Kanata Hongo Expresses His Love For GUNPLA! A Gunpla 40th Anniversary Project Presentation Report

Items related to the project were also revealed!

On Friday, February 21st, the Gunpla 40th Anniversary Project Presentation was held at the general GUNPLA facility THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO in Odaiba.

BANDAI SPIRITS announced the launch of the GUNPLA LINK PROJECT to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of plastic model kits featuring the Gundam series, or GUNPLA, in 2020.

The GUNPLA LINK PROJECT is mainly divided into five themes based on the keyword “LINK”, involving the release of products that represent the culmination of the 40 years of history, GUNPLA assembly experiences, and large events scheduled to be held. Mixed media projects and various collaborations are also being planned alongside film & video productions.

The details of the project were announced at the presentation by Takashi Fujiwara, the CGO of BANDAI SPIRITS Co., Ltd. A talk show was held by Akihiko Yasunaga from the Hobby Division with Kanata Hongo as a guest. Expectations for the project and GUNPLA related episodes were shared during the talk show. Here are the details:

Please check this article for details about the project.

Kanata Hongo, a GUNPLA enthusiast, is here to join us today!

A talk show featuring actor Kanata Hongo was held during the presentation. Mr. Hongo stated that he loves GUNPLA and that he has already made over 100 kits.
When asked about his favorite MS, he answered, "I have a soft spot for Zeon type Mobile Suits. I’m especially fond of the Qubeley and Kshatriya." He revealed that he had painted a GUNPLA of the Kshatriya with colors that resembled the Qubeley. He went on to explain that he didn’t have many friends around his age who were into GUNPLA, but shared an instance in which he was able to have an exciting conversation with movie director Shinji Higuchi concerning GUNPLA. He commented, “GUNPLA can even become a useful tool of communication that surpasses generations and allows us to connect with older generations.”

Mr. Hongo's handcrafted V2 Gundam Imagine Fullburnern was then displayed on the big screen, and he explained that he wondered “What kind of GUNPLA would Julian Mackenzie use next?” while creating the GUNPLA, due to his being the voice actor for the character from Gundam Build Fighters. He also revealed that the V2 Gundam Imagine Fullburnern was featured in the comic Gundam Build Fighters AR. ”It would be wonderful if the GUNPLA we assembled could actually move as they do in the “Gundam Build Series,” and I hope that some kind of technology that could make it happen will be invented soon." stated Mr. Hongo with high expectations.

With expectations building up for the various plans in the project, Mr. Hongo especially showed interest in the AUTO-TRANS MODEL Unicorn Gundam, which adopts an automatic transformation gimmick, stating, “As a fan myself, the fact that it recreates the same movements as seen in the series makes me truly excited.” Mr. Yasunaga further explained, "We want to make it a transforming model that not only incorporates lights, but also the sounds." To this, Mr. Hongo replied with a smile, "(While watching the transformation gimmick) I can’t resist reciting quotes from the series!”

Mr. Hongo concluded the talk show with a passionate comment. "I am a person who loves Gundam as well as GUNPLA. I am always amazed by the consistent mindset of the people who make these new and amazing creations. I will continue to love Gunpla for the rest of my life, and I want to pass on GUNPLA to future generations. Please continue creating awesome kits for the years to come.”