Shizuoka City is making a bold move to solidify its reputation as the world’s model kit capital. During a city council session on February 17, officials revealed their intention to collaborate with Bandai Spirits (Tokyo) to bring a life-sized Gundam statue and a comprehensive Gundam-themed facility, "Gundam Base," to the city. This initiative coincides with the upcoming summer launch of a new Bandai Hobby Center factory, which will focus on producing Gunpla.
With Gundam’s immense worldwide popularity, the new Bandai Hobby Center factory, set to feature a public tour course, is expected to draw visitors from Japan and beyond. Inaba Hikaru, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Bureau, expressed optimism, stating that a life-sized Gundam statue and accompanying exhibits would reinforce Shizuoka’s status as the global hub for model kits, boosting tourism and revitalizing the local economy. He emphasized the importance of a regional effort to bring the statue to the city and pledged to continue advocating for the project on behalf of its enthusiastic residents.
Shizuoka City is no stranger to life-sized Gundam displays. Similar statues have been erected in Odaiba, Tokyo, and Hakata, Fukuoka City. Additionally, from 2010 to 2011, a full-scale RX-78-2 Gundam stood at JR Higashi-Shizuoka Station as part of the Shizuoka Hobby Fair, drawing 1.6 million visitors over an eight-month period.
For many local residents, the prospect of a permanent Gundam installation is an exciting opportunity. Fans and citizens alike have voiced their support, noting that Shizuoka currently lacks a major tourist landmark. Many believe that a Gundam-themed attraction could attract anime enthusiasts, including international visitors, and serve as a powerful cultural and economic asset.
One resident remarked, “It’s odd that Shizuoka has a Bandai factory but no dedicated Gundam facility. This could be a fantastic tourist resource.” Others shared their hopes, with one saying, “I want this to happen no matter what. I’d love to see it in person, and it would definitely bring in more visitors.”
The idea of a life-sized Gundam statue in Shizuoka was previously discussed at a September 2023 city council meeting, where a proposal suggested installing it at Shizuoka Station’s South Exit Plaza, which is currently undergoing redevelopment. However, the city cited space limitations and potential traffic congestion issues, stating that there were no concrete plans at the time.
Despite these hurdles, the latest city council session in February 2025 has reignited discussions, with officials now expressing a more positive stance on bringing back the statue. Given Shizuoka’s rich history as a hub for model kit manufacturing, home to numerous model makers and hobbyists, the proposal is gaining significant traction.
With strong public support and the city’s renewed commitment, Shizuoka’s dream of a life-sized Gundam returning to its streets may soon become a reality.
GOOGLE ACCOUNT IS REQUIRED TO POST ON OUR COMMENT SECTION.