Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Deleted line(s) 29 (click to see context) :
* AttackOfThe50FootWhatever: Whether it be from atomic testing or magic, plenty of kaiju started out as normal-sized creatures.
Added DiffLines:
* AttackOfThe50FootWhatever: Whether it be from atomic testing or magic, plenty of kaiju started out as normal-sized creatures.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Added example(s)
Added DiffLines:
* AssholeVictim: It’s common for the first on-screen kill of a kaiju to be this.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 91 (click to see context) from:
* CrisisPointHospital: Occasionally seen in darker kaiju media, such as ''Film/Godzilla1954'' or ''Film/'{{Cloverfield}}''.
to:
* CrisisPointHospital: Occasionally seen in darker kaiju media, such as ''Film/Godzilla1954'' or ''Film/'{{Cloverfield}}''.''Film/{{Cloverfield}}''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 91 (click to see context) from:
* CrisisPointHospital: Occasionally seen in darker kaiju media, such as ''Film/Godzilla1954'' or ''Film/'{{Cloverfield}''.
to:
* CrisisPointHospital: Occasionally seen in darker kaiju media, such as ''Film/Godzilla1954'' or ''Film/'{{Cloverfield}''.''Film/'{{Cloverfield}}''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* FunWithAcronyms: Very common for the names of the aforementioned [[CreatureHunterOrganization Creature Hunter Organizations]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 90 (click to see context) from:
* CreatureHunterOrganization: A typical way of including a competent human cast in a giant monster story, kaiju-busting corps such as [[Series/{{{Ultraman}} the SSSP]] give humanity a chance without having to rely on giant monsters on their side. Sometimes they use mecha to carry the day, like the PPDC in ''Film/PacificRim''.
to:
* CreatureHunterOrganization: A typical way of including a competent human cast in a giant monster story, kaiju-busting corps such as [[Series/{{{Ultraman}} [[Series/{{Ultraman}} the SSSP]] give humanity a chance without having to rely on giant monsters on their side. Sometimes they use mecha to carry the day, like the PPDC in ''Film/PacificRim''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Added example(s)
Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
* AliensAreBastards: Practically every giant monster that comes from space isn't visiting Earth with the best intentions.
to:
* AliensAreBastards: Practically every giant monster or alien species that comes from space isn't visiting Earth with the best intentions.intentions.
* AnimalisticAbomination: Many kaiju are these, especially the ones with more supernatural origins.
* AnimalisticAbomination: Many kaiju are these, especially the ones with more supernatural origins.
Changed line(s) 37 (click to see context) from:
* EldritchAbomination: As if the creatures of Creator/HPLovecraft didn't already count, some kaiju are freaky, insanity-inducing and surreal enough to fit right in with the rest of the ''Franchise/CthulhuMythos''.
to:
* EldritchAbomination: As if some of the creatures of Creator/HPLovecraft didn't already count, some kaiju are freaky, insanity-inducing and surreal enough to fit right in with the rest of the ''Franchise/CthulhuMythos''.
Changed line(s) 46 (click to see context) from:
* GiantAnimalWorship: Giant monsters worshipped as gods. While some (ie Film/KingKong) are merely giant animals, others (ie {{Film/Mothra}}) demonstrate supernatural abilities.
to:
* GiantAnimalWorship: Giant monsters worshipped as gods. While some (ie Film/KingKong) are merely giant animals, others (ie {{Film/Mothra}}) demonstrate actual supernatural abilities.
Changed line(s) 50 (click to see context) from:
* GoodIsNotSoft: Even if they valiantly defend mankind, kaiju don't mind tearing apart the city or their opponent if necessary.
to:
* GoodIsNotSoft: Even if they valiantly defend mankind, heroic kaiju don't mind tearing apart the city or their opponent if necessary.
* PhysicalGod: Certain kaiju are outright these, Film/{{Mothra}} probably being the best example.
Changed line(s) 88,89 (click to see context) from:
* CreatureHunterOrganization: A typical way of including a competent human cast in a giant monster story, kaiju-busting corps such as [[Series/UltraMan the SSSP]] give humanity a chance without having to rely on giant monsters on their side.
* CrisisPointHospital: Occasionally seen in darker kaiju media, such as ''Film/Godzilla1954'' or ''Film/''Cloverfield''.
* CrisisPointHospital: Occasionally seen in darker kaiju media, such as ''Film/Godzilla1954'' or ''Film/''Cloverfield''.
to:
* CreatureHunterOrganization: A typical way of including a competent human cast in a giant monster story, kaiju-busting corps such as [[Series/UltraMan [[Series/{{{Ultraman}} the SSSP]] give humanity a chance without having to rely on giant monsters on their side.
side. Sometimes they use mecha to carry the day, like the PPDC in ''Film/PacificRim''.
* CrisisPointHospital: Occasionally seen in darker kaiju media, such as ''Film/Godzilla1954'' or''Film/''Cloverfield''.''Film/'{{Cloverfield}''.
