The ‘Theory of War’ in Anime (ゴジラvs.自衛隊　アニメの「戦争論」, Gojira vs. Jieitai Anime no Sensō-ron), by Yu Koizumi, Sugio Takahashi, Hiroyuki Ohta, and Marei Mentlein, on January 17, 2025.    How did the capital air defense communication in MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR actually look to the eyes of the Self-Defense Forces? In the world of NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, the Soviet Union has not collapsed. The Bakagarasu aircraft in NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND is operated in the same way as the Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant developed in Nazi Germany.

    Photo courtesy of Trends International. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

    Godzilla - Toho

      Photo courtesy of Trends International. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Trends InternationalSpecial Thanks to Pam Fettig and Jeff Loeser Photo courtesy of Trends International. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Godzilla fans in North America can now purchase the Godzilla 2025 Wall Calendar from Trends International. Revisit your favorite Japanese kaiju film every day this year with the Godzilla 2025 Wall Calendar featuring 13 high-quality images from the Godzilla series printed on premium paper. Part of Trends International's DateWorks Wall Calendars line, it is made to hang on a wall, cork board, or bulletin board at home, school, or the office. Each monthly calendar spread features enough room to mark important dates or write down reminder notes - making them perfect for staying organized and productive all year long. The Godzilla 2025 Wall Calendar is available from retailers, including Amazon.

    Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2025 THE SOLITARY GOURMET Film Partners

    Godzilla - Toho

    Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2025 THE SOLITARY GOURMET Film Partners Source: Toho Co., Ltd.Official Site: https://gekieiga-kodokunogurume.jp/ (Japan)   A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2025 THE SOLITARY GOURMET Film Partners SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details for an upcoming film. Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and photos from their new movie THE SOLITARY GOURMET (劇映画 孤独のグルメ, Gekieiga Kodoku no Gurume), which opens in Japanese cinemas on January 10th.   INTRODUCTION The hit manga The Solitary Gourmet by writer Masayuki Kusumi and artist Jiro Taniguchi debuted in 1994 and ran through 2015.  It told the story of Goro Inogashira, an independent trader importing household and fashion goods from France, who travels all over Japan and abroad for his true passion -- food. In each of the manga's 32 chapters, Inogashira would dine at

    Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2024 DOCTOR-X THE MOVIE Film Partners

    Godzilla - Toho

    Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2024 DOCTOR-X THE MOVIE Film Partners Source: Toho Co., Ltd.Official Site: https://doctor-x-movie.jp/ (Japan)   Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2024 DOCTOR-X THE MOVIE Film Partners SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details for a new film. Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and photos from their movie DOCTOR-X THE MOVIE (劇場版ドクターX FINAL, Gekijō-ban Dokutā X FINAL), which opened in Japanese cinemas in early December.   INTRODUCTION The television series DOCTOR-X (ドクターX　～外科医・大門未知子～ , Dokutā X ~Gekai Daimon Michiko~) debuted on TV Asahi in 2012 and ran for seven seasons through 2021. It followed the exploits of the lone-wolf genius surgeon, Michiko Daimon, who stuck true to her words: "I never fail." DOCTOR-X recorded the highest average viewership ratings over a ten-year period, and has now been adapted into its first movie. Daimon, who has

    Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2025 1ST KISS Film Partners

    Godzilla - Toho

    Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2025 1ST KISS Film Partners Source: Toho Co., Ltd.Official Site: https://1stkiss-movie.toho.co.jp/ (Japan)   A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2025 1ST KISS Film Partners SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details for an upcoming film. Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and photos from their new fantasy romance movie FIRST KISS (ファーストキス　1ST KISS, Fāsuto Kisu 1ST KISS), which opens in Japanese cinemas on February 7, 2025.   INTRODUCTION A masterpiece spun by a master of love stories. Yuji Sakamoto wrote an original screenplay for the film WE MADE A BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET (花束みたいな恋をした, Hanataba Mitaina Koi o Shita, 2021) which became a huge hit, grossing 3.8 billion yen. The universal love story of young people resonated with people of all ages and became a social phenomenon. Next, hois screenplay for MONSTER

    Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2024 Grand Maison Paris Film Partners

