Godzilla looms over Malaysia's Petronas Twin Towers in 70th anniversary tribute to SE Asian fans (VIDEO)
Japanese entertainment company Toho released the 55-second video tribute titled '70 Years of Godzilla: A New Roar in South-east Asia' for fans yesterday.
The video shows the monster towering over Kuala Lumpur's skyline, with other scenes featuring landmarks such as Singapore's Marina Bay and Bali's paddy fields.
'For the first time across South-east Asia, the legend emerges in a powerful tribute to the fans who have kept its legacy alive,' Toho shared in the video's description.
The company added, 'This special footage honours South-east Asia, celebrating seven decades of Godzilla's unstoppable journey through the region's iconic landmarks.'
Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Twin Towers, once the tallest buildings in the world, were completed in 1998 and remain the tallest twin structures globally.
Godzilla was created after World War II as a symbolic reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons.
Toho's tribute video follows previous Japanese-themed features in the region.
In 2021, Japanese superhero Ultraman was depicted battling a Godzilla-like creature at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, in a tourism movie by special effects studio Tsuburaya Productions.
Toho, which owns the Godzilla brand, established a regional subsidiary, Toho Entertainment, in Singapore in November 2024 to expand its reach in Asia.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
In Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe, the King Of The Monsters returns to stomp us, again
Godzilla has had one hell of a run. His famed Japanese franchise has produced 38 movies over 70 years with a merchandise and media bonanza that continues to reap profits. The King Of The Monsters has also invaded the comics realm—there was a 12-year run from Dark Horse between 1987 and 1999, followed by IDW's consistent series and one-shots that have been released since 2011. It makes sense that Marvel Comics would want to get a piece of the action with their recent one-shot crossovers and new Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe five-issue event. This isn't the first time Marvel has tried to capitalize on Godzilla's popularity: The comics titan released the first American Godzilla comics series between 1977 and 1979. The kaiju king was tied into the Marvel Universe with the immediate appearance of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the debut issue, with some superhero teams (notably, the Champions, Fantastic Four, and Avengers) woven into the narrative after that. Additionally, the original series gave us the first appearances of Dr. Demonicus, Red Ronin, and Devil Dinosaur. The first issue of the new, five-part Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe series pits the gargantuan, nuclear-breathed lizard against many of Marvel's mightiest. It's clearly taking cues from his superhero battles at the end of the original '70s run. But whereas those kaiju clashes had a more dramatic tone, this latest incarnation—humorously scripted by Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, Marauders) and dynamically drawn by Javier Garrón (X-Men, Avengers)—combines the sense of awe and wonder at Godzilla smashing up NYC while injecting tongue-in-cheek superhero banter. Right away, it's the Mole Man's fault. His minions mine a rare type of vibranium for use in a weapon whose powerful blasts unwittingly awaken a slumbering Celestial and Godzilla. The two titans tussle at the southern tip of Manhattan, and Godzilla comes out on top. After that, the Fantastic Four and the Avengers team up to try to stop the stomp—emphasis on 'try.' This is Godzilla we're talking about. The mighty, blustery Thor thinks it'll be a piece of cake until he gets tail-swatted into outer space. When The Thing sees a giant lizard foot looming over the FF, he surmises, 'Looks like it's getting clobbered time.' Even the usually steely Captain America is befuddled when an attempt to fatally wound Godzilla fails. 'Today's really gonna stink,' he sighs, before hightailing it with Quicksilver. If you're looking for a deeper human interest story like the one presented in the recent hit movie Godzilla Minus One, it isn't there. With so many characters crammed into this issue—including a total of 18 superheroes by the last panel— there isn't room to elaborate on much more than the imminent threat to mankind. So far, this saga is all about the chaos and carnage and occasional wisecracks, and it delivers on that front. If you're a casual comics fan who likes kaiju, it might feel discombobulating to be tossed into the fray right away. Knowing Marvel shorthand makes it easier to dive into this series and its six one-shot predecessors, which emerged in the half-year-long buildup to this spectacle. Clearly, Duggan and Garrón know their audience, its demands, and the comics history of their material, so they quite literally cut to the chase at the start. Duggan also summons similar quippy humor from the earlier Spider-Man crossover to keep things moving—there's even a goofy J. Jonah Jameson cameo that recalls a funnier one from way back in Godzilla #23—then turns the tables by delivering a tragic moment during the last three pages. The six separate one-shots released earlier this year acted as a prelude to this new series, although they were not interconnected, and you don't need to have read them to appreciate this. But they serve up some interesting ideas and take place during different periods along the Marvel timeline. In the '60s-era Godzilla Vs. The Fantastic Four, King Ghidorah becomes the new herald to Galactus, and the Big G needs an infusion of the Silver Surfer's Power Cosmic to take on the three-headed beast. In the late '70s-era Godzilla Vs. Hulk, the angry green giant's gamma-infused blood helps Godzilla battle a genetically engineered Hedorah. In the '80s-era Godzilla Vs. Spider-Man, Spidey's newly acquired symbiote suit infects Godzilla, who has to wage an inner battle with the alien parasite. Many revered Toho characters like Mothra, Jet Jaguar, and two Mechagodzillas also make appearances. These one-shots are relevant to Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe because the preview panel for the second issue presents an image of Godzilla's growling visage being consumed by Venom, and Spider-Man fans know that could reap disastrous consequences for the world if the symbiote succeeds this time. Thus, elements from these other stories, even the '70s run, may tie into the next four issues of this one. Perhaps Dr. Demonicus will return with another monster menagerie or Galactus will show up to wreak more havoc, tossing a cosmic monkey wrench into the mix. (Or perhaps a giant cosmic monkey?) In the '70s series, a young man named Rob Takaguchi was convinced of Godzilla's goodness and even managed to get him to stop rampaging in New York and peacefully disappear into the ocean. A narrative twist and different end game for our kaiju king might lie in the wings here. No matter how many times this colossal kaiju returns to decimate different urban landscapes, fans return for more. You can't keep an ornery kaiju down, and we really seem to like that. Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe #1 is available now. More from A.V. Club The first openly gay baseball player also invented the high five Whisper Of The Heart left a lo-fi legacy unique to Studio Ghibli John Oliver calls Colbert cancellation "terrible news for the world of comedy" Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Medallions with Singapore Botanic Gardens' iconic landmarks launched to mark milestone-filled year
