2026 in Taipei, Gundam bids you goodnight!
After a year's anticipation, the highly awaited toy extravaganza has moved to Taipei's prime golden district. A majestic, half-body inflatable RX-78-2 Gundam statue stands proudly before the bustling City Hall Bus Station. Once again, from a fan's perspective, I braved the brutal urban heat island effect and plunged into the crowded exhibition floor! Let's uncover the exciting highlights hidden within this special exhibition!
First, regarding the location: the main venue is inside Uni-President Department Store Taipei. After exiting MRT City Hall Station Exit 2, you can quickly reach the main stage area on the 2nd floor via escalator, making transportation incredibly convenient.
Another event venue is Dream Plaza, closer to Taipei City Hall. Don't forget to visit here to snap a commemorative photo with the life-sized Gundam statue and Taipei 101 in the background.
Seeing the actual RG RX-78-2 Gundam 2.0 model standing tall in the familiar streets of Taipei is truly a rare and precious sight.
A major highlight of this event is the must-get limited edition Gundam stamp rally postcard. You first need to queue up next to the pop-up store on the 2nd floor of Uni-President Department Store to collect the card. Then, proceed to five locations: the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of Uni-President Department Store, and two spots on the 1st floor of Dream Plaza. Collect five different colored stamps to complete the exquisite "Taiwan Impression" RX-78-2 Gundam design. Although navigating between locations was quite challenging, being able to personally participate and create a unique souvenir (even if the stamps are crooked, it's still art!) felt incredibly meaningful!
After stamping at the final station, in addition to taking photos and checking in with the RG RX-78-2 Gundam, don't miss the extensive product display at the adjacent "One Piece" Adventure Zone.
After a quick share of my stamp rally strategy, let's shift our focus back to Uni-President Department Store to continue exploring the exciting themed exhibition areas on each floor.
Initially, just queuing for the postcard took up a significant amount of time. Turning to see the endless line at the adjacent pop-up store, I decisively abandoned any thoughts of shopping and headed straight for the themed exhibition areas upstairs!
The All-Star Special Exhibition Zone on the 3rd floor showcased a massive array of toy products from major popular anime series within its transparent displays. From "Saint Seiya" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion" to "Yu-Gi-Oh!" and more, this area is sure to captivate fans who grew up with different eras of anime, inviting them to pause and meticulously admire the dynamic poses meticulously arranged by the exhibition staff.
Even though I haven't followed "Naruto," the stunning effects of this particular diorama were incredibly eye-catching. I couldn't help but stop and snap a few extra photos.
Mike, the loyal dog guarding the Zoldyck family from "Hunter x Hunter" – seeing the actual figure in person, it's surprisingly huge! Placing this at home would truly make it a guardian deity dog.
"Sgt. Frog," which recently released a new movie, also showcased its latest combining robot model kit. However, aside from the "Keroro Robo" featuring a new design from the movie, the other character mechs are older products that have been released previously.
Private Tamama... why did you faint? It must be tough training in this heat. Remember to hydrate before drills – drink 300cc of water!
Saving Earth from destruction still depends on you all, so hang in there!
Another blast from the past – Digimon! The Figure-rise Standard Amplified MetalGarurumon is set to release this month, and we're really looking forward to seeing its interactive play features with KaiserGreymon. 
As another timeless classic from our childhood, the Pokémon display features an incredible array of merchandise, from plushies and model kits to capsule toys, filling every corner of the exhibition space. It's truly a hit with fans of all ages.
Next door, the adorable Sanrio Stars series is on display... Oh no! Snoopy, you've fainted too? (Are you serious?)
One particularly touching corner of the exhibition caught our eye: a Last One Prize figure from "Crayon Shin-chan: Fierceness That Invites Storm! The Adult Empire Strikes Back," depicting Hiroshi regaining his memories. It was such a poignant and iconic scene that it brought an involuntary tear to our eye.
