Japan's finalists in the official Bandai Gunpla contest Gunpla Builders World Cup 2014, were on display at Akihabara UDX Theater November 24th for the Japanese championship prize ceremony.
Katsumi "Meijin Kawaguchi" Kawaguchi, of Bandai's hobby division, presided over the ceremony. Kanetake Ebikawa, mechanical designer for Gundam Build Fighters Try, was also on hand as a special presenter. "Seeing all the entries in person for the first time, I'm deeply impressed at such a wide and free range of motifs, from the stoic single-suit build to entire dioramas telling stories," he commented.
With competition fiercer than ever at Japan's fourth championship, which Gunpla will take the prize!? Find out in our photo report!
■ Junior Course (ages 14 and under)
Japan Champion (1st Place) Title: War Within Al / Builder: Mei Hata
"I was really nervous with so many amazing entries this year, but I'm so happy mine was chosen. This year, I'm aiming for the World Championship!" (Mei Hata)
"Mei's works, with their use of cases, have always been excellent at portraying an entire space. This year's choice of a round case is excellent at capturing a single moment in space."
(Kishiyama, Bandai Hobby)
"I was really nervous with so many amazing entries this year, but I'm so happy mine was chosen. This year, I'm aiming for the World Championship!" (Mei Hata)
"Mei's works, with their use of cases, have always been excellent at portraying an entire space. This year's choice of a round case is excellent at capturing a single moment in space."
(Kishiyama, Bandai Hobby)
■ Open Course (ages 15 and up)
3rd Place Title: Stinger Photon Ball / Builder: Takafumi Yatabe
"I never thought I'd place, so I'm both happy and amazed." (Takafumi Yatabe)
"This is proof that Balls can hold their own in GBWC! It feels like building it must have been a ton of fun." (Hasegawa, Bandai Hobby)
"I never thought I'd place, so I'm both happy and amazed." (Takafumi Yatabe)
"This is proof that Balls can hold their own in GBWC! It feels like building it must have been a ton of fun." (Hasegawa, Bandai Hobby)
2nd Place Title: Wing Zero Diabolus / Builder: RO KU
"I can't believe it. I never thought I'd win a prize. I thought other entries would be far better at expressing their concepts. I can't claim sole credit for this. Thanks, everyone." (RO KU)
"It's simple, but impressive. The suit itself is excellent, but the backdrop is amazing. The layout of the scattered blades and sabers is incredible." (Hasegawa, Bandai Hobby)
"I can't believe it. I never thought I'd win a prize. I thought other entries would be far better at expressing their concepts. I can't claim sole credit for this. Thanks, everyone." (RO KU)
"It's simple, but impressive. The suit itself is excellent, but the backdrop is amazing. The layout of the scattered blades and sabers is incredible." (Hasegawa, Bandai Hobby)
Japan Champion (1st Place)
Title: "Kylin Soaring Across the Heavens: Byarlant Custom Prototype Unit 2" / Builder: Yoshihisa Miki
"I was happy just finishing an entry where I was able to do everything I wanted, and wasn't concerned about placing highly (laughs). This unexpected victory must be thanks to my family and my supporters on Twitter. Thanks, everyone." (Yoshihisa Miki)
"The overall construction and compilation are on an extremely high level. It's fascinating just to look and contemplate how each part was built and painted." (Baba, Bandai Hobby)
Title: "Kylin Soaring Across the Heavens: Byarlant Custom Prototype Unit 2" / Builder: Yoshihisa Miki
"I was happy just finishing an entry where I was able to do everything I wanted, and wasn't concerned about placing highly (laughs). This unexpected victory must be thanks to my family and my supporters on Twitter. Thanks, everyone." (Yoshihisa Miki)
"The overall construction and compilation are on an extremely high level. It's fascinating just to look and contemplate how each part was built and painted." (Baba, Bandai Hobby)
▲ From left: Meijin Kawaguchi, Mei Hata, Yoshihisa Miki, Kanetake Ebikawa
The Japan Champions, Mei Hata's "War Within Al" and Yoshihisa Miki's "Kylin Soaring Across the Heavens: Byarlant Custom Prototype Unit 2", will be arrayed with other national champions at Gundam Front Tokyo, 1:00 PM December 21st, as the World Champion is crowned.
The proceedings will be streamed live from the GBWC official site and GUNDAM.INFO. Cheer for your favorite from among the world's best!
(GUNDAM.INFO Editorial Staff)
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