They're here to stay. For now...
Even though the Gundam Factory Yokohama, which houses the moving Gundam RX-78F00, closed on March 31, 2024, the Gundam spirit lives on throughout Japan. Fans of the legendary franchise have plenty to rejoice, since numerous huge Gundam statues remain strewn across the country, each a wonder of engineering and a tribute to the Gundam universe's long-lasting popularity.
First and foremost, the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam version. TWC proudly stands in front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Tokyo, serving as a beacon for Gundam lovers around the world. This full-scale statue depicts the powerful presence of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from "Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn." It is famous for its fascinating transformation between Unicorn Mode and Destroy Mode, which draws crowds every two hours. Standing 19.7 meters tall and weighing 49 tons, this Unicorn Gundam not only lights up the night with its LED Psycho frame, but also serves as a backdrop for special screenings and lighting schemes.
Adjacent to the statue is the largest Gundam Base, where visitors can do everything Gundam, from shopping for models to attending special events. Gundam Base Tokyo, which opened on August 19, 2017, has become a fan pilgrimage site, replacing the former Gundam Front Tokyo.
Next in line is the life-sized RX-93 v Gundam, which was recently added to Fukuoka's Mitsui Shopping Center LaLaport. Unveiled on April 25, 2022, this monument depicts the RX-93 ν Gundam from the 1988 film "Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack," with tri-color markings and a Long-range Fin Funnel. The statue, designed by filmmaker Yoshiyuki Tomino, features one-of-a-kind gimmicks that give this legendary machine new life.
Furthermore, Gundam Park Fukuoka, a cooperation between BANDAI NAMCO Amusement and BANDAI SPIRITS, is in the works, with the goal of providing an immersive Gundam experience with Gundam-themed entertainment facilities.
Although not in Japan, the Freedom Gundam Ver. The GCP (Gundam China Project) statue deserves recognition. This statue, which was erected on April 26, 2021, at the Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Shanghai Jinqiao in China, represents Gundam's global appeal. Accompanied by the opening of the first Gundam Base shop in Shanghai, the Freedom Gundam extends the Gundam universe's reach, showcasing the franchise's international influence and appeal.
While the closure of the Gundam Factory Yokohama signals the end of an era, Gundam fans can continue their adventure with these colossal statues throughout Japan (and beyond). Each monument not only honors the Gundam series' rich past, but also inspires wonder and respect, reminding both enthusiasts and newcomers of the Gundam universe's unlimited innovation and passion.
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