Unicorn Gundam news: Life-size statue in Tokyo now on display

Promotional poster for episode 4 of Mobile Suit Gundam UC (2011) Facebook/gundamunicorn

The RX-0 Unicorn Gundam life-sized statue is now on full display in Odaiba, Tokyo; it was unveiled on Sept. 24.

Fans of the mecha anime have been impressed with the accuracy of the details of the statue version of the mobile suit ever since construction started back in July. As advertised, the 19.7 meters tall Gundam transforms from Unicorn Mode to Destroy Mode with the exposed Psycho Frame having lighting gimmicks that mimics those seen in the Original Video Animation.

During the final week of August, passers-by noticed that some parts of the Gundam were already showing parts of the Psycho frame, hinting that the transformation would be a partial one. This YouTube video confirmed that only the face (and the V-fin), the shoulders, waist, and knees would be doing the iconic armor shifting for the Gundam's Destroy Mode transformation.

The 49-ton statue of the Unicorn Gundam is with decals designed by renowned mecha designer Katoki Hajime. In line with the premiere exhibition, the Gundam Trailer Shop also opened. On opening day, Gundam-related products were handed out by this trailer type shop located at the festival square. The products that were given away were the same ones in The Gundam Base Tokyo, where more merchandise items from the entire Gundam universe were up for sale.

A special photo deck in front of the life-size Unicorn Gundam has been set up as part of the Tokyo Gundam Project 2017. Visitors can freely take photos of and with the giant robot in the Promenade Park from Aug. 26 to Nov. 26. Professional photographers in-site can also be hired to take photos.

The Jitsubutsudai Unicorn Gundam MS Camera (Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam MS Camera) is an augmented reality camera app free for download on Google Play and App Store that only activates in special points in the Diver City Tokyo Plaza Hall. Pointing the camera app in special character photo spots will let fans take images with the characters from the anime series.

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