Hatsune Miku x Gundam gashapon launch across Japan

Hatsune Miku’s collaboration with iconic mecha series Gundam is set to appear in gashapon machines across Japan, with the release of a new rubber mascot collection.

These new rubber mascots are part of the “GUNDAM × MIKU Anniversary special project” announced last fall as part of the 45^th anniversary celebrations for the Gundam franchise.

Rubber mascots are small rubber charms featuring a character and usually include a ball-chain attachment that allows them to be attached to keyrings, bags or clothes.

The ‘GUNDAM × MIKU Rubber Mascot Collection’ has begun rolling out to capsule toy vending machines (gashapon) across Japan, starting from the first week of April 2025.

There are 8 different Gundam x Miku rubber mascots to collect

Capsule toys, also known as gashapon, are a popular form of collectible merchandise in Japan, dispensed randomly from vending machines.

Gashapon is a hugely popular way to buy small collectibles in Japan

The blind-box nature of these toys encourages repeated purchases as enthusiasts seek to collect the complete set of available items.

The Hatsune Miku and Gundam partnership brings together two hugely popular Japanese brands that have both developed into cultural phenomena’s.

The “GUNDAM × MIKU Anniversary special project” is a long term project celebrating the 45^th anniversary of the Gundam series which blend the iconic imagery of Gundam with the virtual idol Hatsune Miku.

The Gundam x Miku project will see many collaborations taking place throughout 2025

The project kicked off last year with a virtual Hatsune Miku concert being held in the “Gundam Metaverse” and plans are underway for more events and collaborative merchandise this year.

“Mobile Suit Gundam,” which first aired in 1979, is a series known for complex storylines, nuanced characters, and exploration of the sociopolitical ramifications of war through the lens of giant humanoid fighting machines.

The franchise has since expanded into numerous sequels, spin-offs, and multimedia adaptations, and now has a massive and dedicated global fanbase.

Hatsune Miku, on the other hand, is a virtual Vocaloid software voicebank developed by Crypton Future Media.

Launched in 2007, Miku quickly transcended her software origins to become a globally recognized virtual pop idol, performing in holographic concerts, collaborating with real-world artists, and amassing a huge catalog of fan-created music and artwork.

This project sees Hatsune Miku integrated with the visual elements of the Gundam universe, creating a series of collectible rubber mascots that blend the aesthetics of both franchises.

Let’s take a closer look at the 8 designs in the ‘GUNDAM × MIKU Rubber Mascot Collection’!

Hatsune Miku x Gundam

A design featuring Hatsune Miku in a costume inspired by the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam, the original mobile suit from the 1979 series.

Hatsune Miku x Shining Gundam

Hatsune Miku is wearing an outfit inspired by the Shining Gundam, the powerful mobile suit from the “Mobile Fighter G Gundam” series, known for its martial arts combat style.

Hatsune Miku x Strike Freedom Gundam

This design combines Hatsune Miku with the Strike Freedom Gundam from “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny”.

Hatsune Miku x Double O Gundam

This combination sees Hatsune Miku in an outfit styled after the Double O Gundam from “Mobile Suit Gundam 00”.

Hatsune Miku x Wing Gundam Zero (EW)

This mascot features Hatsune Miku in an outfit inspired by the iconic Wing Gundam Zero Custom from “Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz” that shares its distinctive angel wing design.

Hatsune Miku x Aile Strike Gundam

This design sees Hatsune Miku adopt aspects of the Aile Strike Gundam from the 2002 series “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED”.

Hatsune Miku x Zaku II

This mascot sees Hatsune Miku dressed in a full body costume as a Zaku II, the workhorse mobile suit of the Principality of Zeon that first appeared in the original “Mobile Suit Gundam” series.

Hatsune Miku x Haro

Rather than Miku being dressed as a Gundam, this design swaps things around and features a “Haro”, a small spherical robotic mascot from the Gundam franchise, inspired by Hatsune Miku.

Each of these special rubber mascots will be available through capsule toy vending machines across Japan at a price of 300 yen (approx. $2.04 USD / £1.57 GBP) per play.

Source: Inside