The 64th Shizuoka Hobby Show, a model exhibition (organized by the Shizuoka Model and Educational Materials Cooperative Association), opened on May 13th at Twin Messe Shizuoka (Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City). At the Bandai Spirits booth, a whole range of new Gunpla products were unveiled.
◇ "Gundam X" celebrates its 30th anniversary
Two new products for "After War Gundam X," which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, have been announced: "HG 1/144 Gundam Virsago" and "HG 1/144 Gundam Ashtaron." The "HG 1/144 Gundam Virsago" is a completely new sculpt of the Gundam Virsago, recreating its arm extension and abdominal deployment. It will cost 3190 yen and will be released in October.
The "HG 1/144 Gundam Ashtaron" is a Gunpla model of the Gundam Ashtaron with a completely new sculpt, recreating its massive backpack and atomic scissors. It can be used in conjunction with the Gundam Virsago. Price: 3960 yen. Release date: November.
It was also announced that the "MG 1/100 Gundam Liberty Astray Red Frame" Gunpla, based on the Gundam Liberty Astray Red Frame from the manga "Mobile Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom Suit Gundam SEED" series, will be released in December. The price is 8250 yen.
It has been announced that a new product in the "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED" series, "HG 1/144 Z'Gok (SEED FREEDOM Ver.) [Clear Color]," will be released in July. The Gunpla "HG 1/144 Z'Gok (SEED FREEDOM Ver.)" from "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom " will be available in a clear color. It will be sold at Gundam Base, a comprehensive Gunpla facility. The price is 3630 yen.
A new product in the "FULL MECHANICS" series, "FULL MECHANICS 1/100 Graze Ein," will be released in January 2027. This model is a three-dimensional representation of the Graze Ein from "Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans." Some parts have been newly sculpted to recreate the close-quarters combat poses seen in the series. Further details will be announced in the future.
◇ "Yamato 3199" as well
Aside from Gunpla, a new product was unveiled: the "HG Scopedog Grey Witch [Desert Color] (tentative)" plastic model kit for " Armored Trooper Votoms Grey Witch (Hexe)," the first completely new " Armored Trooper Votoms " series in approximately 15 years. It will be released in the fall of 2026.
The figure "HI-METAL R Scopedog Gray Witch [Desert Color] (tentative)" was also on display. The new film will be a two-part theatrical release, with the first part opening on November 20th. Mamoru Oshii, known for works such as "GHOST IN THE SHELL" and "Mobile Police Patlabor," is directing the film.
New products on display include the "RG 1/48 AV-98Plus (Ingram Plus)" plastic model kit from the new "Mobile Police Patlabor" anime "Mobile Police Patlabor EZY," and the "1/1000 Arizona-class Space Battleship Arizona" plastic model kit from the latest installment in the "Space Battleship Yamato Yamato" remake series, "Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199."
The Shizuoka Hobby Show is an exhibition held in Shizuoka City, where many model manufacturers have factories, and has been held since 1959. This year, it will be held from May 13th to 17th, with the 16th and 17th being open to the public. Pre-registration is required for admission.