* CrisisPointHospital: Occasionally seen in darker kaiju media, such as ''Film/Godzilla1954'' or
Added DiffLines:
* SpeculativeBiology: Some stories will specifically go to the trouble of creating a fictitious ecology and/or evolutionary history for their kaiju, something that has become especially common in the Modern Era [[FollowTheLeader due to the influence of works like the]] ''Franchise/MonsterVerse''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 49 (click to see context) from:
* GiganticAdultsTinyBabies: Kaiju offspring are portrayed as much smaller than their parents.
to:
* GiganticAdultsTinyBabies: Kaiju offspring are usually portrayed as much smaller than their parents.
Changed line(s) 52 (click to see context) from:
* ImmuneToBullets: and tanks, and missiles, and bombs, and pretty much anything below a megaton range.
to:
* ImmuneToBullets: and tanks, and missiles, and bombs, and pretty much anything below a megaton range.range [[FantasticNuke or the equivalent]].
* MamaBear: Any female kaiju with offspring is this by default. Notable examples include Mothra taking on Godzilla to defend her eggs and larvae, [[Film/{{Gorgo}} Gorgo's mother going on a rampage to free her baby from human captivity]], and [[Film/Godzilla2014 Femuto]] howling in grief and then going on a RoaringRampageOfRevenge when her nest is destroyed.
Changed line(s) 57 (click to see context) from:
* NonMaliciousMonster: Some kaiju stories emphasize that the monster isn't evil but instead agitated, frequently by mankind.
to:
* NonMaliciousMonster: Some kaiju stories emphasize that the monster isn't evil or malicious but instead agitated, frequently by mankind.mankind, while other kaiju are simply nonsapient animals following their instincts such as finding food and defending their territory or offspring.
Added DiffLines:
* PapaWolf: Similar to the mothers above, male kaiju parents will also be extremely defensive of their offspring.
Added DiffLines:
* CrisisPointHospital: Occasionally seen in darker kaiju media, such as ''Film/Godzilla1954'' or ''Film/''Cloverfield''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 61 (click to see context) from:
* RedBaron: Kaiju commonly have these.
to:
* RedBaron: Kaiju commonly have these. Some notable examples:
** Godzilla: the King of the Monsters, God of Destruction, God Incarnate, Atomic Bomb Monster.
** Mothra: the Queen of the Monsters, The Thing, God of the Sea, Guardian of Earth, Supersonic Giant Moth.
** Rodan: the Giant Monster of the Sky, the Fire Demon, the One Born of Flame.
** Ghidorah: the King of Terror, Monster Zero, Three-Headed Monster, the Golden Demise, the One Who Is Many.
** Gamera: The FriendToAllChildren, the Guardian of the Universe, the Last Hope.
** Gyaos: The Supersonic Monster, the Shadow of Evil.
** Godzilla: the King of the Monsters, God of Destruction, God Incarnate, Atomic Bomb Monster.
** Mothra: the Queen of the Monsters, The Thing, God of the Sea, Guardian of Earth, Supersonic Giant Moth.
** Rodan: the Giant Monster of the Sky, the Fire Demon, the One Born of Flame.
** Ghidorah: the King of Terror, Monster Zero, Three-Headed Monster, the Golden Demise, the One Who Is Many.
** Gamera: The FriendToAllChildren, the Guardian of the Universe, the Last Hope.
** Gyaos: The Supersonic Monster, the Shadow of Evil.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 61 (click to see context) from:
* RoBeast: A kaiju that battles against a giant robot in a MechaShow, as in the case of [[Anime/Voltron the trope namer]].
to:
* RoBeast: A kaiju that battles against a giant robot in a MechaShow, as in the case of [[Anime/Voltron [[Anime/{{Voltron}} the trope namer]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 61 (click to see context) from:
* RoBeast: A kaiju that battles against a giant robot in a MechaShow, as in the case of [[Anime/MazingerZ the trope namer]].
to:
* RoBeast: A kaiju that battles against a giant robot in a MechaShow, as in the case of [[Anime/MazingerZ [[Anime/Voltron the trope namer]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 37 (click to see context) from:
* EldritchAbomination: As if the creatures of Creator/HPLovecraft didn't already count, some kaiju are freaky, insanity-inducing and surreal enough to fit right in with the rest of the Franchise/CthulhuMythos.
to:
* EldritchAbomination: As if the creatures of Creator/HPLovecraft didn't already count, some kaiju are freaky, insanity-inducing and surreal enough to fit right in with the rest of the Franchise/CthulhuMythos.''Franchise/CthulhuMythos''.
Changed line(s) 45 (click to see context) from:
* GentleGiant: In spite of their size, some kaiju are as friendly as they are ferocious-looking. For example, Series/UltramanCosmos is an entire show of these.
to:
* GentleGiant: In spite of their size, some kaiju are as friendly as they are ferocious-looking. For example, Series/UltramanCosmos ''Series/UltramanCosmos'' is an entire show of these.
Changed line(s) 74 (click to see context) from:
* ArtisticLicensePhysics: At the very least, the very existence of kaiju are a middle finger to the SquareCubeLaw, to say nothing of atomic breath and/or flight.
to:
* ArtisticLicensePhysics: At the very least, the very existence of kaiju are is a middle finger to the SquareCubeLaw, to say nothing of atomic breath and/or flight.
Changed line(s) 81,82 (click to see context) from:
* DefeatEqualsExplosion: Especially common in {{Toku}} TV franchises such as the Franchise/UltraSeries and Franchise/SuperSentai.
* DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything: Some kaiju stories are analogies for real-world social issues or historical events (ie Film/Godzilla1954, Episode 42 of Series/UltraSeven).
* DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything: Some kaiju stories are analogies for real-world social issues or historical events (ie Film/Godzilla1954, Episode 42 of Series/UltraSeven).
to:
* DefeatEqualsExplosion: Especially common in {{Toku}} TV franchises such as the Franchise/UltraSeries ''Franchise/UltraSeries'' and Franchise/SuperSentai.
''Franchise/SuperSentai''.
* DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything: Some kaiju stories are analogies for real-world social issues or historical events (ieFilm/Godzilla1954, ''Film/Godzilla1954'', Episode 42 of Series/UltraSeven).''Series/UltraSeven'').
* DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything: Some kaiju stories are analogies for real-world social issues or historical events (ie
Changed line(s) 92 (click to see context) from:
* LovecraftLite: Any media that frequently shows its protagonists defeating nigh-invulnerable kaiju on a regular basis counts as this (ie the Franchise/UltraSeries, Franchise/SuperSentai).
to:
* LovecraftLite: Any media that frequently shows its protagonists defeating nigh-invulnerable kaiju on a regular basis counts as this (ie the Franchise/UltraSeries, Franchise/SuperSentai).''Franchise/UltraSeries'', ''Franchise/SuperSentai'').
Changed line(s) 94 (click to see context) from:
* MakeMyMonsterGrow: A staple of Franchise/SuperSentai and Franchise/PowerRangers, featuring kaiju being made from human-sized monsters thanks to magic.
to:
* MakeMyMonsterGrow: A staple of Franchise/SuperSentai ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' and Franchise/PowerRangers, ''Franchise/PowerRangers'', featuring kaiju being made from human-sized monsters thanks to magic.
Changed line(s) 99 (click to see context) from:
* NoEndorHolocaust: As to focus on RuleOfCool, kaiju media often portray the awesomeness of kaiju destroying cities without addressing the in-universe death tolls and consequences. However, when kaiju stories do avert this trope (ie Film/Godzilla1954), they make it blatantly obvious.
to:
* NoEndorHolocaust: As to focus on RuleOfCool, kaiju media often portray the awesomeness of kaiju destroying cities without addressing the in-universe death tolls and consequences. However, when kaiju stories do avert this trope (ie Film/Godzilla1954), ''Film/Godzilla1954''), they make it blatantly obvious.
Changed line(s) 101 (click to see context) from:
* PrimateVersusReptile: Starting with Film/KingKong and taken to its logical conclusion with Film/KingKongVsGodzilla, this is a pretty common archetypal kaiju matchup.
to:
* PrimateVersusReptile: Starting with Film/KingKong ''Film/KingKong'' and taken to its logical conclusion with Film/KingKongVsGodzilla, ''Film/KingKongVsGodzilla'', this is a pretty common archetypal kaiju matchup.
Changed line(s) 104 (click to see context) from:
* SpaceWhaleAesop: "Don't [insert vice here] or else a giant monster will destroy your city!" Common morals in kaiju media include
to:
* SpaceWhaleAesop: "Don't [insert vice here] or else a giant monster will destroy your city!" Common morals in kaiju media includeinclude:
Changed line(s) 106 (click to see context) from:
** NuclearWeaponsTaboo: Starting with Film/Godzilla1954, Japan's national opposition to nuclear weapons has seeped its way into kaiju media throughout the decades.
to:
** NuclearWeaponsTaboo: Starting with Film/Godzilla1954, ''Film/Godzilla1954'', Japan's national opposition to nuclear weapons has seeped its way into kaiju media throughout the decades.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Capitalization was fixed from Main.Size Shifter to Main.Sizeshifter. Null edit to update index.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 102 (click to see context) from:
* RentaZilla: Kaiju appearing in stories where they aren't the main focus.
to:
* RentaZilla: RentAZilla: Kaiju appearing in stories where they aren't the main focus.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 112 (click to see context) from:
* WaistDeepOcean: Due to the limitations of [[{{Toku}} Tokusatsu]], aquatic kaiju battles tend to portray the monsters standing in the water, no matter how deep it would logically be. This still gets used in modern kaiju media, though moreso as an homage.
to:
* WaistDeepOcean: Due to the limitations of [[{{Toku}} Tokusatsu]], aquatic kaiju battles tend to portray the monsters standing in the water, no matter how deep it would logically be. This still gets used in modern kaiju media, though moreso as an homage.homage.
----
----
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
No longer a trope
Deleted line(s) 58 (click to see context) :
* NuclearNasty: Starting with [[Film/Godzilla1954 the trope codifier]], many kaiju are mutated products of nuclear testing or poor waste disposal.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
added Waist Deep Ocean
Changed line(s) 112 (click to see context) from:
* TheTokyoFireball / TokyoIsTheCenterOfTheUniverse: Tokyo is by far the most frequently-destroyed city across kaiju media.
to:
* TheTokyoFireball / TokyoIsTheCenterOfTheUniverse: Tokyo is by far the most frequently-destroyed city across kaiju media.media.
