The allure of the “real thing” discovered through reprinted T-shirts【20th UT ARCHIVE vol.9　 Godzilla】

Countless alluring graphics have adorned UT items to date. As we mark UT’s 20th anniversary this year, an archive project has started to reprint some of our past offerings. What kinds of feelings and emotions rest in the motifs that have transcended time and are loved by people all over the world? Let’s explore this through the words of the creators and those involved. This time we feature Godzilla, which appeared on UT in 2007. We spoke with Tetsuya Yoshikawa, who is in charge of the overall Godzilla business at Toho Film Studios, about this made-in-Japan monster movie series that has gained so much fame worldwide.

Always be in front of the times and take on challenges without fearing change.

Q. Please tell us the background behind the birth of the character known as Godzilla.

A. The Daigo Fukuryu Maru incident (a Japanese tuna fishing boat was contaminated with fallout from a nuclear weapon test on Bikini Atoll), which occurred the same year the movie was released, 1954, was the catalyst for the film. It gave birth to the concept of a monster being awoken from an ancient slumber by a hydrogen bomb test. Driven out of its safe haven, it lays waste to a city. Thus, Godzilla was born.

A scene from the movie Godzilla that was released in 1954.

Q. What do you think is innovative about the Godzilla series?

A. I think it is a story that always reflects the “context of the times” in which it is made. In Shin Godzilla, which is still fresh in the minds of young people, there is a line in the movie that seems to symbolize the Japan of today, “The scrap and build approach has helped this country rise to where it is today. We can recover this time as well.” I believe consistently reflecting the “context of the times” in the story this way is innovative and it has been the roots of the series.

Q. The fourth movie in the series, Mothra vs. Godzilla, is used for the T-shirt this time. What is the position/status of this film within the series?

A. This was the first film to depict the battle between Mothra and Godzilla. It is also the first to introduce a showdown between monsters representing good and evil. I think it pioneered the monster boom.

A Mothra vs. Godzilla poster.

Q. What is the appeal of Mothra and Godzilla as characters?

A. Godzilla is symbolic of overwhelming strength. Depending on the times, Godzilla is either a hero or an enemy of humanity. I believe this mysteriousness, being neither friend nor foe, is what makes this character alluring. On the other hand, in addition to going through a metamorphosis of egg to larva to cocoon to adult, Mothra is gorgeous and delicate yet has the strength to bravely stand up to Godzilla. I feel there is appeal in such a form.

Q. What do you think “evolution” means in terms of the Godzilla series? Also, conversely, are there any aspects that must not be changed?

A. Within Toho Film Studios, there is a “Godzilla Charter” incorporating “promises” and “principles” for the Godzilla brand. and based on this charter, we have produced films that reflect the characteristics of each time period. For Godzilla, “evolution” is not about getting bigger, stronger, or having VFX become more detailed. Rather, it is about keeping the audience excited and thrilled with the latest Godzilla, regardless of whether 60 or 70 years have passed since its birth. And it is also about protecting what should be protected while not being bound by a mindset of “do not change” and taking on challenges without being afraid.

Q. Why do you think the Godzilla series continues to be loved across generations regardless of gender or nationality?

A. Released in 1954, 68 years have passed since Godzilla was created using Japan’s unique special effects technology. Sometimes serious, sometimes comical, with themes and styles changing with the times, it has always maintained the “excitement of monster movies.” I think Godzilla is still loved across generations and borders because this inherent passion has been conveyed to audiences worldwide.

PROFILE

Tetsuya Yoshikawa was born in 1981 in Shiga Prefecture. Head of the Godzilla Room at Toho Co., Ltd. and project leader for the Godzilla Strategy Committee. In the Advertising Department, he was in charge of corporate tie-ups for Godzilla 2014, Parasyte Part1/2, Attack on Titan Part1/2, and Shin Godzilla. From 2019, he took charge of the Godzilla Room and the overall Godzilla business, including TV commercials, attractions, digital content, etc.