But of course, there's even more exciting stuff to come!
Ascending to the fourth floor, you step into the Godzilla Legacy Zone, where the towering Burning Godzilla 1995 roars to greet you!
This section highlights "Godzilla Minus One," set to hit theaters later this year. The toy prototypes revealed on-site show Godzilla, not quite dead after a kamikaze attack by the Shinden fighter jet, regenerating even sharper dorsal fins and a more robust, muscular physique. We can't wait to witness humanity's unatonable sins and retribution on the big screen.
Multiple Godzilla figures are displayed here, set against a ruined city backdrop, creating an incredibly immersive scene perfect for photos!
Who knew Shin Godzilla's transparent purple dorsal fins would look so stunning bathed in the sunset's glow? It's absolutely gorgeous, and I'm itching to add it to my collection!
The GMK White-Eyed Godzilla seems to be saying: "Why don't you go browse a bit, then come back and check your wallet?"
Wow! Amidst the towering urban landscape, we finally spotted the sky-piercing RX-93 Nu Gundam!
That's right! Seeing this 5-meter tall PG UNLEASHED Nu Gundam statue, we've finally arrived at the main event of this special exhibition: the Mobile Suit Gundam Theme Zone!
Having spent considerable time painting and building this year's monumental PGU model kit, standing here now at the foot of the Nu Gundam, gazing up at this pinnacle of the Universal Century, and recalling every mechanical detail from the assembly process, fills me with immense emotion.
However, the sheer amount of work was beyond imagination; I'm genuinely exhausted after finishing it and probably won't want to touch another Gundam model kit anytime soon.
So, let's make the most of our time and head inside the theme zone to explore!
The first thing you notice upon opening the door: it's wonderfully cool inside! Before your eyes, a chronological display showcases protagonist mobile suits representing various works from the entire Gundam series.
The display cases feature an impressive range of models, from Master Grade (MG) to Perfect Grade (PG), encompassing both buildable kits and pre-assembled figures. That kneeling pose is undeniably cool.
The coolest and strongest Strike Freedom Gundam is here, whether it's the pink and black PHANTACI collaboration with Jay Chou or the "All-Round Strike Freedom" combined with the Glory Guard Unit, both are guaranteed to ignite your inner fanboy!
The Wing Gundam Zero EW, a perennial fan-favorite, is also prominently displayed. Especially noteworthy is the "Zero Rebellion" variant, a collaboration with Code Geass, which sheds its pure, snow-white aesthetic for a deep, sinister black knight appearance.
Of course, the pure white "Snow White Prelude" with its magnificent wings fully deployed, showcasing an angelic descent, remains incredibly eye-catching.
The special equipment type, adorned with a cloak, perfectly blends elegance with an air of mystery. Who said capes aren't cool?!
Science or not, a cape just makes it look awesome!
The sheer number of displays is overwhelming; gunpla builders struggling with display space will definitely want to experience the joy of being surrounded by countless models firsthand.
From "Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash Part 2: Circe's Witch," which just premiered this year, comes another imposing "centerpiece" giant: the HG Alyzeus. Its sheer presence is evident when compared to the Penelope, but considering its build difficulty and the pressure on display space, this is one kit I wouldn't dare touch.
On the other hand, the Xi Gundam candy toy across the way is surprisingly miniature in actual size, yet still boasts impressive detail!
For players looking for a greater challenge, the GUNDAM ASSEMBLE series combines model building with tabletop wargaming, offering the joy of hand-painting miniature models.
The SD-scale GUNDAM SUPERIOR DIFAIN series provides advanced builders with cute yet dynamic designs, allowing for greater exploration of color application techniques.
The popular ARTIFACT series will also release two upgraded semi-finished models this year, featuring intricate mechanical structures and interlocking designs. Just looking at them makes you want to pick them up and play (but you can't!).