* WaistDeepOcean: Due to the limitations of [[{{Toku}} Tokusatsu]], aquatic kaiju battles tend to portray the monsters standing in the water, no matter how deep it would logically be. This still gets used in modern kaiju media, though moreso as an homage.
* WaistDeepOcean: Due to the limitations of [[{{Toku}} Tokusatsu]], aquatic kaiju battles tend to portray the monsters standing in the water, no matter how deep it would logically be. This still gets used in modern kaiju media, though moreso as an homage.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ColossusClimb: Climbing on or exploring the body of a giant creature or being.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 92 (click to see context) from:
* LovecraftLite: Any media that frequently shows its protagonists defeating nigh-invulnerable kaiju on a regular basis counts as this (ie Franchise/UltraSeries and Franchise/SuperSentai).
to:
* LovecraftLite: Any media that frequently shows its protagonists defeating nigh-invulnerable kaiju on a regular basis counts as this (ie Franchise/UltraSeries and the Franchise/UltraSeries, Franchise/SuperSentai).
Changed line(s) 95 (click to see context) from:
* MechVsBeast: Any battle between a HumungousMecha and a kaiju is bound to be this.
to:
* MechVsBeast: Any battle between a HumungousMecha HumongousMecha and a kaiju is bound to be this.
Changed line(s) 105 (click to see context) from:
** GreenAesop: Especially common during the 1970's, at which point Japan's pollution problem was worse than that of the US
to:
** GreenAesop: Especially common during the 1970's, 1970s, at which point Japan's pollution problem was even worse than that of the USUS.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 81 (click to see context) from:
* DefeatEqualsExplosion: Especially common in {{Toku}} TV franchises such as Franchise/UltraSeries and Franchise/SuperSentai.
to:
* DefeatEqualsExplosion: Especially common in {{Toku}} TV franchises such as the Franchise/UltraSeries and Franchise/SuperSentai.
Changed line(s) 86 (click to see context) from:
* GiantFootprint: A kaiju's footprint is commonly used to foreshadow the monster's size and power without directly portraying it.
to:
* GiantFootprint: GiantFootprintReveal: A kaiju's footprint is commonly used to foreshadow the monster's size and power without directly portraying it.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 69 (click to see context) from:
[[AC:Plot-related or meta tropes:]]
to:
[[AC:Plot-related or meta tropes:]]tropes]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Created from YKTTW
Added DiffLines:
[[quoteright:350:[[Franchise/{{Godzilla}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tumblr_nt8bsawhjt1sfqui2o1_1280.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[Music/BlueOysterCult With a purposeful grimace and a terrible sound, they'll pull the spitting high tension wires down.]] [[note]] Clockwise, from the top left corner: [[Film/GhidorahTheThreeHeadedMonster King Ghidorah]], [[Film/TheMysterians Moguera]], [[Film/WarOfTheGargantuas Sanda and Gaira]], [[Film/GodzillaRaidsAgain Anguirus]], {{Film/Rodan}}, [[Film/SpaceAmoeba Gezora]], [[Film/GodzillaVsGigan Gigan]], {{Film/Mothra}}, [[TropeCodifier Center]]: {{Franchise/Godzilla}}. [[/note]]]]
->''"Monsters are tragic beings. They are born too tall, too strong, too heavy. They are not evil by choice. That is their tragedy. They do not attack people because they want to, but because of their size and strength, mankind has no other choice but to defend himself. After several stories such as this, people end up having a kind of affection for the monsters. They end up caring about them."''
-->-- '''Creator/IshiroHonda'''
Tropes that are associated with Kaiju from any medium, in regards to both the monsters themselves and the stories they inhabit.
See also TokusatsuTropes.
----
!!Tropes:
[[index]]
[floatboxright:
'''Main topic:'''
* {{Kaiju}}
'''Media index:'''
* KaijuWorks
'''UsefulNotes:'''
* {{Toku}}
* Creator/{{Toho}}
* Creator/TsuburayaProductions
]
[[AC:Monster tropes]]
* AttackOfThe50FootWhatever: Whether it be from atomic testing or magic, plenty of kaiju started out as normal-sized creatures.
* AliensAreBastards: Practically every giant monster that comes from space isn't visiting Earth with the best intentions.
* BenevolentMonsters: While most kaiju are antagonistic towards mankind, a handful such as {{Film/Gamera}} and {{Film/Mothra}} will stand for mankind no matter what.
* BigCreepyCrawlies: Bug-themed kaiju make humans look like ants in comparison.
* BioweaponBeast: If GeneticEngineeringIsTheNewNuke, genetically-engineered giant monsters are the new Tsar Bombas.
* BreathWeapon: THE most common ranged attack amongst kaiju. Across flames, lightning, acid, energy, ice, poison gas and more, and every shape and color to boot, there's a kaiju for every breath weapon you could think of.
* ChestBlaster: A rarer, but still decently common, kaiju ranged weapon.
* CombatTentacles: Common amongst celaphod or alien kaiju.
* EldritchAbomination: As if the creatures of Creator/HPLovecraft didn't already count, some kaiju are freaky, insanity-inducing and surreal enough to fit right in with the rest of the Franchise/CthulhuMythos.
