Yoshiyuki Tomino, the visionary creator behind the Gundam series, not only made a touching speech during the RX-78F00 Gundam's closing ceremony at the Gundam Factory Yokohama on March 31, 2024, but also captivated the audience with his extraordinarily dazzling and colorful outfit!
The closing celebration, which marked the final day of the moving Gundam exhibit, was a momentous event, featuring interviews with the Gundam Global Challenge directors, Tomino's thank-you message to all Gundam enthusiasts, and a breathtaking fireworks and drone display that left onlookers in amazement. Furthermore, the ceremony was livestreamed so that fans all around the world could witness the end of an era for the renowned RX-78F00 Gundam.
Tomino's choice of attire for the event drew attention and spurred conversations, thanks to a Weibo post by user iGunPla that revealed the details of his outfit. The iconic creator wore the "PTM OUTSIDE WHITEBASE JACKET," a piece from the "Mobile Suit Gundam" x Kosuke Kawamura collaborative gear priced at 132,000 yen (roughly 872 USD).
Adding to the outfit's allure, Tomino wore a COMME des GARÇONS's CDG SHIRT×Andy Warhol OVER PRINT SHIRT featuring Marilyn Monroe, priced at 80,300 Yen (around 530 USD). This unique piece combines the iconic imagery of Marilyn Monroe with the avant-garde design philosophy of COMME des GARÇONS, creating a bold statement that perfectly complemented Tomino's presence at the ceremony.
THE SPEECH
On his speech, Tomino began his address by acknowledging the evolution of Gundam over nearly half a century, noting how the series has grown beyond its original anime roots to encompass the world of GunPla (Gundam Plastic Models), symbolizing a cultural expansion reminiscent of the "Great Buddha-style." This metaphor not only highlighted the monumental influence of Gundam on pop culture but also underlined its role in bridging traditional storytelling with contemporary technological advancements.
A large portion of his speech was devoted to the engineering marvel that the moving Gundam represents. Tomino expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to confront and solve real-world engineering challenges through this project, emphasizing the accomplishment with a spirited "I've done it! I've done this!" His words conveyed a deep sense of achievement and fulfillment in bringing a piece of Gundam's world into tangible reality.
He also emphasized the freedom to experiment and invent. He expressed gratitude to the local community and authorities for providing the space required for the Gundam to stand tall, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that enabled such a project. This gratitude extended to the myriad of staff members whose hard work and dedication brought the moving Gundam to life, underscoring the collective effort behind this monumental achievement.
Tomino also expressed his personal connection with the fans and attendance, thanking them for their support and enthusiasm. He emphasized the significance of interaction and participation, viewing the project as a tool for discovering and comprehending technology through a familiar and cherished medium. This sentiment highlighted Gundam's educational and inspirational potential, not just as entertainment but also as a means of learning and inquiry.
Tomino spoke in a reflective and sometimes comic tone about the challenges and trials that lay ahead, implying that the journey of invention is never complete. His closing remarks were filled with appreciation, thanking everyone involved for their contributions to the project and the opportunity to dream, create, and inspire.
Yoshiyuki Tomino's address confirmed Gundam's enduring legacy, commemorating its previous triumphs while looking ahead to the future with optimism and a willingness to take on new challenges. His remarks made an everlasting mark on the hearts of Gundam fans all around the world, a fitting testament to the series' long-lasting influence on culture and technology.
SOURCE: GUNDAM INFO | MAKES.JP
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LOL. I didn't know I needed this article until I actually paid attention to his outfit. Thank you for this!
ReplyDeleteThose are some bank smashing threads though.