History of Godzilla Minus One in Timeline

"Godzilla Minus One" is a 2023 Japanese kaiju film directed by Takashi Yamazaki. The 37th installment in the Godzilla franchise, it stars Ryunosuke Kamiki as a former kamikaze pilot battling post-traumatic stress disorder who encounters Godzilla in postwar Japan. Produced by Toho Studios and Robot Communications, the film explores themes of trauma and resilience against the backdrop of a nation's struggle for recovery.

1945: Godzilla Minus One Set in Postwar Japan

Godzilla Minus One is set in postwar Japan between 1945 and 1947, exploring the period's impact on society and characters.

1945: Godzilla Attacks Odo Island

In 1945, Godzilla attacks a Japanese base on Odo Island, leaving only Kōichi Shikishima and Sōsaku Tachibana as survivors.

May 1947: Godzilla Attacks Japan

In May 1947, Godzilla attacks Japan, destroying the heavy cruiser Takao and causing significant damage in Ginza, leading to the death of Noriko.

1947: Godzilla Minus One Set in Postwar Japan

Godzilla Minus One is set in postwar Japan between 1945 and 1947, exploring the period's impact on society and characters.

1954: Godzilla Minus One Draws Inspiration from 1954 Godzilla

Both "Godzilla Minus One" and "Shin Godzilla" (2016) heavily influenced director Takashi Yamazaki's vision for the film, showcasing his deep appreciation for the franchise's roots in 1954.

1954: Godzilla Minus One Explores Postwar Japan

Director Takashi Yamazaki chose to set Godzilla Minus One in postwar Japan, drawing inspiration from the original 1954 "Godzilla" film and its themes of anti-nuclear sentiment and the repercussions of war. This setting allowed Yamazaki to delve into the concepts of trauma, hope, guilt, and redemption against the backdrop of a nation rebuilding after devastation. The film uses Godzilla to symbolize the Japanese experience of nuclear holocaust, mirroring the original 1954 film.

1954: Speculation Surrounds Potential Remake of 1954 Film

Fans speculated whether the upcoming film, later revealed to be Godzilla Minus One, would be a remake of the 1954 Godzilla film.

1954: Godzilla Minus One Release Coincides with Franchise's 70th Anniversary

Godzilla Minus One was released nationwide in Japan on November 3, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the franchise and the same date as the first Godzilla film's wide release in 1954.

1954: Godzilla (1954) Soundtrack Inspires Godzilla Minus One Score

Naoki Satō drew inspiration from Akira Ifukube’s iconic score for the original 1954 "Godzilla" film when composing the music for "Godzilla Minus One." This homage to the franchise's roots added a layer of familiarity and nostalgia to the film's soundscape, resonating with longtime fans.

1954: Toho Trademarks Godzilla Minus One Title

On the same day as the press release for the film, Toho took the step of trademarking the Japanese title, "Godzilla Minus One," along with its alternate readings like "Gojira Minus Itten Zero." In 1954, the title, a brainchild of producer Shūji Abe, was meant to convey the film's exploration of Japan's transition from a "post-war zero situation" to a state of "minus" after Godzilla's devastation.

1954: Minus Color Pays Homage to 1954 Godzilla Film

The "Minus Color" version of Godzilla Minus One aimed to evoke a documentary-style horror feel, paying homage to the original 1954 film.

1954: Possible Connection to 1954 Film

The announcement and subsequent hints suggest a potential link between the new film and the events or themes of the 1954 Godzilla film.

1962: King Kong vs. Godzilla Soundtrack Influences Godzilla Minus One

Naoki Satō incorporated elements of Akira Ifukube's memorable score from the 1962 film "King Kong vs. Godzilla" into his composition for "Godzilla Minus One." This choice reflected a desire to pay tribute to the franchise's history and its iconic musical themes.

1963: Minus Color Inspired by Akira Kurosawa's High and Low

The decision to keep Godzilla's atomic breath in color for the black-and-white "Minus Color" edition was inspired by Akira Kurosawa's film "High and Low" (1963), which featured red smoke in one scene.

1964: Mothra vs. Godzilla Soundtrack Inspires Godzilla Minus One Score

To capture the essence of classic Godzilla films, Naoki Satō drew inspiration from Akira Ifukube's iconic score for the 1964 film "Mothra vs. Godzilla" when composing the music for "Godzilla Minus One." This tribute to the franchise's musical legacy added a layer of familiarity and grandeur to the film's soundscape.

