Mapping the End Credits of Godzilla: Singular Point

Before I launch straight into this madness, I need to preface that this is not the kind of thing I typically want to use Substack for. The following really falls under some sort of picto-blogging format or a discussion forum. However, because the subject brings attention to the minutiae of the Godzilla franchise, and celebrates its many characters, I couldn’t help myself. I want attention brought to these aspects of the series—To promote its rich history of wonderful characters, creatures and all they have done for each decade of the genre.

As of this piece most westerners haven't seen the new anime series, Godzilla Singular Point. In fact only three-to-four episodes have aired in Japan. To be sure, this writing, or rather, fanboy gushing, isn’t really about the show. It’s about its loving tribute to the franchise.

Rather than funneling fan service into story stopping moments that might leave casual audiences confused, Godzilla Singular Point usually ends on well earned cliffhangers that justify an end montage of fun Easter eggs. In some cases, the images treat obscure references like pop culture icons. In others, you need to tilt your head and squint before realizing what the animators have delivered.

Ultimately, this is very far from a comprehensive guide to all things Singular Point end roll. But it is a list of what I’ve caught, and a reminder of the series’ assiduous, expansive history.

FRAME 1

The entire end credits sequence centers around one of Singular Point’s main characters, Mei, as she wakes up on her desk from a night of studying. The TV is on and a book with Godzilla's silhouette sits next to her. There’s also another book just ahead of it. Look familiar?

- Mothra's Symbol

PURPLE CIRCLE: Mothra's symbol is inspired by her Judeo-Christian roots from the novella she's based from. The comparison images are from Godzilla: Tokyo SOS (2003) (left) and Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992) (right).

FRAME 2

The next frame shows Mei looking up at her television and a close up on her pencil.

- Mei's Pencil

PURPLE CIRCLE: It's a little difficult to tell, but it looks like the hover ship, Super X, from The Return of Godzilla (1984) is stuck to the top of her pencil.

- Baby Godzilla's Egg

PURPLE CIRCLE: Baby Godzilla's egg from Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla (1993) is shown on television in a similar way it was found on Adonoa Island. Next to it are two characters from the film. The egg is also lighting up red as it did in the movie:

RED CIRCLE: Professor Hiroshi Omae who led the research group that found the egg in Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla ‘93.

GREEN CIRCLE: Azusa Gojo, the engineer whom Baby Godzilla "adopts" as his surrogate mother.

FRAME 3

As we pan across Mei and get a better look at the television we see two familiar characters.

- Biollante, Flower Beast Form

Biollante, as it appears at Lake Ashi in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), becomes the highlight of a news bullet reported by none other than...

- Kayoco Anne Patterson

The Japanese-American daughter of a US senator from Shin Godzilla (2016), appears as if she was ripped out of the scene she meets Yaguchi's team. Her shirt and the way her hair falls to one side says it all. But Biollante isn't the only monster she's reporting on.

FRAME 4

As we get a close up on Patterson's news show, more visuals reveal a slew of Easter eggs.

- 1968 Showa Anguirus

This one seems pretty obvious. What appears to be the 1968 design of Showa Anguirus burrows out of the ground for an attack.

FRAME 5

Though not exactly a new frame, a new visual appears next to Patterson's head which is rich with characters from Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001) and Godzilla vs. Biollante.

- BS Digital Q Crew from Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah

PURPLE CIRCLE: Yuri Tachibana, the main character from Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (GMK), appears in her same yellow shirt and head injury from the climax of 2001's film.

Yuri's boss, Haruki Kadokura, is seen hanging around with his usual pinstripe suit smoking a cigarette.

Yuri's co-worker, Jun Maruo, is seen recording sound for her report.

- Miki Saegusa

The fan favorite psychic of six movies makes an appearance. She looks as she did in her debut film, Godzilla vs. Biollante, with the white jacket, yellow shirt and hair bow.

- Hedorah

Though looking more like the Pokemon Gastly than Hedorah, the eyes are unmistakable. Hedorah appears in his flying form here.

