April 3, 2024
The Final, Heroic Performance of the Moving Gundam was Spectacular, with Drones and Fireworks! GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA GRAND FINALE ～To the New Stage～ Event Report
“When I wake up again, it will be a peaceful era where Mobile Suits and Gundams work for the happiness of people.”
The grand finale event GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA GRAND FINALE～To the New Stage～ of the life-sized moving Gundam’s exhibition facility GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA (GFY) was held Sunday, March 31st.
On the day of the event, admission tickets for the regular business hours up until 4:00 PM sold out quickly. Many fans flocked to the event to see the final, majestic sight of the moving Gundam, making it a huge success.
On the day of the event, admission tickets for the regular business hours up until 4:00 PM sold out quickly. Many fans flocked to the event to see the final, majestic sight of the moving Gundam, making it a huge success.
At the grand finale event held after the closing time, the three directors of Gundam GLOBAL CHALLENGE and media artist Yoichi Ochiai looked back on the project, General Director Yoshiyuki Tomino gave a speech, and the final activation experiment was performed.
The performance was a continuation of the story from the opening event held on Friday, December 18, 2020, and was a spectacular event that included fireworks and an original drone art show with about 1,000 drones.
The performance was a continuation of the story from the opening event held on Friday, December 18, 2020, and was a spectacular event that included fireworks and an original drone art show with about 1,000 drones.
Furthermore, a photo session was held after the event ended with Takanori Nishikawa and SUGIZO, who were present at the finale. Let’s get right into the report.
GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA GRAND FINALE～To the New Stage～ Report
After receiving two extensions since its opening in 2020, the life-sized moving Gundam moved for the last time on Sunday, March 31st.
The final event, GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA GRAND FINALE ~To the New Stage~, began with a video summarizing GFY's history along with records of the various events that had been held at the facility.
After that, technical director Akinori Ishii, creative director Masaki Kawahara, system director Wataru Yoshizaki, and media artist Yoichi Ochiai from Gundam GLOBAL CHALLENGE took the stage to look back on the project.
The final event, GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA GRAND FINALE ~To the New Stage~, began with a video summarizing GFY's history along with records of the various events that had been held at the facility.
After that, technical director Akinori Ishii, creative director Masaki Kawahara, system director Wataru Yoshizaki, and media artist Yoichi Ochiai from Gundam GLOBAL CHALLENGE took the stage to look back on the project.
Ishii asked Ochiai, "Has the moving Gundam ever inspired your creativity?" Ochiai replied, "When I saw the moving Gundam for the first time, I was overwhelmed by the idea that humans think on an interesting scale, just from the large human-like structure. It made me think, ‘What would I do if the Great Buddha of Nara started moving?’”
Ishii agreed, saying, "I also feel the impact of being humanoid. The moving Gundam’s brain is in a different place, so the head is really empty. To be honest, from the perspective of a mechanical engineer, I thought the head was just decoration. However, the moment I actually put the head on, it became a ‘Gundam.’ I felt that the presence changed greatly because it was humanoid," he said, talking about the importance of being not just a gigantic mecha, but also "being humanoid."
In response to the question, "What would you like to do next as a project linked to GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE?" Ishii replied, "Due to safety issues, development time, and cost, we were unable to make it so that people could ride in the Gundam. Next time, I would like to try making a Gundam that people can ride." He then revealed his personal ambition, saying, "I would also like to try making a moving Zaku!", an idea which drew thunderous applause from the audience.
Ishii agreed, saying, "I also feel the impact of being humanoid. The moving Gundam’s brain is in a different place, so the head is really empty. To be honest, from the perspective of a mechanical engineer, I thought the head was just decoration. However, the moment I actually put the head on, it became a ‘Gundam.’ I felt that the presence changed greatly because it was humanoid," he said, talking about the importance of being not just a gigantic mecha, but also "being humanoid."
In response to the question, "What would you like to do next as a project linked to GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE?" Ishii replied, "Due to safety issues, development time, and cost, we were unable to make it so that people could ride in the Gundam. Next time, I would like to try making a Gundam that people can ride." He then revealed his personal ambition, saying, "I would also like to try making a moving Zaku!", an idea which drew thunderous applause from the audience.
