Godzilla's 50th anniversary was honored Monday with a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hundreds of fans displaying memorabilia related to the beloved movie monster gathered for the ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard near the landmark Grauman's Chinese Theater.
Hours after the event, the theater hosted the world premiere of the new Toho Co. film, "Godzilla Final Wars."
"It's long overdue for Godzilla to get his star, about 50 years overdue," said Joe Kirchheimer, 18, a dedicated Godzilla fan since childhood. "Godzilla should have had a star the day the first movie came out."
Kirchheimer, who admires Godzilla's antinuclear symbolism, showed his loyalty to the monster by pinning pieces of his favorite childhood Godzilla T-shirt onto his clothing.
Television producer and Ceremonial Mayor of Hollywood Johnny Grant presided over the morning events.
"Today we honor a behemoth that has become an icon to the movie industry here in Hollywood and in Japan," Grant said.
Fans were delighted as a replica Godzilla stomped his way onto the red carpet.
"I love you Godzilla," "Godzilla you're my hero," people shouted as the monster emitted fierce shrieks and streams of smoke from his mouth.
Shogo Tomiyama, producer of "Godzilla Final Wars," was a special guest at the Walk of Fame ceremonies.
Some of Godzilla's younger fans seemed aware that Monday marked a rare opportunity to see the celebrated monster in person and on the big screen.
"This is the last movie, and I'm not going to miss it," said Eric Morales, 10. "Godzilla destroys stuff, blows stuff up and fights monsters. You can't beat that."
