Kaiju is a Japanese term that translates to "strange beast" or "giant monster." It is commonly used to refer to the giant creatures that appear in Japanese science fiction and fantasy films, particularly in the genre known as kaiju films. These monsters are often depicted as enormous, destructive creatures that wreak havoc on cities and fight against other monsters or human-made weapons.
Some of the most famous kaiju include Godzilla, King Kong, Mothra, and Gamera. These creatures are typically portrayed as being much larger than buildings, with immense strength and destructive capabilities. They often have unique abilities or powers, such as breathing fire or shooting energy beams.
Kaiju films have been popular in Japan since the 1950s, with the original Godzilla film released in 1954. These movies have since gained a cult following worldwide and have inspired numerous remakes, spin-offs, and crossovers. The concept of kaiju has also been incorporated into other forms of media, such as video games, comics, and television shows.