Green and yellow glows, snow in Odaiba. Let's take a final look at the Unicorn Gundam that has been loved for 9 years
It has been announced that the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue, which has been cherished as a landmark of Odaiba, will end its exhibition at the end of August 2026. Having welcomed many fans and tourists for approximately 8 years and 11 months since its unveiling in September 2017, voices expressing regret over its "final viewing" are spreading.
When seeing this news, many of you might have instinctively cried out, "Wait, really!?"
Counting from the first "RX-78-2 Gundam," quite a lot of time has passed since a life-sized Gundam began standing in Odaiba. It is truly sad to lose a view that had become "taken for granted."
This time, while looking back on the memories of the Unicorn Gundam that has captivated us for about 9 years, I would like to share my feelings with all the fans on how to witness its final summer.
The impressive transformation. We were always moved to the core by that "single moment."
The greatest appeal of the Unicorn Gundam statue is, after all, the transformation sequence into "Destroy Mode."
The white armor slides, and the internal psycho-frame glows mysteriously and beautifully. Didn't you get goosebumps every time you saw that moment, no matter how many times you watched it?
While it doesn't reach the level of the actual Unicorn Gundam's transformation, I was truly happy that they incorporated as much of a transformation mechanism as possible for a statue.
Also, regarding the color of the psycho-frame, there were patterns not just in red, but also green as seen in the anime, and even yellow. I really think it delighted the eyes of the fans.
Unforgettable, the view from the office window and the "miracle of a snowy day."
Let me share a little bit of my personal memories here.
Actually, right after the Unicorn Gundam was unveiled, I ended up working in the Odaiba area at a fateful time. For about two years after that, I was in an environment where I could look up at that statue almost every day.
I couldn't see it during my commute because I was always in a hurry, but I was able to look at it carefully during my lunch break or after work.
Among those two years, there is a scene that is still vividly burned into my mind.
It was on a winter day when heavy snow fell in Tokyo. The Unicorn Gundam stood quietly amidst the violently swirling white snow. It was falling with such intensity that it looked like it would pile up on the Gundam, but it didn't.
A collaboration between snow and Gundam that you don't usually see. The Gundam in the silently falling snow looked like a sacred space all on its own.
Even in the freezing cold, I remember my heart feeling warm. It is a treasure-like memory of my own that I only encountered because I saw it every day.
Look back through your photo folder. The memories of that day are there.
The pure white mobile suit standing out against the daytime blue sky.
The psycho-frame glowing enchantingly in red or green during the night light-up.
The Odaiba Unicorn that showed us its expressions through the changing seasons.
Try searching your smartphone's photo folder for "Gundam" or "Odaiba." You are sure to find memories of trips with family or loved ones, records of expeditions with fellow Gundam fans, or perhaps a shot you took as a part of your daily life, just like me.
The sheer size of the Gundam we looked up at from beneath those massive feet might have been the very size of the passion we have held for the Gundam series.
Until the end of August 2026. Let's burn the final "Beast of Possibility" into our memories!
There is still a little time left until the end of August when the exhibition concludes.
As we head toward summer, we can surely look forward to various finale events and the sale of limited-edition merchandise in Odaiba.
Crowds are expected, but we have no choice but to go, right!
For those who want to experience that intensity one last time
For those who have never seen the transformation sequence
For those who want to capture the perfect shot along with the scenery of Odaiba
Please make sure to visit Odaiba this summer.
The Unicorn Gundam has stood guard over the streets of Odaiba for about nine years. Let us firmly etch its final heroic figure into our hearts and memories.
What memories do you have of the Unicorn Gundam statue?
Whether it's a snowy day or a clear day, please tell us about your "favorite Gundam" in the comments!