Japan's Continued Nuclear Struggles Need A New Godzilla

The original Godzilla was a unique Japanese cultural phenomenon rivaling our own King Kong, although seemingly with much more political agenda beating the monster's giant mutant heart, created by nuclear detonation and, let's be honest, the sci-fi of radiation side effects. His destructive behavior and larger-than-life size no doubt reflects the symptoms and imagery of Japan's war efforts against the U.S. in WWII.

Over a half century after surviving two nuclear atomic bombs, the country stands on the brink of a unique catastrophe ironically caused by the same culprit: nuclear technology. In times of catastrophe, there are direct consequences in the artistic world, most notably literature in the 20th century, and linked with war time, which often causes change in and helps re-define the artistic tendencies in literature, or literary movements.

Since 9/11, America's movie theaters are packed with viewers in need of justice for a wrong committed against our country. Seemingly, we can't escape the need for a hero, and luckily this summer's blockbusters are full of 'em. But what will be the response in Japan? Specifically, what will be the artistic response?