1969: Godzilla Minus One Makes History at the 96th Academy Awards

At the 96th Academy Awards, Godzilla Minus One made history as the first Godzilla film to be nominated for an Academy Award. It also marked the first time a Japanese and Asian film received a nomination in this category, as well as the first non-English language film to achieve this recognition.

1975: Kevin Smith Praises Godzilla Minus One

Kevin Smith lauded Godzilla Minus One as the best Godzilla film he'd seen, drawing a comparison between its ocean scenes and those in the 1975 film Jaws.

1997: Yamazaki draws inspiration from Princess Mononoke for potential sequel

Director Yamazaki expressed interest in exploring the curse Godzilla left behind on Japan in a potential sequel, drawing inspiration from the curse left by the Tatari-gami in the 1997 film "Princess Mononoke".

2001: Godzilla Minus One Wins Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards

In 2001, Godzilla Minus One won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, marking the first time a Godzilla film received this honor. This achievement also made it the first Japanese, Asian, and non-English language film to win in this category. Director Takashi Yamazaki became the first director since Stanley Kubrick's win for 2001: A Space Odyssey (1969) to achieve this, while Kiyoko Shibuya became the first woman of color to win in this category.

2007: Godzilla Appears in Always: Sunset on Third Street 2

Godzilla made a notable appearance in a dream-like opening sequence of Takashi Yamazaki's 2007 film, Always: Sunset on Third Street 2.

2013: Christopher Nolan Praises Godzilla Minus One and Draws Parallels to The Eternal Zero

Christopher Nolan, director of Oppenheimer, commended Godzilla Minus One, noting its thematic and character-driven similarities to Yamazaki's 2013 film The Eternal Zero.

2014: Praise from Godzilla (2014) Director Gareth Edwards

In 2014, Godzilla (2014) director Gareth Edwards expressed admiration for Godzilla Minus One, stating his belief that it exemplified what a Godzilla film should be and suggesting its inclusion in discussions of the best Godzilla film ever made.

July 2016: Shin Godzilla Released

Toho released Shin Godzilla, a reboot of the Godzilla franchise, in July 2016, which achieved both critical and commercial success.

2016: Godzilla Minus One Inspired by Shin Godzilla

Director Takashi Yamazaki drew inspiration from the 2016 film "Shin Godzilla" while developing the screenplay for "Godzilla Minus One."

2016: Shin Godzilla Influences Godzilla Minus One

Director Takashi Yamazaki drew inspiration from the 2016 film "Shin Godzilla" while developing the screenplay for "Godzilla Minus One."

2016: Shin Godzilla Impacts Franchise's Future

The release of Shin Godzilla in 2016 significantly impacted the Godzilla franchise, influencing subsequent film decisions and plans.

2017: Kuranosuke Sasaki's Asadora Performances Influence Casting

Director Takashi Yamazaki's decision to cast Kuranosuke Sasaki as Captain Yōji Akitsu in "Godzilla Minus One" was influenced by Sasaki's notable performances in Asadora, particularly in "Hiyokko" (2017), which left a significant impact on Yamazaki.

2017: Toho's Godzilla Production Constraint Revealed

In 2017, it was disclosed that Toho was contractually restricted from releasing a Godzilla film in the same year as Legendary Pictures until after 2020.

2018: Toho Explores Shared Godzilla Universe Concept

Toho expressed interest in a shared universe Godzilla series similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2018.

March 2019: Screenwriting Begins for Godzilla Minus One

In March 2019, the initial script for the film was drafted, a process that took about a year based on a prepared outline.

2019: Positive Reception from Godzilla: King of the Monsters Director Michael Dougherty

At the 2019 American premiere, Michael Dougherty, director of Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), praised Godzilla Minus One, calling it "amazing".

2019: Takashi Yamazaki Tapped for New Godzilla Film

Takashi Yamazaki was chosen to direct the next Godzilla film for Toho in 2019, marking his significant involvement in the franchise.

2019: Toho Establishes "Godzilla Room" Division

Toho established a dedicated division called "Godzilla Room" in 2019 to focus on planning and developing new projects related to the Godzilla franchise.

2020: Toho's Godzilla Film Production on Hold

Due to contractual obligations with Legendary Entertainment, Toho was unable to produce another live-action Godzilla film until 2020.

2020: Legendary Pictures' Agreement Impacts Toho's Godzilla Releases

Toho's ability to release Godzilla films was impacted until after 2020 due to contractual agreements with Legendary Pictures.

2021: Godzilla the Ride: Giant Monsters Ultimate Battle Opens

Takashi Yamazaki directed and created effects for the Godzilla the Ride: Giant Monsters Ultimate Battle attraction at Seibu-en Amusement Park, which opened in 2021.

