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Bandai's "Tower of the Sun" Transforming Robot Gets An Epic Video

Bandai's creepy, yet alluringly majestic, transforming robot toy version of Osaka's Taiyō no Tō (Tower of the Sun) now has a video to match, featuring a dramatic orchestral score and beam cannon eyes.

This transforming monument stands at approximately 288 mm (about 11.33") tall when fully transformed, and is made from ABS in a die-cast mold. It has three different phases: the traditional tower form, the upright robot form, and the fully operational and weaponized form.

The toy will be released September 27, and will retail for 18,360 yen (about US$180.25) after tax. It can be pre-ordered on Amazon and AmiAmi.

The Tower of the Sun was originally built for the World Fair hosted in Osaka as their Expo '70. The tower originally housed a gallery of artwork that was open to the public during the expo, but closed shortly after the event. In October 2003, the tower was reopened to a total of 1,970 people who had been selected by the Commemorative Organization for the Japan World Exposition. It was then opened on irregular occasions until its re-closing in 2006. Despite this, the tower is scheduled to be reopened to the public this year after the completion of its ongoing renovations.