As Godzilla Minus One director Yamazaki Takashi reiterates, “The Tokyo International Film Festival was the place where Godzilla made its debut.” Now, almost 70 years later, Japan’s biggest icon (literally) returns to the festival with Takashi’s Minus One.

“The opportunity to have an exclusive screening before its official release at such a prestigious film festival feels like destiny and is truly an honor,” the celebrated filmmaker adds. Takashi’s professional relationship with Godzilla began back in 2007 with his Always: Sunset on Third Street 2, which featured Godzilla in a dream sequence of sorts. It was the first time Toho would render a stand-alone Godzilla completely with CGI, and it was a hit with fans and audiences.

Takashi would go on to shepherd GODZILLA THE RIDE, creating another spectacular CGI Godzilla within. This design is the template for his Minus One Goji, and the combination of all the above should reassure even the most skeptical of fans that the franchise is in excellent hands.

Toho agrees, and has arranged for the 2023 film to mark Godzilla’s return to the prestigious Tokyo International Film Festival, which runs October 23 through November 1. With Minus One closing the celebration, those in attendance will catch the film two days before it’s Japanese premiere (Nov. 3, 2023) on Nov. 1. Fans will want to be wary of spoilers as soon as November rolls in, to be sure.

Variety notes that this year’s festival will take place at a new venue in Hamamatsucho, with acclaimed film Perfect Days opening the event.

‘Godzilla Minus One’ is a remarkable work that carries forward the spirit instilled by the original creators of the first ‘Godzilla’

Perhaps the highest praise to come out of this announcement comes via the festival’s programming director, Ichiyama Shozo.

“’Godzilla Minus One’ is a remarkable work that carries forward the spirit instilled by the original creators of the first ‘Godzilla,’ while also showcasing the many challenges that the director took on,” Shozo lauds.

“I’m elated that this film, ahead of its worldwide release, can be presented as the closing film,” he adds.

Minus One has been a long time coming, too. 2016’s Shin Godzilla was the last Toho G film, which went on to win multiple accolades, including the Japanese equivalents of U.S. Academy Awards (Oscars). Still, Minus One remains shrouded in mystery. Will this be another solo outing for the titular kaiju, a’la Shin? Or will it feature another giant monster? Little is known, but we discussed this a few weeks back in our coverage of Godzilla Minus One’s Mysterious ‘Monster A.’

For now, the only official information we have is the following synopsis from Toho:

“After the war, Japan has been reduced to zero. Godzilla appears and plunges the country into a negative state. Against the most desperate situation in the history of Japan, how — and with whom —will Japan stand up to it?”

Godzilla Minus One

For everything else we know about the film, see our original Minus One coverage here. And as November fast approaches, Skreeonk will have all the latest updates as they hit.

Until then!

Jon D. B.