Lecture: History and Making of Kaiju Suits

Introduction

• Presenter: Sean from Project Nautilus Cosplay
• Topic: History of kaiju suit making and essential steps to build your own Godzilla or kaiju suit

What are Kaiju?

• Definition: Kaiju means 'strange beast' in Japanese
• Variety: Includes Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra, King Ghidorah, and monsters from Ultraman series

History of Kaiju Suits

• First Kaiju Suit: Original Godzilla (1954)
  • Creators: Taizo Toshimitsu, Azo Kamae, Yagi Brothers
  • Materials: Urethane foam, bamboo, cotton, liquid plastic rubber
  • Weight: Over 150 kg (200 lbs)
  • Challenges: Suit was very heavy, actor Haruo Nakajima could last max 3 mins
• Improvements: Lighter materials, modern techniques
  • Artists: Tonarita, Ryosaku Takayama, Keso Murasa, Nobuyuki Yasumaru
• Inspiration: Shinichi Wakasa, Fuyuki Shinara, and others

Steps in Building a Kaiju Suit

1. Planning
2. Patterning
3. Foam Fabrication
4. Latex Coating

Materials Needed

• Foam: Polyurethane or cushion foam
  • Support and flexibility
  • Easily cut and adhered together
• Stretch Fabric: Nylon or spandex
  • Reduces friction
  • Adds flexibility
• Liquid Latex
  • Binds suit together
  • Types: Default color, customizable with acrylic paint
  • Methods: Brush, foam pieces, spray gun
• Cotton
  • Optional for padding and support
  • Combines with latex for extra details

Building Methods

Muscle Suit Fabrication

• Thick slabs of foam
• Carving individual muscle parts
• Glued to spandex undersuit
• Downside: More weight, hotter inside

Patterning

• Creating a pattern from a prototype
• Lightweight suit maintaining original proportions
• Requires support structure

Patterning Process

1. Reference: Choose a kaiju, gather references
2. Lamination:

• Use masking tape on reference figure
• Ensure creases and surface details are covered

3. Dividing Lines:

• Separate at high and low points
• Mark orientation

4. Cutting Patterns

• Use knife, carefully cut patterns

5. Digital Conversion

• Scan and convert to vectors using Inkscape
• Trace and label patterns, mark orientation

6. Scaling and Printing

• Use reference ruler for scale
• Scale patterns, ensure drawings are accurate

7. Transferring Patterns to Foam

• Select foam thickness
• Trace patterns, cut carefully

8. Gluing

• Use foam fast 74 spray adhesive
• Join foam pieces

Texture and Details

• Additive Detailing: Cut and carve additional foam pieces
• Subtractive Detailing: Draw and carve texture patterns
• Mixed Methods: Combine both for dynamic shapes

Latex Coating

• Priming: Use spray adhesive
  • Prevent foam from absorbing latex
  • Apply talcum powder
• Latex Application: Brush or dab, allow to dry between coats
  • About 3-4 coats for strong result

Conclusion

• Tutorial Goal: Inspire and guide kaiju suit builds
• Resources: Godzilla patterns on Etsy, additional scopes on social media
• Support: Patreon, social media feedback
• Engagement: Send questions and feedback via Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Stay Safe and Happy Building!