Taking on the dream of making the 18m Gundam move, "GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE" begins!

The "GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE" project, announced July 9th during a press conference at Bellesalle Kanda in Tokyo, seeks to draw together ideas and inspiration from around the world in Japan and make a moving life-sized Gundam statue a reality for Mobile Suit Gundam's 40th Anniversary in 2019.

Previously known as the "REAL G Next Project", the official "GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE" name was announced alongside the formation of GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE G.I.A. The theme "Dream. Move Gundam. Move the World." was also announced.
Ideas and plans to move the Gundam will be accepted in two categories, "Real Entertainment" and "Virtual Entertainment", beginning in late July, with a selection process in 2015 and strategic plans announced in 2016. Design is planned for 2017, and construction for 2018, with a public unveiling in 2019.

Cutting-edge technology and the world's sharpest minds will move Gundam, channeling their dreams to create the ultimate entertainment experience.



■ Special guests and a concept movie at the press conference!

[left] Mr. Takehiko Aoki (Sotsu Co., Ltd. President; GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE G.I.A. Director)
[right] Mr. Kazunori Ueno (Bandai Co.,Ltd. President, CEO, and Chief Gundam Officer)

Sotsu President and GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE Director Takehiko Aoki detailed the project's background.
He was followed by Kazunori Ueno, President, CEO, and Chief Gundam Officer of Bandai, who spoke about Gundam's upcoming 40th Anniversary before a concept movie showing the project's goals was presented.
The concept movie can be viewed below.

▲ Mr. Yasuo Miyakawa (SUNRISE President and CEO; GUNDAM CLOBAL CHALLENGE G.I.A. Representative Director)

GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE G.I.A. Representative Director Yasuo Miyakawa, who is also the President and CEO of SUNRISE, explained the project in detail.
In addition to the previous details, it was clarified that even small suggestions would be considered and that accepted proposals would be supported with development funding.
He then spoke of how the project could be appreciated either as a participant or as an entertainment consumer.

Next were Mr. Yoshiyuki Tomino, the "Father of Gundam" and director of Mobile Suit Gundam, and special guest SUGIZO of Luna Sea and X Japan.
Mr. Tomino spoke of his hopes for the potential of creating a new type of entertainment using concepts from around the world, while SUGIZO mentioned the inspiration he took from Gundam and his enthusiasm at participating in the kickoff of this new project.

[left] Special guest SUGIZO
[right] Mobile Suit Gundam director Mr. Yoshiyuki Tomino

■ A panel discussion moderated by cognitive scientist Dr. Kenichiro Mogi!

The second segment of the press conference was devoted to a panel titled "Dreams create reality, and reality creates dreams", moderated by cognitive scientist Dr. Kenichiro Mogi. Other participants in this enthusiastic discussion of Gundam and the future of robotics were the previously-introduced SUGIZO and Mr. Yasuo Miyakawa, along with project technical advisor Shuji Hashimoto (Vice President of Waseda University and professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering) and Harutoshi Fukui (author of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.)

Director Tomino was also scheduled to participate, but was forced to leave after a short speech to participate in recording sessions for his upcoming Gundam Reconguista in G.
His energetic "I put my work first!" is surely a strong sign of his enthusiasm for G-Reco.

A report covering the panel and Director Tomino's speech is planned for a later date.

About GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE
The 18-meter-high, life-sized Gundam statue was constructed in 2009. Its massive, towering form inspires viewers to see the the potential their dreams hold. And for Gundam's 40th Anniversary in 2019, they will move Japan, and the entire world.
"Dream. Move Gundam. Move the World."
The world's sharpest minds channel their dreams! Their goal: to move the 18-meter Gundam. To accomplish this grand dream, a project team has been created seeking to draw together ideas and inspiration from around the world in Japan.
Cutting-edge technology and the world's sharpest minds transcend disciplines and borders to make Gundam move. Gundam will create a previously-unknown form of entertainment.


GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE G.I.A. details
Organizers: Sotsu Co. Ltd, SUNRISE
Representative Director: Yasuo Miyakawa (President and CEO of SUNRISE)
Website: http://gundam-challenge.com/