FRAME 6

The last frame for Patterson's report includes a pretty obvious nod to the franchise.

- Monsterverse Rodan

Homage is paid to Rodan's aerial attack from Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019).

FRAME 7

As Mei finally leaves her apartment she runs by a military truck and passes a few more fan favorites.

- Characters from Godzilla x MechaGodzilla

PURPLE CIRCLE: Lt. Akane Yashiro, the main character of Godzilla x MechaGodzilla (2002), is seen speaking with her friends…

GREEN CIRCLE: …those friends being Professor Ohara and his daughter Sara. Note, Sara is holding her favorite plant in both images.

FRAME 8

The Kiryu Saga references continue in the next frame as Mei closes up her umbrella.

- Kiryu Squad patch

GREEN CIRCLE: Mei is wearing a Kiryu Squad patch seen on the squad jackets in Godzilla x MechaGodzilla.

FRAME 9

As Mei takes a brief stop to her destination she is surrounded by a whole fleet of characters from the Godzilla franchise.

- Godzilla Prediction Network, from Godzilla 2000

To the left of the frame is Shinoda's "Godzilla Prediction Network" (GPN) van from Godzilla 2000 (1999).

RED CIRCLE: Yuji Shinoda looks across the yellow tape at the Meganulon.

GREEN CIRCLE: Shinoda's daughter, Io, is there as well. Note she's wearing the same jacket seen in the climax of Godzilla 2000.

YELLOW CIRCLE: Yuki Ichinose, the Shinoda's news reporter friend, hangs out with them. Her hat is the biggest giveaway.

It's very possible this character is Shiro Miyasaka of the Crisis Control Intelligence. Though I'm not convinced of it since his suit doesn't match up.

- Characters from Godzilla: Final Wars

PURPLE CIRCLE: Earth Defense Force members from Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) stand in the lower left of the frame. Highlighted in purple is biologist Miyuki Otonashi, wearing her trademark red, leather jacket.

YELLOW CIRCLE: Her escort is none other than the main character from Godzilla: Final Wars, Shinichi Ozaki, wearing his M-Force uniform. The uniform is distinguished (criticized?) by its red arm band.

RED CIRCLE: It's possible this could merely be nobody, but given the proximity to the other Godzilla: Final Wars characters it's worth the guess. Could it be the Gotengo's, Capt. Douglas Gordon? He seems burly enough.

- Characters from All Monsters Attack

PURPLE CIRCLE: Standing next to Mei's right is Ichiro Miki holding hands with his friend Sachiko. (Are they an item?) Ichiro is wearing his yellow hat and blue jacket. Sachiko is in her yellow shirt--Both straight out of All Monsters Attack (1969).

- Characters from Godzilla vs. Gigan

RED CIRCLE: The cast of characters from Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) seems to take up the majority of the frame. Main character and manga artist Gengo Odaka is circled in red wearing his long coat and satchel.

YELLOW CIRCLE: The "enemies of peace" in Godzilla vs. Gigan are also there. The beloved "corn-cob-eating-hippie" Shosaku Takasugi is accompanied by Machiko Shima. Both are wearing familiar garb from the film.

TEAL CIRCLE: Even the main villains have invested interest in this frame. Fumio Suda (the shorter one in orange) and Kabota (holding the umbrella) observe the scene next to their henchmen.

PURPLE CIRCLE: Suda and Kabota's henchmen are never far behind it seems. Their black coats with orange scarfs are lifted straight out of the film.

ORANGE CIRCLE: In case there was any doubt these were the aliens from Nebula M Spacehunter, the shadows of Suda, Kabota and their henchmen hint at their true forms. This brings to mind a similar moment from Godzilla vs. Gigan.

BLUE CIRCLE: The references to Godzilla vs. Gigan aren't over just yet. Gengo's girlfriend, Tomoko Tomoe, is easy to spot in the shirt Gengo used as inspiration for his "Mamagon" monster design.

GREEN CIRCLE: Behind Tomoko appears to be Machiko's brother, Takeshi Shima, who was held captive by the Nebula M aliens. His suit appears to match the one he wears on screen.

