Movies

‘Gundam’ Marks 45th Anniversary With Fragment Design Collab Drop at TAMASHII NATIONS STORE New York

BBG News

On the 1st of March, Saturday, enthusiasts of the legendary anime “Mobile Suit Gundam” waited outside TAMASHII NATIONS STORE New York, situated in the bustling Times Square, to honor the franchise’s 45th anniversary. The grand unveiling of the GUNDAM45FRGMT collection, a joint effort with Hiroshi Fujiwara’s fragment design, was the main attraction, generating a lot of excitement. This exclusive line consists of figurines, clothing, accessories, and plush toys, seamlessly merging Fujiwara’s worldwide fashion impact with the enduring influence of “Gundam”. To commemorate this special event, TopMob interviewed Fujiwara in Times Square to document the collection’s debut and explore what motivated him to add his creative touch to one of Bandai Namco’s most prominent intellectual properties.

Following its exclusive launch at Fujiwara’s V.A. store in Tokyo’s Harajuku district, the GUNDAM45FRGMT collection finally debuted in the United States at TAMASHII NATIONS STORE New York. This much-anticipated event attracted a large number of dedicated collectors who were eager to acquire the intricately designed Gundam Fix Figuration Metal Composite (GFFMC), also recognized as RX78FRGMT. This limited-edition version features a monochromatic gray theme, deviating from the traditional multi-colored components seen in classic Gundam models. The figurine showcases fragment design’s distinctive lightning bolt emblem on its chest and left shoulder. The store showcased Gunpla model kits, a beloved hobby for builders, along with charming Banpresto plushies inspired by Gundam‘s famous mascot, Haro.

This assortment caters particularly to fashion-forward individuals who love streetwear. It includes personalized T-shirts, an “RX78FRGMT” inscribed all-black hoodie, along with smaller everyday items like a cap, a Z.D.F.A branded (Zeon Defense Forces Academy) tote bag, and a wallet from fragment design x Gundam, featuring velcro closure.

Or, more casually:

Streetwear fans will find something they love in this collection – think personalized T-shirts, an all-black hoodie with the “RX78FRGMT” logo, everyday items like a cap and tote bag from Z.D.F.A, and a wallet designed by fragment design x Gundam that fastens with velcro.

In discussing his early design concepts, Fujiwara revealed he found inspiration in punk rock music and vintage band T-shirts. Specifically, he pointed out the 80’s new wave band Sigue Sigue Sputnik, who used a robot character on their album artwork as a reference. This influenced him to depict the ‘Gundam’ robots in his design. Noteworthy pieces from the collection feature a white cotton shirt showcasing a famous fight scene from Mobile Suit Gundam’s 43rd episode, which Fujiwara has reimagined with stylistic elements inspired by Sigue Sigue Sputnik’s debut studio album cover, Flaunt It. According to Fujiwara, fragment design is about blending and existing within a culture rather than replicating or transforming it entirely. He aspires to be an active member of the community.

For Fujiwara, the realm of action figures wasn’t entirely unfamiliar. He shared with TopMob that growing up with two sisters, he frequently had to vie for control over the TV; instead, he found himself drawn to Chogokin rather than anime. This metal alloy, dubbed ‘fictitious’ in Go Nagai’s Mazinger Z comic and animated series, was later transformed into a product line of robotic science fiction collectibles by Bandai Namco’s Popy in 1972. During the conversation, he playfully mentioned, “I was the only boy in the family, and I was too shy to ask my father for one, but now I have [the RX78FRGMT].”

The impact of ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ on popular culture is undeniably significant. This classic anime was first aired in Japan back in 1979, captivating audiences worldwide and giving rise to many successful spin-offs during the late ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s. Fans who attended TopMob shared their heartfelt admiration for the series’ enduring popularity. One enthusiast, for instance, spoke passionately about the 2019 spin-off, ‘Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin Advent of the Red Comet’, likening the complex character arc of Char Aznable to a clever interplay between right and wrong. The intricate storytelling and immersive world-building of ‘Gundam’ have attracted a wide array of fans, from longtime anime enthusiasts to toy collectors and model builders.

Fujiwara’s fascination was first ignited by the broad appeal that transcends generations, as he once expressed his affection for people who appreciate niche items and independent, underground groups, describing himself as a part of small cultural movements. Renowned for rejuvenating Ura-Harajuku’s fashion scene in the ’80s and promoting hip-hop and punk rock in Japan, Fujiwara has consistently shown an inclination towards highlighting significant cultural symbols. With another endorsement from fragment design, he salutes the sci-fi realm of “Gundam” and its global fanbase who enthusiastically follow this trend.

Enthusiasts of “Mobile Suit Gundam” have the opportunity to check out the entire GUNDAM45FRGMT collection at the main Times Square TAMASHII NATIONS STORE in New York. This extraordinary display will be accessible until March 17.

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2025-03-12 16:56

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