Gundam Turns45: Uniqlo Drops Epic Anniversary Tees You Can’t Miss!

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Summary

  • Japanese brand Uniqlo released new Gundam shirts commemorating the 45th anniversary.
  • The shirts feature designs from various Gundam eras and are available in unisex sizes.
  • The collection includes limited edition shirts drawn by mechanical designer Kunio Okawara.

Many of us were raised with Gundam, so it might not be too unexpected that this series is marking its 45th anniversary. Given its enduring popularity in Japan, you can expect numerous events to honor this significant milestone. From anime and video games to model building, Gundam continues to play a significant role in Japanese pop culture, much as it has for the last 45 years.

As an observer, I’m thrilled to share that I recently noticed some exciting news from Uniqlo, a beloved Japanese fashion brand known for its affordability. To commemorate a significant milestone for their franchise, they’ve unveiled a series of unique t-shirts inspired by the iconic Gundam series. These designs span various eras, ensuring there’s something captivating for fans who’ve been part of this community since the beginning or those who have recently joined.

These limited edition shirts are now available on Uniqlo’s official Japanese website, and they’re scheduled to hit stores across Japan on April 14th, 2025.

New Gundam Shirts at Uniqlo

These Designs Celebrate 45 Years of Gundam

I’m absolutely thrilled about the four unique Gundam designs that have been created for Uniqlo’s 45th anniversary collection! As a fan, I can’t wait to add these pop culture masterpieces to my wardrobe. These unisex t-shirts are designed for everyone to enjoy, making them a perfect addition to any Gundam enthusiast’s collection.

The first design, inspired by “The Witch from Mercury,” is set on a white base and features characters prominently on the front. The quote, “If you run, you gain one. If you move forward, you gain two,” can be found on the back, adding a thoughtful touch to this piece.

Another white t-shirt in the collection proudly displays the “Mobile Suit Gundam 45th” logo on the front, celebrating the brand’s anniversary in style. The back of this shirt showcases iconic Gundam suits, beautifully rendered in a classic style that will resonate with any fan.

Two shirts are included as well, each featuring unique designs. The first one is inspired by “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom,” displaying model names such as ZGMF-X10A, ZGMF-X20A, and ZGMF/A-262B on the front, accompanied by images of these models on the back. You’ll also find the phrases “Freedom Gundam,” “Strike Freedom Gundam,” and “Strike Freedom Gundam TypeII” written on the back, with a small “Gundam Seed” Series text nearby. The second shirt carries a more traditional design, showcasing the original Gundam logo and classic artwork of primary models on the front, while its back remains plain.

The Uniqlo website describes this special range of t-shirts as (translated from Japanese):

This exclusive set showcases unique sketches by mechanical designer Kunio Okawara, famous for co-creating the giant robot “Gundam” and its original series, “Mobile Suit Gundam,” as well as “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” Series, whose movie premiered in 2024, and the globally popular “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury.” This limited edition collection encompasses “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury,” which garnered massive international acclaim.

Each shirt is priced at ¥1,990 ($13.67 USD) and comes in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL. These shirts will be available for sale in Japan starting April 14th, but please note that the release date may differ per store.

Gundam Celebrates 45th Anniversary

Almost a Half-Century of Gundam Action

1979 marked the commencement of the Gundam phenomenon with the debut of Mobile Suit Gundam, which laid the groundwork for the mecha anime genre by establishing a precedent for colossal combat robots. This concept has since been woven into numerous renowned narratives, spanning across anime such as Neon Genesis Evangelion and Full Metal Panic, as well as Western media like Pacific Rim. The impact of Gundam is undeniable, particularly in Japanese media, yet it extends globally too. Over time, the franchise expanded to encompass numerous anime series, films, video games, and more.

The latest significant addition to the popular “Gundam” series is “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury,” which aired from 2022 to 2023. Coming up in the series are “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX,” scheduled for Spring 2025 Anime Season, and “Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans: Urðr-Hunt,” which has been announced but doesn’t have a specified release date yet. Despite being almost half a century old, the “Gundam” franchise continues to thrive with no signs of slowing down.

It’s still unclear if the 45th anniversary Gundam shirts at Uniqlo will be available globally, but given their popularity worldwide, it’s likely they will make their way to Uniqlo stores internationally. The Japanese website doesn’t indicate that these designs are exclusive to Japan, so while we don’t have a specific release date yet, fans can stay optimistic that they’re on the horizon. With Gundam’s global following, an international launch seems imminent.

Watch Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury now on Crunchyroll.

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2025-04-06 20:45