2021: Godzilla Minus One Budget Discussion

When Godzilla Minus One was released, its budget became a topic of discussion, with reports indicating it was less than 10% of the budget for the preceding Godzilla film, Godzilla vs. Kong (2021).

February 2022: Robot Communications Announces Untitled Kaiju Film

Robot Communications announced an untitled kaiju film to be directed by Takashi Yamazaki in February 2022.

February 18, 2022: Blockbuster Monster Movie Casting Call Announced

A casting call for a film with the working title "Blockbuster Monster Movie" was announced by Robot Communications on February 18, 2022.

March 17, 2022: Principal Photography Begins for Godzilla Minus One

On March 17, 2022, principal photography for the film commenced. The filming took place across various locations in the Chūbu and Kantō regions of Honshu, Japan.

June 2022: Filming of Godzilla Minus One Wraps Up

Around June 11, 2022, principal photography for "Godzilla Minus One" concluded. The filming involved maritime sequences shot at Lake Hamana and in the Enshū Sea, where local businesses provided support in modifying and maintaining boats for navy scenes.

July 2022: Visual Effects Work Begins on Godzilla Minus One

A TV Shinshu special aired in 2023 revealed that the visual effects team for "Godzilla Minus One" commenced their work in July 2022, embarking on the eight-month-long process of bringing the film's visual spectacle to life.

July 2022: Kyushu J7W Shinden Replica Donated to Museum

After filming concluded in July 2022, the impressive 1:1 scale replica of the Kyushu J7W Shinden, created for scenes in the film, found a new home at the Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum in Chikuzen, Fukuoka. Toho, initially anonymous in their contribution, donated the replica, highlighting their commitment to preserving a piece of aviation and cinematic history.

August 2022: Post-Production and Visual Effects Begin for Godzilla Minus One

In August 2022, Shirogumi, the visual effects studio, announced the start of post-production and visual effects work for "Godzilla Minus One," initiating a recruitment drive for skilled designers and compositors. Initially slated to run until January 2023, the timeline was later adjusted to span from November 2022 to February 2023.

November 3, 2022: Godzilla Film Completes Filming

Filming for the new Godzilla film was completed and entered post-production, with a targeted release date of November 3, 2023.

November 2022: Godzilla Minus One Revealed as Part of Godzilla Franchise

Takashi Yamazaki's untitled kaiju project was officially announced as a Godzilla film in November 2022, marking it as part of the franchise's ongoing narrative.

November 2022: Visual Effects Work Resumes on Godzilla Minus One

Visual effects work on "Godzilla Minus One" resumed in November 2022, following a brief hiatus, and continued until February 2023. Shirogumi, the studio responsible for the film's visual effects, employed a combination of industry-standard software, including Houdini and Maya for design and Nuke for compositing.

December 13, 2022: New Godzilla Film Hinted to Connect with 1954 Film

Hisashi Usui, Toho's head of planning, suggested a potential connection between the new Godzilla film and the 1954 film.

2022: Shin Ultraman Released

Following the success of Shin Godzilla, Hideaki Anno directed Shin Ultraman, released in 2022, as part of the tokusatsu reboot series.

2022: Critical Reception and Comparisons to Other Films

Released in 2022, Godzilla Minus One drew comparisons to Top Gun: Maverick for its emotional storyline, and to Akira Kurosawa's 1952 film Ikiru for its exploration of war and loss.

January 2023: Initial Target for Visual Effects Completion

January 2023 marked the initial target date for the completion of visual effects work on "Godzilla Minus One." However, the timeline was later extended to February 2023 to allow for further refinement and polishing of the film's visual elements.

February 2023: Visual Effects for Godzilla Minus One Finalized

February 2023 marked the culmination of months of meticulous work as the visual effects for "Godzilla Minus One" were finalized. Shirogumi, the studio tasked with bringing the film's monsters and destruction to life, utilized a blend of cutting-edge technology and artistic talent to create the film's stunning visuals.

May 2023: Post-Production for Godzilla Minus One Concludes

By late May 2023, the post-production phase of "Godzilla Minus One" had wrapped up, marking a significant milestone in the film's journey to completion. With all visual effects finalized and the film's edit locked, the team could finally turn their attention to the final stages of preparation for the film's release.

June 12, 2023: Godzilla Minus One Teaser Campaign Begins

On June 12, 2023, the film's Twitter account kicked off a daily countdown featuring all of Toho's live-action Godzilla films, building anticipation for the upcoming release.