- Dr. Serizawa and the Showa Meganulon

All eyes seem to be on the dead Meganulon. The design is based off its first appearance in Rodan (1956).

YELLOW CIRCLE: Of course one of the most well known characters in the franchise had to make a cameo. Dr. Daisuke Serizawa, from the original Godzilla (1954), observes the Meganulon carcass in his staple lab coat--Eye patch and all.

- Shin Godzilla characters?

RED CIRCLE: Maybe it’s no one, but everyone else seems so specific it's hard to believe otherwise. Is this Rando Yaguchi, Shin Godzilla's (2016) main character circled in red?

PURPLE CIRCLE: Short hair and a black suit isn't exactly unique, but is it possible Hiromi Ogashira made an appearance as well?

FRAME 10

In the next frame we see the cast of Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster (1966) take on a Shockirus from The Return of Godzilla.

- Characters from Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster

TEAL CIRCLE: A famous Kumi Mizuno role, Daiyo from Infant Island, watches on in shock.

BLUE CIRCLE: Next to Daiyo is Yata, the character whose disappearance sets the entire movie in motion. He's noticeable here due to the shirt given by the Infant Islanders.

RED CIRCLE: Stabbing Shockirus is the leading man of Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster, Yoshimura. The fugitive’s striped shirt and orange jacket is his go-to attire here.

GREEN CIRCLE: The brown hoodie belongs to Nita, a college student caught up in the mayhem.

- Shockirus

Shockirus is stabbed in the same exact way as we see it in The Return of Godzilla.

FRAME 11

I suspect I've yet to catch everything in this frame. But here we see Godzilla's footprint in the middle of a street. Given the number of toes it seems to be the late Showa Godzilla's impression. Once again, characters are referenced from All Monsters Attack.

- Characters from All Monsters Attack

YELLOW CIRCLE: At this point, who can't spot Ichiro Miki in his blue jacket and yellow hat? This time he doesn't care about the yellow tape and wants to get a closer looks at his hero’s footprint.

GREEN CIRCLE: Ichiro's human tormentor, "Gabara", appears in his red shirt and black hat.

RED CIRCLE: Ichiro's friend, Sachiko must be one of the most obscure minor roles in the Godzilla franchise. Yet here she is, appearing twice. The yellow shirt and brown overalls give her away again.

It’s possible Ichiro's neighbor, Shinpei Minami is pictured. He's wearing glasses and what looks to be his apron.

- Characters from Godzilla vs. Hedorah

This was an easy one to put together since the entire cast is wearing the same attire in one shot. Although they are a bit close, making them harder to circle. Thus we move to numbers:

1: Miki Fujinomiya, the nightclub dancer, is seen in her dark coat.

2: Yuki Keuchi is Miki's boyfriend, Ken's uncle and Toshie Yano's brother. His red sports jacket with white sleeves makes him easy to pick out.

3: Toshie Yano, Yuki's older sister who is married to Toru Yano. Her son is the film's main protagonist, Ken.

4: Toru Yano, Ken's father and creator of the giant electrode system that dried up Hedorah. He's another that's easy to pick out of a crowd thanks to the head bandages.

5: Ken Yano, son of Toru and Toshie. He seems to have some kind of "esper" connection with Godzilla. I find it interesting both he and Ichrio are in the same frame, given their childlike love for the Monster King.

FRAME 11

Kumonga arrives to say hello to a plethora of characters. This one includes some more obscure additions that are extensions of the Godzilla franchise. But first the monster:

- Showa Kumonga

So why is it specifically the Showa incarnation of Sollgel Island's giant arachnid? The red eyes; Showa Kumonga's eyes turned red when agitated in Son of Godzilla (1967) and were permanently red in Destroy All Monsters (1969). The Godzilla: Final Wars incarnation’s blue eyes were static.

- The Zone Family

Front and center are the Zone Family, survivors of the planet Peaceland from the television series Zone Fighter (1973). They seem to be ready to fight Kumonga.

