Osaka, Japan – Get ready to immerse yourself in a new era of Gundam! Bandai Namco Filmworks has announced a brand-new CG video, “Gundam: Next Universal Century,” set to premiere at the Gundam Next Future Pavilion during the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. This immersive experience promises to transport visitors to a futuristic world where they can witness the evolution of Mobile Suits and the dawn of a new age.
A Glimpse into the Future: The Gundam Next Future Pavilion
The Gundam Next Future Pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, aims to connect people from around the globe through the iconic Gundam franchise. The pavilion will showcase the possibilities of life in space and unrealized science and technology depicted in the Gundam series, envisioning new possibilities for humanity’s future.
Visitors can anticipate an engaging and interactive journey, exploring the themes of space colonization, technological advancements, and the enduring spirit of humanity through the lens of the Gundam universe.
Immersive Storytelling: A Journey to 2150
“Gundam: Next Universal Century” is more than just a video; it’s an integral part of an immersive narrative experience within the pavilion. The story plunges visitors into the year 2150, where they find themselves in Maishima, Osaka, embarking on a tour of the colossal space station, “Star Jaburo.”
Guided by a friendly Haro, visitors will board an orbital elevator, ascending 36,000 kilometers above the Earth. At Star Jaburo, they will witness various Mobile Suits operating and supporting further space exploration. However, an unforeseen incident involving space debris throws the tour into chaos, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
State-of-the-Art Technology Enhances Immersion
Bandai Namco is pulling out all the stops to create a truly captivating experience. The pavilion will feature a Haptic Floor that conveys subtle and realistic sensations throughout the body, enhancing the sense of immersion. The video itself is being produced with high-definition graphics using Unreal Engine 5, promising a visually stunning spectacle.
The Creative Minds Behind the Vision
The “Gundam: Next Universal Century” project boasts a talented team of creators who are dedicated to bringing this futuristic vision to life.
- Planning & Production: Sunrise
- Original Story: Hajime Yatate, Yoshiyuki Tomino
- Director: Takanori Tsujimoto
- Script, Configuration Investigation, Special Settings: Shigeru Morita (Studio Nue)
- Mechanical Design: Kunio Okawara, Mika Akizuki, Takashi Miyamoto
- Marking Design: Hajime Katoki
- Art Setting: Ariyoshi Okada
- Color Design: Nagisa Abe
- CG Director: Yusuke Kumano
- CG Modeling Director: Keito Morita
- Music: Evan Call
- Ending Theme: Evan Call feat. Uyanga Bold “DreamBeyond Forever”
- Production: Bandai Namco Filmworks
The Cast of Characters
The video also features a cast of talented voice actors.
- Icks: Gaku Hamada
- Poe: Tao Tsuchiya
- Gouro: Yuki Totsuka
- Ryzen: Noboru Kaneda
- ???: Shinji Takeda
- Announcement: Erina Saito
A Celebration of Gundam and the Future
The Gundam Next Future Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, represents a significant milestone for the Gundam franchise. It provides a unique opportunity to showcase the series’ enduring appeal and its ability to inspire imaginations with its visions of the future.
Event Details
- Pavilion Name: GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION
- Dates: April 13, 2025 (Sun) – October 13, 2025 (Mon/Holiday) (aligned with the Expo period)
- Exhibitor: Bandai Namco Holdings Inc.
The Universal Century: A Timeline of Conflict and Innovation
The Universal Century (UC) is the primary timeline and setting for many of the Gundam series. Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, it is a complex and rich universe filled with political intrigue, technological advancements, and compelling characters.
- UC 0001: The start of the Universal Century, marked by the beginning of space colonization.
- UC 0079: The One Year War, a pivotal conflict between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon, introducing the Mobile Suit as a revolutionary weapon.
- UC 0087: The Gryps War, a conflict between the Earth Federation’s Titans and the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG).
- UC 0093: Char’s Counterattack, a climactic battle between the Earth Federation and Neo Zeon, led by Char Aznable.
The Universal Century timeline is known for its realistic portrayal of war, its exploration of human potential, and its iconic mecha designs. Series set within the UC timeline often delve into themes of political corruption, the consequences of technological advancement, and the struggle for peace.
Bandai Namco’s Vision for the Future
The Gundam Next Future Pavilion aligns with Bandai Namco’s broader vision of creating entertainment that inspires and connects people. The company aims to leverage its intellectual property, including Gundam, to create immersive experiences that promote creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
The unveiling of the life-sized Gundam statue at the pavilion site in October 2024 served as a symbolic gesture, representing the company’s commitment to bringing the world of Gundam to life.
The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, is poised to be a global showcase of innovation and cultural exchange. With the Gundam Next Future Pavilion as a key attraction, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the future of Gundam and contemplate the possibilities that lie ahead for humanity.
Mark Your Calendars: July 20, 2025 – Pavilion Day
Adding to the excitement, Sunday, July 20, 2025, has been designated as “Pavilion Day” for the Bandai Namco Group. Gundam-themed events are scheduled to take place at the Expo Hall “Shine Hat” within the venue, promising even more opportunities for fans to engage with the franchise.
How to Attend
To visit the Gundam Next Future Pavilion, attendees will need to purchase an entrance ticket to the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. In addition, they will need to apply for the “pavilion reservation (lottery)” specifically for the Gundam Next Future Pavilion. Details regarding the reservation process will be disclosed at a later date.
The “Gundam: Next Universal Century” CG video and the Gundam Next Future Pavilion offer a glimpse into a future where technology and human ambition collide. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this new chapter in the Gundam saga at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
