Godzilla, the famous cinematic monster, was made an official citizen and tourism ambassador for Tokyo’s Shinjuku Department in 2015. At the welcoming ceremony, Godzilla was described as “the pride of Japan” and received a giant replica of his head. His residence papers noted his role in promoting entertainment and attracting visitors. Godzilla’s original roar was produced by rubbing a pine-tar-coated leather glove across a double bass string, and he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his 50th birthday.
A list of famous Japanese people would likely include filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa and national leaders like Naruhito, the newly enthroned emperor of Japan. But one of Japan’s most famous figures didn’t become an official citizen until 2015. Despite regularly trashing Tokyo, the giant cinematic monster Godzilla was ceremonially welcomed not only as a citizen but also as a tourism ambassador for Tokyo’s oft-ravaged Shinjuku. Department. At the official welcoming ceremony, ward mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi described the huge reptilian creature as “the pride of Japan.” In addition to his other honors, Godzilla was commemorated with a giant replica of his head sitting atop the offices of the Toho film studio, which released the original 1954 film in which Godzilla first terrorized the world. During the ceremony, 5,000 lucky fans received copies of Godzilla’s residence papers, which noted that Godzilla should take part in “Promoting entertainment and watching over the Kabuki-cho district and attracting visitors from all over the world.”
Getting to know Godzilla:
Godzilla’s original roar was produced by someone rubbing a pine-tar-coated leather glove across a double bass string.
For his 50th birthday in 50, Godzilla received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The name “Godzilla” comes from combining the Japanese words for gorilla (gorira) and whale (kujira).
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
