It has been 45 years since "Mobile Suit Gundam" was first broadcast in 1979! The Gundam series has been popular ever since, growing into a representative Japanese work loved by two or three generations. As 2024 marks the Gundam 45th Anniversary, various projects have been developed in the first half of the year, and the Gundam Conference SUMMER 2024 was held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024! Naohiro Ogata of Bandai Namco Filmworks, Hirotake Taguchi of BANDAI SPIRITS, and actor Kanata Hongo took the stage to unveil the latest information.
ガンダムとCoDがまさかのコラボ！6月2日から「シャア専用ザクII」スキンなど販売開始
Life-Sized Gundam Statue to Appear at the Osaka-Kansai Expo
The Osaka-Kansai Expo is less than a year away from its opening on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Various countries, regions, and private companies from inside and outside Japan are expected to exhibit pavilions, promising a vibrant atmosphere with displays of the latest technology and people-to-people exchanges.
Speaking of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. had previously announced its private pavilion, the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION. They have now announced that a life-sized Gundam statue will be one of the main exhibits.
Life-sized Gundam statues have been exhibited in places like Odaiba in Koto Ward, Tokyo, and Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. However, the one that attracted fans from all over the world was likely the Moving Gundam in Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. "GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA" welcomed a cumulative total of over 1.75 million visitors since its opening in December 2020 and celebrated its grand finale in March 2024. The sight of the Gundam being dismantled after completing its mission also became a hot topic on social media. So, where did the dismantled Gundam go?
Surprisingly, a large part of the life-sized Gundam statue to be exhibited at the "GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION" is said to be utilizing materials from the "Moving Gundam". This statue will not move, but it marks the first exhibition in the Kansai area! Furthermore, its iconic pose—having one knee raised—is a first in history!
Gundam's popularity is now global. The Expo site, where various people from around the world will gather, is a fitting occasion for this exhibition.
"GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION" Special Site is also open, where you can check the countdown to the opening and various events and campaigns.
| Exhibition Summary | |
|---|---|
| Period | Sunday, April 13, 2025 - Monday, October 13, 2025 |
| Location | Osaka-Kansai Expo "GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION" |
| Source Work | Mobile Suit Gundam |
| Model Number | RX-78F00/E Gundam |
| Specs | Overall Height: 16.72m (to fingertips) Head Height: 12.31m Total Weight: 49.1t |
Latest Information Unveiled at "Gundam Conference SUMMER 2024"
At the "Gundam Conference SUMMER 2024," released on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, a large amount of information was announced in addition to the life-sized Gundam statue, including the following:
- 45th Anniversary Illustration
- RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0
- RX-78-2 Gundam EARTH COLOR Ver.
- Hakata Gion Yamakasa Collaboration Project
- "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" Related Products
Kanata Hongo Gets Excited About the New Gunpla
Kanata Hongo, one of the biggest Gundam (Gunpla) fans in the entertainment industry, was greatly excited to observe the unreleased "RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0" and "RX-78-2 Gundam EARTH COLOR Ver." The "RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0" will enable even more delicate posing through unprecedented joint articulation.
"Hakata Gion Yamakasa" x "Mobile Suit Gundam" Collaboration
The "Hakata Gion Yamakasa," Fukuoka's representative summer festival held every July, is a traditional festival registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A dream collaboration with Gundam has now been realized!
The original collaboration-designed Yamakasa, named "Gundam Hakata Jinraiden," was unveiled. During the festival, 40 people will carry and run with the Yamakasa, which, at a height of 12 meters and a weight of 2 tons, is like a slightly lighter Mobile Suit. Since it is also equipped with gimmicks such as lights and carbon dioxide gas, Gundam fans should definitely go check it out! And of course, don't forget to stop by "Gundam Park Fukuoka!"
"Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" Product Information
"Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM," which screened across Japan from January to May 2024, was a massive hit, recording 4.8 billion yen in box office revenue and over 2.9 million admissions.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the film is currently being screened in 22 countries and regions worldwide, with plans for distribution and streaming in over 82 countries and regions in the future. The momentum of "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" is still continuing, and everyone is curious about the product information!
- HG 1/144 DESTINY GUNDAM SpecⅡ&ZEUS SILHOUETTE
- HG 1/144 BLACK KNIGHT SQUAD Cal-re.A
- HG 1/144 Z'Gok (Tentative)
- METAL ROBOT SPIRITS
Infinite Justice Gundam Type-II - METAL ROBOT SPIRITS
Strike Freedom Gundam Type-II - METAL ROBOT SPIRITS
Proud Defender & Effect Parts Set - Niformation Mobile Suit Gundam Seal Wafer ~Overture of Battle~
- Mobile Suit Gundam G-FRAME FA Duel Blitz Gundam & Lightning Buster Gundam
- GGG Lacus Clyne Pilot Suit ver.
- Lookup Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM Kira Yamato
- Lookup Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM Aslan Zala
A quick review of a massive amount of related products. Kanata Hongo couldn't stop grinning in front of the Z'Gok.
"The 45th Anniversary Is the Entrance to the 50th Anniversary" and Sequel to "Hathaway's Flash" Confirmed
The "Gundam Conference SUMMER 2024" reached a massive volume of over 50 minutes! It concluded with comments from Kanata Hongo, Naohiro Ogata, and Hirotake Taguchi.
Hongo: My excitement increased with the rush of overwhelming information. Since this is the 45th anniversary, I assume you are planning various projects, but you won't burn yourselves out and neglect next year, will you? (Laughs)
Ogata: Yes! We consider the 45th anniversary to be the entrance to the 50th anniversary. I believe that works and products that will surprise Hongo will continue to appear, and of course, we are also making the sequel to "Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash"! Please wait a little longer.
Taguchi: This year is Gundam's 45th anniversary, and next year will be Gunpla's 45th anniversary, so various projects are currently being considered. We hope you look forward to them!
(Translated from Japanese)
The "Gundam Conference SUMMER 2024" has concluded. Archive footage has been released on the YouTube channel "GundamInfo."
The sequel to "Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash" has been confirmed to be in production, and many products will be released in 2024. "Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance" is also scheduled for exclusive distribution on Netflix. Let's all work together to build excitement for the 50th anniversary!
