On October 1st, the NHK program Rekishi Tantei will spotlight a cultural icon that has shaped global cinema for 70 years—Godzilla. Led by actor and host Jiro Sato, the show transforms into a “history detective agency,” probing deep into the creature’s legacy and the hidden truths behind its creation.
Far beyond simple entertainment, the Godzilla franchise has always mirrored the fears and issues of its time. The 1954 original, directed by Ishiro Honda, was conceived as a sobering warning against nuclear weapons. Using groundbreaking techniques, the filmmakers conveyed messages that resonated with audiences still haunted by the atomic bomb.
This special broadcast also uncovers little-known details about the Hollywood adaptation of Godzilla (2014). Declassified US Department of Defense records show behind-the-scenes negotiations between American officials and the film’s producers over how to depict nuclear destruction.
Adding modern perspective, the program features an in-depth conversation with Takashi Yamazaki, director of the Oscar-winning Godzilla Minus One (2023). His insights connect the franchise’s past to its present, tracing how Godzilla continues to reflect global concerns about war, nuclear weapons, and humanity’s survival.
Chief producer Koji Mikami emphasizes that while nearly everyone recognizes Godzilla’s stance and iconic theme music, few know the story behind their creation. Using the latest research methods, the team has reconstructed the intentions of the original creators—revealing how every detail, from posture to soundtrack, carried hidden meaning.
The broadcast also highlights Jiro Sato’s personal connection to the franchise: “I once appeared as a defense force officer in a Godzilla film, even if it was just for four seconds,” he recalls with humor. His role as MC promises both expertise and genuine admiration for the subject.
By combining archival research, overseas investigations, and expert commentary, Rekishi Tantei promises to peel back the layers of myth surrounding Godzilla. From Cold War anxieties to modern-day acclaim, viewers will witness how a giant monster grew into one of the most enduring symbols of cultural storytelling.
