Nikka Yuko putting on one monster of a birthday bash

By Lethbridge Herald on November 1, 2025.

NIKKA YUKO JAPANESE GARDEN PHOTO Godzilla "The King of Monsters" will be at the Nikka Yukko Japanese Garden Bunka Centre Saturday for his 71st Birthday Bash.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The King of Monsters, Godzilla (or Gojira, as he is called in Japan) is turning 71 and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens is throwing him a birthday bash at the Bunka Centre starting at 6 p.m. today, complete with popcorn, cake and a screening of his latest movie “Godzilla Minus One” (2023). 

Godzilla himself will also be making an appearance at his party. 

This the fifth year of what has become one of Nikka Yuko’s most popular Fall events. Last year the garden welcomed approximately 100 guests. Tickets are available at the door.

“The first event was incredibly well-received,” says Nikka Yuko Marketing Manager Eric Granson. “Fans of all ages from families to lifelong kaiju enthusiasts came out to celebrate. It created a fun and nostalgic atmosphere while introducing many guests to aspects of Japanese culture they hadn’t experienced before.”

Japanese giant monster movies, known as “kaiju” have had an immense cultural significance and impact both in Japan and globally. And since 1954 Godzilla has reigned as king of the kaiju genre. In fact “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” was the title of a 2019 remake.

“Even if you’re not a lifelong Godzilla fan, this event is a fantastic way to experience Japanese culture in a fun and interactive way. We feature themed treats, kaiju-inspired displays, activities for families, and a celebration of Japanese creativity through film and art. It’s a blend of nostalgia, cultural appreciation, and community celebration, something everyone can enjoy,” says Granson.

Beginning with the 1954 Godzilla movie, the kaiju genre became a powerful vehicle for exploring anxieties about nuclear weapons, technological progress, environmental destruction, and social change.

Godzilla can be a terrifying force of destruction, a reluctant hero or a symbol of nature’s power, and his  stories reflect anxieties about nuclear weapons, environmental destruction, and unchecked technological progress. His long history and evolving role have also created a powerful sense of nostalgia and a devoted fanbase.

Granson says that the event celebrates not only the monster himself, but also Japan’s deep storytelling tradition and influence on global film culture.

“The idea (to celebrate Godzilla’s birthday) came from our team at Nikka Yuko as part of our Yokai Experience, which explores the mythological and pop culture creatures of Japan. Godzilla, being one of Japan’s most iconic figures and a cultural symbol recognized worldwide, felt like the perfect way to connect Japanese cinema and folklore with our seasonal programming.”

Godzilla’s enduring appeal stems from his versatility as a symbol and his ability to be both a force of nature and a relatable hero, which has allowed the franchise to adapt to new social anxieties over the decades and provide both thought-provoking commentary and mindless entertainment.

Originally a metaphor for nuclear devastation, he has evolved into a protector, a superhero, and a mirror for modern fears like environmental destruction, making him a consistently relevant character.

During the Showa era of films (1954-1975) the classic Godzilla evolved from a terrifying symbol of nuclear destruction into an almost cuddly-looking hero for children. This shift was a response to audience demand and the changing landscape of Japanese entertainment, particularly the growing popularity of superhero television shows.

Since 1998, there have been five major reboots or remakes of the Godzilla franchise across two different production styles: Japanese live-action and American live-action.