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Time Out
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Tokyo's latest Godzilla art exhibition is a roaring tribute to the 70-year-old icon
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.
Tokyo Weekender
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
The Best Things To Do in Tokyo This Month: May 2025
Here is what's happening across Tokyo for the month of May. Check out exhibitions, festivals, events and more! List of Contents: Exhibitions and Art Shows Festivals and Outdoor Events Live Music and Night Life Events Anime and Manga Events Food and Drink Events Game Events Related Posts Tokyo Exhibitions and Art Shows in May Daido Moriyama and Sayre Gomez: "Hellooooo" Exhibition Daido Moriyama's Tokyo street photography meets the sharp grit of Sayre Gomez's photorealistic Los Angeles paintings in this exhibition. Date & Time Apr 12-May 31・11:00-19:00 Price Free Location Taka Ishii Gallery Kyobashi More Info Closed Sunday, Monday, Holidays More Details Hokusai: Another Story in Tokyo Immersive Exhibit Hokusai's masterpiece ukiyo-e come to life in a way never experienced before. This immersive experience presents the beauty of Hokusai's art with modern technology for an interactive exhibit. Date & Time Feb 01-Jun 01・11:00-20:00・Last admission at 19:10 Price ¥4200 Location Tokyu Plaza Shibuya More Details Machine Love: Video Game, AI and Contemporary Art "Machine Love: Video Game, AI and Contemporary Art" at the Mori Art Museum spotlights contemporary artists that utilize game engines, generative AI and virtual reality technologies as tools for their visualization. Date & Time Feb 13-Jun 08・10:00-22:00・10:00-17:00 on Tuesdays, Admission until 30 minutes before closing Price ¥2000 for adults, ¥1700 for seniors, ¥1400 for university/high school students, free for children Location Shows on Location details blocks inserted into post content with short code [location_details] More Details Hilma af Klint: The Beyond Go and see the new exhibition of pineoreeing abstract artist Hilma af Klint (1862-1994) coming to the National Museum of Modern Art in March. Date & Time Mar 04-Jun 15・10:00-17:00・Closed on Mondays/Fridays and Saturdays open until 8 pm Price ¥2300 Location National Museum of Modern Art More Info ¥1,200 for University Students/¥700 for Highschool Students More Details Godzilla the Art 70th Anniversary Exhibition Godzilla is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Godzilla the Art Exhibition at Mori Arts Center Gallery showcases 29 artists and their interpretation of the giant monster. Date & Time Apr 26-Jun 29・10:00-19:00・Until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, last admission 30 minutes before closing Price General and university students: ¥2500, high school students: ¥1600, elementary school and under: ¥600 Location Mori Arts Center Gallery More Info Weekday tickets are discounted More Details Joan Miró Exhibition From March 1 to July 6, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum will host a retrospective dedicated to Joan Miró, one of the 20th century's most celebrated artists. Date & Time Mar 01-Jul 06・09:30-17:30・Fridays open until 8:00 p.m. / Last entry 30 minutes before closing / Closed: Mondays (except April 28 and May 5) and May 7 Price ¥2,300 / ¥1,300 for University Students / ¥1,600 for people over 65 years old Location Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum More Details Kenjiro Okazaki Exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo Kenjiro Okazaki's first major Tokyo retrospective highlights groundbreaking works, exploring the transformative power of form across media. Date & Time Apr 29-Jul 21・10:00-18:00 Price Location Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo 1F/3F More Details Exhibition: World Fair in Japan 1970-2005 Architecture fans will delight in this deep dive into Japan's Expo designs, from Osaka in the '70's to Aichi 2005's eco-conscious pavilions. Date & Time Mar 08-Aug 31・10:00-16:30 Price Free Location National Archives of Modern Architecture More Info Closed on Mondays, except public holidays (closed the following day instead) More Details Tokyo Festivals and Outdoor Events in May Spiral Independent Creators Festival 2025 The Spiral Independent Creators Festival is back for its 26th edition, offering an exciting showcase of Japan's art and design scenes. Date & Time May 02-07・11:00-19:00 Price Exhibition tickets are ¥1000. The market is free. Location Spiral More Details Keisei Rose Garden 'The Queen of Heart's Tree Castle' Experience the Keisei Rose Garden's spring festival, "The Queen of Heart's Tree Castle," where the garden turns into a rose-filled theme park. Throughout the festival period, guests can enjoy tea in the small castle inside the garden, and ride a merry-go-round or the self-driving car to explore the garden premises. Date & Time Apr 19-Jun 15・09:00-18:00 Price ¥1,800 Location Keisei Rose Garden More Details My Melody & Kuromi Anniversary Party at Sanrio Puroland and Harmonyland To celebrate My Melody's 50th anniversary and Kuromi's 20th anniversary, Sanrio Puroland and Harmonyland theme parks will have new attractions, entertainment, photo spots, merchandise and food. Date & Time Jan 17-Dec 31・・Specific event and attraction dates may vary Price Location Sanrio Puroland More Details Tokyo Live Music and Night Life Events in May Angura Presents: 'Pop Peach Planet' Angura's next event features four exciting and creative pop