Tickets Officially Go On Sale for Gundam's Massive 50th Anniversary Convention

Bandai Namco has officially begun the ticketing process for GUNDAM-Con 2027 whilst simultaneously providing a major update covering live stages, creator events and additional activities planned for the three-day celebration.

“GUNDAM-Con 2027 SIDE MAKUHARI” will take over Halls 1 through 3 of Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, next January as one of the biggest events yet on the road toward Gundam’s 50th anniversary in 2029.

The convention was originally announced for a considerably smaller area before Bandai Namco expanded it across three exhibition halls following what it described as an overwhelming response from fans to the initial reveal.

Built around the idea of bringing together generations of Gundam fans for one huge celebration, the event will see creator autograph sessions, series exhibitions and company booths joined by major competitions spanning Gunpla, the Gundam Card Game, arcade games and other parts of the franchise.

Bandai Namco has also now revealed considerably more about the convention’s stage program, with separate Stage A and Stage B areas operating throughout all three days.

Among the biggest additions is the finale of the “Gundam GWX 30th Anniversary Project,” continuing the celebration of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, After War Gundam X and Mobile Fighter G Gundam with a dedicated stage on January 10.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO will also receive its own presentation that day before returning for another dedicated stage on January 11, giving fans two opportunities to hear more about the upcoming prequel to Gundam SEED Freedom.

Other presentations cover SD Gundam G Generation Eternal, Gundam video games, the Real Grade Gunpla project, Gundam merchandise and GUNDAM ASSEMBLE, alongside championship events for Gundam Arsenal Base and the Gundam Card Game.

A large block of currently unannounced “GUNDAM-Con Special Content” is also scheduled for the first day, leaving one of the convention’s longest Stage A sessions without its full details for the moment.

Watching the stage presentations will require a separate numbered viewing ticket in addition to regular admission, with Bandai Namco planning to reveal the application process at a later date.

The Sunrise booth is preparing its own creator-focused attractions, including a “GUNDAM-Con Limited Creator Illustration” project that will give lottery winners the opportunity to purchase exclusive artwork.

Signings and talk shows are also planned, while DJ Caesar will host a Gundam song stage built around music from across the franchise.

Fans will receive several bonuses simply for attending, including a large GUNDAM-Con shopper bag, an original SD Gundam G Generation Eternal in-game item and an Ecopla 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Assembly Experience Ver. kit made using recycled plastic.

Additional giveaways will be distributed through individual booths, while a newly launched social media campaign is inviting fans to submit messages that can become part of the wider GUNDAM-Con celebration.

The first admission lottery is open now and runs through September 6 at 11:59 PM JST, with successful applicants scheduled to be announced on September 15.

A second lottery will follow from October 2 through October 12, followed by a third and currently final round from October 30 through November 8.

Admission costs ¥5,000 for visitors aged 16 and older (approx. $31 USD / £23 GBP) and ¥3,000 for elementary through junior high school-age visitors (approx. $19 USD / £14 GBP), while preschool children can enter free under the stated accompanying-adult conditions.

Applicants must select a preferred entry window, with hourly admission slots available from 9:00 AM through 4:00 PM each day followed by a shared 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM entry period.

JTB has also opened applications for separate tour packages combining GUNDAM-Con admission with accommodation, providing another option for fans traveling to Chiba for the event.

“GUNDAM-Con 2027 SIDE MAKUHARI” will run at Makuhari Messe from January 9 through January 11, 2027, with each day operating from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM and final admission at 7:30 PM.