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Bandai's Gundam Factory Museum in Shizuoka Offers Unprecedented Model-Kit Experience
On September 2, Bandai Spirits will unveil the BANDAI HOBBY CENTER PLAMO DESIGN INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM (BHC PDII Museum)
Jun 10th,2025
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SHIZUOKA, JAPAN—June 9, 2025A groundbreaking facility at its newly expanded Shizuoka factory. Unlike traditional Gundam landmarks featuring assembled statues, this museum greets visitors with a striking display: giant, unassembled Gundam parts still attached to their plastic runners, symbolizing the essence of plastic model (plamo) culture.Inside the Museum ExperienceSpanning two floors in Bandai’s state-of-the-art factory, the museum blends observation, education, and hands-on creation: - Factory Viewing Zone: Large windows allow real-time observation of the production floor, including plastic molding and packaging processes. - Learning Zone: Interactive exhibits detail Bandai’s 50-year legacy in model-making, emphasizing precision engineering, ease of assembly, and quality control. - Laboratory Zone: Visitors become "plamo designers," using touchscreens to customize model shapes, colors, and packaging. Participants witness live molding demonstrations and take home their unique creations. 
A monthly contest will spotlight the top three fan designs, judged by Bandai Spirits staff, offering creators unprecedented visibility.Industrial Context and ExpansionThe museum anchors Bandai’s newly operational Shizuoka factory, which opened July 24 to meet surging global demand for Gundam models. By 2026, the facility—equipped with 94 molding machines—will boost Bandai’s production capacity by 35% compared to 2023 levels. Shizuoka, long hailed as the "world capital of scale models," produces 85% of Japan’s models and has manufactured over 500 million Gundam kits since 1980.Honoring the Gundam LegacyThe museum also tacitly celebrates Yoshiyuki Tomino, the "Father of Gundam," whose 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam revolutionized mecha anime by introducing real-world physics and anti-war themes. Though initially canceled due to low ratings, the series gained cult status among teens, leading to reruns, record model sales, and a cultural phenomenon. Tomino’s philosophy—that animation should foster critical thinking about conflict and technology—resonates in the museum’s focus on design integrity.Visitor Information- Opening: September 2, 2025 - Hours: 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (90-minute tours) - Tickets: ¥2,860 (adults), ¥1,100 (children), free (preschoolers); reservations required. - Exclusive online store: Limited-edition factory merchandise. Bandai’s innovative museum bridges manufacturing and fandom, transforming visitors from passive consumers into active creators—a fitting tribute to Gundam’s enduring legacy. As global plamo sales soar, this facility cements Shizuoka’s status as the heart of model-kit culture.
