Culture

Massive 'Life-Size' Gundam Statue Revealed for the Osaka Expo

Bandai Namco previews a life-sized Gundam statue for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, showcasing space life and futuristic tech concepts inspired by Mobile Suit Gundam.

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2024

The Sankei Shimbun

The Gundam statue's head is hoisted by a crane to dock with the torso. October 23, Konohana Ward, Osaka City (©Sankei by Kotaro Hikono).

On October 23, Bandai Namco Holdings (HD) gave a press preview of the assembly of a life-sized Gundam statue's head. Bandai is set to showcase a pavilion inspired by the world of the popular anime Mobile Suit Gundam at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. The press preview took place at the expo construction site on Yumeshima (Konohana Ward, Osaka City).

*The head of Gundam being hung by a crane to be docked with the fuselage, in Konohana Ward, Osaka City, on the morning of the 23rd (©Sankei by Kotaro Hikono)*

*A prayer for safety is held before the Gundam head docks. (©Sankei by Kotaro Hikono).*

Inspiring the Future

Standing about 17 meters tall, the statue is the first life-sized Gundam display in the Kansai region. Before the press, a crane lifted the Gundam's head and attached it to the torso. Kneeling on one knee, the statue has its right arm raised high. Organizers have partially modified the Gundam statue for the expo. While it was designed to move in Yokohama, where it was previously exhibited, it will be stationary at the expo.

The pavilion will feature exhibits on life in space and yet-to-be-realized technologies, as depicted in Gundam, presented through videos.

Bandai Namco's Chief Gundam Officer, Hiroshi Sakakibara, said, "A future where we can live in space is undoubtedly approaching. I hope that the experience at the pavilion will inspire visitors to think about such a future."

Read the article in Japanese.

Author: The Sankei Shimbun