The world’s only life-size moving Gundam has completed its mission.
After captivating fans for three years, Gundam Factory Yokohama concluded its run with a grand closing ceremony on Saturday, March 31.
Originally intended as a limited-time display opening in December 2020 and ending just three months later, the Gundam’s immense popularity led to extensions in 2021 and again in 2023.
The closing ceremony marked the end of not only the towering RX-78-2 Gundam itself, but also the surrounding cafe, museum, and merchandise store.
The future destination of the hero mecha remains a mystery. While some speculate it might embark on a tour of Japan with similar limited-time displays, the Gundam’s extended stay and location on the docks raise questions about potential maintenance needs.
Over 1.5 million visitors, from die-hard Gundam fans to curious newcomers had visited the Gundam Factory Yokohama over the past years.
The grand finale was a fitting tribute, featuring speeches by franchise creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, Amuro Ray’s voice actor Toru Furuya, and the team behind the real-life Gundam.
A dazzling fireworks and drone display capped off the night, expressing gratitude to fans, visitors, and the city of Yokohama.