July 2023: Takashi Yamazaki Shares Vision for Godzilla Film

Takashi Yamazaki shared his pitch and vision for the upcoming Godzilla film, revealing his creative direction for the project.

July 2023: Godzilla Minus One Title Announcement

The title of the upcoming Godzilla film was revealed to be "Godzilla Minus One" in July 2023, along with a teaser and poster, generating significant anticipation among fans.

September 4, 2023: Godzilla Minus One Cast Announcement Sparks Debate

The announcement of Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe as the leads in "Godzilla Minus One" at a press conference on September 4, 2023, was met with criticism from some media outlets. Their casting was deemed by some as too similar to their roles in the NHK drama series "Ranman" (2023).

October 18, 2023: Godzilla Minus One Premieres in Japan

Godzilla Minus One premiered at the Shinjuku Toho Building in Japan on October 18, 2023, marking the beginning of its theatrical run.

October 20, 2023: Godzilla Minus One at Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

Starting on October 20, 2023, the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun hot spring theme park in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, hosted an event in collaboration with the film.

October 28, 2023: Godzilla Minus One Soundtrack Released in Japan

Fans of the King of the Monsters in Japan were treated to the release of the "Godzilla Minus One Original Soundtrack" on October 28, 2023. The soundtrack, composed by Naoki Satō, was released on CD by Rambling Records [ja], making the film's epic score available for fans to enjoy.

November 3, 2023: Godzilla Film's Targeted Release Date

The new Godzilla film, later titled Godzilla Minus One, was initially slated for release on November 3, 2023.

November 8, 2023: Godzilla Minus One Novelization Released

On November 8, 2023, a novelization of the film, penned by director Takashi Yamazaki himself, hit the shelves in Japan, published by Shueisha. The novel provides an intriguing glimpse into a scene set on Odo Island, a scene that Yamazaki had envisioned for the film but was unable to film due to Toho's refusal to allow additional shooting.

November 14, 2023: Takashi Yamazaki Clarifies Godzilla Minus One Budget

On November 14, 2023, following speculation about the film's budget, director Takashi Yamazaki refuted claims that Godzilla Minus One cost ¥1 billion, stating that it was higher. While various sources reported a budget of $15 million, Yamazaki clarified that the actual figure was lower, falling within the range of $10–15 million, a range later corroborated by The A.V. Club.

December 1, 2023: Godzilla Minus One Releases in Western Countries

On December 1, 2023, "Godzilla Minus One" was released in several Western countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and various European nations.

December 11, 2023: Producer Shūji Abe Passes Away

Shūji Abe, the producer of "Godzilla Minus One," passed away on December 11, 2023. The film's black-and-white version, "Minus Color," marked his final credit.

December 14, 2023: Godzilla Minus One Releases in Brazil

Sato Company released "Godzilla Minus One" in Brazil on December 14, 2023.

2023: Godzilla Minus One Box Office Performance

"Godzilla Minus One" achieved significant box office success in 2023, becoming the fifth-highest-grossing Japanese film of the year.

2023: Godzilla Minus One's Success Compared to Hollywood Tentpoles

American media analysts and journalists highlighted how Godzilla Minus One's critical and commercial success, particularly in the United States, surpassed that of recent Hollywood tentpoles, especially superhero films. They emphasized the film's achievement in delivering high-quality visual effects on a limited budget, surpassing the quality seen in these bigger-budget productions.

2023: Godzilla Minus One Garnered Acclaim as the Best Film of 2023

Godzilla Minus One received widespread acclaim, with many, including Jason Blum, hailing it as the best film of 2023.

2023: Godzilla Minus One Release and Box Office Success

Godzilla Minus One was released in 2023 and became a sleeper hit. It broke U.S. opening weekend records for live-action Japanese films and foreign films in 2023, surpassing Demon Slayer. The film also became the highest-grossing Japanese-language film in the U.S., even exceeding Bong Joon-ho's Parasite (2019) as the third highest-grossing foreign-language film overall.

2023: Godzilla Minus One receives critical acclaim

Godzilla Minus One was widely praised as one of the best films of 2023 and among the greatest Godzilla films ever made. It was included in numerous "Best of 2023" lists and received high rankings on review aggregator websites.

2023: Godzilla Minus One Released

Godzilla Minus One, the 37th film in the Godzilla franchise, was released in 2023.

