logo
Tokyo's latest Godzilla art exhibition is a roaring tribute to the 70-year-old icon

Tokyo's latest Godzilla art exhibition is a roaring tribute to the 70-year-old icon

Time Out19-05-2025

Seventy years after the King of the Monsters first emerged from the depths of the Pacific, Godzilla returns to Tokyo by way of a sweeping, boundary-defying art exhibition at the Mori Arts Center Gallery. Running until June 29, ' Godzilla The Art Exhibition ' marks the fifth instalment of the celebrated Godzilla: The Art series and one of the most ambitious artistic reinterpretations of the cinematic icon to date.
The exhibition employs contemporary art to showcase Godzilla as a mirror for modern anxieties, a symbol of cyclical destruction and rebirth, and an evolving artistic archetype capable of speaking across media, cultures and generations. It's also an absolute blast, providing a monster-sized serving of material for die-hard Big G fans and lizard laypeople alike to geek out over.
Art beyond the silver screen
Ever since making its first cinematic appearance in 1954, Godzilla has loomed large as a vessel for cultural and historical tensions. Born from the trauma of nuclear warfare and inspired by the real-world fallout of hydrogen bomb testing, the irradiated lizard initially symbolised Japan's post-war fears. But over time, this figure has taken on new shapes: protector, anti-hero, metaphor for environmental catastrophe.
'Godzilla The Art Exhibition' makes it clear that there's no single answer to the question of what its protagonist is. The artwork on display interprets Godzilla as a dynamic cultural phenomenon, refracted through the personal lenses of more than 25 artists from Japan and abroad. Luminaries such as Tadanori Yokoo, Sachiko Kazama, Kikuji Kawada, TokyoBuild, Pex Pitakpong and actor-artist Tadanobu Asano contribute original works spanning sculpture, painting, photography, diorama, performance and beyond.
An immersive destruction
The exhibition's design, executed by the creative team Cekai – known for their work with everything from the Olympics to kids' TV – is nothing if not experiential. Upon entry, visitors are thrust into an environment that feels as if Godzilla has already laid waste to it. Cracked walls, shattered floor tiles and spatial ruptures evoke a sense of cinematic devastation, lending the monster's legendary presence physical form.
The exhibition unfolds across thematic chapters. 'A Collection of the Modern' explores Godzilla as a repository for the fears, desires and dissonances of the modern era. Artworks here evoke both chaos and cohesion, with bold posters, collages and paintings that challenge conventional aesthetics and reflect society's fragmented psyche.
In 'Images and the Eternal Roar', the exhibition delves into Godzilla's visual legacy. Sachiko Kazama's intricate woodblock prints channel the monster's destructive force and historical resonance, while Kikuji Kawada's abstract photography captures a spectral Godzilla that lives on in collective memory. These works underscore how Godzilla's image, despite having been reproduced endlessly, still retains power and relevance.
Among the centrepieces of the exhibition is a diorama crafted by Toho Eizo Bijutsu, exclusive to this venue, and a specially produced video installation.
Godzilla as cultural compass
For curator Qiuyu Jin, the goal is not to offer a definitive portrait of Godzilla, but to open a space for discovery and dialogue. In her words, today's art world is a 'maze with no beginning or end', where meaning is found through individual engagement. In this sense, Godzilla becomes a guiding force through which contemporary audiences can navigate themes of fear, transformation and resilience.
TokyoBuild's contributions further blur the lines between urban architecture, fantasy and artistic reinterpretation, incorporating special-effects aesthetics that trace their roots back to Godzilla's film heritage. In these works, the artist collaborated with Toho Eizo Bijutsu, using the visual language of special effects to precisely depict the boundary between fiction and reality.
Details such as the proportions of urban structures, the expression of aging, and the use of different materials for each scale are achieved with a keen eye for observation and a level of technical mastery usually seen in the production of architectural models.
A living, atomic-breathing legend
As 'Godzilla The Art Exhibition' powerfully demonstrates, Godzilla is both a monster and a medium. Its roar echoes not only in cinemas, but in the hearts of artists who continue to shape its image for new times and new audiences.
Whether you're a cinephile, a fine art enthusiast, or simply an acolyte of the world's most iconic movie monster, this exhibition offers an unmissable chance to encounter Godzilla as a living, mutating symbol. In doing so, it invites us to ask what Godzilla is – and what it might become next.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Simone Biles' husband Jonathan Owens breaks cover amid Riley Gaines trans feud
Simone Biles' husband Jonathan Owens breaks cover amid Riley Gaines trans feud

Daily Mail​

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Simone Biles' husband Jonathan Owens breaks cover amid Riley Gaines trans feud

