Latest news with #TohoCo.
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
Shinjuku's Godzilla Hotel Celebrates Tenth Anniversary with New Themed Room
Japan in Photos Newsfrom Japan The Hotel Gracery Shinjuku in Tokyo's famed business and entertainment district is already known for its Godzilla decor, including a figure of the giant lizard towering over the Kabukichō streets below. Ten years after its launch, the hotel now features a new suite offering fans the chance to pit Godzilla against King Ghidorah, a classic foe. The Godzilla Head, an iconic landmark towering 50 meters above Shinjuku's vibrant Kabukichō district, continues to command attention even 10 years after its debut. Emerging from the eighth-floor terrace of the Shinjuku Tōhō Building, the monster's head growls at passers-by and welcomes guests to the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. Occupying floors 8 through 30, the hotel offers 970 rooms and welcomes travelers from around the globe, with foreign guests accounting for some 90% of its visitors. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku and its massive Godzilla head. Guests can get an up-close view from the eighth floor lobby. (© Courtesy TM & © Toho Co., Ltd.) The lobby showcases a collection of movie posters spanning the series and an actual Godzilla suit used in filming. (© Courtesy TM & © Toho Co., Ltd.) From the moment guests enter, they are immersed in Godzilla's world. Dioramas and vintage movie posters line the halls, setting the scene for a cinematic stay. The top floor houses the famous Godzilla Room, a suite packed with monster-themed décor, amenities, and exclusive touches that transport guests into the heart of the franchise. As the world's only Godzilla-themed hotel, it is a highly sought-after destination among special effects enthusiasts and families who love kaijū. On July 1, to celebrate its tenth year in business, the hotel is introducing a brand-new experience: the Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah Room. Inspired by classic tokusatsu (special effects) film sets, this room lets guests take control of the action. Using built-in lighting and sound controls, visitors can re-create a battle scene between two legendary kaijū. It's a dream setup for fans who want to play director and film their own epic monster showdown at a 1:50 scale. The elevator halls and corridors on the top floor are fully decorated in Godzilla style. (© Courtesy TM & © Toho Co., Ltd.) In the new Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah Room, special effects like lights and roars can be triggered with a switch. (© Courtesy TM & © Toho Co., Ltd.) The original Godzilla Room remains a fan favorite. Even the bathroom is fully themed. (© Courtesy TM & © Toho Co., Ltd.) Limited-edition Godzilla merchandise is available in the lobby. (© Courtesy TM & © Toho Co., Ltd.) Don't miss the themed café menu served in the hotel lounge. (© Courtesy TM & © Toho Co., Ltd.) For reservations and details, visit the official Hotel Gracery Shinjuku website. (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: The new Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah Room unveiled at the press preview. © Courtesy TM & © Toho Co., Ltd.)
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
Osaka Man Arrested for Selling Colorized "Godzilla" Film from 1954
Newsfrom Japan Osaka, June 18 (Jiji Press)--Police in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, have arrested a 66-year-old man for alleged copyright infringement by selling a colorized copy of the first "Godzilla" film without permission. Ippei Miyamoto, a part-time worker in the Osaka city of Toyonaka, has admitted to the allegation, according to investigative sources. Miyamoto is suspected of selling a DVD copy of the 1954 film, copyrighted by Toho Co., for 2,980 yen in mid-November last year. According to police sources, he allegedly used image conversion software to colorize old black-and-white films and created pirated DVDs, which he sold on flea market websites and his own website. While the copyright protection period for films is currently 70 years after release, Japan's former copyright law, replaced in 1971, set the period at 38 years after the creator's death. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
Osaka Man Arrested for Selling Colorized Godzilla Film from 1954
News from Japan Society Jun 18, 2025 23:48 (JST) Osaka, June 18 (Jiji Press)--Police in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, have arrested a 66-year-old man for alleged copyright infringement by selling a colorized copy of the first "Godzilla" film without permission. Ippei Miyamoto, a part-time worker in the Osaka city of Toyonaka, has admitted to the allegation, according to investigative sources. Miyamoto is suspected of selling a DVD copy of the 1954 film, copyrighted by Toho Co., for 2,980 yen in mid-November last year. According to police sources, he allegedly used image conversion software to colorize old black-and-white films and created pirated DVDs, which he sold on flea market websites and his own website. While the copyright protection period for films is currently 70 years after release, Japan's former copyright law, replaced in 1971, set the period at 38 years after the creator's death. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Japanese man arrested for selling AI-colourised pirated 1954 "Godzilla" film
OSAKA, Japan: A man in Osaka Prefecture has been arrested for allegedly selling a pirated version of the 1954 black-and-white film "Godzilla," which he apparently colourised using artificial intelligence, Kyodo News Agency reported, citing police on Tuesday. Ippei Miyamoto, a 66-year-old part-time worker, is accused of having sold the DVD – which features the iconic fire-breathing, city-stomping giant reptilian monster – for 2,980 yen (US$21) to a man in Tokyo last November. Police suspect Miyamoto used AI-equipped software to add colour and produce the DVD. Miyamoto, who was arrested on Monday, has admitted to the charge, saying, "I sold it knowing it was a crime." He is also believed to have sold about 1,500 fake DVDs, ranging from 3,000 yen to 30,000 yen, on online flea market websites from January 2024 to May 2025, earning at least 1.7 million yen, according to the police. He had advertised the films as being "legal" and "masterpieces coloured by AI." Toho Co., which distributes and owns the copyright to the long-running Godzilla franchise, filed a complaint with the police in February this year, leading authorities to search Miyamoto's house on Monday and confiscate about 70 DVDs. The Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan, of which Toho is a member, said that it has been aware that pirated colour copies of films had been circulating and vowed to strengthen its watch over unauthorised production. – BERNAMA
Kyodo News
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Man arrested for selling AI-colorized pirated 1954 "Godzilla" film
KYODO NEWS - 1 hour ago - 19:30 | All, Japan A man in Osaka Prefecture has been arrested for allegedly selling a pirated version of the 1954 black-and-white film "Godzilla," which he apparently colorized using artificial intelligence, police said Tuesday. Ippei Miyamoto, a 66-year-old part-time worker, is accused of having sold the DVD -- which features the iconic fire-breathing, city-stomping giant reptilian monster -- for 2,980 yen ($21) to a man in Tokyo last November. Police suspect Miyamoto used AI-equipped software to add color and produce the DVD. Miyamoto, who was arrested on Monday, has admitted to the charge, saying, "I sold it knowing it was a crime." He is also believed to have sold about 1,500 fake DVDs, ranging from 3,000 yen to 30,000 yen, on online flea market websites from January 2024 to May 2025, earning at least 1.7 million yen, according to the police. He had advertised the films as being "legal" and "masterpieces colored by AI." Toho Co., which distributes and owns the copyright to the long-running Godzilla franchise, filed a complaint with the police in February this year, leading authorities to search Miyamoto's house on Monday and confiscate about 70 DVDs. The Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan, of which Toho is a member, said that it has been aware that pirated color copies of films had been circulating and vowed to strengthen its watch over unauthorized production. Related coverage: Japan's latest Godzilla film wins Oscar for best visual effects
