Tokyo names Godzilla its ‘tourism ambassador’

GOJIRA!!! The mayor of Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward makes “Godzilla” an official resident of Tokyo, and names him ambassador for tourism. 

Godzilla has stomped so many buildings in Japan that the locals finally decided to appease the monster Thursday, appointing it as a special resident and “tourism ambassador” for Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward.

A Godzilla-size head towering 52 metres (171 feet) above ground level was unveiled Thursday at one of the offices of Toho – the Japanese studio behind the 1954 original, who are shooting their own Godzilla film this year after a decade-long hiatus.

At an ceremony conducted next to the giant Godzilla head, an actor in a rubber suit waddled to meet the mayor of Shinjuku, Kenichi Yoshizumi. However, Toho executive Minami Ichikawa had to accept the residency certificate instead of the giant lizard, since the suit’s claws were unable to grab anything.

“I hear that any town Godzilla destroys on-screen will become prosperous afterwards,” said Yoshizumi at the ceremony, joking: “So I hope the next movie will take place in this area.”

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The fire-breathing “gojira” – as it is pronounced in Japanese, combining “gorilla” and “kujira,” or “whale” – was born a genetic aberration, caused by nuclear testing in the Pacific Ocean.

The first Godzilla, directed by Ishiro Honda – with both an unforgettable score and bestial screech – is revered as a classic.

Toho’s reboot of the series is set for release next year, ahead of director Gareth Edwards’ Hollywood sequel to last year’s worldwide smash-hit, which earned over $500 million worldwide.

Over the years, Godzilla has demolished Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, the Parliament building and several castles in Japan, as well as Golden Gate Bridge and other chunks of San Francisco in Edwards’ 2014 version.

Shinjuku – known for its down-home bars and noodle restaurants – has been flattened in three Toho movies so far. If Godzillachooses to return in the new movie, it can now stomp on its own giant head.