Whilst visiting Japan’s Second city of Yokohama, I could not resist the opportunity to see a giant robot!
An imposing figure, standing tall at nearly 60 feet, this life-sized RX-78-2 Gundam robot is a sight to behold and a testament to the enduring cultural impact of the beloved Gundam franchise.
For those new to the concept, Gundam is a science fiction media franchise that originated from a Japanese anime television series, which first aired in 1979. The series features gigantic humanoid military robots, known as ‘Mobile Suits,’ with the titular ‘Gundam’ being a unique and exceptionally powerful model. Over the decades, Gundam has expanded into a vast universe of TV shows, movies, manga, model kits, video games, and more.
This awe-inspiring Yokohama installation is located at the Gundam Factory, a complex dedicated to the franchise. It encapsulates the essence of Gundam, creating a real-life experience for fans and newcomers alike. Alongside the giant robot, the factory includes a lab for technical demonstrations and exhibitions, a cafe offering themed treats, a Gundam Base retail shop where fans can purchase merchandise, and a deck offering an up-close view of the colossal Gundam.
I had the basic ticket (because I hadn’t booked or translated the website) which meant I had the standard view from the ground. If you pay more and book ahead you can watch the Gundam move up close!
Whilst I am not a fan of Gundam, I thoroughly enjoyed this large and pretty unique spectacle!
Read more about my experience visiting the Gundam on the blog. https://winetravelandsong.com/2023/06/03/gundam-factory-huge-robot-yokohama-japan-2023/
00:00 Start
00:43 Gundam Powers Up
01:36 Gundam Moves