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A massive event for Gundam series plastic models (Gunpla) titled “Gunpla Expo World Tour Japan 2015” is being held from Nov. 20–23 at Akihabara UDX and on Nov. 22 and 23 at Belle Salle Akihabara. Admission is free.
The theme of the event is “The future of Gunpla is here!” The exhibit includes displays and events expressing what the future may hold for Gunpla, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, and how it will evolve from here on. There are also all kinds of stage events being held on the 22 and 23 including “Gunpla Battle Project Type Kizuna,” which is a pseudo-style Gunpla battle, and the award ceremony for the Japan Gunpla contest “Gunpla Builders World Cup 2015.”
“Explore the Future Gunpla at Akihabara UDX” was open a day ahead of the exhibit to a private audience. The area was crammed with press and industry personnel as announcements were made regarding new Gunpla projects and products.
The Gunpla display area has tons of new products on display on top of a plastic model series lineup from the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans that began broadcasting in October. New products are unveiled for every Gunplay category including the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin series, the Gundam Build Fighters series, BB Senshi, RE/100, MG, RG, and more. There are also many products exclusive to the Gunpla Expo to see.
The “Gunpla Supporters 2015” area features a display of original colored Gunpla by celebrated creators, which is a popular feature each year. This year features creations from a variety of celebrities including well-known anime song singer Eir Aoi, SKE48 members Sae Miyazawa, Mina Oba, and Akari Suda, and DJ Love of Sekai no Owari.
The other half of the exhibit area features exquisite Gunpla created by the finalists in Bandai’s official Gunpla contest “GBWA 2015” and an area where attendees can get hands on with a “1/1 Scale RX-78-2 Gundam.” The exhibit is devoted to content to keep attendees entertained until the very end.
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article written by Kohji Sakurai and translated by Jarrett Meuser. Photos by Kohji Sakurai.