acts in Japanese indie like Puff and Wang Dang Doodle, and some top-class DJs. Date & Time May 14, 2025・19:00~・Doors open 18:30 Price ¥3,200 (inc 1D Location Shinjuku Marz More Details Boyz II Men Japan Boyz II Men touch down in Japan for a three-date arena tour, taking in Osaka and Nagoya before moving onto Tokyo for a final date. Date & Time May 16, 2025・19:00~・Doors open 18:00 Price from ¥15,000 Location Tokyo Garden Theater More Details Kamasi Washington Live in Tokyo 2025 Kamasi Washington, aka one of the coolest saxophonists in the business, comes back to Japan for four solo dates across the country. Date & Time May 23-28・17:30~・Playing four times across two days. 1st OPEN 16:30 / START 17:30 | 2nd OPEN 19:30 / START 20:30 Price from ¥16,500 Location Billboard Live Tokyo More Details The Beach 2025: A New Beach Festival Dedicated to Dance Music The Beach 2025 — a brand-new beach festival in Japan that's dedicated to dance music — makes its debut on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Date & Time May 31, 2025・12:00-21:00・Doors open at 11:00 Price General admission: ¥15,000 | At the gate: ¥18,000 Location Makuhari Seaside Park (Chiba) More Details Hibiya Music Festival 2025 A 'free and borderless' music event, the Hibiya Music Festival returns this May, bringing live performances by top artists to Hibiya Park. Date & Time May 31-Jun 01・10:30-20:30 Price Free Location Hibiya Park More Info Some venues may require entry fee. See website for details More Details Tokyo Anime and Manga Events in May Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition In 2003, Tokyo was blessed with the Ghilbli 3D sculpture exhibition. Now, 22 years later, it is back and bigger than ever. Dive into the worlds of My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Pom Poko with full-scale sculptures from the films. You can even see the Savoia S-21 flying boat from Porco Rosso. Date & Time May 27-Sep 23・09:30-20:00・Last Entry at 19:00 Price ¥1,900 Location Warehouse TERRADA B&C HALL More Details Tokyo Food and Drink Events in May The Tavern Secret Kitchen Is Back The Tavern Secret Kitchen is secretly back with two unforgettable evenings on Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17, 2025. Date & Time May 16-17・19:00~・Welcome drink from 18:30 Price ¥24,200 Location The Tavern - Grill & Lounge More Info ¥9,900 for wine pairing More Details Italia, Amore Mio! 2025: Life is Beautiful Italia, Amore Mio! 2025 is back at Roppongi Hills Arena on May 24–25, featuring live entertainment, Italian brands and authentic Italian food and wine. Date & Time May 24-25・ Price Free Location Roppongi Hills Arena More Details Chinaroom Hosts Renowned Cantonese Chef Jacob Huang For one week only this February, Chinaroom is welcoming acclaimed Michelin-Starred Chef Jacob Huang to Tokyo. Date & Time Feb 25-May 31・11:30-14:30・Dinner: 17:30-20:30 Price Dinner: ¥17,600, Lunch: ¥8,800 Location Chinaroom More Details Jade Garden Special Chef Collaboration Event For around two months, Chef Kent Jin Qiang is presenting a special menu at Jade Garden, Hyatt Regency Tokyo. Date & Time Mar 20-May 31・11:30-22:00・Lunch: 11:30-15:00, Dinner: 17:30-22:00 Price ¥10,120-¥22,770 Location Jade Garden More Info All prices include 15% service charge and tax More Details The Oak Door Bar's Sakurao Cocktails With hanami season approaching, Grand Hyatt Tokyo is exploring the complex flavors of Sakurao Gin through a range of cocktails. Date & Time Mar 20-May 31・11:30-23:30・Until 0:30 on Fridays and Saturdays Price ¥2,300-¥2,500 Location The OakDoor More Details Tokyo DisneySea Food & Wine Festival The Food & Wine Festival returns for a second year at Tokyo DisneySea. Guests can sample a variety of dishes and exclusive seasonal beverages. Date & Time Apr 08-Jun 30・・Specific menu and merchandise sale dates may vary Price Location Tokyo DisneySea More Details Le Petit Chef ANA InterContinental Tokyo recently announced the opening of Le Petit Chef, a cinema dining restaurant with projection mapping. Date & Time Feb 07-Jul 31・12:00-22:00・Three Seatings Price ¥14,000-¥21,000 Location ANA InerContinental Tokyo More Details Sapporo Beer The Perfect Black Label Wagon Event Sapporo's Perfect Black Label Wagon is touring at 13 stops celebrating their flagship draft beer around the country. Guests can enjoy Sapporo beer and other exclusive goods at the event. Date & Time Apr 09-Aug 24・・Please check event details for each venue Price Experience passes: ¥1200 (Tokyo), ¥1000 (other locations) Location Roppongi Hills Arena More Details Mori no Beer Garden's 40th Edition Mori no Beer Garden is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue and an all-you-can-eat drinks menu. Date & Time Apr 15-Sep 23・16:30-22:00・Weekends and Holidays: 12:00-22:00. From July 19 to August 31: 14:00-22:30, Weekends and Holidays: 12:00-22:30 Price ¥6,000-¥7,000 for adults Location Niko Niko Park, Meiji Jingu Gaien More Details (c)Kristin Perers Bills Spring-Summer 2025 Menu The all-day dining restaurant Bills (stylized as bills) starts its spring-summer 2025 menu at all eight locations in Japan from April 22. Date & Time Apr 22-Oct 15・ Price Breakfast-Brunch ¥3,000-¥3,999 Location bills Ginza More Info Dinner ¥5,000-¥5,999 More Details Tokyo Game Events in May More events coming soon. Related Posts Japan in May: The Best Things To Do and Places To Visit Where To See Wisteria Across Japan: Best Spots and Peak Bloom Dates Best Hojicha Spots in Tokyo: A Guide to Japan's Roasted Green Tea
