Tsuburaya Communications Monster Township Standard size Godzilla 1964 Mosugoji

Godzilla toys are a major part of kaiju (monster) culture and have been produced in various styles and forms since the 1950s. Inspired by Toho’s iconic Godzilla films, these toys range from simple children’s playthings to highly detailed collector’s items. The designs often capture Godzilla’s fearsome appearance, including his scaly skin, powerful tail, spiky dorsal fins, and atomic breath pose. Eiji Tsuburaya (1901–1970) was a pioneering Japanese filmmaker and special effects director, best known as the co-creator of Godzilla and the founder of the Ultraman franchise. He played a crucial role in shaping the tokusatsu (live-action special effects) genre, developing innovative techniques in miniatures, suitmation, and optical effects. As the special effects director for Godzilla (1954), Tsuburaya crafted the iconic monster using rubber suits and detailed miniature city sets, influencing generations of filmmakers. In 1963, he founded Tsuburaya Productions, which launched Ultraman (1966), a landmark in Japanese superhero television. His work remains highly influential in global science fiction and special effects cinema.