The "Osaka-Kansai World Expo," kicking off on April 13, 2025, is shaping up to be a massive event in Japan, and Bandai Namco is making waves with its "Gundam Pavilion," featuring a life-sized "RX-78F00/E Gundam."
During a media preview held today (April 9), the entire venue was unveiled to the press for the first time. The Gundam-themed exhibit, "GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION," also opened its doors, revealing that voice actor Tohru Furuya's "Amuro AI" will appear in the brand-new in-pavilion Gundam film, "GUNDAM: Next Universal Century"!
Beyond the iconic 17-meter-tall, life-sized "RX-78F00/E Gundam," symbolizing a reach towards space and the future, visitors inside the pavilion will embark on a sightseeing tour from Yumeshima to the colossal space base, "Star Jaburo," all while enjoying the new film, "GUNDAM: Next Universal Century."
▼ In-pavilion exhibit PV
The new in-pavilion Gundam film, "GUNDAM: Next Universal Century," is set in the year 2150. It explores a "new Universal Century" and a "future coexisting with Gundam," leveraging cutting-edge visual technology. The film even features beam sabers being used for agriculture, a concept that aligns with Bandai Namco's "GUNDAM OPEN INNOVATION" project's vision for the future, including simulating orbital elevator vibrations.
The film will showcase a head-to-head battle between the newly introduced "MSN-X17 Zeong MA Type" and the Expo's "RX-78F00/E Gundam." During this clash, "Amuro AI" (voiced by Tohru Furuya) will make an appearance, guiding the story to a hopeful future. This "RX-78F00/E Gundam" operates without a pilot, and the "Amuro AI" is officially set as inheriting the memories of the pilot from Yokohama (where the previous life-sized Gundam was displayed) – a truly meticulous detail!
▼ Official "MSN-X17 Zeong MA Type" design illustration
▼ Expo Gundam Film "GUNDAM: Next Universal Century" promotional video
"GUNDAM: Next Universal Century" will be exclusively screened inside the pavilion during the Osaka Expo, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. But that's not all! A "Gundam Series Symphony Concert Next Universal Century" is also slated for July 20 at the Expo grounds, featuring performances by the Osaka Symphony Orchestra and special guests like T.M.Revolution! Plus, a slew of physical events, merchandise, and media projects are continuously in the works, all set to be unveiled alongside the 2025 Expo for all eager fans.
With the Osaka-Kansai Expo drawing ever closer, we're sure to see even more exciting and unique exhibits. Why not plan a trip and check it out?
via： GUNDAM INFO