In Odaiba, the giant Gundam draws both anime fans and curious travelers alike.
What is the Gundam statue in Odaiba?
A giant replica of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam
In the heart of Tôkyô’s futuristic Odaiba district stands a towering figure that turns heads: the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam. This life-sized replica of the legendary robot from the Mobile Suit Gundam series stands nearly 20 meters tall. Massive and majestic, it’s a striking symbol of Japanese imagination, blending technology, sci-fi, and pop culture.
Installed just outside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping mall, this white, metallic statue is more than just a treat for fans, it’s become a landmark of Odaiba, alongside attractions like the Rainbow Bridge and the replica of the Statue of Liberty.
Why is there a Gundam statue in Tôkyô?
Gundam is far more than just a kids’ cartoon. It’s a legendary franchise that has shaped generations since the 1980s. Japanese fans grew up with tales of giant robots piloted by humans in futuristic wars. Building a life-sized Gundam in Tôkyô is both a tribute and a love letter to this deeply rooted otaku culture.
By placing the statue in Odaiba, Japan also reaffirms its devotion to technology, innovation, and its collective imagination. For visitors, it’s a jaw-dropping way to dive into the Gundam universe, even if you’ve never seen an episode.
Watch the Gundam transform!
The statue isn’t just static: it transforms from "Unicorn Mode" to "Destroy Mode", complete with mechanical movements and dazzling light effects.
Transformation times:
- Daytime: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- Evening: About every 30 minutes between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
A brief history of Gundam statues in Odaiba
The original RX-78-2 statue (2009): Where the legend began
Before the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam, another icon stood in its place: the RX-78-2, the very first Gundam from the original series, unveiled in 2009 to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary. First installed in Shiokaze Park, the statue was an instant hit.
It was later moved to Shizuoka and then brought back to Odaiba in 2012, where it stood in front of DiverCity until 2017.
Evolving with time
Over the years, the RX-78-2 statue received updates like new paint, lighting effects, and decor tweaks. But in 2017, it made way for a new icon: the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from the newer series Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.
The current RX-0 Unicorn Gundam (2017 - present)
Since September 2017, the RX-0 statue has proudly stood at DiverCity. Bigger (19.7 m vs. 18 m) and more modern than its predecessor, its sleek white design, retractable horn, and LED features offer a next-level experience.
The creators went all out to make it “come alive" with mechanical parts that shift and a nighttime sound-and-light show. This futuristic, dynamic version is the one visitors encounter today.
Why is Gundam such a cultural icon in Japan?
A cornerstone of Japanese pop culture
Debuting in 1979, Gundam revolutionized Japanese animation by introducing the “real robot” genre: machines that felt military-grade and believable, with political and human drama. It moved away from simplistic superheroes and into deeper storytelling about war, sacrifice, and emotion.
Since then, the franchise has spawned dozens of series, movies, novels, video games, and merchandise. It’s one of Japan’s biggest franchises, right up there with Dragon Ball and One Piece.
A cross-generational phenomenon
Everyone in Japan knows Gundam, whether they were born in the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, or 2000s. Many built their first gunpla model kits as kids, and today, stores still overflow with kits for both children and die-hard adult fans.
This generational continuity makes Gundam a cultural pillar—like Star Wars in the West.
National pride and symbolism
Gundam isn’t just a robot, it stands for innovation, protection, and resilience. It also reflects the hopes and anxieties of modern Japan: a tech-driven society shaped by a history of conflict.
Having a giant Gundam statue in Tôkyô is both a statement of national pride and a nod to globally recognized Japanese pop culture.
Where to find the Gundam statue in Odaiba ?
The statue is located on the man-made island of Odaiba, in front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza at the plaza called "Festival Plaza". This modern area is packed with malls, museums, parks, and scenic views over Tôkyô Bay.
Getting there is easy from anywhere in the city:
- From Shibuya or Shinjuku: Take the Yamanote Line to Shimbashi, then transfer to the Yurikamome Line and get off at Daiba Station.
- From Tôkyô Station: Take the JR Keihin-Tôhoku Line to Shinagawa, then switch to the Rinkai Line to Tokyo Teleport Station.
Both stations (Daiba and Tokyo Teleport) are just a 5-minute walk from the statue.
Where to buy Gundam merchandise in Tôkyô?
Gundam Base Tokyo: A must-visit shop
Inside DiverCity, you’ll find THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO, a massive specialty store dedicated entirely to the Gundam universe. Whether you’re a superfan or just curious, it’s worth a visit.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Hundreds of gunpla model kits
- Exclusive and limited-edition items (especially RX-0 Unicorn kits)
- Merchandise like apparel, accessories, stationery, and figures
- An exhibition area with expertly assembled and painted models
Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s an essential stop to complete the Gundam experience.
Other places to find Gundam goodies
Beyond Odaiba, you can hunt down Gundam merchandise in several major Tôkyô districts:
- Akihabara: Yodobashi Camera (model kit floor)
- Shinjuku: Bic Camera, Labi, Animate
- Ikebukuro: Sunshine City and its figure shops
