Wednesday 5 August 2009

Life-size Transformers


I'm sure someone will point it out so I'l just start off by saying I know its not a 'Transformer' its a 'Gundam' it just looks the same to me because other than the recent Transformers films I'm not really into that kinda stuff. But, Tokyo obviously is, as they have just built a 18 meter high statue of a Gundam (which is apparently life-size) in Shiokaze Park, Odaiba, Tokyo. The statue is to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the animation series. The franchise has obviously become a massive piece of their culture as space to build in Tokyo costs more than anywhere else in the world, and they have found the space to build a homage to a cartoon series. But that isn't too surprising as the franchise is worth about £310 million. The statue however is only going to be there for 2 months, until the end of august, what will happen to an 18m high robot then I'm not sure. At the moment the statue is open for visiters, although it was visible before (it is 18m high) its now complete, with lights, smoke and a head that moves and looks around. I just thought it was pretty astonishing how something so simple as an animated series could (granted over 30 years) have such an impact on a culture to have this kind of thing built. 18m, the statue of liberty is only 43m and that's a massive American symbol of their culture and history, with another 30 years we could have an even bigger Gundam standing guard overlooking Tokyo bay.

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