One reads that the
[f]ire-breathing, building-stomping Godzilla was welcomed to Tokyo on Thursday, but as a sign of prosperity rather than destruction. The violent radioactive monster was appointed special resident and tourism ambassador for Shinjuku ward, known for its bars and noodle restaurants.A Godzilla-size head towering 52 metres (171ft) above ground level was unveiled at an office of Toho, the Japanese film company which produced the original monster, in 1954. Toho is shooting a comeback film this year after a decade-long hiatus.
Godzilla’s standing as an icon has had its ups and downs, but its stature was reinstated with the Hollywood science fiction film directed by Gareth Edwards that became a global hit in 2014.
The biggest star in Japan’s movie history is now predicted to lure tourists; a market-opening strategy will be launched by the prime minister, Shinz? Abe.
At an awards ceremony, where the giant Godzilla head was present, an actor in a rubber suit waddled over to the Shinjuku mayor, Kenichi Yoshizumi. But a Toho executive had to accept the residency certificate for ambassador Godzilla – since the suit’s claws were not designed to grab anything.
The belief is that any place Godzilla ruined in films would be sure to prosper in real life, Yoshizumi said. “Godzilla is a character that is the pride of Japan.”
What do you think: a good or a not-so-good idea?
Yeah, why not?
He’s almost a good guy now.
he turned over a new leaf
He did wreck an awful lot of stuff to be an ambassador.Usually they make you pay to do that job not smash things.
The King of the Monsters is to Japan what Mickey Mouse is to the US.
A deserved honor. BTW: he’s already got a footprint on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!