If you’re a monster movie fan, Godzilla is definitely high up on your list of being one of the most recognisable monster characters in cinematic history. First seen in Ishiro Honda’s 1954 namesake film, the character has continued to make appearances in pop culture to this day, featuring in movies, comic books, TV shows and even video games. With it’s unrivalled popularity, it’s no surprise that a museum has been built, and fans are finally able to get a first look at the monumental attraction.
Located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan on Awaji Island is Nijigen no Mori, an anime theme park dedicated to showcasing iconic Japanese pop culture like Naruto, Crayon Shin-Chan, Hinotori, and now, Godzilla. First announced in October 2019, the entire Godzilla exhibit is still in the works, but the park has temporarily opened the museum for the month of August for dedicated fans to visit in anticipation of the future opening of the long-awaited exhibit.
The museum consists of displays that include staged dioramas of iconic scenes from various Godzilla films, created in collaboration with Toho, the production company behind the celebrated monster movies. Also displayed are various props that have been used in the films, as well as prototype models of Godzilla’s enemies and allies, including King Ghidorah, Mechagodzilla, Rodan, and more. There are even 80 different Godzilla figures that have been created and used throughout the 32 movies produced by Toho over the years — movie buffs can certainly look forward to learning everything there is to know about their favourite Godzilla films.
Unfortunately, most of us in Singapore won’t be able to visit the museum during its limited preview period, but it will re-open once the entire Godzilla exhibit is complete. Also included in the exhibit is zip-line based around a massive figure of the 2016 version of the monster, which offers two exhilarating paths — a 162m ride in the interior, and a 152m exterior route. Guests can also enjoy a 10-minute theatre experience, where they will be introduced to the Godzilla Interception Operation, and why the monster has been frozen at Nijigen no Mori.
Visitors can also look forward to a shooting attraction, which involves guests taking on the role of members of the National Awaji Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster (NIGOD), and shooting a gun to eliminate growing Godzilla cells. If you really want to play the part, merchandise plastered with NIGOD logos will also be available at the gift shop for you to wear at the exhibit or just to take home as a souvenir! Personally, I have my eye on the adorable Godzilla gloves.
Check out the trailer for the exciting exhibit below.
The Godzilla museum is open from August 1 to 31. Complete exhibit launch date TBA. For more information, visit www.nijigennomori.com.
The Godzilla Museum can be found at:
Nijigen no Mori / ニジゲンノモリ
Hyogo Prefecture Awaji City Kusumoto 2425-2
兵庫県淡路市楠本2425番2号
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