    Godzilla - Toho

    Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2024 Grand Maison Paris Film Partners Source: Toho Co., Ltd.Official Site: https://grandmaison-project.jp/ (Japan)   A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2024 Grand Maison Paris Film Partners Toho Co., Ltd. has provided information and photos from their new movie GRAND MAISON PARIS (グランメゾン・パリ, Guranmezon Pari), which opens in Japanese cinemas on December 30th.   INTRODUCTION The television series LE GRANDE MAISON TOKYO (グランメゾン東京, Guranmezon Tōkyō) aired on the TBS Sunday Theatre in the fall of 2019. The story revolved around the unconventional French chef Natsuki Obanai (Takuya Kimura) and chef Rinko Hayami (Kyoka Suzuki) who, along with the staff of the restaurant Grand Maison Tokyo strive to become the world's best "three-star restaurant". The show was a hit, and now the story continues on the big screen. Set and filmed in

    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.

    Godzilla - Toho

    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 Hagoromo. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. ©FUJITA KANKO INC. All Rights Reserved.

    Godzilla - Toho

    Source: Hagoromo press releaseOfficial Site: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/calenavi/25-0039/ Photo courtesy of Hagoromo. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. ©FUJITA KANKO INC. All Rights Reserved. Publisher Hagoromo Co., Ltd. has has announced that, due to strong sales, their 2025 Godzilla 70th Anniversary Calendar (2025年版　ゴジラ70周年記念カレンダー, 2025 Nenban Gojira 70 Shūnen Kinen Karendā) has already gone into a third printing. This follows the success of the 2024 Calendar, which also received three printings one year ago. Released in Japan on November 2, 2024, this premium calendar condenses 70 years of Godzilla history with carefully selected famous scenes and stunning photographs. It has received great praise from Godzilla fans and ranked first in the Amazon calendar rankings on the day pre-orders began. When Hagoromo announced the 2025 Godzilla 70th Anniversary Calendar they provided pics of the cover artwork and some of the interior pages. But they teaased the November page, which

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

    Godzilla - Toho

    Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source: MegaHouse press releases In 2025, MegaHouse, a division of Bandai Namco Group, will release two non-articulate figures of Godzilla (2023) for their UA (Ultimate Article) Monsters series.  The Godzilla who terrorized postwar Japan in the smash hit film GODZILLA MINUS ONE (ゴジラ-1.0/ゴジラマイナスワン, Gojira Mainasu Wan, 2023) has been sculpted in an overwhelmingly realistic and powerful pose. The kaiju's distinctive style is faithfully reproduced from the movie; the unique shape of the dorsal fins has been sharply sculpted from root to tip, and the surface of the entire body is a vivid reproduction of the horrifying layers of epidermis that are repeatedly destroyed and regenerated.   Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. UA Monsters

    Toho Studios is eliminating all CO2 emissions from electricity usage. Photo courtesy of Toho Co.; Ltd. © TOHO CO., LTD.

    Godzilla - Toho

    Toho Studios is eliminating all CO2 emissions from electricity usage. Photo courtesy of Toho Co.; Ltd. © TOHO CO., LTD. Source: Toho Co., Ltd. press release In June 2023, Toho Co., Ltd. and JERA Co., Inc. announced their plan of achieving zero CO2 emissions from power consumption at Toho Studios in Japan. JERA recently revealed that it has started supplying electricity generated by hydrogen to Toho Studios through its subsidiary, JERA Cross. This is the first commercial use of electricity generated by a hydrogen-only, zero-emission thermal power plant in Japan. Toho, internationally known for its business in the entertainment field centered on movies, and JERA, an energy company pioneering efforts to eliminate CO2 emissions in the energy field, have been working toward the realization of "24/7 Carbon Free Electricity"「24/7（twenty-four seven）カーボンフリー電力, 24/7 (twenty-four-seven) Kābon Furī Denryoku」* at Toho Studios from FY2024 as part of efforts to achieve zero CO2

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

    Godzilla - Toho

    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.

