Godzilla vs. Biollante was released in Japan on December 29, 1990, as a belated response to the success of Mothra and other Showa-era kaiju films. The movie's plot revolves around a new, genetically engineered monster, Biollante, created by scientists using Godzilla's cells. The creature escapes and wreaks havoc on Tokyo, prompting the Japan Self-Defense Forces to deploy Godzilla, the legendary monster, to combat Biollante.