SINGAPORE - Collectors can now get their hands on three intricately designed commemorative medallions marking several key milestones in 2025 for the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Launched by the Singapore Mint as part of a special collaboration with the Gardens, the medallions feature its three iconic landmarks - the Bandstand, the Singapore Herbarium, and the Burkin Hall at the National Orchid Garden. Each medallion, available in both gold and silver, commemorates one of its landmark anniversaries, the National Parks Board said in a statement. These are the 10th anniversary of Gardens' inception as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the 30th anniversary of the National Orchid Garden, and the 150th anniversary of the Singapore Herbarium and Library of Botany and Horticulture. The medallions are sold individually and in three-in-one collector sets, and can be purchased at all Singapore Mint retail outlets and on Light shows, performances and other festivities For the first time, visitors can enjoy a nightly light show at the Gardens and watch the Swan Lake and Tanglin Gate bathed in multi-coloured light. The light show will take place between 7.30pm and 10pm, from July 19 to Aug 10. It will be complemented by light installations at the Bandstand, Clock Tower at Orchid Plaza, and Palm Court near Nassim Visitor Services Centre. The light-up is part of the 10th edition of the Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Festival held from July 19 to 27 and featuring over 40 free activities for visitors. Other festival highlights include musical performances, outdoor movie screenings, guided tours and hands-on workshops. Visitors can step into the shoes of scientists, with a workshop allowing them to conduct practical laboratory tasks, such as DNA extraction using bananas and cell staining with onion roots. This allows them to take a glimpse into the plant conservation work that happens behind the scenes in the Gardens. The Gardens has also released the second edition of Gardens of Perpetual Summer, a publication that traces its history and legacy since its establishment in 1859. The first edition was published in 2009 to mark its 150th anniversary. The book can be purchased at the Gardens Shop and online. The annual orchid show This year marks the 30th anniversary of the National Orchid Garden, which will play host to the Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) Orchid Show from July 19 to 27. The show, organised by NParks and the Orchid Society of South-east Asia (OSSEA), will feature an orchid competition with 75 categories. The public can view all competition entries, including the winning orchids across all categories, at Burkill Hall and Tropical Montane Orchidetum at the National Orchid Garden. Singapore residents can enjoy free entry during the Orchid Show and go on free guided tours, which are available daily. Interested members of the public can visit this website for more information. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Zoo defends treatment of ‘chonky' leopard Apoh after TikTok post goes viral
Malaysia's National Zoo has defended its treatment of what appears to be a visibly overweight black leopard after a video of the animal went viral on social media. The video posted by a TikTok user showed the male leopard named Apoh lying on his side in his enclosure in Zoo Negara. The video went on to rack up more than two million views and prompted a wave of jokes and memes across social media, with many viewers referring to Apoh as 'chonky' and comparing him to a bear. However, some raised questions about the animal's physical condition and whether it pointed to possible neglect or inadequate enclosure standards. So chonky… Don't tell me that's Apoh The Panther 😂 — 🐼ᴾᴬᴿᴷ ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁 (@xiongmao51515) July 12, 2025 Responding to the comments, Zoo Negara issued a statement in Malay under the original post, saying Apoh was under close supervision by veterinary staff. 'Don't worry, our vet team is taking care of Apoh with love, giving him the best treatment and close attention. They are monitoring Apoh closely and making sure Apoh is okay. We appreciate the words of encouragement given to help Apoh reach his ideal weight,' the zoo said, according to an online translation. In a separate post on 15 July, which the zoo claimed was Apoh's 15th birthday, the zoo said the animal was being given the best care. It added that Apoh was part of the zoo's animal 'adoption' programme, where regular people can help fund his food, healthcare and enrichment. 'Yes, Apoh is looking a little chonky but don't worry! Our dedicated zookeepers and vets are keeping a close eye on him and making sure he gets the best care possible. We really appreciate all your concern and support for helping our animals stay in great shape,' the statement read. The recent footage of Apoh stand in stark contrast from a 2023 video of him, where he looked far more active as well as physically more fit. Zoo Negara has declined to comment. While most people online have been referring to Apoh as a panther, the zoo clarified in an earlier social media post that the term 'black panther' is a general descriptor for any melanistic big cat, including leopards, jaguars, and pumas. In Apoh's case, he is a leopard whose dark pigmentation masks the characteristic rosette patterns on his coat, making them difficult to see. Social media reaction has been mixed, with some users simply expressing their adoration for the big cat and others warning about the dangers of obesity in captive animals. 'If dangerous why cute?' asked one person. 'Apoh looks like a bear! His chonkiness is oh so super super adorable, but best of luck to the keepers in helping him lose weight and live longer! We hope to see him back in an athletic superhero black panther shape soon!' wrote another.