2023: Godzilla Minus One garners numerous accolades and recognition

In 2023, Godzilla Minus One received numerous accolades and recognitions, including being named the best movie released in Japan by Cinema Today, the best Asian film of 2023 by the South China Morning Post, and the "best thing anyone put on screen in 2023" by Quad-City Times. It was also included in various "Best of 2023" lists by reputable publications like Collider, Deadline, BBC, Digital Trends, MovieWeb, TheWrap, Paste, and Time Out. Furthermore, Godzilla Minus One earned a place on Eiga.com's prestigious list of the 1200 greatest films of all time.

2023: Godzilla Minus One makes a global impact

In 2023, Godzilla Minus One was lauded as a global phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide and solidifying its place in cinematic history.

2023: Godzilla Minus One Wins Best International Film at the 19th Austin Film Critics Association Awards

In 2023, Godzilla Minus One was recognized at the 19th Austin Film Critics Association Awards, where it was honored as the sixth-best film of the year and received the award for Best International Film.

2023: Godzilla Minus One Selected as a Favorite Film of 2023

In 2023, filmmakers Adam Wingard, Joe Dante, James Ponsoldt, and Juel Taylor included Godzilla Minus One among their favorite films of the year.

2023: Shin Kamen Rider Released

Shin Kamen Rider, directed by Hideaki Anno, was released in 2023, completing the trilogy of tokusatsu reboot films.

January 8, 2024: Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Event Concludes

On January 8, 2024, the Godzilla Minus One event concluded at the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun hot spring theme park.

January 12, 2024: Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color Premieres in Japan

On January 12, 2024, a black-and-white version of the film, titled "Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color", premiered in Japanese theaters.

January 13, 2024: Positive Reception from Filmmakers at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

On January 13, 2024, filmmakers, including John Landis, engaged in discussions with Takashi Yamazaki and members of the visual effects team at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Several expressed their opinion that Godzilla Minus One was the best film of 2023.

January 2024: Godzilla Minus One Ranked Fifth Highest-Grossing Film of 2023 in Japan

In January 2024, "Godzilla Minus One" was reported as the fifth highest-grossing Japanese film of 2023 by the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan.

January 19, 2024: Godzilla Minus One Vinyl Soundtrack Announced

On January 19, 2024, Toho announced that Waxwork Records would be releasing the "Godzilla Minus One" score on vinyl, much to the delight of fans and collectors. Pre-orders for the soundtrack began the same day, generating significant excitement among enthusiasts eager to own a piece of the film's musical legacy.

February 1, 2024: Godzilla Minus One Concludes US Theatrical Run

Godzilla Minus One concluded its initial US theatrical run on February 1, 2024, potentially due to contractual obligations with Legendary Entertainment and the upcoming release of "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire".

February 2024: Yamazaki reveals development of a new film and potential sequel plans

During a Q&A session in February 2024, director Yamazaki announced his involvement in developing a new film, unrelated to Godzilla Minus One. However, he expressed interest in a potential sequel, envisioning it as a continuation of the characters' journeys and aligning the timeline with the real-world time elapsed since Godzilla Minus One.

February 2024: Godzilla Minus One makes waves in pop culture

In February 2024, Godzilla Minus One was recognized for its contribution to the resurgence of Japanese pop culture in the West, alongside other popular media like "The Boy and the Heron", "One Piece", and "Shōgun".

April 2024: Godzilla Minus One achieves legendary status

By April 2024, Godzilla Minus One was widely regarded as a legendary film, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

April 21, 2024: Godzilla Minus One Box Office Success in Japan

By April 21, 2024, "Godzilla Minus One" had earned $48,207,737 in Japan, securing its position as the highest-grossing live-action film released in Japan during 2023.

May 1, 2024: Godzilla Minus One Home Release in Japan

Godzilla Minus One was released on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD in Japan on May 1, 2024.

June 1, 2024: Godzilla Minus One International Streaming Release

On June 1, 2024, "Godzilla Minus One" became available for streaming internationally on platforms like Netflix, offering both original Japanese audio and various dubbed languages.

2024: Godzilla Minus One maintains high ratings and critical acclaim

As of 2024, Godzilla Minus One continued to hold high ratings and critical acclaim, solidifying its place as a modern classic.

2024: Godzilla Minus One ranks high on best Godzilla movies lists

In 2024, Godzilla Minus One earned high rankings on various "Best Godzilla Movies" lists, including second place on Variety's list, third on Vulture's, sixth on IndieWire's, and fourth on Entertainment Weekly's.

2024: Godzilla Minus One's Influence on Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

In 2024, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire paid tribute to Godzilla Minus One by recreating a shot of Godzilla's foot bursting through the ground. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the positive reception of Godzilla Minus One is believed to have contributed to the film's box office success.