News On Japan

A Glimpse Behind "Godzilla Minus One" Oscar Nomination

LOS ANGELES, Feb 19 (News On Japan) - Director Takashi Yamazaki, whose film "Godzilla Minus One" has been nominated for an Academy Award in Visual Effects, has shared insights into the production process in Los Angeles. This marks the first time a Japanese film has been nominated in this category.

Over 100 film industry professionals and visual creators were invited to the talk show where Yamazaki discussed the making of Godzilla-1.0. The film is competing for the Visual Effects Oscar, a category historically dominated by groundbreaking works like Star Wars and Avatar, known for expanding the boundaries of expression through CG technology.

Yamazaki revealed that the production team utilized special effects techniques and checked the creators' visuals on the spot to streamline the process, including cost efficiency.

"Normally, in a VFX studio, everyone would watch the tests together, but we didn't do that. Instead, if someone spotted an issue, we would immediately discuss how to improve it. There was a lot of interaction among us," Yamazaki explained.

When asked about the use of generative AI in filmmaking, Yamazaki expressed skepticism, stating, "Instinctively, I reject it because it produces something that feels like it's been seen before."

Regarding the nomination, Yamazaki said, "It's an honor to be nominated among such incredible works. I'll be thrilled if we win, but even if we don't, I'm happy to have come this far. I'd say our chances are 50% if I'm being greedy."

The Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 10th.

Source: 日テレNEWS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo will feature artwork by artist Yoko Ono, highlighting a vision of a future where humans and nature exist in harmony through artistic expression.

A new Doraemon-themed attraction has opened at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, celebrating the upcoming March release of the film Doraemon: Nobita’s Art World Adventure.

Tokyo has announced plans to begin commercial operations of flying cars as early as the 2027 fiscal year, with the aim to establish multiple takeoff and landing sites across the city by 2030, creating a network that connects the capital with neighboring prefectures.

Across Japan, aging underground infrastructure is leading to a rising number of road collapses, with an estimated 10,000 cases annually—about 29 per day. Nearly 30% of these incidents in urban areas are attributed to deteriorating sewer pipes.

JR Central has unveiled ultra-thin solar panels that can be installed on noise barriers along the Tokaido Shinkansen, aiming for deployment by 2050. Measuring just about one millimeter thick, the perovskite solar panels are lightweight and flexible, allowing them to be fitted onto the curved surfaces of noise barriers.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Maomao gains a bountiful harvest of mushrooms. Jinshi is not impressed. (Netflix Anime)

Nara Prefecture has announced plans to scale down its free K-Pop concert, significantly reducing costs.

In today's video, we discuss the Sega Black Belt, a mysterious system in development at the same time as the Dreamcast. (Lady Decade)

Pusoy Dos, a unique adaptation of poker with a distinctly Filipino twist, has found a new home in the digital realm, bringing its blend of strategy, luck, and cultural heritage to screens everywhere.

In Re:Zero Episode 60, titled "Greed Conquest Strategy", the crisis in the city escalates as new threats emerge. At the city hall, Anastasia and her allies face an unexpected visitor—Capella, the Sin Archbishop of Lust.

Let's have a look at this February's Saruwaka festival at the Kabuki-za! (Kabuki In-Depth)

The source of Sakamoto's strength? His desire to protect his family and friends. (Netflix Anime)

The highly anticipated Mononoke: The Movie - Chapter Two: Fire Rat is set for a nationwide theatrical release in Japan on March 14, 2025. Following the fierce battle against the Mononoke Karakasa, the Medicine Seller (Hiroshi Kamiya) returns to the inner chambers of the Ōoku (the women’s quarters of the Edo shogunate).