Gundam I Am

It's official: the life-sized Gundam statue (now dubbed the "Real Grade 1/1 Gundam") is back. Last week, Shinto priests blessed the ground upon which the Mobile Suit will stand. The official opening date is July 24th, 2010, with Gundam expected to occupy the space through at least January of 2011. The site is the public square in front of the West exit of JR Higashi Shizuoka Station, an hour southwest of Tokyo by bullet train. In contrast to the unarmed look in Odaiba (as seen above), it will come equipped with a newly designed and illuminated beam saber.

Why Shizuoka? It's the site of the annual Shizuoka Hobby Show, and also just so happens to be home to the top-secret facility where the Gundam models are manufactured.

Comments

[Leonardo Boiko]

I have to repeat that sentence: “last week, SHINTO PRIESTS BLESSED THE GROUND UPON WHICH THE MOBILE SUIT WILL STAND”

[Aceface]

Why Shizuoka,and not Nagoya,the supposed to the home of it's rightful owner Nagoya Television....

[Steve Harrison]

At least they're finally giving it an additional weapon and it doesn't have to rely on just the head mounted Vulcans.

I wonder if they'll do the logical thing and remove one of the saber hilts from the backpack?

Man, the torsional strength of that thing must be pretty good. I can't even imagine the stress it takes when a good wind hits it.

[MattAlt]

I know Nagoya people will never approve Gundam's independence, but Shizuoka holds all the cards.... Or rather, injection-molding machines.

[Big_D]

Which Gundam Model will be on display? Though I love gundams, mobile suits and mecha in general, I don't know all the gundam models, especially those not within the Gundam Seed universe.

[MattAlt]

The exact same one pictured above: the great granddaddy of them all, the RX-78.

[Beat]

That's JULY 24, you dyslexic person! LOL

[MattAlt]

DUHHH!!! Thanks for the catch!!!

[Beat]

You're welcome, Mr Dyslexic! LOL

[Francine Gomez]

a real gundam..wicked cool!