‘Godzilla’: Who Are the Shobijin

In the vast world of Godzilla, certain characters have become iconic. Beyond the massive kaiju and their extraterrestrial adversaries, and the memorable human figures like psychic Miki Saegusa or Dr. Niko Tatopoulos from Godzilla (1998) and its sequel cartoon, there’s a notable duo that stands out for their unique charm—the Shobijin. 

The Shobijin, which translates to “little beauties,” are twin fairies closely associated with Mothra, the revered Queen of Monsters. They first appeared in ‘Mothra’ (1961), a film featuring Mothra before her encounter with Godzilla. Originating from the fictional Infant Island, the Shobijin are vital to Mothra’s lore, serving as her human-sized representatives. The island, once rich and vibrant, had been severely damaged by nuclear tests, leading its people to be wary of outsiders. The Shobijin are captured by the Rolisicans, prompting Mothra’s attempts to rescue them.

Image Courtesy: Letterboxd

The Shobijin are memorable for their synchronized speech, prayer, and singing, often using their telepathic abilities to communicate Mothra’s messages to humans. They also have the rare ability to translate messages from other kaiju, including Godzilla and Rodan, as seen in ‘Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster’ (1964). Their role was further developed in ‘Godzilla vs. Mothra’ (1992), where they were known as “Cosmos,” representing a remnant of an ancient civilization. In the ‘Rebirth of Mothra’ trilogy, they are referred to as Elias, with characters Lora and Moll taking center stage.

The Shobijin’s most famous portrayal came from identical twin sisters Yumi and Emi Ito, who performed as the musical duo The Peanuts. 

Image Courtesy: Gojipedia – Fandom

Their depiction in the original films left a lasting impact, with their performance of ‘Mothra’s Song’ becoming iconic. Subsequent portrayals included Keiko Imamura and Sayaka Osawa as the Cosmos, and Chihiro Otsuka and Nagasawa Masami as the Shobijin in later films.

While the MonsterVerse has opted for a more modern take, featuring Jia, an established character from the Iwi People, the Shobijin’s whimsical charm continues to resonate with fans who appreciate the lighter, fantastical elements of the Godzilla franchise.

–Farheen Ali