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Tag: Bandai Namco

  • Bandai Namco to Open Australia’s First Gundam Base and Tamashii Nations in Sydney

    Bandai Namco to Open Australia’s First Gundam Base and Tamashii Nations in Sydney

    Bandai Namco Asia will open Australia’s first The Gundam Base store at Broadway Sydney in November 2026. The location will also house one of only four Tamashii Nations flagships worldwide.

    Both permanent shops will sit on level one of the retail complex. They follow a trial pop-up tour at the Mirvac-owned centre last year.

    Expanding Japanese IP Across Asia-Pacific

    The Gundam Base serves as Bandai’s dedicated retail brand for Mobile Suit Gundam ‘Gunpla’ model kits. The Sydney site will sell kits, apparel, and exclusive releases unavailable through standard wholesale channels.

    Next door, Tamashii Nations will stock finished collector figurines. That store focuses on high-end robot models and licensed merchandise from anime franchises such as Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Demon Slayer.

    Bandai Namco Asia president Hiroyuki Fujita said the Sydney destination will run prototype shows, immersive displays, and regional fan events alongside standard retail sales.

    Building Out Physical Collector Hubs

    Japanese entertainment companies are rolling out direct-to-consumer flagships across Asia-Pacific to secure higher margins and cultivate collector communities. Bandai opened a flagship in Hong Kong in December, testing regional appetite before committing capital to Australia.

    Landlord Mirvac relies on fandom-driven concepts to pull foot traffic into Broadway Sydney. Fit-outs for both stores will finish ahead of the November 2026 launch.

  • Bandai Namco Unveils First Gundam Base Flagship in Hong Kong: A Mecca for Gundam Enthusiasts & Collectors

    Bandai Namco Unveils First Gundam Base Flagship in Hong Kong: A Mecca for Gundam Enthusiasts & Collectors

    Bandai Namco Asia has announced the opening of Hong Kong’s inaugural The Gundam Base flagship store. The store, which will be located in Kai Tak’s Twins Tower II in Kowloon, will span an impressive 4,500 square feet.

    The Gundam Base: An Interactive Experience

    The Gundam Base flagship is set to provide a comprehensive shopping and brand experience. The store will feature an array of Gundam model kits, themed exhibitions, interactive building zones, and exclusive merchandise.

    As visitors approach the store, they will be welcomed by a one-to-two scale giant bust statue of the main character’s mobile suit from Mobile Fighter G Gundam. This impressive display from the storefront sets the tone for the immersive experience inside.

    Once inside, customers will have the opportunity to explore various displays featuring protagonist suits from the Mobile Suit Gundam series. These installations will allow visitors to trace the evolution of the franchise’s design and engineering.

    Exclusive Merchandise and Collectibles

    With a strong emphasis on The Gundam Base exclusives, the store will offer over 100 Gundam models and themed collectibles. Fans can look forward to limited-edition releases such as three models from the Pop-up World Tour range. These special items include the RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0 (The Gundam Base limited colour), the MG 1/100 Wing Gundam Zero EW Ver.Ka (recycled colour/neon pink), and the MG 1/100 Gundam Astray Red Frame (recycled colour/neon pink).

    In addition to model kits, the store will also offer a range of Gundam-themed merchandise. The assortment will include card games, premium figures, apparel, and plush toys, catering to the diverse interests of Gundam enthusiasts.

    A Replica of Bandai’s Production Environment

    Further enhancing the unique shopping experience, the store will feature a dedicated Gundam Factory Zone. This zone is designed to mimic Bandai’s production environment, complete with materials that simulate real assembly lines.

    Engaging Workshops for All

    The store will also feature an event space that will host regular model-building workshops. These workshops, led by skilled instructors, aim to cater to both beginners and experienced builders.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the flagship store going to offer?
    The flagship store will offer an immersive shopping and brand experience including Gundam model kits, themed exhibitions, interactive building zones and exclusive merchandise.

    What types of merchandise can visitors expect at the store?
    Visitors can expect over 100 Gundam models and themed collectibles, with an emphasis on The Gundam Base exclusives. Limited-edition items, Gundam card games, premium figures, apparel, and plush toys will also be available.

    What activities will the store host?
    The store will host regular model-building workshops for both beginners and experienced builders. These workshops will be led by experienced instructors.

  • Hamleys Japan in talk for theme park JV

    Hamleys Japan in talk for theme park JV

    Chinese-owned, British headquartered toy store chain Hamleys has entered the Japanese retail market, opening two theme-park styled outlets. Hamleys Japan is targeting 4 million visitors to each store within the first year, with a view to opening 30 stores in the territory over the next five years.

    The new stores have opened in Yokohama (at 32,300sqft) and Fukuoka (at 58,100sqft) in partnership with local video games firm Bandai Namco in a £300 million (US$381.7 million) venture. Each store features around 6000 products on sale and entertainment facilities such as merry-go-rounds, games corners and infant play spaces.

    Hamleys CEO Ralph Cunningham said Japan represents “an exciting and important market” and is key to Hamleys’ continued international growth strategy.

    “We look forward to bringing smiles to the faces of children and families all over Japan and delivering the unique Hamleys in-store experience to this fantastic market.”

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