1: Zone Angel aka, Hotaru Sakimori. Zone Fighter's sister.

2: Zone Fighter aka, Hikaru Sakimori. The eldest of the Zone siblings and the only one who can transform into a giant to fight monsters.

3: Zone Junior aka, Akira Sakimori. Youngest sibling to Zone Fighter and Zone Angel.

- Miss Namikawa

Planet X's femme fatale, and F. Glenn's love interest, from Invasion of Astro Monster (1965) seems to be enjoying the era of smartphones.

- Showa Shobijin (Ghidorah ver.)

The Showa Shobijin are seen on a billboard. Fittingly enough, it's their attire from Ghidorah: The Three Headed Monster (1964), where they agreed to come to Japan for a television appearance.

- Hiromi Ogashira?

I've mentioned Ogashira from Shin Godzilla before; she wouldn't be the first character to appear twice in Singular Point's end credits. Could it be?

The attire here looks extraordinarily familiar. I know I've seen it before, but can't put my finger on it. An update may be due.

FRAME 12

There's not too much in this frame and it largely speaks for itself. Mothra's flyby is accompanied by the Shobijin. But which incarnations are we looking at?

- Heisei Mothra

I'm fairly positive we're seeing the Heisei Mothra, from Godzilla vs. Mothra and Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994). The specific design choices and lack of fur outlining the base of the wings may be a tip off.

- Kiryu Saga Shobijin

The Shobijin depicted here, however, are from Godzilla: Tokyo SOS. The costume designs and hair line up perfectly with their look in the Kiryu Saga's finale. Although the same costumes and actresses were used for Godzilla: Final Wars, their hair was much shorter in that film.

FRAME 13

Here comes another dense frame, and one I have unfortunately struggled to complete. King Caesar does battle with Manda ahead of a fleeing crowd.

- Showa King Caesar & 1963 Showa Manda

Showa King Caesar is easy enough to pin down given the red eyes--A feature his Godzilla: Final Wars incarnation lacked. The Showa Manda is definitely the 1963 design from the film Atragon. The latter 1968 design, from Destroy All Monsters, lacked any horns, while the 2004 design from Godzilla: Final Wars didn't include the nose tendrils.

- Characters from Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla ‘74

TEAL CIRCLE: Keisuke Shimizu, the male lead of Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla '74, takes off in his fairly distinguishable tie with a red box in hand. (We'll get to that later.)

YELLOW CIRCLE: Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla '74's female lead, archeologist Saeko Kanagusuku flees in her third act attire and hat.

RED CIRCLE: Interpol Agent Tamura. Detective Nanbara's partner.

YELLOW CIRCLE: The red box? Notable for carrying the King Caesar statue the Black Hole Planet 3 aliens are after.

GREEN CIRCLE: Nami Kunigami, the Azumi Princess that sings "Miyarabi's Prayer" to wake up King Caesar.

PURPLE CIRCLE: Tengan Kunigami, Nami's grandfather later held hostage by the Black Hole Planet 3 aliens.

RED CIRCLE: Black Hole Planet 3 alien. This is the uniform the guards wear in the underground base: Black gloves, a shimmering white jumpsuit and a black collar.

PURPLE CIRCLE: Interpol Detective Nanbara in his all-black attire. The trench coat and longer hair singles him out.

TEAL CIRCLE: Prof. Miyajima, who is unmistakable in his coat and satchel out of the MechaGodzilla cast.

- Characters from Godzilla '98

YELLOW CIRCLE: Yup, even the 1998 disaster gets referenced. Nick Tatopoulus, the worm guy himself, is spotted wearing the black shirt, red undershirt and hat he dons in the movie.

GREEN CIRCLE: News reporter Audrey Timmonds, winner of the 1999 Razzie Award for Worst Actress, takes off in an outfit seen in the movie.

RED CIRCLE: Animal, the camera guy, runs away with his camera in hand, jacket and yellow shirt.

