Tokyo Metro will change the departure melody at Hibiya Station to the the classic 'Godzilla Theme' starting November 3rd. Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metro. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.
Source: Tokyo Metro press release (Japan)
Editor: Keith Aiken
Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Akihiro Kosaka) will change the departure melody at Hibiya Station — served by the Hibiya and Chiyoda Lines — to the "Godzilla Theme" (ゴジラのテーマ, Gojira no Tēma) effective Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (a national holiday). This initiative aims to foster a greater sense of attachment and familiarity with the station among passengers while providing them with an exciting experience.
Hibiya is widely regarded as a “Godzilla mecca,” as it is home to the headquarters of Toho Co., Ltd., the company that has produced the Godzilla film series for over 70 years, and features Godzilla statues at both "Hibiya Godzilla Square" and TOHO Cinemas Hibiya. In light of this, and with the cooperation of Toho Co., Ltd., the classic "Godzilla Theme" by Akira Ifukube has been adopted as the departure melody at Hibiya Station.
This initiative is part of a new advertising strategy by Tokyo Metro, which leverages its existing railway assets — in this case, departure melodies — as promotional tools. The melodies are chosen based on their connection to the local areas along the railway lines, such as the locations of corporate headquarters or the origins of specific cultural icons.
Moving forward, Tokyo Metro remains committed to delivering new value to its passengers and utilizing its railway assets to help revitalize the communities and regions served by its lines.
Overview of Changes to Departure Melodies
1. Stations and Melodies
Melody: "Godzilla Theme"
Station: Hibiya Station (Hibiya Line / Chiyoda Line)
* Note: Different melodies are used for different directions. The same melody is used for Platform 1 (Hibiya Line, toward Naka-meguro) and Platform 3 (Chiyoda Line, toward Yoyogi-uehara), as well as for Platform 2 (Hibiya Line, toward Kita-senju) and Platform 4 (Chiyoda Line, toward Ayase).
2. Implementation Start Date (Scheduled)
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (a national holiday), starting with the first train of the day.
About Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.
At Tokyo Metro Co., with the railway business at the core of our business development, we support the capital city Tokyo's urban functions and make Tokyo even more attractive and vibrant. Through outstanding technology and creativity we provide safe, reliable and comfortable transportation daily, contributing to the active lives of all people who gather in Tokyo.
About TOHO Co., Ltd.
TOHO Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful content for motion pictures, television, and theater. Founded in 1932, it remains a prominent force in bringing brands and original storytelling with versatile talents to audiences worldwide. Its subsidiaries include TOHO Cinemas, the highest grossing exhibition company in Japan.