Gundam SEED FREEDOM Is Bringing Giant Nebuta Floats to the 2026 Aomori Nebuta Festival

This summer, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM is heading to one of Japan's biggest festivals in a spectacular way. As part of Bandai Namco's new Gundam Festival Project, the Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam and Infinite Justice Gundam Type-2 will appear as enormous Nebuta floats during the 2026 Aomori Nebuta Festival.

Created by renowned Nebuta artist Hiroaki Fukushi, the two Gundam-themed floats will lead the parade as the official front-row Nebuta for the "Our Nebuta Independent Production Committee." Fans visiting Aomori will have the chance to watch the towering displays light up the streets throughout the festival, bringing Gundam SEED FREEDOM to one of Japan's most famous summer celebrations.

To mark the occasion, Bandai Namco also revealed a brand-new event illustration by Yuto Ogura (STUDIO GS), featuring Kira Yamato, Lacus Clyne, Athrun Zala, and Cagalli Yula Athha dressed in traditional Haneto festival costumes. Limited-edition fans featuring the artwork will be handed out during the parade while supplies last.

The celebration goes beyond the festival itself. Several regional collaborations have also been announced, including special Gundam-themed versions of Aomori favorites such as English Toast, Polo Chocolat, apple juice, Nanbu Senbei, and the prefecture's famous Stamina Gen Tare sauce.

Fans can also stop by the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM POP UP SHOP in Aomori Nebuta Festival, which will run from July 18 through August 30, 2026, offering exclusive merchandise featuring the newly illustrated festival artwork along with collaboration products available only during the event.

The Gundam SEED Nebuta will be on display during the Aomori Nebuta Festival from August 2 to August 7, 2026, with a special exhibition also planned for the festival's eve on August 1 in downtown Aomori City.

The event also marks the first major phase of the Gundam Festival Project, an initiative that expands Gundam's partnership with regional festivals across Japan. Following appearances at events such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa and the Sapporo Snow Festival, the project continues its goal of bringing Gundam into local traditions while introducing visitors to each region's unique culture.