TOHO INTERNATIONAL, INC. CELEBRATES POP-CULTURE ICON GODZILLA’S 67th BIRTHDAY NOV. 3 WITH MONSTER-SIZED EVENTS 
WORLD PREMIERE 4K REMASTERED VERSION OF CLASSIC 1954 “GODZILLA” SHOWING AT ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA 
MONDO RELEASES NEW COLLECTIBLES FOR “GODZILLA WEEK” 
 
LOS ANGELES – October 6, 2021 – Toho International, Inc. is proud to announce a series of one-of-a-kind experiences fit for the King of Monsters to celebrate its 67th birthday. Godzilla’s long history continues to shape worldwide pop culture and festivities this year aimed to engage fans new and old to roll out beginning Nov. 3, the date the first film premiered in 1954.
 
Austin-based movie theater company Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, in association with Janus Films, will exclusively host a coast-to-coast world premiere of the long-anticipated 4K remastering of the classic 1954 “Godzilla” film. The screenings will be held at over two dozen locations across the U.S. including flagship theaters in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco and will mark 67 years since Godzilla’s first appearance in Toho’s “Gojira,” the classic monster movie widely regarded as a masterpiece that continues to shape the course of worldwide pop culture. In addition, throughout the first half of November, Alamo Drafthouse will screen fan-favorite kaiju classics “Godzilla vs. Hedorah,” “Shin Godzilla,” and a double feature of two Heisei era classics that have never been shown theatrically in North America.
 
To keep the birthday buzz going, Toho Int. has teamed up with Mondo, Super7, Kinokuniya, and the official Godzilla Shop on Amazon to offer fans exciting new Godzilla merchandise. Fans can also tune in to Toho’s Official Godzilla YouTube Channel for all-new content, including the 1978 “Godzilla” animated series, “Godziban” puppet show, and new original “Godzilla Chomp” documentary series premiering soon.
 
Alamo Drafthouse Godzilla Film Screenings
On Godzilla’s birthday, November 3, Alamo Drafthouse locations from coast-to-coast will exclusively premiere the long-anticipated 4K restoration of “Godzilla.” The newly-restored film has not yet screened in Japan or the U.S., making the November 3rd screenings a worldwide premiere.
 
From November 5-11, the Godzilla birthday festivities continue at select Alamo Drafthouse locations with a 50th anniversary screening of one of Godzilla’s strangest adventures ever, “Godzilla vs. Hedorah,” as well as 2016’s critically-acclaimed “Shin Godzilla.” Then, beginning the week of November 12th, select Alamo Drafthouse locations will present a must-see double feature spectacular – two classics of the Heisei era never before seen in American cinemas:
 
• 1984’s “The Return of Godzilla,” the kickoff to the Heisei era and a direct sequel to “Gojira,” which was heavily re-edited and released in the United States as “Godzilla 1985.” The release of the original Japanese version has never been officially screened on U.S. grounds.
• 1989’s “Godzilla vs. Biollante,” which only received a direct-to-video release in the U.S. has never received an official release in American theaters. 
“Godzilla continues its reign as King of the Monsters, transcending mere entertainment icons and embodying emotions and social issues reflective of the times,” said Keiji Ota, Chief Godzilla Officer. “It is timely that we introduce the world to this first 4K version of the original Godzilla film to honor the legacy of this globally recognized symbol to the strongest fanbase in the world.”
 
“Toho’s enduring cast of kaiju creations have been lighting up Alamo Drafthouse screens for almost 25 years, so we were honored to help plan Godzilla’s birthday party,” says John Smith, Senior Film Programmer for Alamo Drafthouse. “It’s been a thrill to partner with Toho on the 4K premiere and our Happy Birthday, Godzilla deep dive into some of the best work that Toho has ever produced.”
 
Tickets for all films can be purchased at www.drafthouse.com and participating Alamo Drafthouse theaters starting Wednesday, October 6. For a complete list of theater locations, dates and timing, visit the Alamo Drafthouse website (participating theaters are subject to change).
 
Godzilla AR Experience
For the first time ever, an augmented reality experience will be created for the original 1954 Godzilla character. Fans download the AR experience on their mobile device using the QR code available at Godzilla.com and Alamo Drafthouse locations. Share photos using the hashtag #GodzillaDay. 
 