* {{Expy}}: A pretty common way of creating a kaiju for a story is to make an {{expy}} of a famous pre-existing one. Common kaiju {{Expy}} archetypes include:
** KingKongCopy: based on [[Film/KingKong the Eighth Wonder of the World]]
** NotZilla: based on [[{{Franchise/Godzilla}} the King of the Monsters]]
** UltramanCopy: based on [[{{Series/Ultraman}} the Giant of Light]]
* EyeBeams: The second most common ranged weapon, whether it be from one, two or several eyes.
* FriendToAllChildren: A pretty common trait among benevolent kaiju, not least of which being [[{{Film/Gamera}} the trope namer himself]].
* GaiasVengeance: Kaiju are sometimes interpreted in-universe as nature's revenge against mankind, though whether they actually are this varies from story to story.
* GentleGiant: In spite of their size, some kaiju are as friendly as they are ferocious-looking. For example, Series/UltramanCosmos is an entire show of these.
* GiantAnimalWorship: Giant monsters worshipped as gods. While some (ie Film/KingKong) are merely giant animals, others (ie {{Film/Mothra}}) demonstrate supernatural abilities.
* GiantEqualsInvincible: Kaiju can tank anything thrown at them except the most powerful of super weapons and other kaiju.
* GiantFlyer: Any kaiju that can fly is this by definition.
* GiganticAdultsTinyBabies: Kaiju offspring are portrayed as much smaller than their parents.
* GoodIsNotSoft: Even if they valiantly defend mankind, kaiju don't mind tearing apart the city or their opponent if necessary.
* HumongousMecha: Any robot that is on the same scale as kaiju are this by definition.
* ImmuneToBullets: and tanks, and missiles, and bombs, and pretty much anything below a megaton range.
* IsleOfGiantHorrors: An island inhabited by kaiju (ie [[Film/DestroyAllMonsters Monster Island]]).
* LivingDinosaurs / PrehistoricMonster: From {{Franchise/Godzilla}} to [[Series/UltraMan Gomora]], building-sized dinosaurs are the most popular kaiju archetype in fiction.
* ManEatingPlant: Plant-themed kaiju more often than not display carnivorous traits, especially towards humans.
* MetamorphosisMonster: Some kaiju take on numerous, increasingly larger forms throughout their runtime, usually as an extension of HollywoodEvolution.
* NonMaliciousMonster: Some kaiju stories emphasize that the monster isn't evil but instead agitated, frequently by mankind.
* NuclearNasty: Starting with [[Film/Godzilla1954 the trope codifier]], many kaiju are mutated products of nuclear testing or poor waste disposal.
* OurMonstersAreWeird: Given how broad the term 'kaiju' is (giant monster that attacks Japan), you can bet there are extremely bizarre monsters.
* PersonOfMassDestruction: Any destructive kaiju is this by comparison.
* ProportionatelyPonderousParasites: Kaiju are laced with relatively gigantic equivalents to fleas, which themselves can become a threat to humans.
* RoBeast: A kaiju that battles against a giant robot in a MechaShow, as in the case of [[Anime/MazingerZ the trope namer]].
* SeaMonster: Numerous kaiju live under the ocean though, unlike traditional sea monsters, almost always demonstrate the capacity to walk on land.
* SizeShifter: Many kaiju, seijin and kyodai heroes demonstrate the ability to change sizes, usually from human-sized for the majority of the story to giant-sized by the climax.
* TailSlap: Numerous kaiju have long tails that are used to whack at buildings and opponents.
* TunnelKing: Any kaiju that lives underground is guaranteed to be a master digger, and will inevitably burrow its way into civilization.
* TragicMonster / WhatMeasureIsANonHuman: In spite of their destructive nature, numerous monsters are portrayed as victims of circumstance that mankind is forced to destroy (ie [[Film/Godzilla1954 Godzilla]], [[Series/UltraMan Jamila]]).
[[AC:Plot-related or meta tropes:]]
* TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture: Many kaiju stories take place very slightly into the relative future.
* AlienInvasion: The vast majority of alien civilizations that come to earth in kaiju media do so with the intention of conquering, subjugating or eradicating humanity.
* AliensSpeakingEnglish: Alien invaders can easily speak to humans in Japanese, usually without any justification as to why.
* AllMythsAreTrue: Chances are that if a kaiju is featured in a myth, it'll turn out to be real and very much alive.
* ArtisticLicensePaleontology: Ignoring their size, most dinosaur kaiju aren't analogous to real species.
* ArtisticLicensePhysics: At the very least, the very existence of kaiju are a middle finger to the SquareCubeLaw, to say nothing of atomic breath and/or flight.
* BadVibrations: Repeated earthquakes are a common way of foreshadowing an imminent kaiju attack.
* BehemothBattle: A fight between two or more kaiju is bound to be this.
* BigAppleSauce: New York is the most common target in American kaiju media.
* CreatureHunterOrganization: A typical way of including a competent human cast in a giant monster story, kaiju-busting corps such as [[Series/UltraMan the SSSP]] give humanity a chance without having to rely on giant monsters on their side.
* CrowdPanic: A frequent shot in kaiju media is to show crowds of civilians running away from the monster in the background.
* DefeatEqualsExplosion: Especially common in {{Toku}} TV franchises such as Franchise/UltraSeries and Franchise/SuperSentai.
* DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything: Some kaiju stories are analogies for real-world social issues or historical events (ie Film/Godzilla1954, Episode 42 of Series/UltraSeven).
* DestructiveSavior: Even if a kaiju saves the world, it's guaranteed that the city they fought in wasn't.
* FantasyKitchenSink: Atomic mutants, ancient gods, alien invaders, living dinosaurs, mechs and more all constitute the typical inhabitants of a kaiju universe.
* GiantFootOfStomping: The monster is shown to step on a smaller object, usually a tank.
* GiantFootprint: A kaiju's footprint is commonly used to foreshadow the monster's size and power without directly portraying it.
* GodzillaThreshold: The human protagonists, forced into a nigh-insurmountable situation by a kaiju, unleash a greater superweapon (which could also be a kaiju).
* HelicopterFlyswatter: Pilots in kaiju media fly close enough to the monster that it can physically strike them out of the sky.
* HumanoidAliens: Due to the limits of suitmation, most aliens in kaiju media are humanoid in shape, if not outright HumanAliens.
* HongKongDub: Pretty common for pre-2010s kaiju movies, especially in the Showa era.
* KingKongClimb: The monster is depicted climbing a building, usually a famous monument as per [[Film/KingKong the trope namer and codifier]].
* LovecraftLite: Any media that frequently shows its protagonists defeating nigh-invulnerable kaiju on a regular basis counts as this (ie Franchise/UltraSeries and Franchise/SuperSentai).
* MadScientist: A common character archetype in these stories, whether they help create or destroy the monster.
* MakeMyMonsterGrow: A staple of Franchise/SuperSentai and Franchise/PowerRangers, featuring kaiju being made from human-sized monsters thanks to magic.
* MechVsBeast: Any battle between a HumungousMecha and a kaiju is bound to be this.
* MilitariesAreUseless: Any military effort to exterminate a kaiju is bound to end in complete failure.
* MonsterOfTheWeek: Kaiju are treated as regular menaces to be defeated by [[HenshinHero colorful superheroes]].
* MonumentalDamage: Kaiju attacking a major city are bound to destroy a local monument. TokyoTower is a pretty frequent victim.
* NoEndorHolocaust: As to focus on RuleOfCool, kaiju media often portray the awesomeness of kaiju destroying cities without addressing the in-universe death tolls and consequences. However, when kaiju stories do avert this trope (ie Film/Godzilla1954), they make it blatantly obvious.
* PeopleInRubberSuits: The traditional method of portraying a kaiju on screen.
* PrimateVersusReptile: Starting with Film/KingKong and taken to its logical conclusion with Film/KingKongVsGodzilla, this is a pretty common archetypal kaiju matchup.
* RentaZilla: Kaiju appearing in stories where they aren't the main focus.
* SceneryGorn: A common aftermath shot in darker kaiju media.
* SpaceWhaleAesop: "Don't [insert vice here] or else a giant monster will destroy your city!" Common morals in kaiju media include
** GreenAesop: Especially common during the 1970's, at which point Japan's pollution problem was worse than that of the US
** NuclearWeaponsTaboo: Starting with Film/Godzilla1954, Japan's national opposition to nuclear weapons has seeped its way into kaiju media throughout the decades.
* StockFootage: Especially common in Showa-era kaiju media, with [[StockFootageFailure dubious results at times]].
* StopMotion: Another traditional way of portraying giant monsters, especially prior to suitmation.
* TagAlongKid: Numerous Showa kaiju movies or series feature child protagonists as stand-ins for the audience of the time.
* {{Toku}}: The genre that birthed the kaiju genre. Expect loads of StuffBlowingUp.
* TheTokyoFireball / TokyoIsTheCenterOfTheUniverse: Tokyo is by far the most frequently-destroyed city across kaiju media.
[[caption-width-right:350:[[Music/BlueOysterCult With a purposeful grimace and a terrible sound, they'll pull the spitting high tension wires down.]] [[note]] Clockwise, from the top left corner: [[Film/GhidorahTheThreeHeadedMonster King Ghidorah]], [[Film/TheMysterians Moguera]], [[Film/WarOfTheGargantuas Sanda and Gaira]], [[Film/GodzillaRaidsAgain Anguirus]], {{Film/Rodan}}, [[Film/SpaceAmoeba Gezora]], [[Film/GodzillaVsGigan Gigan]], {{Film/Mothra}}, [[TropeCodifier Center]]: {{Franchise/Godzilla}}. [[/note]]]]
->''"Monsters are tragic beings. They are born too tall, too strong, too heavy. They are not evil by choice. That is their tragedy. They do not attack people because they want to, but because of their size and strength, mankind has no other choice but to defend himself. After several stories such as this, people end up having a kind of affection for the monsters. They end up caring about them."''
-->-- '''Creator/IshiroHonda'''
Tropes that are associated with Kaiju from any medium, in regards to both the monsters themselves and the stories they inhabit.
See also TokusatsuTropes.
