Gundam Factory Yokohama - Grand Finale

 Good things do have to end at some point and the inevitable has come. After being operational since 2020, The first movable Life Size statue of RX-78 Gundam in Gundam Factory Yokohama has officially ended its service as of 31st March 2024. For more than 3 Years, The 18 Meter Life-size RX-78 F00 Gundam statue entertain and fascinate the visitors with its capability of full range of motion which is so far the only object for its size that can pull of its stunt. To commemorate the Final Day of this pilgrimage destination for Gundam and Mecha fans alike, Gundam Factory Yokohama did a proper send off for RX-78  F00 which include some Night Drone theatrics and Farewell speech by the OG of Gundam series, Yoshiyuki Tomino sensei himself. I will definitely allocate some time to see the farewell event livestream within this week.

 Being an avid mecha fans, Yokohama Life Size Statue was one of my main bucket list for Japan Trip and I was very grateful for the opportunity that I was able to complete the Hattrick for Gundam Life-Size statue with RX-78 F00 Yokohama being my final destination. The Life Size statue is definitely something to behold, but seeing the Gundam in full motion at close proximity is another whole kind of experience. To see the Gundam Life Size Statue to Walk with minimum support is impressive enough, but the Life Size statue is actually even able to kneel. 

 While it is a sad turn of even, given the apparent high operational cost and Japan's declining overall economy,  RX-78 F00 end of operation at Yokohama is inevitable indeed  I would say 3 Years are still more than enough for most Gundam Fans who are dedicated enough to visit this Pilgrimage site at least once given its relative convenience of access from Tokyo. Among the Life-Size Gundam statues, Yokohama RX-78 F00 probably rank up the highest for the experience itself. In any case it would be really sad if the whole Life Size Gundam to be scrapped completely and probably there is still a good chance of relocation given Yokohama's sea breeze was one of the primary concern for the Life Size Gundam Statue maintenance. To conclude this post, I will be leaving some Photos that I took at Gundam Factory Yokohama.