Interest
Tokyo Gundam Project to Host International Gathering at Life-Size Gundam Statue
posted on by Eric Stimson
The Tokyo Gundam Project has sought to revitalize Tokyo's waterfront area by capitalizing on the fame of Mobile Suit Gundam, since the life-size Gundam statue is now based there, at the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba. This year's events will be called the "Tokyo Meeting," which brings Japanese high school students together with foreign exchange students to celebrate their cultures under the stern gaze of Japan's iconic futuristic warrior.
The aim of the events is to "promote the waterfront area as an international tourist destination, provide an opportunity for international exchange for young people, cooperate with efforts to foster Tokyo's global talent, and contribute to the development of the next generation that can challenge the world." The meetings will revolve around performances; Japanese students will demonstrate taiko (drums), Shōrinji Kempō (a martial arts style), a marching band, and the tea ceremony, while the exchange students will put on similar displays of their heritage. The event should help the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza live up to its name — a pun on "diversity," not "diver city."
The first meeting is planned for June 19 from 11 AM to 5 PM. Another will be held in the fall, along with a campaign involving ICC touch cards (the ones commonly used in public transit).
The Tokyo Gundam Project launched in 2012 with a campaign to spread more greenery. Since then it has shifted towards promoting sports and youth exchanges. The life-size Gundam, meanwhile, has hosted projection mapping shows and Christmas decorations. There are plans to make the statue move by 2019.
Source: Gundam.info (2)