Mondo
Pop culture collectibles brand Mondo has kicked off its “Godzilla Week” festivities with the release of several exciting new products, including Godzilla and Hedorah Sofubis, the latest addition to their “Godzilla Museum” statue line, and more. The company also plans to announce several top secret additions to its Toho Collection on November 3, including the beginning of its tribute to the Heisei series, with The Return Of Godzilla’s soundtrack pressed on vinyl.
 
Kinokuniya Bookstores of America
Continuing their successful “Godzilla Invasion” campaign nationwide, Kinokuniya Bookstores of America will once again offer fans access to a myriad of Godzilla merchandise, including items available exclusively from the official Godzilla Store in Japan. Originally established in Japan, Kinokuniya USA has been considered the prime location for enthusiasts of "otaku" culture in America since the US branch's founding in 1969. Whether shopping for premium Godzilla products or comparable franchises, Kinokuniya USA offers a great selection of English and Japanese books, manga, gift items, and high-quality stationery since the branch's founding in 1969.
 
Fans can head to the Godzilla YouTube Channel now to watch episodes of the “Godzilla” 1978 series, with new episodes dropping weekly on Mondays, along with “Godziban” episodes dropping weekly on Fridays.
For regular brand updates, stay tuned on the official Godzilla website Godzilla.com, Instagram @godzilla_toho, Twitter @toho_godzilla and YouTube Channel GodzillaToho. #GodzillaDay
 
About Toho
Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful live action and animated content including motion pictures, television and theater. Founded in 1932, Toho remains a prominent force in bringing brands and original storytelling with versatile talents to audiences worldwide. Its subsidiaries include Toho Cinemas, the highest grossing exhibition company in Japan, and Toho International, Inc., a U.S. established incorporated company that manages and commercializes Toho’s intellectual property portfolio. To learn more about Toho, visit: www.toho.co.jp/en/.

About Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse is an entertainment brand comprised of the acclaimed cinema-eatery chain, the largest genre film festival in the United States and a collectible art gallery. Named "the best theater ever" by Time Magazine, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover's oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience, but also introducing unique programming and high-profile, star-studded special events. Alamo Drafthouse Founder & CEO, Tim League, created Fantastic Fest, a world renowned film festival dubbed "The Geek Telluride" by Variety. Fantastic Fest showcases eight days of offbeat cinema from independents, international filmmakers and major Hollywood studios. The Alamo Drafthouse's collectible art gallery, Mondo, offers breathtaking, original products featuring designs from world-famous artists based on licenses for popular TV and Movie properties including Star Wars, Star Trek & Universal Monsters. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is expanding its brand in new and exciting ways, including the launch of Drafthouse Films, a new film distribution label and plans to extend its theaters and unique programming philosophy to additional markets across the United States. More information about Alamo Drafthouse franchise opportunities is available on the official website www.drafthouse.com. 

About Janus Films
Founded in 1956, Janus Films was the first theatrical distribution company dedicated to bringing international art-house films to U.S. audiences. Janus handles rights in all media to an extensive library that includes the work of Michelangelo Antonioni, Věra Chytilová, Sergei Eisenstein, Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, Abbas Kiarostami, Akira Kurosawa, Ousmane Sembène, Andrei Tarkovsky, François Truffaut, Agnès Varda, and Yasujiro Ozu. Janus handles rights in all media, and its library has grown to more than 1200 films.

Last year was the first Atami Vs. Godzilla event, now the 2020 event is in full swing, this years event seems slightly toned down from last year due to the pandemic but is still interesting it takes place at Atami Castle location of the famous battle between King Kong and Godzilla. Like year there are a number of events happening these include stamp rallies, sales locations, photo ops, special exhibition panel, and more.

​With the stamps you have to go to different locations to get the stamps located in and around Atami Castle, there are also special trading cards that people can receive there are sixteen in all, eight available from November 1st till the 30th, and a second eight from Dec 1st till Dec 31st, the fronts have various images from Godzilla films while the backs when put together create the Atami Vs. Godzilla promo art (each set of eight makes the same image from the back). There are photo ops also place around the castle, a two meter tall Godzilla 1962 standee will be on the second floor of the castle, while six other standees will be around the castle. The special event will take place on the second floor of the castle (no details were listed), at multiple times. There will also be event merchandise like t-shirts, and more, plus over twenty five Movie Monster Series figures. Check out some of the items below. 

