Hello Kitty Gundam RX-78-2 and Haro Models Take Off in Japan

In Japan, a Hello Kitty Gundam crossover was held to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 45th anniversary and Gundam’s 40th anniversary. This involved an array unexpected promotions, like an animated short with Hello Kitty helping Amuro Ray. Now the RX-78-2 Gundam and HaroPla: Hello Kitty x Haro kits have launched in Japan. Each one arrives fully painted and doesn’t require any glue to complete. Also, these Bandai kits’ instructions are fully illustrated and have runners with the English alphabet and numbers used, so there would be no language barrier. [Thanks, Game Watch!]

The Hello Kitty RX-78-2 Gundam kit costs 2,530円, though it is going for $22.99-$24.99 at places like Amiami and USA Gundam Store. It allows you to build models of Sanrio’s most famous cat and a RX-78-2 Gundam. However, you can also make a figure that combines her model with the body of the gunpla. It also makes good use of Sanrio’s aesthetics, as the runners for the Hello Kitty portions are shaped like her head and bow.

As for the Hello Kitty x Haro kit, it allows you to build a Haro, the Mobile Suit Gundam robot mascot, that looks like her. This kit is only 1,100円, but Amiami and USA Gundam Store are selling it for between $9.99-$12.99. You can have it in its standard ball form, open up areas so it has feet and arms, or even look inside of the robot.

As for the animated short, you can watch “Hello, Gundam,” the first crossover episode, in English. While it begins with Hello Kitty at home in her own world, she’s soon summoned to help fight alongside Amuro.

Both the Hello Kitty RX-78-2 Gundam and Haro kits are now available in Japan. Some past Hello Kitty collaborations included a crossover with Animal Crossing: New Leaf and another with Splatoon 2.