PURPLE CIRCLE: Although I'm having a hard time figuring out if he ever wore a shirt with suspenders, French agent Phillippe Roache's facial hair (and hairline) seem fairly spot on.

Unfortunately there's plenty of characters I'm unable to identify. It seems like most of these are from Godzilla (1998), which would make sense as to why I'm having a hard time placing them.

FRAME 14

The next frame is (mercifully) not as dense, but has plenty of easy-to-miss Easter eggs--Including one I'm uncertain of.

- Jet Jaguar and 2002 Kiryu

The monsters in the room are pretty obvious. Jet Jaguar from Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) is shown damaged next to MFS Kiryu. Specifically, this is the 2002 Kiryu design from Godzilla x MechaGodzilla, before the refit in Godzilla: Tokyo SOS.

However, I'm drawing a blank on what Jet Jaguar is holding. It seems fairly significant.

- Characters from The Return of Godzilla

GREEN CIRCLE: The main cast of The Return of Godzilla is pretty identifiable once you realize they're in their third act garb. Hiroshi Okumura is in his white shirt next to...

YELLOW CIRCLE: ...news reporter Goro Maki. Maki is in his brown jacket, which he seemed to wear in perpetuity on screen, taking Hiroshi's sister by the shoulders. (Which is something else he does often in The Return of Godzilla.)

TEAL CIRCLE: Naoko Okumura, Hiroshi's sister, is with her boys wearing her late-movie blazer.

RED CIRCLE: Dr. Hayashida, the character who comes up with the technology to lure Godzilla into Mt. Mihara.

TEAL CIRCLE: The beloved "hobo" who raided a diner during Godzilla's attack shows up.

PURPLE CIRCLE: Initially I thought this was Prime Minister Mitamura, but he never wears a brown suit. Instead, I'm pretty positive this is Hiroshi Koizumi's Dr. Minami who helped Dr. Hayashida concoct the plan to trap Godzilla. He wore this suit while explaining his plan to bureaucrats.

FRAME 15

A fiery Godzilla blasts his ray while characters look every which-way in the mayhem. There's some pretty big guests in this frame.

- Burning Godzilla

It could just be the art style's reflection of bolstered flames against Godzilla's skin, but it very well could also be the Heisei Godzilla's final form from Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995). This condition caused Godzilla to meltdown by the movie’s end.

It's also worth pointing out the homage to Godzilla's train attack seen in publicity shots of the original 1954 film. Though it happens in the movie, this photo tends to inspire other merchandise. It wouldn't shock me if it was also the inspiration for the moment above.

- Characters from Godzilla / Godzilla, King of the Monsters

PURPLE CIRCLE: Dr. Yamane from the original Godzilla makes a not so shocking guest appearance with his specific mustache and hat. (Although I think it would've been a nice touch to keep his coat closed with the tie hanging out.)

GREEN CIRCLE: Steve Martin's addition comes off as a little more surprising. The character from the 1956, American re-cut of the original film was a news reporter and old friend of Yamane. He appears with his pipe and hat upon reaching Japan.

- UN Secretary Daigo

United Nations Secretary-General Naotaro Daigo, from Godzilla: Final Wars is also on the scene. He's pretty easy to place in his white coat/tie and Takarada's full beard.

FRAME 16

Finally we get to my last frame and Mei's destination! A shop where she is doing homework includes a full restaurant with some familiar faces. Although I have no doubt there may be other known characters behind her, there was only one set that jumped out at me.

- Ogata and Emiko

RED CIRCLE: How fantastic is it that the final homage next to Mei be the main characters from the original, 1954 masterwork? Hideto Ogata, with his rolled up sleeves sits opposite to the love of his life.

YELLOW CIRCLE: Emiko Yamane sits in the same attire she wore to hospitalize victims of Godzilla's attack. What's even more impressive is the color of her clothes matches colorized stills from the movie:

Godzilla Singular Point is turning out to be a fantastic show in its own right, but the loving tribute has provided a fun game of, "who is who" for fans. I certainly hope this spotlight helps fans old and new come back and consider how vital they were (are) to the franchise’s history.