Hollywood ones were Godzilla is simply another monster that's going to destroy the earth.
Seeing a Japanese made Godzilla movie set right after WWII made clear the metaphor that Godzilla represents the US.
From their perspective, we were a monster that, while they could momentarily slow us down, simply could not be stopped. Any damage sustained was quickly repaired/healed. And if that wasn't enough, then we could unleash the ultimate weapon.
Then there was the dynamic that Japan must now ask the US for protection, but the US might have other, more urgent matters.
I agree with your overall sentiments, but I enjoyed the aspect of seeing some historical perspective through the eyes of the Japanese.