Nijigen Nomori Co., Ltd. is open the world's first life size Godzilla attraction, that allows you to zip line into Godzilla's mouth, on Oct 10th. There will be a special short film as well as special merchandise to go along with the event. The length of the attraction is 120 meters (nearly 400 feet), and it goes along with the first ever Godzilla museum there as well, but it is more than just a zip line ride you have to complete a mission using a special gun to stop Godzilla's growth and dodge attacks from Godzilla cells, all which sounds very cool. The special merchandise announced with this includes tote bags, shirts, cell phone cases, bags, glasses, notebooks, and much, much more (all listed on a special Twitter page, some images below).

There will be two events that will be happening soon both involve the famous scene from King Kong Vs. Godzilla where they destroy Atami Castle. The first event is Atami Vs. Godzilla (from Little Monsters) it will feature a 2 meter tall Godzilla, collectible stamps, other displays and merchandise for Godzilla. The event takes place the whole month of November at  Lasuka Atami, directly connected to Atami Station, also at Atami Castle will be the 2 meter statue and a panel exhibition “Godzilla and Landmark Exhibition" on the 2nd floor, that will be including unpublished photos.

In addition to that event the Atami Kaiju Film Festival will take place  November 22nd to the 24th, it will feature an event poster designed by Yuji Kaida, and will include the films King Kong Vs. Godzilla (Toho, 1962), Ultraman Episode 11: Ramenbo from Space (1966 broadcast, Tsuburaya Productions), National Independent Monster Film Championship [Atami Masterpiece Selection] "Mechanical Ninja Complete Edition" (2018/15 min), "Mutainless Night Neckless Monster" (2018/30 min), "Dragon Saur Battle Zone" (2018/3 minutes), “Vividman V” (2018/18 minutes) (+5 minutes of making), “Women Weapons 701 (Joheiki Seven Owan)” (2017/5 minutes), “UNFIX Special Edition” (2018/20 minutes); Cat Planning (2018, Director: Jun Awazu), Deep Sea Monster Raiga vs. Lava Beast Ohga (2019, Director: Shinhei Hayashiya), and Sagiri no Kuni (2019, Director: Daisuke Sato).

There will be live music as well on November 23rd, “Godzilla Legend Atami Absolute Defense Live”, that will feature singers, dancer, and musicians. Screening Venue (for the films): International Tourism College Atami School 13-4 Chuocho, Atami City; Venue (for music): Atami Geisha Banban Kabenjo 17-13 Chuo-cho, Atami City.

Godzilla Expo 2019 History of Godzilla through photos In OIOI has been announced and will take place at three locations from Oct 21st to Jan 13 in Japan. Check out the info below on this event from Marui Group (translated from Japanese).
Update: A number of items that will be for sale have been added to the site for this (link below), they include clear files, key chains, picture boards, t-shirts, pass cases, pen, jacket, hat, phone stands, mint tins, and snack boxes (with snacks of course).

An exhibition where you can experience the history of Godzilla with photos! Godzilla EXPO 2019 ~ The history of Godzilla in photos ~ in OIOI Look back on the history of Godzilla with precious photos and props!

Yurakucho Marui, Namba Marui and Hakata Marui will hold "Godzilla EXPO 2019-History of Godzilla in Photos-in OIOI"!
Exhibit precious photos of the template that became the basis of the suit of the 1954 movie "Godzilla" with large panels and explanations. You can look back on the movie “Godzilla” and the process until the character is born, along with precious photos. In addition to photos, we will exhibit valuable props.

Also, Toho and ALPHABOAT will display a panel of works drawn by creators who won a prize in the first audition project “Godzilla” of the “GEMSTONE” human resource discovery and audition project using YouTube.
Mr. Shuhei Yamaguchi, Mr. YELLOW JUNKIE / kyo → ko and Mr. Ken Konami have newly drawn the first Godzilla under the theme of "Godzilla 65th Anniversary"!
In addition, Gemstone creators newly created Godzilla under the three themes of Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka where "Godzilla EXPO" will be held this time (images below). We welcome customers with three different key visuals at each venue!
Of course, goods using illustrations drawn will also be sold at the venue!
We look forward to your visit! !