However, the most anticipated reveal is undoubtedly the new Gundam series, "RG XARX－ZERO," set to air next year.
Visitors can get a sneak peek at the protagonist mobile suit, Gundam ZERO, in its sleek and heroic form.
In terms of design, it personally feels like a blend of aesthetics from mobile suits like "Gundam 00" and "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury." Breaking away from the traditional Universal Century framework with a setting that pits it against alien lifeforms is quite intriguing and definitely something to look forward to.
Meanwhile, the game "Path of the Divergence," which shares the same worldview, also showcased its in-game mobile suit, the HG Spiral Gundam. Its heavy armor design, adorned with intricate panel lines, presents a distinctly different aesthetic.
However, returning to this year's most anticipated new Gunpla kits with extensive internal details: with no new RG releases (aside from Patlabor), and MG offering only the "old wine in new bottles" Full Armor ZZ and the ever-present "favorite child" Freedom Astray Red Frame, the completely new MGSD Kshatriya might just be my most awaited Gunpla of the year. The actual display model at the event fully showcased its intricate internal frame and opening gimmicks. I just hope they don't heavily cut orders again!
The same series also featured a structural color coating/black version of the Wing Gundam Zero EW.
Parts of the inner frame utilize a structural color coating, reflecting dazzling iridescent light as the angle changes.
The dark gray outer armor features a matte finish. When transformed into atmospheric mode, the extended wings are as elegant as a black swan, and its diving posture is as swift as a peregrine falcon.
The Gundam theme hall concluded with a tour of original Gundam models, bringing that section to a temporary close.
Carrying 47 years of Mobile Suit history, it moves towards a new Universal Century, envisioning a future coexisting with Gundam.
I want to fly to the universe, to infinity and beyond (wait, did I walk into the wrong studio)?
We arrived at the final stop of this touring exhibition, which was about to conclude in the Ultraman Hero Zone.
Having accompanied fans of all ages for 60 years, the scene was filled with fathers and children, fondly identifying each member of the countless "Giants of Light" family from their childhood memories.
Did you think this special exhibition ended here? Of course not! If you finished exploring the main venue at Uni-President Department Store and still wanted more, remember to grab your loot and postcards and head to the Taipei Underground Mall. TAMASHII SPOT TAIPEI also has many new product displays awaiting your visit.
At the most prominent spot by the entrance was the domestic debut of the Chogokin Soul Combattler V, exuding incredible passion and power.
Visitors could also witness the awe-inspiring draconic visage of the METAL BUILD EX PROJECT's Type-3 Kiryu prototype here.
With a mouth full of sharp teeth and incredibly spiky dorsal fins, "cool" is truly the only word that comes to mind. It's just so cool!
Beneath the intricate metallic silver outer armor, the subtly revealed biological skeletal inner frame is absolutely captivating.
Unfortunately, upon closer inspection, where there should be an openable thruster nozzle on the leg, the MB version only features engraved details. That's a bit disappointing!
Hopefully, this is just an unfinished prototype, and we pray the final price won't be prohibitively expensive.
Next to it, with an even more aggressive design, was the six-armed demon god Ikaruga from "Knights & Magic".
The front skirt armor appears to use a flexible soft vinyl or fabric material, which is quite ingenious.
On the side was the generally faithful Omegamon. While not heavily customized, its brilliant metallic finish makes it incredibly striking, even in a static pose.
Nearby, I also stumbled upon the small and adorable Chogokin Labubu. While I'm completely unfamiliar with the blind box scene, its "ugly-cute" design undeniably offers a unique sense of comfort and charm.
The sheer variety and abundance of die-cast exhibits on display were enough to make any collector who missed out on the touring exhibition green with envy – and perhaps a little light in the wallet!
So, start counting those pennies!
We eagerly anticipate our next encounter with Gundam next year. That wraps up this year's touring exhibition – see you next time!
Bandai Namco Asia Journey in Taiwan Event Information:
