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Life-Size Gundam Model Kit Welcomes Visitors to Bandai’s New Interactive Museum

  • BHC PDII Museum, just steps from Shizuoka’s Naganuma Station. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

    BHC PDII Museum, just steps from Shizuoka’s Naganuma Station. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

  • The massive Gundam model kit, officially titled Earth Federation Close Quarters Combat Mobile Suit RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0, 1/1 Scale Master Grade Model. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

    The massive Gundam model kit, officially titled Earth Federation Close Quarters Combat Mobile Suit RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0, 1/1 Scale Master Grade Model. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

  • Panels in the rear corridor list parts and assembly instructions, complete with tongue-in-cheek notes like “Items to Prepare: 4-meter nippers.” (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

    Panels in the rear corridor list parts and assembly instructions, complete with tongue-in-cheek notes like “Items to Prepare: 4-meter nippers.” (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

  • A sign highlighting the city’s modeling credentials outside Shizuoka Station’s south exit (top); even this public phone in the station is styled like runners—there are 15 model kit variations scattered throughout the city. (© Nippon.com)

    A sign highlighting the city’s modeling credentials outside Shizuoka Station’s south exit (top); even this public phone in the station is styled like runners—there are 15 model kit variations scattered throughout the city. (© Nippon.com)

  • A life-size multicolor molding machine replica greets visitors at the entrance. (© Nippon.com)

    A life-size multicolor molding machine replica greets visitors at the entrance. (© Nippon.com)

  • Design Road, lined with product plans and box art. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

    Design Road, lined with product plans and box art. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

  • Multicolor-molded kits require no painting, eliminating extra work. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

    Multicolor-molded kits require no painting, eliminating extra work. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

  • A display corner showcasing 4,000 Gunpla produced in a single day by a multicolor molding machine. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

    A display corner showcasing 4,000 Gunpla produced in a single day by a multicolor molding machine. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

  • Up to 20 people can take part in the Laboratory Area experience at once. (© Nippon.com)

    Up to 20 people can take part in the Laboratory Area experience at once. (© Nippon.com)

  • The Gundam model’s head, arms, torso, waist, as well as leg size, length, and thickness are all customizable. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

    The Gundam model’s head, arms, torso, waist, as well as leg size, length, and thickness are all customizable. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

  • A live demonstration of the injection molding machine in action. (© Nippon.com)

    A live demonstration of the injection molding machine in action. (© Nippon.com)

  • A sticker of your original box art and a box to take home make for a memorable souvenir. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

    A sticker of your original box art and a box to take home make for a memorable souvenir. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

  • From the museum’s exhibition area, visitors can also view the factory floor. The showcase in front displays the three models available for the Plamo Designer Test: the Plannosaurus Tyrannosaurus (left), Gundam (center), and 30 Minutes Sisters’ Rishetta (right). (© Bandai Spirits, © Bandai Spirits 2021, © Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

    From the museum’s exhibition area, visitors can also view the factory floor. The showcase in front displays the three models available for the Plamo Designer Test: the Plannosaurus Tyrannosaurus (left), Gundam (center), and 30 Minutes Sisters’ Rishetta (right). (© Bandai Spirits, © Bandai Spirits 2021, © Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

  • Bandai’s signature four-color injection molding machines. The one in the foreground is painted in hues reminiscent of the Zaku mobile suit and the one next to it recalls the White Base spaceship. (© Nippon.com)

    Bandai’s signature four-color injection molding machines. The one in the foreground is painted in hues reminiscent of the Zaku mobile suit and the one next to it recalls the White Base spaceship. (© Nippon.com)

  • Ceiling-mounted transport carts and automated warehouses streamline operations and reduce staffing needs. (© Nippon.com)

    Ceiling-mounted transport carts and automated warehouses streamline operations and reduce staffing needs. (© Nippon.com)

  • At the gallery near the end of the tour, some merchandise is available exclusively to museum visitors. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

    At the gallery near the end of the tour, some merchandise is available exclusively to museum visitors. (© Sōtsū/Sunrise, © Nippon.com)

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