After being in the hiding and being alienated for over half a century, Godzilla is finally awarded the Japanese citizenship he deserves.
City Officials in Tokyo's Shinjuku ward finally made Godzilla's residency papers to officially make the giant lizard a Japanese citizen. While the monster was not actually present during the ceremonies and thank God he isn't, copies of his residency papers were distributed to his fans on a first come, first served basis. Meanwhile, an anonymous man dressed up in a Godzilla mascot suit received the award on his behalf. See picture here.
In the translation of Godzilla's citizenship certificate provided to RocketNews, we learn that the monster's official address is designated at Shinjuku-ku, Kabuki-cho, 1-19-1. He was born on April 9, 1954 which makes him now 61 years old. The special residency was given to him for his important contributions in promoting entertainment, tourism, as well as providing security over the Kabuki-cho neighbourhood. Incidentally, he was also appointed as tourism ambassador to Shinjuku district.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Shinjuku Mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi added that "Godzilla is a character that is the pride of Japan."
It was further written in the residency certificate that Godzilla visited the Shinjuku Ward at least 3 times. First in 1984 when he was awaken by a volcanic eruption on Daikoku Island. He returned in 1991 to fight his greatest foe, the three-headed King Ghidorah or also known as Monster Zero. The last time he returned was in 1999 to greet the new millennium.
Buzzfeed further reports that a giant replica of Godzilla's head crowns the crest of Shinjuku Toho Building which creates the effect that the monster giant is emerging out of the building. This is because the place where the Shinjuku Toho Building stands is also Godzilla's official address.