Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. 2003

Shobijin warn the Chûjô family

The Shobijin visit Shinichi Chûjô, his scientist Yoshito, and his grandson Shun to warn that Godzilla keeps returning to Japan because the government used the first Godzilla’s skeleton in the cyborg Kiryu’s construction. They explain that if that skeleton is returned to the ocean, Mothra—the descendant of the original Mothra who attacked Japan—will step in to defend the country. The warning sets the stakes for the rest of the film.

Kiryu project approved despite risk

The government, led by Prime Minister Hayato Igarashi, remains shaken by the first Mothra’s attack but denies Chûjô’s initial request for stopping the Kiryu project. They ultimately agree to discontinue Kiryu after it exterminates Godzilla. The decision reflects political pressure and the hope that one monster battle will end it all.

Akane Yashiro goes to the U.S.

Akane Yashiro is sent to the United States for remote-pilot training to improve Kiryu’s operation. Kyôsuke Akiba is designated to stand in should Godzilla return while she is away. The arrangement plants the seeds for the mission’s shifting pilots.

Godzilla resurfaces in Tokyo

Godzilla resurfaces to assault Tokyo, overwhelming defenses with renewed fury. Chûjô and Shun still hope for a solution and call upon Mothra to defend the country. The city braces for the next clash as national morale hinges on the outcome.

Kiryu deployed; Godzilla and Mothra clash

With repairs underway, Kiryu is deployed to confront the rebooted threat. Godzilla defeats both Kiryu and Mothra, injuring Chûjô and Shun in the process. The battle leaves Tokyo on edge and unsure of the future.

Mothra larvae hatch on Himago Island

On Himago Island, twin Mothra larvae hatch from their egg and hurry to assist their mother in defending Japan. The new threat joins Mothra in the coming fight. The island becomes a focal point for the next phase of the struggle.

Yoshito repairs Kiryu from inside

Yoshito Chûjô, aided by the Shobijin, enters Kiryu through a maintenance hatch to repair it from the inside. The Shobijin coordinate with the machine to help hold Godzilla at bay while the larvae assist from outside. The operation demonstrates the high-stakes tech fix for the cyborg.

Mothra sacrifice and hatch damage

Mothra sacrifices herself to shield her larvae from Godzilla’s atomic breath, a pivotal moment of mercy and desperation. A separate attack damages Kiryu’s maintenance hatch, trapping Yoshito inside. The mid-battle tragedy heightens the urgency of the repair effort.

Repairs complete; Kiryu wounds Godzilla

Repairs are completed, enabling Kiryu to wound Godzilla in a decisive strike. Godzilla roars, reigniting its ancient spirit and continuing the threat. The battle pushes toward a critical turning point.

Larvae cocoon Godzilla; Akiba ordered to kill

The larvae bind Godzilla in a silk cocoon, hoping to immobilize the beast. Akiba is ordered by Yoshito and the Shobijin to kill Godzilla to prevent future harm. The plan underscores the desperation to end the menace by any means.

Kiryu lifts Godzilla and heads to sea

Kiryu lifts Godzilla and uses its boosters to carry them both out to sea, attempting a gravity-defying retreat. Azusa Kisaragi blasts open Kiryu’s maintenance hatch to help Yoshito escape from danger. Kiryu tilts to allow Yoshito to exit as the machine takes on water and sinks.

Kiryu sinks with Godzilla aboard

Kiryu tilts and sinks into the ocean, dragging Godzilla aboard toward an underwater trench. Yoshito bids Kiryu farewell as the larvae and Shobijin head back to Infant Island. The implied victory is precarious as the sea claims the battleship-like monster.

Japan rejoices; farewell to Kiryu

Japan rejoices as the immediate monster threat seems contained. Yoshito bids Kiryu farewell, and the larval Mothra and the Shobijin return to Infant Island. The nation celebrates a hard-won triumph but remains wary of what lies ahead.