TOHO Studios traces its history to the Photo Chemical Laboratory, commonly known as P.C.L., which was founded in Japan in 1932. The company later became part of TOHO, and its production site in Tokyo developed into the filmmaking center known today as TOHO Studios.
For more than 90 years, the studio has supported Japanese cinema through changing eras of production and technology. Its soundstages and facilities have helped bring a wide range of works to the screen, from historical dramas and comedies to musicals and celebrated special-effects and kaiju films.
TOHO Studios holds a particularly important place in film history through its connection to two landmark releases from 1954: Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai and the original Godzilla. Kurosawa’s film became one of the most influential works in international cinema, while Godzilla launched a series that has continued for more than seven decades.
Since then, TOHO Studios has remained closely connected to Godzilla filmmaking across generations. From Showa-era favorites such as King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) and Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964) to later productions including Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995) and Shin Godzilla (2016), its facilities have supported the artists and technicians who helped shape the character’s screen history.
That legacy continues today as filmmakers, actors, designers, technicians, and craftspeople bring a new generation of productions to life at the studio, including the upcoming Godzilla Minus Zero.
Own a Piece of TOHO Studios History
The Godzilla Store US assortment will be available in two ways.
Limited Quantities
These items will be available while supplies last and will not be restocked:
TOHO Studios Original Grey & Navy T-Shirt
TOHO Studios Original Pink & White T-Shirt
TOHO Studios Original White & Blue T-Shirt
TOHO Studios Original Royal Blue T-Shirt
TOHO Studios Original Slate Grey T-Shirt
TOHO Studios Original Canvas Apron (Homaekake)