Sunrise has finally announced the grand opening date for the public to watch the movable life-size RX-78 Gundam robot at Gundam Factory Yokohama on the Japanese official site. Originally slated to launch in October 2020, the grand opening was postponed and the pre-opening event was also canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The venue will be opened for a limited time, from December 19, 2020, until March 31, 2022.
Tickets will be available to purchase starting from October 2, 2020. Those age 13 and up will need to purchase an Adult ticket at 1,650 yen, while minors between 7 to 12 can buy the ticket for 1,100 yen. Ticket holders will be allowed to enter the Gundam-Lab building to learn about robot technology, buy Gundam-related merchandise at The Gundam Base shop, or relax at the Gundam Café. A number of early visitors will also be given a 1/200 Gunpla of the RX-78F00 Gundam for free.
The main attraction place at the venue is the Gundam-Dock Tower, where the life-size Gundam is actually located at. Each visitor will need to purchase another ticket at 3,300 yen in order to see the Gundam at close range. An adult visitor can bring up to 3 children aged 6 or less for free. The Gundam will show movement performances every half an hour from 10:30 to 20:30. It will also have different performances based on the season and time of day. For example, it will light up a Beam Saber at night.
However, as the global coronavirus pandemic has still yet to show any signs of subsiding, strict measures to prevent infection spread will be enacted in the facility. Visitors will be encouraged to practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, and wear face masks and one-time-use gloves. Those who measured over 37.5℃ or showed any symptoms will be denied entry. The guidelines specifically discourage visitors from other countries and regions that are still denied entry or have a 14-day quarantine required upon entry by the Japanese government.
Gundam Factory Yokohama will be open to the public from December 19, 2020, to March 31, 2022.
