News On Japan

Godzilla Lands in Hibiya!

TOKYO - From February 1st, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of "Godzilla", with a 3-meter statue of the beast roaring at Step Plaza, modeled after the "original Godzilla" from the 1954 premiere film.

Godzilla Lands in Hibiya!

The statue, approximately 1/6th the size of the actual Godzilla, is designed with high fidelity and power, reminiscent of the rampaging monster from the 1950s. With mist that simulates dust clouds and the indispensable BGM of Godzilla, visitors can experience the sensation of stepping into the world of the movies. At night, the statue is also illuminated, allowing visitors to experience the imposing presence of Godzilla shining in the darkness, with various other effects also prepared.

Event Title: HIBIYA meets GODZILLA Organizers: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, Hibiya Area Management Association Cooperation: Toho Co., Ltd. Location: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Hibiya Step Plaza Period: February 1st (Thursday) to March 10th (Sunday), 2024 ※Illumination from 16:00 to 23:00 Godzilla Size: Height approximately 3.3m x Width approximately 4m (about 1/6th the size of the actual Godzilla) Godzilla Model: Based on the original Godzilla from the 1954 movie "Godzilla" Special Site ※Details will be sequentially released after January 30th (Tuesday).

Realistic photo shooting with AR! By scanning the QR code installed around the Godzilla statue, you can take pictures with the AR camera, offering an immersive experience as if you were part of a movie scene. The AR experience allows you to capture a powerful photo with a filter showing the original Godzilla's heat ray breath. (※The AR experience is scheduled to be available from mid-February.)

Source: Dengeki

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