42 Weird Things in Japan That You Can Only Try Here

In a twist only Japan could pull off, the monster who oncelaid waste to Tokyobecame itsmost beloved civil servant. In 2015, at the cinematic age of 61,Godzillawas grantedhonorary citizenshipand named theofficial tourism ambassadorof Shinjuku Ward—a place he had famously leveled three times on screen.

Instead of stomping through city blocks, he nowsmiles from postersand draws visitors to the Godzilla-themed hotel bearing his roaring likeness. It’s adeliciously ironic redemption arc: the kaiju once feared as a nuclear allegory nowcharms tourists, proving that even the most enormous monsters can get asecond act.