‘We Leave the Future to You’: Memory, masculinity and victimhood in Godzilla Minus One

Abstract

Godzilla Minus One (2023) became the most successful Japanese instalment in the franchise’s 70-year history, grossing over $100 million globally. Set in the war-torn remnants of US-occupied Tokyo, the film follows a kamikaze pilot grappling with shame, trauma and the challenges of post-war reconstruction. While the story has been rightly criticised for portraying former soldiers as sympathetic victims, omitting the Japanese military’s involvement in sexual slavery, massacres and forced labour, this article argues that the film provides a valuable portrayal of post-war masculinity that engages with debates on collective wartime sacrifice, individual rights and accountability. Using visual analysis and Japan’s constitutional context, this article examines how the film critiques the glorification of sacrifice through death, and instead emphasises themes of agency and rights. Considering ongoing debates over Japanese war memory, the analysis demonstrates how Godzilla Minus One reflects the shift from state power to individual autonomy in post-war Japanese identity.
The findings highlight Godzilla Minus One as a critical artefact that challenges traditional narratives, contemplating the intersection of memory, rights and definitions of masculinity. This study contributes to ongoing discussions about the denial of war crimes in Japanese politics and its discourse in popular media, ultimately showing how exploring victimhood from multiple perspectives can enrich the debate.
Contribution: The article contributes to the growing literature on monster films and war films by interrogating the historical and constitutional backdrop of postwar Japan. Viewing Godzilla Minus One through this lens raises new reflections on a controversial product of socio-political and cultural identities.