Japan’s Giant Gundam Parade Gets a New Star
Even when the world feels like it’s spinning around a mad roller‑coaster, some things stubbornly stick around. One of those is the colossal Gundam rockets that line the streets of Japan. Fukuoka’s latest addition? A brand‑new, 1:1 scale RX‑93FF ν—the revamped “Nu” battle machine that first stole our hearts in Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counter‑Attack.
Size & Placement
Standing at a floor‑to‑ceiling height of 24.8 metres (81.3 feet), the ν Gundam now commands the front of LaLaport’s shopping hub like the patron saint of skyscrapers. Imagine a giant, half‑human, half‑machine, all in front of your favorite mall food court.
What Makes It Different?
- Fin Funnel Overhaul: The classic narrow fin wings have been swapped for a Long‑Range Fin Funnel. Rumor has it the extra spread prevents the robot from doing a surprise top‑pledge during windy days.
- Style‑by‑Creator: Frankly, it’s crafted under the watchful eye of original mastermind Yoshiyuki Tomino, who makes sure every gear and metal suit’s still recognizable.
Life‑Size, Real‑Mobility Cousin
Meet the Gundam Factory Yokohama sidekick—where the ν Gundam actually moves! This instantiation was opened on December 19, 2020 and certainly proves Japan isn’t a one‑off when it comes to giant robot construction.
Local reporters even filmed the head‑on‑body attachment ceremony, proving that the biggest scary thing in Japan’s cityscape can still be handled by humans.
Beyond Japan?
Currently, the only other 1:1 scale Gundam immortalizing the world outside Japan is the Freedom Gundam statue outside Shanghai—yep, that’s the main skyline twin. If only we could shrink the ν down to a kitchen counter size for our homes… “Make the RX‑93FF ν Gunpla happen” is the cry of many fans!
Catch the Action
Want to see the ν Gundam in full glory? Check out this video:
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Side Note: Gundam Cafés Saying Goodbye
Foundation fans, hang on! The well‑known Gundan cafés are heading for a permanent closure after a solid 11‑year run—no doubt we’ll be drowning in nostalgia.
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Originally published by Geek Culture