    Godzilla - Toho

    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

    Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2024 MARVEL. GODZILLA TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

    Godzilla - Toho

    Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2024 MARVEL. GODZILLA TM & © TOHO CO., LTD. Hitting stands this March, Ryan North and John Romita Jr.’s GODZILLA VS. FANTASTIC FOUR #1 is the first of six one-shots where Marvel heroes battle the King of the Monsters across different eras!Source: Marvel Entertainment press release Special Thanks to Anthony Blackwood Last year, Marvel Comics and Toho International, the Japanese studio’s U.S.-based subsidiary that has brought global sensation Godzilla to life, began an exciting new collaboration that resulted in a hit Godzilla variant cover program and long-awaited reprints and collections of Godzilla’s original Marvel comic series. Announced last week with The Hollywood Reporter, this incredible partnership evolves in March as Godzilla enters the Marvel Universe in groundbreaking new comics, beginning with six action-packed one-shots that pit Marvel heroes against Godzilla in breathtaking battles, each set in different eras of Godzilla and

    Photo courtesy of the Criterion Collection. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

    Godzilla - Toho

    Photo courtesy of the Criterion Collection. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source: The Criterion Collection press release Special Thanks to Courtney Ott Photo courtesy of the Criterion Collection. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. The Criterion Collection has announced that the fan favorite GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE (ゴジラvsビオランテ, Gojira Tai Biorante, 1989) will be released March 18, 2025 in 4K UHD + Blu-ray and Blu-ray editions. Diving into delirious realms of imagination, this second film of the Godzilla franchise’s 1980s resurgence showcased the towering beast for a new generation of fans. This time, Godzilla’s foe is one of the series’ most wondrously strange kaiju creations: Biollante — a mutant plant genetically engineered from the cells of a rose, a renegade scientist’s dead daughter, and Godzilla itself. With a wild plot encompassing spies, psychic children, and bonkers biotechnology — and some of the coolest special effects in the

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

    Godzilla - Toho

    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.

    Godzilla - Toho

    Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Plex Co., Ltdpress release Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Bandai Namco Group's official online store Premium Bandai is releasing new figures for the "GODZILLA VINYL ART" art soft vinyl series, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the movie GODZILLA VS. DESTOROYAH (ゴジラＶＳデストロイア, Gojira VS Desutoroia).   ■ GODZILLA VS. DESTOROYAH 30th Anniversary GODZILLA VS. DESTOROYAH was released in Japanese theaters on December 9, 1995 with the catchphrase ‘Godzilla Dies.’ The final film in the Heisei Series (1984-95), it is one of the most popular Godzilla movies among fans. Following this year's “Mechagodzilla 50” and “King Ghidorah 60” campaigns, 2025 will see the 30th anniversary of GODZILLA VS. DESTOROYAH being promoted as the “Burning Godzilla Year” (バーニングゴジラ・イヤー, Bāningu Gojira Iyā) with a slew of products and events coming

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

    Godzilla - Toho

    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

    Photo courtesy of CCP JAPAN. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

    Godzilla - Toho

    Photo courtesy of CCP JAPAN. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. Source: CCP JAPAN press release   The Japanese figure manufacturer CCPJAPAN has begun accepting pre-orders for the "CCP Middle Size Series Godzilla [Vol.12]  (CCP ミドルサイズシリーズ ゴジラ 【第12弾】, CCP Midoru Saizu Shirīzu Gojira [Dai 12-dan])," retro-design soft vinyl figures of monsters from the popular "Godzilla" special effects film series, at hobby shops, mass retailers, and online stores across Japan. Based on the concept of “an old-school/new-school, yet slightly old-fashioned soft vinyl monster series,” the popular Middle Size figure line measure 12 cm in height and fits in the palm of your hand, making it easy to collect. This is a collection series by CCPJAPAN for soft vinyl and monster lovers, with a retro-style deformation that gives a nostalgic and somewhat “Showa-era retro” feel to the figures. Series [Vol. 12] features six figures, all

    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.

    Godzilla - Toho

    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

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

    Godzilla - Toho

     Source: Bandai Co., Ltd.   Photo courtesy of Bandai. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD. In celebration of both Godzilla's 70th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the High Grade capsule toy line, Bandai is releasing a lineup of HG figures of popular monsters from the Showa Era Toho films. A set of four daikaiju from 1968's DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (怪獣総進撃, Kaijū Sōshingeki) are now available at Gashapon Bandai Official Shop specialty stores for Bandai's new Gashapon products, toy stores, mass merchandisers, and electronics stores throughout Japan. Gashapon (ガシャポン) is a best-selling Bandai toy brand named after the capsule containing a toy that "pops" out when the handle is turned on a "gasha" (vending machine). Since the brand's launch in 1977, it has produced a rich lineup of products that match the trends of the times, with many sets and series featuring a variety of

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