Organized by Bandai Hobby of Japan, the first stop of the "Bandai Hobby Exhibition Tour" in Taipei recently kicked off at Huashan 1914 Creative Park's West 1 and West 2 Halls! We at TOY PEOPLE also visited Huashan today (the 21st) to bring you an on-site report packed with exhibits.
"Bandai Hobby Exhibition Tour"
Exhibition Venue: Huashan 1914 Creative Park, West 1 & West 2 Halls
Exhibition Dates: 8/19 (Sat) - 8/26 (Sat) 11:00-19:00 (Last entry at 18:30)
8/27 (Sun) 11:00-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)
From the content and layout of this touring exhibition, it's clear that the event aims to promote the idea that "enjoying Gunpla can be easy and fun." The first area upon entering the venue is the adorable "Gunpla-kun" themed section. In addition to playing cute short animations, there's also a 1.4-meter Gunpla-kun statue for photo opportunities!
Next, you'll see Bandai Hobby's general introduction to model kits. From "What is a model kit?" and displays of the HG, RG, MG, and PG series, to a fantastic comparison between straight builds and fully painted kits, the presentation allows even novice builders to progress from the basics and thoroughly enjoy this exhibition tour.
Then comes the massive display of exhibits, including Gundam-centric items like the "MASTER GRADE SD (MGSD) Gundam Barbatos" from "Mobile Suit Gundam IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS," the "ENTRY GRADE Lah Gundam" from "Gundam Build Metaverse," a dedicated section for "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury," and more. Also featured are popular IPs like Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer, Pokémon, Digimon, Ultraman, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Naruto, and Mashin Hero Wataru! The "Heisei Kamen Rider Model Kit Project," displayed across an entire wall, is especially spectacular.
▼ The "RG 1/144 Gundam Epyon," featuring a complete transformation mechanism into its "Twin Dragon" flight mode, is surely a must-see highlight for fans of Gundam Wing.
▼ Next up is the extensive mobile suit display from "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury."
▼ The cute small construction MS, the "HG TOLRO-800."
▼ The "Heisei Kamen Rider Model Kit Project" begins!
▼ Bandai's original model kit series, "30 MINUTES MISSIONS," is also on display, showcasing a complete lineup including the Spinatio (Knight Type), the beautiful girl Cielnova Amarcia, and more.
▼ From "SYNDUALITY," in addition to the Figure-rise Standard model kit of the anime's heroine "Noir" and the HG model kit of the protagonist's mech "Daisy Ogre," there is also an HG model kit of "Gilbowe," the mech piloted by the mysterious man "Black Mask."
▼ An extensive display of mechs from "AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline."
▼ The HG model kit of the "YF-29 Durandal Valkyrie (Alto Saotome's Unit)" from "Macross Frontier."
▼ The HG model kit of the "Scopedog" from "Armored Trooper VOTOMS."
▼ From "Yu-Gi-Oh!," the Figure-rise Standard Amplified model kits of "Exodia the Forbidden One" and "Blue-Eyes White Dragon."
▼ The Figure-rise Standard Amplified model kit of "MetalGreymon (Vaccine)" from "Digimon Adventure."
▼ Here comes one of the highlights this editor was most excited for at the exhibition! From "Super Robot Wars OG," it's the "HG Huckebein Mk-III," wielding its massive Zankantou!
▼ Model building is so much fun, and it's a hobby best cultivated from a young age! Bandai has also set up a "Model Kit Classroom" at this exhibition. Not only is it free to participate with no prior experience needed, but all tools are provided, and professional instructors are on hand to guide you. If you have the time, it's definitely an experience worth trying.
▼ You can even build while wearing a uniform!
▼ Next is the promotional event for two Gundam-themed mobile games that will soon have Traditional Chinese versions released: "SD Gundam G Generation Eternal" and "Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE."
▼ The exclusive items for this exhibition tour. Although most of the exclusives are already sold out, they are still on display for everyone to see, offering some consolation for fans who missed out.
"Bandai Hobby Exhibition Tour"
Exhibition Venue: Huashan 1914 Creative Park, West 1 & West 2 Halls
Exhibition Dates: 8/19 (Sat) - 8/26 (Sat) 11:00-19:00 (Last entry at 18:30)
8/27 (Sun) 11:00-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)