What is Kaiju? This is the Origin of the Term

Have you ever heard the word ‘kaiju’? The term kaiju refers to a giant monster that attacks and destroys large cities. There have been many tokusatsu series, anime, or Japanese films that have raised the theme of kaiju, one of the latest is Kaiju No. 8.

The term kaiju itself began to be used generally since the release of the film Godzilla in 1954 which also became the first kaiju film. However, what is a kaiju actually? How and when did the term originate from its use? Check out the explanation below, okay!

1. Definition of Kaiju

doc. Toho/ Godzilla

Literally, kaiju are giant-sized creatures. In Japanese, kaiju is translated as “foreign beast”. They can be antagonists or protagonists.

The term kaiju was first used during the promotion of the film The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms 1952 in Japan, precisely when tokusatsu was first introduced. Tokusatsu is a Japanese term for the term special effects or special effects used in fantasy or horror films.

Meanwhile, the first Japanese film to use the term kaiju was Godzillaa Toho production film released in 1954. The production team was inspired by the film’s promotional method The Beast 20,000 Fathoms.

Godzilla tells about the unexpected appearance of a giant monster in Japan on Odo Island. The figure destroys houses and also kills people he meets. The 50-meter monster threatens to destroy the entire world, not just Japan.

Film Godzilla can be said to be one of the pioneers of the tokusatsu series that is increasingly popular until now. Not only that, the film also made the word ‘kaiju’ start to be used generally.

However, there is still debate among fans about what kaiju actually means. However, the term has been used since the appearance of the film Godzilla. There is no exact size, but what is clear is that its form is that of a giant monster.

2. Who is the most popular kaiju?

ultra.fandom.com

Actually, there are many types of kaiju that appear in tokusatsu, anime, or manga. However, for people, the monster that is considered the original kaiju is Godzilla. Because, he is the first figure to be called a kaiju.

Other monster characters created by Toho studios such as Rodan, Mothra, and King Ghidorah also gained almost the same popularity, especially in Japan. Even so, they are considered as one of the popular kaiju, unlike the status that Godzilla has.

In addition, there are also two famous kaiju from Ultraman, a Japanese series that tells the story of a hero fighter protecting the Earth from monsters. The Kaiju are Zetton and Bemular. Both of them are known as the most powerful monsters in the series.

The next popular kaiju is held by Gamera, a giant flying turtle kaiju who first appeared in the film Gamera the Giant Monster 1965. Its popularity was quite large from the 60s to the 80s, equal to the success achieved by Godzilla. Unfortunately, the film project was stopped in the 90s.

Lastly, there is King Kong. Who doesn’t know King Kong? This giant gorilla-like monster made in America has actually faced Godzilla twice. The first time in King Kong vs Godzilla in 1962 and second in Godzilla vs Kong in 2021.

3. The largest kaiju figure ever

doc. Polygon Pictures / Godzilla: The Planet Eater

There is no exact size to be called a kaiju, but there are five kaiju that are famous for their enormous size. They are King Ghidorah, Slattern, Godzilla Earth, Clover, and Void Ghidorah.

First is King Ghidorah. This giant monster appears in Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah and its size reaches 159 meters. Because of its large size, it is considered a major threat to Earth.

Second is Slattern with a height of 182 meters. This Kaiju is the strongest monster ever faced by the Pan Pacific Defense Corps, the Kaiju extermination alliance in the film. Pacific Rim: The Black.

Third is held by Godzilla Earth, twice the size of King Ghidorah, which is about 318 meters. With its enormous size, its footsteps alone can destroy buildings around it.

Then the fourth is a kaiju named Clover from the film The Cloverfield Paradox (2018) with a height of almost 2,000 meters. He is a four-legged sea monster with two tails. His strength is unquestionable, he can even pick up the head of the Statue of Liberty and throw it like a baseball. Even his tail is capable of destroying the Brooklyn Bridge!

Lastly is Void Ghidorah, a golden kaiju whose size is absolutely ridiculous, namely 20,000 meters. This monster appears in Godzilla: The Planet Eater 2018 whose existence is actually more dangerous for all the planets in the galaxy.

4. Why is the kaiju theme often used in anime?

doc. Production IG/ Kaiju No. 8

Since the emergence of the film Godzilla and the use of the term kaiju, anime with giant monster themes began to appear. This theme is quite popular among anime fans, both children and adults.

Besides offering stories Super heroanime with this topic also presents a tense epic action. Coupled with stunning graphics and visualizations, making fans feel at home to continue following the storyline.

Some popular kaiju anime recommendations include: Kaiju No. 8, Attack on Titan, SSSS.Gridman, Pacific Rim: The Black, Gamera: Rebirth, Gunbuster, Dai-Guard, and many others.

Well, that’s the explanation of what kaiju means. Hopefully the information above can increase your knowledge, yes!