Overview
- Uniqlo launches a collection of Gundam shirts to mark the franchise’s 45th anniversary.
- These shirts showcase designs drawn from different Gundam series and are offered in unisex sizing.
- The collection features exclusive illustrations by the renowned mechanical designer Kunio Okawara.
The iconic Gundam franchise, a staple of Japanese animation and culture, is officially celebrating its 45th anniversary. This milestone reflects not only its longstanding popularity but also its significant impact on various generations. From anime to video games, and model kits, Gundam has firmly established itself as a cultural phenomenon in Japan and beyond.
In recognition of this momentous occasion, Uniqlo, a leading affordable apparel brand in Japan, has unveiled a special collection of t-shirts. This fresh lineup includes designs that span the extensive Gundam timeline, ensuring that there’s something for every fan, regardless of when they first joined the community. These shirts became available on Uniqlo’s official site this week, with a scheduled launch in Japan set for April 14, 2025.
Introducing New Gundam Shirts at Uniqlo
Commemorative Designs Honoring 45 Years of Gundam
The Uniqlo collection comprises four unique t-shirts encapsulating the essence of Gundam for its fans. Each shirt is unisex, promoting inclusivity and broader appeal. The first t-shirt features vibrant artwork from The Witch from Mercury, showcasing characters on the front and an inspiring quote on the back: “If you run, you gain one. If you move forward, you gain two.”Another shirt, also white, proudly displays a “Mobile Suit Gundam 45th”logo on the front and a classic illustration of Gundam suits featured on the back.
Additionally, the collection includes two striking black t-shirts. One highlights the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom series, emblazoned with model names on the front and their respective screen prints on the back, alongside the words “Freedom Gundam,””Strike Freedom Gundam,”and “Strike Freedom Gundam TypeII.”The final shirt boasts a retro design, showcasing the original Gundam logo and classic artistry of the iconic models.
The official Uniqlo website describes this limited collection as follows:
This limited edition collection features illustrations specially drawn by mechanical designer Kunio Okawara, one of the creators of the giant robot Gundam, as well as the first in the series, Mobile Suit Gundam, the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Series, whose movie was released in 2024, and the worldwide hit Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. The limited edition collection includes Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, which was a huge hit around the world.
Each shirt is priced at ¥1,990 (approximately $13.67 USD) and is offered in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL. Scheduled for release in Japan on April 14, fans are advised to check local stores as availability may differ.
Celebrating Gundam’s 45th Anniversary
A Legacy of Nearly Half a Century in Gundam
Gundam’s journey commenced in April 1979 with the groundbreaking Mobile Suit Gundam, which shaped the mecha anime genre, setting a standard for future works featuring giant robots. Its influence extends far beyond its origins, inspiring notable series such as Neon Genesis Evangelion and Full Metal Panic, and even permeating Western cinema with titles like Pacific Rim. The Gundam franchise’s impact on both Japanese and global media is monumental.
The latest addition to the Gundam universe, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, aired from 2022 to 2023, continuing the legacy of storytelling and innovation. Future projects like Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, slated for the Spring 2025 anime season, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans: Urðr-Hunt, already in the pipeline, confirm that the Gundam narrative remains vibrant and evolving.
While international availability for these milestone shirts from Uniqlo has yet to be confirmed, there is ample optimism regarding their release outside Japan. The absence of any exclusive designation for these designs on the Japanese website suggests that fans worldwide may soon have the opportunity to celebrate Gundam’s 45th anniversary in style.
To catch the latest installment of the Gundam saga, watch Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury on Crunchyroll.
Source: Official Website