A Giant Game of Space Invaders Is Taking Place 52 Storeys Above Tokyo

It has been more than 60 years since Godzilla first rampaged through the streets of Tokyo, with the city enduring nearly 30 repeat visits in the decades since — across the giant monster's many on-screen excursions, that is. Until the end of January, he's not the only pop culture commodity striking the Japanese capital. Space Invaders, the game, is descending upon the city in the best possible way: in giant form, 52 stories above the ground, on the windows of the Tokyo City View observatory.

As part of the Roppongi Hills spot's current interactive games exhibit, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the popular arcade title, visitors can participate in a ten-person sky-high game while looking out over the city. Called Space Invaders Gigamax, it really does follow through on all of those elements. The game is projected onto the observatory's seven-metre by 15-metre window surface, which means those pesky attackers look like they're raining down on the buildings below.

One of the best spots in Tokyo to gaze out over its sprawling sights — and see its glistening lights — Tokyo City View is no stranger to adding pop culture fun to its scenic views, having hosted a Studio Ghibli exhibition that included an illuminated airship from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, as well as as a Gamera-focused showcase that served up burgers shaped like the famous kaiju and Godzilla competitor.

Space Invaders Gigamax is accompanied by Bahamut Disco featuring Space Invaders, where participants shoot down invaders attacking to a beat, and NOBORINVADERS, which involves climbing up a wall to whack the attackers.

For more information, visit the Tokyo City View website.