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Watch: Yokohama's 18-metre-tall Gundam is now up and moving

These videos show the extraordinary robot assume different positions in its first stages of testing

Emma Steen
Written by
Emma Steen
Former writer, Time Out Tokyo
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Gundam fans could hardly contain themselves when plans for the Yokohama Gundam Factory featuring a giant robot were first announced. A life-sized moving Gundam seemed almost too good to be true, but now the gargantuan 18-metre-tall robot has officially been assembled and is undergoing a series of tests before the attraction opens to the public.

The long-awaited marvel of engineering was originally set to open this October. However, the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic has delayed the official opening to the winter of 2020 instead.

Despite the disappointing setbacks, spirits are still flying high as exciting video clips of the robot have started to appear on the Internet, way ahead of Yokohama Gundam Factory’s opening. First came the series showing how the robot parts were built in the warehouse, followed by the astonishing clip of the Gundam’s head being blessed by Shinto priests.

Now, these videos have started circulating on social media, taken by excited onlookers as the robot undergoes a series of tests. They almost look unreal, showing the giant robot bending its limbs and assuming different positions. We can’t wait to see this live in person. 

While the exact opening date for the new attraction has yet to be announced, the Gundam Factory has promised it will be sometime before the end of the year.

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