An evening view of the 64 1/2-foot-tall RX-0 Unicorn Gundam, which has been standing outside of Odaiba’s DiverCity Tokyo Plaza complex for almost nine years. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
A long time featured Gundam, or General-Purpose Utility Non-Discontinuity Augmentation Maneuvering weapon system, stands for the last time this summer on Tokyo’s entertainment island.
The 64½-foot-tall RX-0 Unicorn Gundam has stood outside of Odaiba’s DiverCity Tokyo Plaza complex for almost nine years, but sadly it is scheduled to be taken down on Aug. 31.
The full-scale Gundam was stood up in September 2017 to replace the previous RX-78-2 Gundam statue there, which stood at about 60 feet. Gundam, which come in a multitude of styles and varieties, are popular worldwide, with millions of fans of its art, models, manga and animations, according to a 2025 poll by Bandai Namco, which makes the collectible Gundam figures.
Gundam Unicorn has drawn its share of crowds during its tenure. To cap off its time, it was adorned with a new set of special decals on June 20 by mechanical designer Hajime Katoki, the website said.
The decals transform the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn into “RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC Final.”
One of many lighting evolutions of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam during a performance outside of Odaiba’s DiverCity Tokyo Plaza complex. The giant robot has been at that location for nearly nine years. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Thel RX-0 Unicorn Gundam outside of Odaiba’s DiverCity Tokyo Plaza complex looms over visitors. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
The mechanical body panels on the robot open and close during daily performances and the signature unicorn projection splits into two horns revealing its “destroy mode” form.
During a rainy day outside the complex, large crowds gathered with umbrellas to witness the transformations, dramatic sound effects and lighting evolutions of the giant robot.
As day turned to night, the view of the Unicorn Gundam’s change was even more amazing. The evening show is much more dramatic and worth catching. The daytime Unicorn Gundam transformation shows run at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The night shows, which include a large video projected onto the DiverCity building backdrop, begin at 7 p.m. and run every 30 minutes until 9:30 p.m.
The evening performances start with the Mobile Suit Gundam Flash Hathaway Special Movie and end with “Gundam: Beyond,” featuring a newly created video for Gundam’s 40th anniversary, according to its website.
I checked out the “Midnight Cha Cha,” the 7:30 p.m. portion of the evening exhibit that features the Unicorn Gundam’s transformation to “protect Odaiba” from a perceived attack. The video projected in the background depicted animated battle scenes of the robot against enemy robot threats.
Gundam robot models proved popular during the current robot’s stint outside the Gundam Base Tokyo store at Odaiba’s DiverCity Tokyo Plaza complex but other items, like, coffee mugs, pillows, key chains and other items are also available. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Make sure to grab a souvenir or other gift item at the Gundam Base Tokyo store nearby. Items for purchase include Gundam model kits, coffee mugs, pillows and key chains.
Gundam enthusiasts and visitors alike get a last chance to see the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam in all its splendor before summer’s end.
If you miss the chance, do not despair; although Bandai currently has revealed no plans, the giant robot could possibly be replaced with a new one. Fans will just have to wait and hope.
On the QT
Directions: A 5-minute walk from Yurikamome Daiba Station to DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, 2F Festival Square, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0064.
Times: A full daily performance schedule runs through Aug. 31. Daytime performances start at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Night shows start at 7 p.m. and run every 30 minutes until 9:30 p.m.
Costs: Free to visit.
Food: Restaurants available inside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza complex.
Information: Online: unicorn-gundam-statue.jp
