'Godzilla Shoes' Gain Overseas Attention
Product Made for Stage Events
Bold Design Priced at 700,000 to 800,000 KRW
The Japanese kaiju film series "Godzilla Minus One (-1)" won the Academy Award for Visual Effects in the United States, and the so-called "Godzilla shoes" worn by the actors have attracted the attention of global netizens. These shoes are characterized by a design featuring decorations on the soles that evoke Godzilla.
At the 96th Academy Awards, an "upset" unfolded. The Japanese film "Godzilla Minus One" took home the Visual Effects Award, beating out big-budget American films such as "The Creator," "Guardians of the Galaxy," and "Mission: Impossible." This news drew attention not only in the U.S. but also in Japan, Godzilla's homeland. The film crew expressed at the ceremony, "We worked on various projects like Hollywood's 'Star Wars' 40 years ago," and added, "After being away from Hollywood for a long time, we finally stood on the Oscar stage."
Specially designed so-called 'Godzilla Shoes' for the premiere event of the new movie 'Godzilla' [Image source=Capture from X]
However, the global netizens' focus was not only on the film or special effects. When director Yamazaki and four key production members stood on the red carpet, attention was also drawn to the so-called "Godzilla shoes" they wore. The Godzilla shoes are unique footwear featuring rough-textured decorations on the heels that resemble the monster Godzilla.
Photos of the Godzilla shoes spread worldwide through social networking services (SNS), and questions such as "It's groundbreaking. An unforgettable design," and "Where can I buy these?" have been pouring in.
Specially designed so-called 'Godzilla Shoes' for the premiere event of the new movie 'Godzilla' [Image source=Capture from X]
So, who designed and made the much-talked-about Godzilla shoes? They are known to have been designed by Ryosuke Matsui, a designer affiliated with the Japanese clothing brand company "ha|za|ma." He reportedly designed the shoes for the stage greeting of this Godzilla film.
Designer Matsui Shou congratulating the Godzilla production team attending the Academy Awards ceremony [Image source=X Capture]
In an interview with Japan's Fuji News Network (FNN) on the 11th (local time), designer Matsui explained, "The Godzilla shoes were used during the stage greeting event at the film screening, and they were planned as a collaborative product with made-to-order sales conducted at the end of last year. When the film was nominated for the Academy Awards, we specially supplied the shoes for the four people attending the ceremony."
Although production and sales of the product ended in December last year, it is reported that materials are still available. Designer Matsui expressed hope, saying, "It would be great if we could resell them in the future," and added, "There was news that the shoes caused a big reaction even during the production stage." The price is being considered at around 88,000 yen (about 780,000 KRW) for men's dress shoes and 78,000 yen (about 680,000 KRW) for women's heels, and if demand exceeds expectations, there are plans to increase production quantity.
Designer Matsui also promoted the shoes directly through his "X" account. In a post he uploaded that day, he said, "I see questions about where the Godzilla shoes are made and sold. These shoes were made by our brand," and urged, "There may still be a chance to purchase them. If you are interested in buying, please spread this information to others."
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