Godzilla granted citizenship in Japan, named tourism ambassador

The King of Monsters is finally an official citizen of Japan.

Godzilla, 61, is now an honorary resident of Shinjuku, Tokyo, and has been appointed the tourism ambassador for the district, following an official ceremony. The fictional beast has lived in the country for more than half a century and was honored during a ceremony by Tokyo's Shinjuku ward earlier this year, according to Anime News Network. Godzilla's paperwork for citizenship was just finalized last week.

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According to the monster's new residency papers, Godzilla's duties include "promoting the entertainment of and watching over the Kabuki-cho neighborhood and drawing visitors from around the globe in the form of the Godzilla head built atop the Shinjuku TOHO Building."

"Godzilla is a character that is the pride of Japan," said Shinjuku Mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi.

Godzilla was granted official residency on his birthday, April 9, which coincides with the release of the very first Godzilla film 61 years ago in 1954.

Make us proud, Godzilla!

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