I'll create a Zaku based on the cool scenes I envision!

Nakada: These two are the same Zaku, but the one I modified has "weathering paint," "matte finish," "panel lining," and also "weathering (dirt effect)" and "chipping (metal chipping effect)" added to the edges.

Okada, this is cool!

Tashiro: What kind of image did you have in mind when you applied this processing technique?

Nakada: This event is themed "WELCOME TO ZEON" by Mobile Suit Gundam x ISETAN. When I was creating it, I thought of this scene: "Before the Gundam we know stood on the earth, mobile suits were first deployed at the Battle of Loum, which the Principality of Zeon won. After their splendid victory, at the victory celebration party for the Battle of Loum, the leader of the Principality of Zeon would have introduced the latest weapon, the Zaku, to the people of Zeon to let them know that they had won the battle."

Tashiro and Okada are amazing!!

Tashiro, is that scene in the story?

I don't have a background , but I tried to express the fierce battles the Zaku has gone through through various modifications, and I also added a mechanism that makes the eyes light up with LEDs and metal studs.

Tashiro: This is totally a "Nakada original story"!

Among Nakata's Gunpla enthusiasts, some consider "what kind of rust would form depending on what kind of rain falls" and incorporate that into their creations. Furthermore, since one Zaku alone isn't enough to fully express the worldview, they've added Zeon soldiers of the same 1/144 scale to highlight the Zaku's threat. They enjoy taking photos from a human-eye perspective.

I've realized that when Tashiro gets particular about something, it can end up costing a lot of money for some people (laughs).

Okada, were there any things you felt while making this?

Working on Nakata's model made me realize I'd grown up. I'd come to see weathering as a "flavor" or "character."


Tashiro, what does the "015" on this arm mean?

Nakada: This year marks the 15th anniversary of the remodeling of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building so we incorporated that meaning as well.

Tashiro, you're amazing. Hearing you talk like this makes me realize how incredibly fun Gunpla must be.

NEXT: An exclusive "Char's Zaku II" that can only be obtained at this event will be released!?

©Sotsu/Sunrise