Locations
-Yurakucho Marui-
Holding period: Monday, October 21-Monday, November 4
Holding place: 8F Event space
Opening hours: 11 : 00-21 : 00 (Sundays / holidays are 10: 30-20: 30) )
exhibition admission: Adults 300 yen / elementary school less than free

and Hakata Marui-
held period: November 9 (Saturday) to November 20 (Wed.)
Venue: 2F event space
Opening hours: 10 am to 21 pm
exhibition Admission fee: Free

-Namba Marui-
Holding period: December 28 (Sat)
-January 13 (Mon) Holding place: 7F Event space
Business hours: 11 :00-20 :30 (Sundays and holidays are 11:00) -20:00)
Exhibition entrance fee: Free

There will also be a catalog of photos from the exhibition (price: 1,818 yen (tax included price: 2,000 yen)). (Bottom pic)
Link to Marui Group site.

Universal Cool Japan has announced some cool promo items for there Godzilla V.s Evangelion 4D show. They include a Shin Godzilla figure (first pic), tote bag, mug, stuffed hat, print cookies (second pic), Mechagodzilla popcorn bucket(limited to 5,000), and jelly drink (w/cup, third pic). No Prices were given for these but all will be on sale at the park (various locations). 

Universal Cool Japan 2019 has announced the Godzilla Vs. Evangelion The Real 4D, a unique experience for fans. The event feature a 3D theater show but adds other elements like wind and rain, yes you will get wet. Each show is approx 20 minutes long and takes place each afternoon at the Cinema 4-D Theater. The first day will be a lottery via Twitter (retweet target tweets, starting April 10th and ending May 12th for the lottery) for five sets of ten people, other shows will be part of the admission price to Universal Cool Japan. The actual shows are from May 31st to August 25th. (Two pics below are from previous 3D shows.)

"Godzilla" Mr. Yuji Ohta 
(Director, Video Business Division, Image Business Division, Music Business Division and Chief Godzilla Officer (CGO), Director of Toho Co., Ltd.)
“Godzilla” celebrates its 65th anniversary and we are very happy to be able to collaborate in the year 2019. The attraction "Godzilla vs Evangelion" starts on May 31, and the movie "Godzilla King of Monsters" will be released the same day. 
This time, the film “Shin Godzilla” production staff are rallying together to take on the new challenge of “Godzilla vs. Evangelion”. Please look forward to collaboration, overwhelming quality and powerful images that you will never experience elsewhere.

"Evangelion" Mr. Yoshihiro Kamimura 
(Groundworks Co., Ltd .: Representative 
Evangelion copyright manager)
In "Evangelion", we have been working on Universal Cool Japan three times so far, and this time, it is a collaboration with the strongest character "Godzilla" that Japan is finally proud of! 
The sound of "Godzilla vs. Evangelion" is exciting. The sound of this sound is Kimo of this project, but it was the otaku joke that was "interesting" Godzilla vs. XXXX "as it was when we were students several decades ago. I really look forward to it becoming an attraction.

A new VR experience is coming to the VR Zone in Osaka and Shinjuku in Japan, Godzilla VR. This cool VR (virtual reality) puts you right in the film Shin Godzilla as you fight the monster Osaka opens this fall with Shinjuku opening November. Check out the video and pics below.

A number of film announcements happened yesterday getting fans excited for the future, while not all were kaiju related they were coll none the less. First was the announcement (at Anime Expo) of the premiere of Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle on Netflix on July 18, less than two weeks away. The second announcement, also involving Netflix, was of a new Ultraman Anime (based on the Ultraman Manga comic) will debut in 2019, promo poster and promo and announcement videos below. Production for Ultraman is handled by Production IG and Sola Digital Arts. Also announced, while not kaiju related but big, is that Legendary will be making a Mobile Suit Gundam live action film, one of the most influential giant robot sagas of all time. It will be produced with Sunrise Inc. Poster and announcement video at bottom.

The first ever large-scale Godzilla exhibition outside Japan, Godzilla Special Exhibition in Taiwan, takes place June 30th to Sept 16th 2018. The event features a history of Godzilla films (Evolution Showcase), Studio Tour (Creators Room), Studio Tour (Special Art Warehouse), Diorama Stage, City Of Rumble, and Godzilla Encounter (pics below are for reference not actual pics). It takes place at No. 1 Warehouse, Songshan Wenchuang Park (No. 133, Guangfu South Road, Xinyi District, Taipei) Taiwan, a pre-sale is going on now up till the start, ticket prices will increase once the exhibition begins (220 to 320 yuan). Tickets available here.