----
!!Tropes:
[[index]]
[floatboxright:
'''Main topic:'''
* {{Kaiju}}
'''Media index:'''
* KaijuWorks
'''UsefulNotes:'''
* {{Toku}}
* Creator/{{Toho}}
* Creator/TsuburayaProductions
]
[[AC:Monster tropes]]
* AttackOfThe50FootWhatever: Whether it be from atomic testing or magic, plenty of kaiju started out as normal-sized creatures.
* AliensAreBastards: Practically every giant monster that comes from space isn't visiting Earth with the best intentions.
* BenevolentMonsters: While most kaiju are antagonistic towards mankind, a handful such as {{Film/Gamera}} and {{Film/Mothra}} will stand for mankind no matter what.
* BigCreepyCrawlies: Bug-themed kaiju make humans look like ants in comparison.
* BioweaponBeast: If GeneticEngineeringIsTheNewNuke, genetically-engineered giant monsters are the new Tsar Bombas.
* BreathWeapon: THE most common ranged attack amongst kaiju. Across flames, lightning, acid, energy, ice, poison gas and more, and every shape and color to boot, there's a kaiju for every breath weapon you could think of.
* ChestBlaster: A rarer, but still decently common, kaiju ranged weapon.
* CombatTentacles: Common amongst celaphod or alien kaiju.
* EldritchAbomination: As if the creatures of Creator/HPLovecraft didn't already count, some kaiju are freaky, insanity-inducing and surreal enough to fit right in with the rest of the Franchise/CthulhuMythos.
* {{Expy}}: A pretty common way of creating a kaiju for a story is to make an {{expy}} of a famous pre-existing one. Common kaiju {{Expy}} archetypes include:
** KingKongCopy: based on [[Film/KingKong the Eighth Wonder of the World]]
** NotZilla: based on [[{{Franchise/Godzilla}} the King of the Monsters]]
** UltramanCopy: based on [[{{Series/Ultraman}} the Giant of Light]]
* EyeBeams: The second most common ranged weapon, whether it be from one, two or several eyes.
* FriendToAllChildren: A pretty common trait among benevolent kaiju, not least of which being [[{{Film/Gamera}} the trope namer himself]].
* GaiasVengeance: Kaiju are sometimes interpreted in-universe as nature's revenge against mankind, though whether they actually are this varies from story to story.
* GentleGiant: In spite of their size, some kaiju are as friendly as they are ferocious-looking. For example, Series/UltramanCosmos is an entire show of these.
* GiantAnimalWorship: Giant monsters worshipped as gods. While some (ie Film/KingKong) are merely giant animals, others (ie {{Film/Mothra}}) demonstrate supernatural abilities.
* GiantEqualsInvincible: Kaiju can tank anything thrown at them except the most powerful of super weapons and other kaiju.
* GiantFlyer: Any kaiju that can fly is this by definition.
* GiganticAdultsTinyBabies: Kaiju offspring are portrayed as much smaller than their parents.
* GoodIsNotSoft: Even if they valiantly defend mankind, kaiju don't mind tearing apart the city or their opponent if necessary.
* HumongousMecha: Any robot that is on the same scale as kaiju are this by definition.
* ImmuneToBullets: and tanks, and missiles, and bombs, and pretty much anything below a megaton range.
* IsleOfGiantHorrors: An island inhabited by kaiju (ie [[Film/DestroyAllMonsters Monster Island]]).
* LivingDinosaurs / PrehistoricMonster: From {{Franchise/Godzilla}} to [[Series/UltraMan Gomora]], building-sized dinosaurs are the most popular kaiju archetype in fiction.
* ManEatingPlant: Plant-themed kaiju more often than not display carnivorous traits, especially towards humans.
* MetamorphosisMonster: Some kaiju take on numerous, increasingly larger forms throughout their runtime, usually as an extension of HollywoodEvolution.
* NonMaliciousMonster: Some kaiju stories emphasize that the monster isn't evil but instead agitated, frequently by mankind.
* NuclearNasty: Starting with [[Film/Godzilla1954 the trope codifier]], many kaiju are mutated products of nuclear testing or poor waste disposal.
* OurMonstersAreWeird: Given how broad the term 'kaiju' is (giant monster that attacks Japan), you can bet there are extremely bizarre monsters.
* PersonOfMassDestruction: Any destructive kaiju is this by comparison.
* ProportionatelyPonderousParasites: Kaiju are laced with relatively gigantic equivalents to fleas, which themselves can become a threat to humans.
* RoBeast: A kaiju that battles against a giant robot in a MechaShow, as in the case of [[Anime/MazingerZ the trope namer]].
* SeaMonster: Numerous kaiju live under the ocean though, unlike traditional sea monsters, almost always demonstrate the capacity to walk on land.
* SizeShifter: Many kaiju, seijin and kyodai heroes demonstrate the ability to change sizes, usually from human-sized for the majority of the story to giant-sized by the climax.
* TailSlap: Numerous kaiju have long tails that are used to whack at buildings and opponents.
* TunnelKing: Any kaiju that lives underground is guaranteed to be a master digger, and will inevitably burrow its way into civilization.
* TragicMonster / WhatMeasureIsANonHuman: In spite of their destructive nature, numerous monsters are portrayed as victims of circumstance that mankind is forced to destroy (ie [[Film/Godzilla1954 Godzilla]], [[Series/UltraMan Jamila]]).