Simone Biles ' husband Jonathan Owens has thrown his support behind his wife amid her feud with Riley Gaines over transgender athletes in women's sports. Biles and Gaines have been in a bitter feud over the topic since Friday, when the latter remarked about a photo containing a transgender high school softball player. The legendary Olympic gymnast's response was long and harsh, comparing Riley's appearance to that of a male, forcing her to pull back on those comments in a subsequent apology. Owens' first public comments since the feud began was not an additional statement. The Chicago Bears player opted for a subtle route to support his wife. On Tuesday, he posted a screenshot of Biles' apology to his Instagram story with three silver hearts to show his support for her. The defender staying in line with his wife amid controversy is consistent with her actions when roles were reversed. The defender's first public comments since the feud began was not an additional statement Fans attacked Owens after he admitted to not knowing who Biles was before they met on celebrity dating app Raya in 2020. Criticism continued last summer after he was seen wearing his partner's gold medal from the 2024 Summer Olympics. In a post celebrating his wife, the NFL player posed next to her with the gold around his neck and wrote: 'Witnessing history every time you step on the mat - Congrats baby on becoming the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history!!!! Just wow!!!! 8 of them!!!!! So thankful I was there to see it'. Several users blasted Owens for his 'odd' behavior on the night, while content creator Kiera Breaugh even told him to 'take it off' in a video which racked up 2.5 million views on TikTok. However, Biles took to the comments section to hit out at Breaugh and other users for criticizing her husband, branding them 'so f****ng miserable'. 'Crazy thing is, I put my medal on every single one of my family members and took pictures,' she wrote. 'So don't ever make assumptions. Like y'all are so f****ng miserable. leave us alone'. It is yet to be seen whether Biles feud with Gaines is over, as it has contained a few twists and turns. The OIympian broke her four-day silence after her first attack on Gaines by writing on X: 'I wanted to follow up from my last tweets. I've always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport. 'The current system doesn't adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn't help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for.' Gaines replied: 'I accept Simone's apology for the personal attacks including the ones where she body-shamed me. I know she knows what this feels like. She's still the greatest female gymnast of all time. A couple of things. Sports ARE inclusive by nature. Anyone can and everyone SHOULD play…' In a lengthy apology, Biles also admitted she didn't have the answers on how to include trans athletes in sports in a way that keeps everyone happy - seemingly acknowledging how polarizing her criticism of Gaines had been.

Cruz Beckham post heartbreaking family snap after brother Brooklyn tells them he ‘wants no contact'
Cruz Beckham post heartbreaking family snap after brother Brooklyn tells them he ‘wants no contact'

Scottish Sun

time4 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Cruz Beckham post heartbreaking family snap after brother Brooklyn tells them he ‘wants no contact'

Brooklyn was understood to be unhappy at discovering his father's knighthood in the press cruz control Cruz Beckham post heartbreaking family snap after brother Brooklyn tells them he 'wants no contact' CRUZ Beckham has shared a throwback family snap amid the ongoing family feud between the Beckhams. The youngest son of David and Victoria appeared to be looking back at happier times in the family as he shared an old snap of the three brothers with their mum after she had just given birth to daughter, Harper Seven. 5 Cruz has shared a throwback snap of his family amid the ongoing feud Credit: Instagram 5 The family are locked in a feud Credit: Instagram/victoriabeckham The snap, believed to be taken in 2011, showed the three boys beaming down the lens of the camera as they snuggled up to their mum. Victoria tenderly held her daughter in the heartwarming picture. Cruz's decision to upload the image is very telling amid ongoing tension in the family after Brooklyn decided he no longer wanted contact with his famous family. Cruz did not add any captions nor did he tag his family members in the snap. Earlier today, it was revealed that Brooklyn is refusing to reply to messages amid the bitter feud, according to reports. The 26-year-old, who lives in LA with wife Nicola Peltz, 30, has no desire to speak to his parents or siblings after only learning about his dad's knighthood in the press, an insider has told Page Six. The sourced said: "Brooklyn told his family he wants no contact and he's not responding to those that try to connect.' However, a source close to Brooklyn denied this and said, "this seems to be another deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth, and it only serves to distract from this honor being bestowed on Brooklyn's father." The Sun has contacted representatives for Brooklyn and the Beckhams for comment. England legend David will be knighted as part of King Charles' birthday honours. Peltz-Beckham's respond to reports of family feud It's a title he has coveted for some time and it means Victoria will be come Lady Beckham. David was first put forward for a knighthood in 2011 after helping to secure the London 2012 Olympics. But he was blocked from getting the title by the Honours Committee after becoming caught up in a tax avoidance scheme, along with many other stars. His finances were cleared by the taxman at least four years ago - paving the way for him to finally get the coveted honour. Just weeks ago we revealed how David and Victoria feel there might be no way to reconcile with their eldest child. Brooklyn, who was a no-show at David's star-studded 50th birthday celebrations last month, shared a video of himself and Nicola riding on his motorbike and wrote: 'My whole world. I will love you forever. I always choose you baby.' Those close to the Beckhams said the message seemed 'very pointed'. A source added: 'It shows how much this situation with his family has escalated. 5 Brooklyn has cut all contact with his family Credit: Getty 5 Brooklyn has been going through a difficult time Credit: Getty "It's very sad for everyone involved, especially David and Victoria who love him very much. This isn't the Brooklyn his family knows and loves. 'This post was like a dagger to their hearts but they will always be there for Brooklyn.' Tensions became public when Brooklyn did not publicly acknowledge fashion designer Victoria, 51, on Mother's Day. He then failed to show at any of David's 50th birthday parties. His mum and dad have continued to acknowledge him on social media, but pals of Brooklyn and Nicola suggested that was for show. The Sun revealed that the couple recently had dinner in California with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were 'very empathetic'.

