Every kid on the planet has probably watched Ultraman or some sort of kaiju (giant monster) series at one point or another – it’s one of those things that transcends generations and cultures. I mean, who doesn’t like watching giant monsters and heroes battling each other, destroying entire cities in the process?

Even as adults, I’m sure many of us remember the genre fondly, even if we no longer have the luxury of watching Saturday morning cartoons without a care for the world. And with modern mass media, kaiju fever has gotten renewed interest, thanks to reboots like the new Godzilla series.

If you’re looking for a dose of this nostalgia, A4A Gallery at GMBB Kuala Lumpur is currently hosting the Marusan Toys: Japan Vintage Godzilla, Ultraman, & Kaiju Exhibition, which will run until 20 July 2025. Although the gallery space is quite small, it’s packed with interesting exhibits, including many rare collectors items which are not for sale.

MARUSAN Toys is a Japanese toy manufacturer specialising in sofubi (soft vinyl) toys, with their Godzilla and kaiju ranges being the most popular. Sofubi material was first introduced in the 1960s, and quickly gained popularity thanks to its unique look and texture (Not an expert, but I think they have a resin-like quality and sheen that looks more organic compared to the modern, shiny plastic toys which look cheap and brittle).

Since the 1960s was also the height of kaiju in mass media, these toys have become synonymous with Japanese vintage pop culture. There’s a specific aesthetic to them that I think modern toys lack, and many of these are limited edition, making them highly sought after by toy collectors.

The exhibition features newly sculpted sofubi figurines that capture the various iterations of Godzilla through the years, since the character was created in 1954.

“When you finally get the employee of the month award”

I love the baby Godzilla on the side – looks absolutely derpy.

Of course, one can’t have kaiju without an opponent – ie Ultraman. You’ll find some rare sofubi Ultraman figurines here too, some of which can be purchased for a pretty penny.

Fancy a glittery Ultra Seven 450 for just under RM1,000?

Aside from figurines, the exhibition also showcased other media such as posters, prints, and clothing.

I used to think that the writers / designers must have been smoking some good shit while doing the character designs for the various kaiju – but now I can really appreciate the meticulous detail and creativity that goes into each creation.

Their appearance, after all, is made to shock, awe, and inspire audiences – and some of these are so iconic that even if you don’t watch Ultraman, you’ll still be able to recognise the monsters, like the Baltans (the one with the crab-like claws, possibly the most popular of Ultraman’s foes).

These are booskas, and despite their furry, buck-toothed appearance, they are apparently …. wait for it…. iguanas.

But isn’t that the beauty of kaiju? They can literally be anything!

The Japan Vintage Godzilla, Ultraman & Kaiju Exhibition is a small but interesting exhibition that let me relive my childhood, even just for a little – and for that alone, I think it’s worth a visit. Entrance is free.

MARUSAN TOYS – JAPAN VINTAGE GODZILLA, ULTRAMAN & KAIJU EXHIBITION

A4A Gallery, GM 3A-28, GMBB, No.2, Jalan Robertson, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening hours: 1PM – 7PM (closed Mondays)

https://www.instagram.com/a4artgallery_official

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