[[AC:Plot-related or meta tropes:]]
* TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture: Many kaiju stories take place very slightly into the relative future.
* AlienInvasion: The vast majority of alien civilizations that come to earth in kaiju media do so with the intention of conquering, subjugating or eradicating humanity.
* AliensSpeakingEnglish: Alien invaders can easily speak to humans in Japanese, usually without any justification as to why.
* AllMythsAreTrue: Chances are that if a kaiju is featured in a myth, it'll turn out to be real and very much alive.
* ArtisticLicensePaleontology: Ignoring their size, most dinosaur kaiju aren't analogous to real species.
* ArtisticLicensePhysics: At the very least, the very existence of kaiju are a middle finger to the SquareCubeLaw, to say nothing of atomic breath and/or flight.
* BadVibrations: Repeated earthquakes are a common way of foreshadowing an imminent kaiju attack.
* BehemothBattle: A fight between two or more kaiju is bound to be this.
* BigAppleSauce: New York is the most common target in American kaiju media.
* CreatureHunterOrganization: A typical way of including a competent human cast in a giant monster story, kaiju-busting corps such as [[Series/UltraMan the SSSP]] give humanity a chance without having to rely on giant monsters on their side.
* CrowdPanic: A frequent shot in kaiju media is to show crowds of civilians running away from the monster in the background.
* DefeatEqualsExplosion: Especially common in {{Toku}} TV franchises such as Franchise/UltraSeries and Franchise/SuperSentai.
* DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything: Some kaiju stories are analogies for real-world social issues or historical events (ie Film/Godzilla1954, Episode 42 of Series/UltraSeven).
* DestructiveSavior: Even if a kaiju saves the world, it's guaranteed that the city they fought in wasn't.
* FantasyKitchenSink: Atomic mutants, ancient gods, alien invaders, living dinosaurs, mechs and more all constitute the typical inhabitants of a kaiju universe.
* GiantFootOfStomping: The monster is shown to step on a smaller object, usually a tank.
* GiantFootprint: A kaiju's footprint is commonly used to foreshadow the monster's size and power without directly portraying it.
* GodzillaThreshold: The human protagonists, forced into a nigh-insurmountable situation by a kaiju, unleash a greater superweapon (which could also be a kaiju).
* HelicopterFlyswatter: Pilots in kaiju media fly close enough to the monster that it can physically strike them out of the sky.
* HumanoidAliens: Due to the limits of suitmation, most aliens in kaiju media are humanoid in shape, if not outright HumanAliens.
* HongKongDub: Pretty common for pre-2010s kaiju movies, especially in the Showa era.
* KingKongClimb: The monster is depicted climbing a building, usually a famous monument as per [[Film/KingKong the trope namer and codifier]].
* LovecraftLite: Any media that frequently shows its protagonists defeating nigh-invulnerable kaiju on a regular basis counts as this (ie Franchise/UltraSeries and Franchise/SuperSentai).
* MadScientist: A common character archetype in these stories, whether they help create or destroy the monster.
* MakeMyMonsterGrow: A staple of Franchise/SuperSentai and Franchise/PowerRangers, featuring kaiju being made from human-sized monsters thanks to magic.
* MechVsBeast: Any battle between a HumungousMecha and a kaiju is bound to be this.
* MilitariesAreUseless: Any military effort to exterminate a kaiju is bound to end in complete failure.
* MonsterOfTheWeek: Kaiju are treated as regular menaces to be defeated by [[HenshinHero colorful superheroes]].
* MonumentalDamage: Kaiju attacking a major city are bound to destroy a local monument. TokyoTower is a pretty frequent victim.
* NoEndorHolocaust: As to focus on RuleOfCool, kaiju media often portray the awesomeness of kaiju destroying cities without addressing the in-universe death tolls and consequences. However, when kaiju stories do avert this trope (ie Film/Godzilla1954), they make it blatantly obvious.
* PeopleInRubberSuits: The traditional method of portraying a kaiju on screen.
* PrimateVersusReptile: Starting with Film/KingKong and taken to its logical conclusion with Film/KingKongVsGodzilla, this is a pretty common archetypal kaiju matchup.
* RentaZilla: Kaiju appearing in stories where they aren't the main focus.
* SceneryGorn: A common aftermath shot in darker kaiju media.
* SpaceWhaleAesop: "Don't [insert vice here] or else a giant monster will destroy your city!" Common morals in kaiju media include
** GreenAesop: Especially common during the 1970's, at which point Japan's pollution problem was worse than that of the US
** NuclearWeaponsTaboo: Starting with Film/Godzilla1954, Japan's national opposition to nuclear weapons has seeped its way into kaiju media throughout the decades.
* StockFootage: Especially common in Showa-era kaiju media, with [[StockFootageFailure dubious results at times]].
* StopMotion: Another traditional way of portraying giant monsters, especially prior to suitmation.
* TagAlongKid: Numerous Showa kaiju movies or series feature child protagonists as stand-ins for the audience of the time.
* {{Toku}}: The genre that birthed the kaiju genre. Expect loads of StuffBlowingUp.
* TheTokyoFireball / TokyoIsTheCenterOfTheUniverse: Tokyo is by far the most frequently-destroyed city across kaiju media.
