Tokyo International News Agency

On May 13, during the 64th Shizuoka Hobby Show (2026), BANDAI SPIRITS revealed that the popular mobile suits Gundam Virsago and Gundam Ashtaron from \"After War Gundam X\" will finally be released as HG (High Grade) 1/144 scale models. These iconic machines piloted by the Frost brothers, long overdue for a modern update, are being completely redesigned with all-new molds. The \"HG 1/144 Gundam Virsago\" on display features an enhanced range of motion to capture its most dramatic poses, faithfully recreating the signature extending arm gimmick and the abdominal Mega Sonic Gun deployment. It is slated for an October release with a retail price of 3,190 yen (tax included). In November, the \"HG 1/144 Gundam Ashtaron\" will follow at 3,960 yen (tax included), showcasing its massive backpack and the eye-catching Atomic Scissors. Together, the two kits allow collectors to recreate the brothers' coordinated tandem attacks from the anime. The announcement sent...

Takara Tomy has unveiled the latest model for its high-end Zoids brand, the "ADVANCED Zi SERIES": the Ultrasaurus, one of the largest and most iconic units in the franchise. Following its debut at the Shizuoka Hobby Show, social media has been buzzing with a mix of surprise and pure joy from fans. Two versions have been announced: the standard "AZ-17 Ultrasaurus" and the "AZ-17DX Ultrasaurus Moonbay Custom," which comes equipped with the massive Gravity Cannon. Pre-orders for the standard version are scheduled to begin in July 2026, while the Moonbay Custom—recreating its appearance from the anime—is slated for release in late February 2027. The sheer scale of the model is what has captured the most attention. When equipped with the Gravity Cannon, the AZ-17DX boasts a massive profile: approximately 721mm (28.4 inches) in length, 379mm in height, and 392mm in width, making it one of the largest Zoids in history. Furthermore, it features an incredible mecha...

Gundam Base, a division of the Bandai Namco Group, has announced the release of a new Gunpla model, the "MGEX 1/100 Strike Freedom Gundam [TWILIGHT COATING]," featuring the popular mobile suit "Strike Freedom Gundam." Set to launch on Saturday, December 13, 2025, the model's astonishing price tag of 66,000 yen (tax included) has become a massive talking point on SNS X (formerly Twitter). This new product is based on the existing "MGEX Strike Freedom Gundam" but features a special "TWILIGHT COATING" specification, predominantly in beautiful white. Its luxurious appearance has already captured the attention of fans. Sales are planned for Gundam Base Tokyo, Fukuoka, and New Chitose Airport, with product samples expected to be displayed in stores soon. While specific sales methods will be announced at a later date, the exorbitant price has already prompted numerous astonished reactions, such as "questioning the sanity of this pricing" ...

The 'All Japan Model & Hobby Show 2025,' Japan's largest model and hobby festival, has grandly opened its doors at Tokyo Big Sight. The venue is buzzing with excitement as manufacturers unveil numerous fan-favorite new products and first-ever prototype models. Gundam Model Kit Fever Driven by Bandai Spirits Undoubtedly, the 'Gunpla' (Gundam plastic model) lineup is attracting particular attention. At the BANDAI SPIRITS Hobby Division booth, the 'HG 1/144 Hambrabi (GQ)' from the anime 'Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX' was unveiled for the first time, with many fans capturing its appearance with their cameras. Furthermore, the decision to release a clear color version of Gunpla replicating the 'mass-produced afterimage' from 'Mobile Suit Gundam F91,' and the announcement of an HG Gunpla of 'Gundam Sandrock Custom EW' from 'Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Endless Waltz,' have also become major topics of conversation. Visitors...