The Japanese Judo Federation had chosen the nickname “Godzilla Japan” for the National Japanese judo team that is set to compete in the World Judo Championship. The competition will begin on August 25, at the Nippon Budokan hall in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The name “Godzilla Japan” was chosen after the Toho Co., which is the studio behind the Godzilla films, piqued an interest in the nickname that Judo insiders used in their computer system to analyze video of previous matches.
Toho Co., and the Japanese Judo Federation agreed upon using the name and publicizing it, was due to the similarities of both Judo and Godzilla had. Both originated from Japan, shows an image of strength, and are internationally well known. They are considering using the name for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics games, which starts July of 2020.
According to some source, there has been some cautious approach from fellow Federation members about using the nickname. Stating, “Does Godzilla play by the rule.” Or that the name does not meet the “values of Judo.”
With that being said, the men’s national team coach Kosei Inoue had stated, “[Godzilla] will be a big help in our efforts to become stronger.” And the women’s national team coach Katsuyuki Masuchi had added, “Godzilla symbolizes overwhelming strength. We want to compete with as much power as Godzilla,”
Sources: Japan News, KyodoNews
