Gamera
Gamera (Japanese: ガメラ, Hepburn: Gamera) is a fictional Japanese giant monster, or kaiju, that debuted in the eponymous 1965 film. The character and the first film were intended to compete with the success of Toho's Godzilla film series. Since then, Gamera has become a Japanese icon in its own right, appearing in a total of 12 films produced by Daiei Film and later by Tokuma Shoten and Kadokawa Daiei Studio (Kadokawa Corporation) respectively, and various other media such as novelizations, manga, video games, and more.
Gamera is depicted as a giant, flying, fire-breathing, prehistoric turtle. In the series' first film, Gamera is portrayed as an aggressive and destructive monster, though he also saved a child's life. As the films progressed, Gamera took on a more benevolent role, becoming a protector of humanity, especially children, nature, and the Earth from extraterrestrial races and other giant monsters.
Despite its popularity and extensive social influences such as productions of Daimajin and Yokai Monsters, contributions in the launches of two "Kaiju Booms" (jp)(jp) and the "Yōkai Boom", influences on the tokusatsu genre and domestic television industry, references in numerous media globally, and naming of two species of prehistoric turtles (Sinemys gamera and Gamerabaena), expansion of the franchise and public recognition of the character were severely hindered by financial obstacles. Daiei Film's fiscal condition was improved thanks to the franchise, and it solely supported the company and its subcontractors until the bankruptcy in 1971. November 27 is publicly referred as "Gamera Day" in Japan, and Chōfu utilizes Gamera and related characters as mascots of the city.
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