What Mark Did Noriko Have on her Neck in ‘Godzilla Minus One’? 

Although ‘Godzilla Minus One’ is a Toho production, it shares a similar tone with Gareth Edwards' 2014 film ‘Godzilla’, as both narratives revolve around families striving to stay united amid kaiju destruction. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Japan, ‘Godzilla Minus One’ marks a significant milestone as the first film in the franchise to win an Oscar, surpassing entries from the MonsterVerse.

The plot centres on Koichi Shikishima, a former kamikaze pilot determined to safeguard his family, which includes Noriko Oishi and their adopted daughter, Akiko. Godzilla's devastation complicates their efforts, leading to heart-wrenching consequences and prompting Shikishima to seek revenge, particularly in light of the fate that befalls Noriko. Their relationship is complicated; after returning from the war, Shikishima finds Noriko and Akiko while on the run from authorities. He welcomes them into his life, and while Noriko steps up as a mother figure, Shikishima grapples with PTSD from a previous encounter with Godzilla.

Image Courtesy: Yahoo

As Shikishima wrestles with his feelings for Noriko, she takes a job in Ginza, Tokyo, to gain independence but faces danger when Godzilla attacks the area. During the chaos, she saves Shikishima from the atomic breath of the monster, but tragically, she is caught in the blast. 

This drives Shikishima into a quest for vengeance, rekindling his kamikaze instincts. Following a climactic battle where Godzilla is defeated, Shikishima learns from Sumiko that Noriko has survived and is recovering in the hospital. Their emotional reunion allows them to express their love, but a sinister twist awaits as Noriko develops a mysterious black infection shaped like Godzilla's dorsal fin.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

This infection hints at a potential transformation for Noriko, echoing themes from previous Godzilla films that explore the concept of G-cells, which lead to mutations and connections with Godzilla. Various theories arise regarding Noriko’s fate, ranging from becoming a hybrid to possibly controlling the kaiju. Director Takashi Yamazaki has expressed interest in a sequel, suggesting the storyline could evolve further, maintaining the human connection to Godzilla while delving into dark themes surrounding humanity's relationship with the monster.

 The possibilities for Noriko's character and her tie to Godzilla are extensive, leaving fans eager for what lies ahead in this unfolding saga.

–Farheen Ali