Next, Mobile Suit Gundam general director Yoshiyuki Tomino gave a speech:
"It's thanks to the fans that this project was possible. I was able to make my pipe dream come true while learning about society. At the same time I got to see all of your (the fans’) faces. It also allowed people from all walks of life to consider how we should use technology going forward. I'm very grateful to have had a place where all of that could occur.
"I learned that someone in my position who could only think about things through anime was able to do this because of realism—that is, society—and all of you. I'm truly grateful to have had the opportunity," he said, expressing his gratitude for the lessons that the moving Gundam brought and the support from the fans that made it possible.
"It's thanks to the fans that this project was possible. I was able to make my pipe dream come true while learning about society. At the same time I got to see all of your (the fans’) faces. It also allowed people from all walks of life to consider how we should use technology going forward. I'm very grateful to have had a place where all of that could occur.
"I learned that someone in my position who could only think about things through anime was able to do this because of realism—that is, society—and all of you. I'm truly grateful to have had the opportunity," he said, expressing his gratitude for the lessons that the moving Gundam brought and the support from the fans that made it possible.
At last, it was time for the RX-78F00 Gundam's final activation experiment.
The RX-78F00 is equipped with Amuro Ray's memories and the original AI, who said, "With this activation, I, and the F00, will enter a long sleep. When I wake up again, it will be a peaceful era in which Mobile Suits and Gundams work to bring happiness to people. Such an era will surely come someday."
The Gundam's final activation came with messages such as, "Hope for the future always lies within you," and, "You must connect the bonds between the people born here to the future!"
The RX-78F00 is equipped with Amuro Ray's memories and the original AI, who said, "With this activation, I, and the F00, will enter a long sleep. When I wake up again, it will be a peaceful era in which Mobile Suits and Gundams work to bring happiness to people. Such an era will surely come someday."
The Gundam's final activation came with messages such as, "Hope for the future always lies within you," and, "You must connect the bonds between the people born here to the future!"
Then, fireworks and about 1,000 drones painted the night sky with Amuro, Char, and Gundam's final shooting to "BEYOND THE TIME ~Beyond the Moebius Universe~,” Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack’s theme song.
Furthermore, Suletta, Miorine, and the Gundam Aerial appeared to “Blessing,” the opening theme song of Mobile Suit Gundam THE WITCH FROM MERCURY.
Kira, Lacus, and Freedom Gundam then appeared one after another to “FREEDOM,” the theme song of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM.
Finally, as the theme song for Gundam's 40th anniversary, "THE BEYOND," played, the words "Thank you YOKOHAMA" appeared in the night sky, coloring the final night of the moving Gundam.
Furthermore, Suletta, Miorine, and the Gundam Aerial appeared to “Blessing,” the opening theme song of Mobile Suit Gundam THE WITCH FROM MERCURY.
Kira, Lacus, and Freedom Gundam then appeared one after another to “FREEDOM,” the theme song of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM.
Finally, as the theme song for Gundam's 40th anniversary, "THE BEYOND," played, the words "Thank you YOKOHAMA" appeared in the night sky, coloring the final night of the moving Gundam.
After the event, SUGIZO and Takanori Nishikawa appeared on stage. They each spoke of their hopes for the future of Gundam. Takanori Nishikawa said, "It was wonderful to see people say that they wanted to make things or try new things after seeing the life-sized Gundam. It gave me the courage to continue doing things that will impress people through various things." And SUGIZO commented, "As a fan, I have high hopes that this culture, the ultimate entertainment that I have seen since I was a child, will continue to become even more powerful in the future.”
The GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA GRAND FINALE ~To the New Stage~ event is currently being archived and streamed on the YouTube Gundam channel. Don't miss the final brave sight of the moving Gundam.
View of GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA’s Final Day
(G-INFO Editorial Department)
* This article was originally published in Japan. Availability & timing may vary by region.
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