Shock update in Beckham family feud as Brooklyn ‘goes no contact' with David and Victoria for heartbreaking reason
Shock update in Beckham family feud as Brooklyn ‘goes no contact' with David and Victoria for heartbreaking reason

Scottish Sun

time12 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Shock update in Beckham family feud as Brooklyn ‘goes no contact' with David and Victoria for heartbreaking reason

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BROOKLYN Beckham has cut all contact with his family amid their bitter feud, according to reports. The 26-year-old, who lives in LA with wife Nicola Peltz, 30, has no desire to speak to his parents or siblings following his no-show at dad David's 50th birthday celebrations, an insider has told Page Six. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Brooklyn Beckham reportedly has no desire to see his family Credit: Instagram 5 David and Victoria are said to be gutted by the family feud Credit: AFP The sourced said: "Brooklyn told his family he wants no contact and he's not responding to those that try to connect.' However, another source close to Brooklyn is said to have denied the claim, simply saying: 'Everyone's focus should be David Beckham's great honor.' The Sun has contacted representatives for Brooklyn and the Beckhams for comment. England legend David will be knighted as part of King Charles' birthday honours. It's a title he has coveted for some time and it means Victoria will be come Lady Beckham. Brooklyn reportedly only found out about the news through the media. David was first put forward for a knighthood in 2011 after helping to secure the London 2012 Olympics. But he was blocked from getting the title by the Honours Committee after becoming caught up in a tax avoidance scheme, along with many other stars. His finances were cleared by the taxman at least four years ago - paving the way for him to finally get the coveted honour. Just weeks ago we revealed how David and Victoria feel there might be no way to reconcile with their eldest child. Harry and Meghan are the blueprint for Brooklyn and Nicola - but it's not the one to follow It followed Brooklyn sharing a video of him and Nicola riding on his motorbike and writing: 'My whole world. I will love you forever. I always choose you baby.' Those close to the Beckhams said the message seemed 'very pointed'. A source added: 'It shows how much this situation with his family has escalated. "It's very sad for everyone involved, especially David and Victoria who love him very much. This isn't the Brooklyn his family knows and loves. 'This post was like a dagger to their hearts but they will always be there for Brooklyn.' Brooklyn added of his wife Nicola: 'You're the most amazing person I know. Me and you forever baby.' She responded: 'I've always got you baby.' Hours later, Brooklyn's brother Cruz, 20, declared his love for his parents in another Instagram post. Sharing a picture of David and Victoria with all four of their children, Cruz wrote: 'I love my family, I love you guys more than anything. 'Mum and dad, you gave us life and cared for us no matter what. 'I cannot tell you how blessed we all are to have you in our lives x.' Brooklyn's post was criticised by some followers, with one writing: 'What a dig at his mum and dad!' Another added: 'Actually quite sad that you are adding fuel to the fire to further hurt your parents.' However those close to Brooklyn and Nicola - who married in April 2022 - insisted it was not a dig. A source said: 'They are unbelievably smitten, and for him, social media is another way of showing his love. "Brooklyn would be happy to meet his parents behind closed doors and hopes for a reconciliation.' 5 The Beckham clan in happier times Credit: Getty 5 Brooklyn and Nicola pictured with Victoria and David before the rift Credit: Instagram 5 Brooklyn recently told wife Nicola 'I choose you always' Credit: Getty Brooklyn recently flew to London to film an ad near the Chelsea Flower Show, where David was meeting the King. But a contact close to his parents claims Brooklyn did not tell his family he was coming. They said: 'It shows how fractured the relationship has become, that not even texts or calls are made between them.' Tensions became public when Brooklyn did not publicly acknowledge fashion designer Victoria, 51, on Mother's Day. He then failed to show at any of David's 50th birthday parties. His mum and dad have continued to acknowledge him on social media, but pals of Brooklyn and Nicola suggested that was for show. The Sun revealed that the couple recently had dinner in California with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were 'very empathetic'.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store