Godzilla Minus Zero Draws Crowds at Tokyo Film Festival

The sequel to Godzilla Minus One played to packed audiences at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, with fans arriving in Godzilla-themed outfits and carrying figures of the monster. The film is the festival’s centerpiece and is scheduled to open in Japanese cinemas on November 3.

Kamiki and Hamabe, who return as Koichi Shikishima and Noriko, spoke about the response to the film’s Los Angeles premiere. Kamiki said the audience’s enthusiasm showed him again how widely Godzilla is loved. At the Tokyo event, applause continued after a screening, while fans gathered around the cast for autographs and conversation.

The actors also introduced Sae Nagatani, who reprises her role as the Shikishimas’ daughter, Akiko. Kamiki and Hamabe praised her growth as an actor since the first film. Nagatani said she was not nervous during filming and asked her co-stars how to become a good actor while still in elementary school.

The story begins in 1949, two years after the events of Godzilla Minus One. The Shikishima family has found a measure of peace, but a new threat puts it at risk. Kamiki said the film explores how the family faces what comes next together.

Godzilla Minus One earned more than 7.65 billion yen in Japan and won the visual effects Oscar. Godzilla Minus Zero is the first Japanese film certified as Filmed for Imax. It is due in North American theaters on November 6, with early Imax screenings on November 3.