Xi Gundam Snow Statue to Appear at Sapporo Snow Festival 2026
Sotsu and Bandai Namco Filmworks have announced their participation in the “2026 Sapporo Snow Festival,” which will see the creation of a Gundam themed snow sculpture.
This marks the third consecutive year that the Gundam series will have an exhibit at this prestigious winter event, with events taking place at the festival’s Odori and Tsudome venues.
Last year’s sculpture saw the classic RX-78-2 Gundam paired with the GQuuuuuuX, combining the franchise’s past with its most recent anime series.
For 2026, a medium-sized snow statue of the “Xi Gundam” will be displayed at the Odori Venue’s 7-chome HBC Square to celebrate the theatrical release of Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: Witch of Circe.
The statue is intended to build excitement for the film, which is scheduled to open in theaters on January 30, 2026.
The snow statue will be illuminated daily until 22:00, allowing visitors to view the mobile suit even after dark.
A special “container” shop, wrapped in key art from Gundam Hathaway: Witch of Circe, will also be set up at the venue, featuring merchandise produced in collaboration with local Hokkaido businesses.
The lineup of collaborative products includes the following:
- Yoitomake Strawberry Char Zaku Ver.: 920 yen (approx. $6.35 USD / £4.95 GBP)
- Yoitomake Gundam Ver. (Resale): 920 yen (approx. $6.35 USD / £4.95 GBP)
- Ray Fin (Eihire) Gundam Ver.: 550 yen (approx. $3.80 USD / £2.95 GBP)
- Kurana White Raw Chocolate (4 pieces) Gundam Ver.: 850 yen (approx. $5.85 USD / £4.60 GBP)
- Hakka (Mint) Candy Gundam Ver.: 300 yen (approx. $2.05 USD / £1.60 GBP)
- Hakka Oil Spray Gundam Ver. (Resale): 1,500 yen (approx. $10.35 USD / £8.10 GBP)
In addition to the main display, a “Gundam Special Booth” will be established at the Tsudome Venue.
This booth will host the “Gundam R (Recycle) Operation,” an initiative designed to raise awareness about recycling through plastic models.
Visitors can receive a free “Ecopla” trial kit and a special booklet, with a designated space available to assemble the kits on-site.
By placing the used runners into a collection box after assembly, participants can experience the cycle of plastic recycling firsthand.
The booth will also feature a special photo spot displaying newly drawn visuals of Hathaway, Gigi, and Kenneth dressed in winter attire.
The 76th Sapporo Snow Festival is scheduled to be held from Wednesday, February 4, to Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
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