Japan’s first ‘Gunpla Night Club’ offers Gundam fans a new social experience
Gundam Base Tokyo is set to launch a new program catering to adult Gunpla enthusiasts – the “Gunpla Night Club”.
This exclusive evening event will provide a dedicated space for builders to enjoy their hobby after work or on their days off, complete with access to premium tools and expert guidance.
The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise has grown into a global phenomenon, not just through its anime and manga, but in also through its iconic Gunpla (Gundam plastic model) kits.
Gunpla building is a popular hobby enjoyed by millions worldwide, offering a creative outlet for assembling, customizing, and painting detailed robot models.
Gundam Base stores, such as the flagship location in Tokyo’s Odaiba district, serve as central hubs for this hobby, offering an extensive selection of kits, tools, and exhibition spaces.
The “Gunpla Night Club” is specifically designed to accommodate the schedules of adult hobbyists.
It will be held every Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with last admission at 7:30 PM.
The participation fee is a modest 1,100 yen (approx. $7.60 USD / £5.61 GBP), providing exceptional value by including unlimited use of a range of essential Gunpla building resources:
- Tools: Access to a variety of specialized tools, eliminating the need for participants to bring their own extensive kits.
- Markers & Sandpaper: Consumable materials crucial for detailing and finishing models.
- Paint Booths: A significant inclusion, as dedicated paint booths with proper ventilation are often a luxury for individual hobbyists. This allows for safe and effective spray painting and airbrushing.
Beyond providing access to equipment, the “Gunpla Night Club” offers invaluable support for builders.
A ‘Gunpla Club Master’ will be on hand to provide expert advice and assistance with various building techniques, from assembly tips to advanced painting methods.
This mentorship aspect is particularly beneficial for those looking to refine their skills or tackle more complex projects.
Furthermore, the program offers mock training for the ongoing “Gunpla Skills Test”.
The “Gunpla Skills Test” is an official initiative by BANDAI SPIRITS to assess and certify Gunpla building proficiency, adding a competitive and goal-oriented dimension to the hobby.
The opportunity to practice and receive feedback from a Club Master in a dedicated environment can significantly aid participants in improving their chances in the test.
The first “Gunpla Night Club” event will be held on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025.
It takes place every Wednesday between 5PM and 8PM at Gundam Base Tokyo on the 7th floor of the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza mall in Odaiba.
On the last Wednesday of every month, the opening hours will change to 4PM to 7PM.
Attendees must be part of the ‘THE GUNDAM BASE MEMBERS’ membership scheme.
To join ‘THE GUNDAM BASE MEMBERS’ you need to have an address in Japan where you can be contacted, but it does not appear to be quite as restrictive as the new Gundam Museum that will not be allowing tourists to enter.
© Bandai, Sunrise, Sotsu
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