Beyond the Man in the Rubber Suit: Godzilla, Postwar Japan, & the Global Imagination

In partnership with Tulane Asian Studies Program, Japan Society of New Orleans presents "Beyond the Man in the Rubber Suit: Godzilla, Postwar Japan, and the Global Imagination." A presentation by Dr. William Tsutsui, Chancellor and Professor of History at Ottawa University.

Since Godzilla's first appearance almost 70 years ago, the King of the Monsters has become a cinematic icon and a globally recognized symbol of Japan. But what can a giant, radioactive movie monster tell us about Japanese culture and Japan's national experience since World War II? What is it about an actor in a rubber lizard suit destroying miniature Japanese cities that has inspired love, loyalty, and laughter over generations of fans around the world? This talk will briefly survey the history and impact of the 33 live-action Godzilla films, reflect on Hollywood’s handling of the King of the Monsters, and assess the impact of changes in special effects technology, cinematic fashion, and global politics on the world’s oldest and longest film franchise.

This event is funded by a grant from the National Association of Japan America Societies supported by Japan Foundation New York.  

Come out on Wednesday, October 12th at 6:30 PM at Tulane University - Stone Auditorium in Woldehnberg Art Museum for a fantastic presentation!