Godzilla Minus Zero has earned enthusiastic reactions from two of gaming’s biggest names. Hideo Kojima and Masahiro Sakurai shared their thoughts after attending screenings ahead of the film’s Japanese release, with both putting the theatrical experience front and center.
Kojima described an emotional IMAX screening packed with surprises and moments for longtime fans. Sakurai kept his reaction brief, but repeatedly urged audiences to experience the kaiju spectacle on the big screen.
In brief:
- Hideo Kojima attended the Japan premiere at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and praised its surprises, fan moments, and climax.
- Masahiro Sakurai also saw the film and strongly recommended watching it in a cinema.
- Both creators avoided revealing story spoilers.
- Godzilla Minus Zero opens in Japan on November 3, followed by its North American wide release on November 6.
Hideo Kojima Shares an Enthusiastic Godzilla Minus Zero Reaction
In his post on X, Kojima said he had been waiting three years for the film. The Metal Gear and Death Stranding creator described himself as both a huge Godzilla fan and a fan of actress Minami Hamabe.
His reaction covered everything from scenes that matched his expectations to surprises that went beyond anything he had imagined. Some moments brought him to tears, while others delivered scenes he had long wanted to see brought to life.
Kojima saved his most colorful praise for the climax:
“I practically felt dorsal fins sprouting from my back and an atomic heat ray blasting out of my mouth!”
He also picked up a little of the feeling of director Takashi Yamazaki’s Always: Sunset on Third Street. While he stopped short of explaining specific scenes, Kojima made his next move clear as he plans to return for several more IMAX screenings after release.
Masahiro Sakurai Says Godzilla Minus Zero Deserves the Big Screen
Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai offered a shorter recommendation in his own post.
Sakurai thanked the organizers for the invitation, praised his seat and viewing environment, and mentioned that he also attended the stage greeting. He avoided discussing the story, focusing instead on how audiences should watch it.
“Kaiju films should be experienced on the big screen,” he wrote.
He went on to wonder how many more kaiju films of this caliber he would get to see, before repeating his recommendation to watch in a cinema. It’s a strong endorsement from someone deliberately keeping the details under wraps.
Godzilla Minus Zero Release Date and Returning Cast
Godzilla Minus Zero continues the Shikishima family’s story in 1949, two years after the events of Godzilla Minus One. Ryunosuke Kamiki returns as Koichi Shikishima, alongside Minami Hamabe as Noriko Oishi. Yamazaki returns as director, screenwriter, and VFX lead.
The film opens in Japan on November 3, 2026. North American audiences can also catch IMAX Early Access screenings that day, ahead of the November 6 wide release. With Kojima already planning repeat visits and Sakurai pushing the big-screen experience, the two gaming creators have given fans plenty of encouragement to book a seat.
