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On Feb. 21 on the eighth floor of the commerce institution Tokyo Solamachi which adjoins the Tokyo Skytree, a life-size model of the Valkyrie VF-25 from Macross F 1 was unveiled to the press. This life-size model is on display in part for the grand opening of the Chiba Institute of Technology Skytree Campus Area II Planetary Exploration Zone which was held the following day on Feb. 22. Admission to this area is free.
This project was developed as part of the Planetary Exploration Zone at which there are hands-on attractions that attendees can personally experience. The focus of the area is on the cutting-edge technology used in astrobiology. Included are Japanese swords forged from the meteorite Gibeon, an area where attendees can journey to the moon through pictures taken by the Japanese moon probe Kaguya, and more. And the real draw is the Valkyrie VF-25.
The Valkyrie VF-25F is the leading mecha in Macross F. It is a variable fighter piloted by Alto Saotome and the rest of the main characters. The life-size model on display is the upper half of the Gerwalk 2 mode. It has a commanding presence at 9 meters in length, 4.03 meters in height, and 8 meters in width. The model was supervised by art director Hidetaka Tenjin and mecha designer Shoji Kawamori, chief animation director of Macross F. It is also a special collaboration with Big West, the company that produced the anime. Due to members of the anime’s team being involved, every last detail of the Valkyrie VF-25 has been brought to life.
Shoji Kawamori attended the event, and he had this to say about the model: “My alma mater is a mechanical engineering school. I was a person who wanted to create airplanes, robots, and cars. By not continuing down that path, I stepped into the world of animation. Thus, I’m happy that my dream of creating a robot has come to fruition.” “Those who come from abroad to visit the Skytree, and especially Macross fans, please come and see it,” he continued, appealing to overseas fans.
Chiba Institute of Technology Skytree Campus Area II Planetary Exploration Zone
Location: Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo 1-1-2, Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi East Yard 8F
Times: 10:30 - 18:00 (standing exhibit)
Admission: free
^1^ A work made in celebration of 25 years of the Macross series, which began with Super Dimension Fortress Macross. It is the third TV anime and came 13 years after Macross 7. It follows high school student Alto Saotome as he fights against the Vajra using the new variable fighter Valkyrie VF-25F. It picked up attention for its many musical scenes.
^2^ The name of a transformation mode of the variable fighters that appear in the Macross series. A cross between an aircraft and humanoid robot, it is a mode that allows for hybrid movability through air and land.
© 2007 Big West / Macross F Production Committee, MBS
© 2009,2011 Big West / Macross F the Movie Production Committee
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
