The life-size Moving Gundam in Yokohama is now closed: Here’s why
Gundam Factory Yokohama has become a huge draw, so here's why it was closed on March 31.
March 31 was a sad day for many fans across the world as the Moving Gundam at Gundam Factory Yokohama celebrated its final opening day and is now closed. Yes, this means fans can no longer see and watch the impressive life-size Moving Gundam near Yokohama’s Yamashita Park.
During the final day, a special event took place at Gundam Factory Yokohama that was attended by many notable people, including series creator Yoshiyuki Tomino.
Of course, the highlight for many fans was the array of mini-shows that featured lots of cool effects. For instance, there were drone shows that featured recreations of the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam as well as Suletta and Miorine from Gundam: Witch from Mercury.
本日2024年3月31日、GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMAは最終営業を終えました。これまでお越しくださった皆様ありがとうございました。#動くガンダム
Today, March 31, 2024, GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA celebrated its last operating day. Thank you to all visitors who has visited us.#MovingGundam pic.twitter.com/oeRM1om76f
— GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA(GFY) 公式 (@gfy_official_) March 31, 2024
At the end was a fireworks show to close the event in dazzling fashion. Of course, the Moving Gundam did what it did best all the while, and that was move, delighting fans lucky enough to attend in person.
Thankfully, those who missed seeing it in person during the last day can relive the entire celebration via this official livestream VOD:
Why is the Gundam Factory Yokohama now closed?
This special Gundam Factory is technically just a pop-up. It opened back in December 19, 2020 (likely to coincide with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics), and it was supposed to be there only until March 2022. It then got extended to March 2023 due to COVID restrictions as Japan only fully opened to international tourists in October 2022. Luckily for fans, the closing date was moved yet again to March 2024, giving many tourists a chance to see the Moving Gundam up close.
Thus, it was never meant to be a permanent exhibition. After all, maintenance costs for the Moving Gundam are likely high (especially given that it’s beside Yokohama bay), not to mention that it occupies a prime spot in the Yokohama Port Area.
While it’s a shame that fans who missed out will no longer be able to see it, some are hoping that the Gundam will be taken to another city in Japan. In the meantime, fans can at least visit the Unicorn Gundam in Odaiba which was unveiled back in 2017 which thankfully is a permanent installation.