This became one of the most controversial Godzilla movies. Shortly after the film's release in Japan, CNN ran a lengthy story about the film being anti-American, showing the scenes of the US soldiers being killed and the plot featuring Westerners antagonists being debated. The original Godzilla director, Ishirô Honda, was also critical of Kazuki Ômori's choices, stating he had gone too far. Omori, defended his artistic decision on camera, arguing that the film was not meant to be anti-American stating," "The movie is not especially anti-U.S., I just thought I'd try to picture the identity of the Japanese people." Economic tensions between East and West were high at this time, and the negative publicity was very much a sign of the times.
There is a rumor that alleges that when the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was destroyed in the final battle, the audience cheered because it was the main center for tax. Not only is there no testimonials of this ever occurring, the building itself had only been open for eight months prior to the films release.
When asked if he would like to play the part of Shindo, the morally troubled business mogul who has a secret history with Godzilla, Yoshio Tsuchiya responded "I've been waiting my whole life for this role."
Akira Ifukube returned to score a Godzilla movie for the first time since Distruggete Kong! La Terra è in pericolo (1975). Though he was initially reluctant to come out of retirement, he was persuaded by his daughter to return, reasoning that Toho would have used his themes regardless.
The roar of the Godzillasaurus is the roar of Gamera, the giant monster from a competing series of films.