Bandai Spirits to Showcase New GunPlas at the Shizuoka Hobby Show 2025!

The 63rd Shizuoka Hobby Show is set to take place starting May 14th, 2025 at Twin Messe Shizuoka, continuing its legacy as one of Japan’s largest and most anticipated hobby exhibitions. The event serves as a major showcase for a wide range of products, from static models to railroad models, radio-controlled (R/C) vehicles, and more, featuring many of Japan’s top brands. It’s an excellent opportunity to stay updated on the latest market trends, discover new releases, and interact with industry leaders.

Event Schedule

The Shizuoka Hobby Show spans five days, with different schedules catering to industry professionals, students, and the general public:

• May 14 (Wednesday) & May 15 (Thursday): Trade Days (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM) – Reserved for buyers and trade professionals.
• May 16 (Friday): Students' Day (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) – Open to elementary, junior high, and high school students in Shizuoka Prefecture.
• May 17 (Saturday) & May 18 (Sunday): Public Days (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Sunday) – Open to the general public with free entry.

GUNPLA RELEASE SUMMARY

New Gunpla products

• PERFECT GRADE UNLEASHED 1/60 Nu Gundam, to be released to the public in January 2026, priced at 66,000 yen (including tax)
• MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos Lupus, to be released in November 2025
• ENTRY GRADE 1/144 Wing Gundam
• HG 1/144 Monkey Rodi (598 unit)
• HG 1/144 Gundam Zagan, to be commercialized (full details to be revealed in June 2025)
• HG 1/144 Char's Zaku (GQ), to be released in December 2025

Premium Bandai Exclusive

• HG 1/144 Destiny Gundam Spec II [Final Battle Image Color]
• MG 1/100 Blaze Zaku Phantom (Dearka Elsman)
• HG 1/144 Gundam Zirius
• HG 1/144 Gundam Naion
• HG 1/144 Sayla's Light Cannon (GQ)

Gundam Base Limited Item

• MG 1/100 Hyaku Shiki Ver.2.0 [Mechanical Core Plating] - Price TBD
• MGSD Gundam Base Limited Gundam Barbatos [Iron Blood Coating] June 2025 7,150 Yen
• ENTRY GRADE 1/144 V Gundam (Axis Shock Image Color) Released July 2025 1,540
• HG Gundam Base Limited Med Released August 2025 Price (including 10% tax) 2,200 Yen
• HG 1/144 Gundam Base Limited Gundam MK-III [Clear Color] July 2025 Price (including 10% tax) 2,860 Yen
• HG 1/144 Infinite Justice Gundam Type-2 [Clear Color] June 2025 Price (including 10% tax) 3,630 Yen
• HG Gundam Base Limited Unicorn Gundam Unit 3 Phenex (Destroy Mode) GOLD & SILVER COATING SET September 2025 22,000 Yen

What to Expect at Shizuoka Hobby Show 2025

1. The Latest GunPla and Scale Model Announcements

As the home of some of the world’s top model kit manufacturers, including Bandai, Tamiya, Hasegawa, Aoshima, and Kotobukiya, this event is the best place to see new GunPla (Gundam Plastic Models) and scale models before they officially launch. 

2. Manufacturer Exhibits & Prototype Displays

Leading brands will unveil their latest prototypes, upcoming releases, and limited-edition models, making this event a dream come true for collectors and hobby enthusiasts.We might also see the newly announced PG Unleashed (PGU) 1/60 RX-93 nu Gundam's first prototype, and the newly announced MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos Lupus!

We're also expecting to see some revived Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny kits! So stay tuned for more info.

3. The 34th Modelers’ Club Exhibition

Public Days (May 17–18) will feature the 34th Modelers’ Club Exhibition, where modeler clubs from Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and ASEAN countries will display more than 12,000 custom-built creations. This international collaboration is a must-see for hobbyists looking for inspiration and craftsmanship from across Asia.

4. R/C Model Events & Hands-On Experiences

For those who love radio-controlled models, the Shizuoka City South Gym will host hands-on R/C model events, including races, kit assembly workshops, and more, with support from organizations like Toyota Motor Corporation. This is an exciting opportunity to try out high-performance R/C vehicles in a dynamic and interactive setting.

5. Hands-On Activities and Live Demonstrations

Attendees can participate in live building demonstrations, painting workshops, and interactive sessions, offering a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and enhance their modeling skills.

SOURCE: SHIZUOKA HOBBY SHOW