Tokyo Wildlife: Godzilla
Globetrotters September Challenge: Wildlife
Genus and species: Gojira gojira
Height: 300 feet (91 meters)
Weight: 90,000 tons (81,646,560 kilograms)
Habitat: Oceanic, but recent sightings at IMAX theatres in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Diet: Carnivore. Concession stand snacks.
Godzilla is a giant, reptilian kaiju* that is native to the Pacific Ocean. She is one of the most powerful creatures on Earth and has been known to cause widespread destruction in her wake. However, Godzilla is also a complex creature with a rich history, and she is often seen as a symbol of nature’s power and resilience.
More recently, Godzilla has become a — welcome — invasive species in the nightlife scene of Shinjuku in western Tokyo, where she frequents the IMAX cinema in Kabukicho’s red-light district.
Physical Characteristics
Godzilla is a massive creature with a thick, armored hide. She has a long, muscular tail and powerful limbs. Her head is large and reptilian, with a gaping maw filled with rows of sharp teeth. Godzilla also has a pair of dorsal fins that run along her back.
Needless to say, she often occupies more than one seat in the theatre. She is generally considerate about sitting near the back so that she does not block the view of others. She always removes her hat.
Behaviour
Godzilla is a solitary creature that spends most of her time in the ocean. However, she is known to venture onto land to feed or to lay its eggs. Godzilla is a territorial creature and will aggressively defend her territory from any perceived threats.
However, Godzilla also displays learned behaviour in following the customary rules of movie theatre etiquette, as displayed at the beginning of each screening: she neither smokes, talks too loud, or kicks the seat in front of her. Godzilla would never make a pirate recording of a movie; in fact, it is rumoured she has called the anonymous hotline to report others who film during the show.
Diet
Traditionally, Godzilla has followed a paleo diet consisting mostly of a variety of marine life, including fish, squid, and crustaceans. She has also been known to eat other kaiju, such as King Kong and Mothra.
Also half-and-half buttered/caramel popcorn mix — extra large.
Reproduction
Godzilla reproduces by laying eggs. She lays her eggs in a nest that she builds on land. The eggs will hatch after several weeks, and the baby Godzillas will make their way either to the ocean of the most recent Disney or Pixar movie, depending on what’s playing.
History
Godzilla was first discovered in 1954, when she emerged from the Pacific Ocean and attacked Tokyo. The Japanese military was unable to stop Godzilla, and she caused widespread destruction in the city. However, Godzilla was eventually defeated by a scientist named Dr. Serizawa, who used a new weapon called the Oxygen Destroyer to kill the creature.
However, Godzilla was not truly dead. It returned to Japan in 1955, and it has continued to attack the country on numerous occasions over the years. Godzilla has also fought against other kaiju, such as King Kong, Mothra, and Ghidorah.
Recently, for reasons unknown to scientists, she has taken up residence at a hotel/movie/restaurant complex in the heart of the tourist sector in Kabukicho.
Cultural Significance
Godzilla is one of the most popular and iconic kaiju in the world. She has starred in numerous films, television shows, and video games. She also has a popular line of merchandise, such as toys, clothing, and comic books.
Godzilla is often seen as a symbol of nature’s power and resilience. She is also seen as a reminder of the dangers of nuclear weapons. Godzilla’s popularity is a testament to her enduring appeal as a cultural icon.
Now she is using that popularity to promote Japanese culture and entertainment.
Conclusion
Godzilla is a truly unique and fascinating creature. She is one of the most powerful creatures on Earth and has a rich and complex history. Godzilla is also a cultural icon that has captured the imaginations of people all over the world.
At the same time, she makes a wonderful movie date, and frequently has genuinely unique and insightful opinions from a kaiju point of view that she likes to share over coffee and cake after a screening.
Take it from me.
*a giant monster of a type featured in Japanese fantasy and science fiction films and television programmes.
Shout-outs to the following for their contributions to the monthly challenge:
