Around the start of October, Toho Kingdom invited fans to send their Birthday messages and what Godzilla means to them ahead of Godzilla Day on November 3rd. Celebrating 70 years of the King of the Monsters, here is what everyone had to say.

*Note some messages may have been edited for grammar, and some photos cropped in size to fit within the article.*

 

Happy Birthday to you, Godzilla! You were a big part of my childhood, next to anime on Toonami, that got me to enjoy things from another culture. You’re part of my modern day life, being the thing that compelled me to enjoy writing. You’ll probably be important in my future, wherever that road may take me. Thank you for being part of my life, Gojira!
– Anthony Velez

 

I can’t fit what Godzilla means to me in one paragraph, but what I will say is this character has helped me through very difficult times in my life.
– Dude Dude

 

Godzilla, for me, represents more than just a fictional character. Over the years, in moments of happiness or difficulty, the figure of the King of the Monsters has been by my side, offering a sense of security and renewal. Watching his movies is like recharging my strength, a ritual that prepares me for the many challenges that life brings. His presence is so ingrained in my life that today I can’t imagine being without him. Godzilla has transcended fiction and become a kind of mentor, someone who guides me and inspires me to be resilient, to keep growing, and to never give up, regardless of the difficulties. His ability to reinvent himself, always remaining relevant, constantly reminds me of the importance of seeking my best version at every phase of life.
Best regards,
Matheus da Silva (Matheus_ GODZILLA).

 

when I was younger my grandad had some of the Showa films on VHS and we used to watch them whenever I was at his place, he made me fall in love with the franchise and so Godzilla is one of my favourite memories of him.

Everytime I watch a Godzilla movie i think of my grandad and it makes me emotional (in a good way).

He would’ve absolutely loved Minus One.
– Ethan Flavin

 

I’m as old as Godzilla, so if his hips and knees aren’t what they used to be, I can relate! In fact, Godzilla and other Toho monster movies were favorites of mine when I was a kid. I admired the care and intricacy that went into the miniature sets created solely for Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, et al, to smash to bits. As soon as I could get my hands on them, I bought and built hobby models of Godzilla and devoured journalistic articles about the people involved and behind the scenes on the productions, in Famous Monsters of Filmland. I also admired the conviction with which the movies were produced. Believe it or not, that taught me a valuable life lesson. If you do something, commit to it and give it your all. Happy Birthday Big Guy, from a fellow senior!

Tom Hinckley

 

My parents raised me up with the old Movies from the KING OF THE MONSTERS.

I was around 6 years old when I saw my first Godzilla Movie.
Since then, he is my all-day Fellower ( Toys, Wallpaper for PC & Smartphones, all the names from the Godzilla Universe Kaijus ).

Every single Godzilla Movie that comes to cinema, I gifted the ticket to my dad, cause he is the reason why I love Gojira.

THANK U SO MUCH FOR EVERY SINGLE GODZILLA MOVIE

I LOVE U

David Rosso

 

The very moment I watched my first Godzilla movie, I knew that was it. I had finally found my favorite fictional character ever. Godzilla is the perfect blend of my love of dinosaurs, my love of awesome monster action, and my love of legitimately great storytelling all wrapped into one icon of cinema. He can be a good guy, he can be a bad guy, or he can simply simply a dinosaur that doesn’t get used as a unit of measurement to prop up anyone because he’s busy making units of measurement out of everyone else. And being the most awesome thing I’ve ever seen while doing it. I feel extraordinarily grateful to get to see the Big G turn 70, and hope that I live to see many birthdays and many great stories more from him just the same. Long Live the King.

– Joshua Strittmatter

 

Happy birthday goji
– Callahan Redekop

 

Happy 70th birthday and happy 70th anniversary to Godzilla

– Israel Willoughby

 

For as long as I can remember I always believed Godzilla was this unstoppable force of nature – a mortal animal strong enough to challenge unspeakable horrors, aliens, and even Gods to a fight and always come out on top. I admire his bravery in the face of adversity and refusal to back down no matter how much the odds are stacked against him, he’ll keep fighting until his last breath and then some and I think that’s awesome! he taught me to have an unbreakable spirit and to always put one foot in front of the other no matter what life throws at you… here’s to 70 more years of the King of the Monsters!
– Ironcarnage101

 

I remember Godzilla as a giant Radioactive dinosaur that destroy building and fighting Kaiju back in 2002. Happy 70th Birthday ゴジラ
– Jayson Rogoz

 

Godzilla, my friend, you are now turning 70 years and I am so proud of you! A lot happened to you and I am proud of you, that you made it. Countless moments and yet you are not getting old. My happiness in discovering you knows no limits. Thanks to you I became obsessed with you, Japan and all of it’s culture! Thank you very much for changing my life since I was 6! 32 years ago! Your fan, Henning (from Germany)

 

I think he represents the feel of us wanting to march like a majestic force of nature, striking both awe and fear into everyone. He’s so much more than just a monster.
– Ben Bissett

 

As a child, I watched a ton of Godzilla and other monster movies. This is part of what kickstarted me down multiple (thus far) lifelong passions, such as movies, art in general, and the process behind bringing a story to life. I remember looking at a diagram of how Godzilla movies were made in a book I got back in elementary school and being fascinated by how such things were done. Due to the snowball effect resulting from that fascination, I’m currently in my third year as a theater major in college, largely working in scenic design. Godzilla movies brought me much joy in both childhood and adulthood and will always hold a special place in my heart!
– Irisius

 

Ever since that day we read “Dogzilla” in elementary school and rented Godzilla 2000 from blockbuster, Godzilla has been a very important part of my life. I’m only in my mid 20’s so I’m not as old as some of the older members of the community, but ever since I was 8, Godzilla has been a mainstay in my life, almost 20 years. I grew up in the 2004-2014 drought where all we got were some video games and comics, now Godzilla is getting EVERYTHING and I love it. It’s gotten to the point where it is hard to keep up with and remember everything that is coming out. Things I never thought would happen (a successful Hollywood cinematic universe with Godzilla and a Japanese Godzilla film winning an Oscar to name a couple) have been happening and it is surreal. I love Godzilla a lot, and I always will, the big guy has been a hero, villain and everything in between but I love him all the same. Happy 70th big guy!
– Daniel Myhre

 

Hi,

What Godzilla means to me? Godzilla is the strongest King of the monsters throughout the movies. He is so kind, generous, and some furious that he senses new enemies from different world. Godzilla must be confident and join with his allies to fight new enemies. I love Godzilla very much that I have been huge fan of Godzilla about 18 years ago. I am wishing Godzilla for Happy 70th birthday. Good luck to Godzilla.

Sincerely,
Brian Huynh

 

Well-meaning Japanese people often ask foreigners, long-term or those just visiting, why they came to Japan. Answers people tend to give in response are usually related to food, culture, anime, or some sense of being driven here for a new experience. After five years of living here, I no longer have any shame for when I tell them my answer—“Gojira”.
-Sean O’Leary

 

Godzilla changed my whole life. Thanks to him, I found my interest in filmmaking, as well as Japan and its culture. I have also met lots of wonderful people through the series. Happy 70th Birthday to the King of the Monsters!

Matti “G-Matt” Keskiivari

 

Crazy to think that it has now been 70 years ago that the world was first introduced to a legendary force of nature that would go on to become an iconic symbol of cinema and pop culture. While it was, oddly, Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) that originally captured childhood attention to the franchise, it was Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) that made me a lifelong fan. The adaptability of the franchise has really shown to be one of its more endearing qualities. Everyone has an “ideal” Godzilla, but even for them they’ll often never corner themselves into thinking this is the only way Godzilla must be portrayed, unlike other fandoms which feel less malleable toward this icons. Godzilla will continue to adapt to meet the story and will continue to capture the interest of fans across generations.

– Anthony Romero

 

Despite all the stories that have been shared, whether played on the big screen or flipping through the pages of a comic, Godzilla’s ability to evolve and thrive remains his greatest strength. I hope to see many more creative interpretations and engaging stories featuring the world’s mightiest Monster King!
– Joshua Sudomerski