Fans of the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam franchise have a new reason to visit their local 7-Eleven in Japan. The convenience store giant has partnered with Bandai to release an exclusive limited-edition Gundam model kit, sparking excitement among collectors and anime enthusiasts alike. Announced today, this collaboration celebrates the enduring legacy of the Gundam series with a unique offering available only at select 7-Eleven locations across Japan.
The exclusive model kit is a High Grade (HG) 1/144 scale RX-78-2 Gundam adorned with a special 7-Eleven-themed livery. This custom design features the convenience store’s signature green, orange, and red stripes, seamlessly blending the futuristic aesthetic of the Gundam universe with the everyday familiarity of 7-Eleven branding. Priced at approximately 2,000 yen (around US$13), the kit is designed for both novice and experienced builders, offering detailed parts and decals to recreate the iconic mobile suit with a playful twist.
Check out the Mobile Suit Gundam x 7-Eleven goodies in the image gallery below:
Credit:
7-Eleven / Bandai Namco
Available starting May 5, 2025, the model kits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at participating 7-Eleven stores in Japan. Due to the limited nature of the release, fans are urged to act quickly, as previous Gundam collaborations have sold out rapidly. The kits are packaged in exclusive 7-Eleven-branded boxes, making them a must-have for collectors seeking unique additions to their Gunpla (Gundam plastic model) collections.
7-Eleven & Gundam's Strategic Partnership
This collaboration is the latest in a series of innovative partnerships between the Gundam franchise and major Japanese brands. 7-Eleven Japan, operated by Seven & i Holdings, has a history of leveraging pop culture to enhance its brand appeal, with past promotions featuring characters from Pokémon and Hello Kitty. By teaming up with Bandai, the creators of Gunpla, 7-Eleven taps into the passionate Gundam fanbase, which spans generations and continues to grow with each new anime release.
The timing of the release aligns with heightened interest in the Gundam franchise, driven by recent projects like Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, a new series streaming on Prime Video, and the upcoming 2025 World Expo in Osaka, where a Gundam pavilion will showcase a life-size moving Gundam statue. This synergy underscores the franchise’s cultural significance and its ability to bridge entertainment, commerce, and innovation.
What’s Next for the Gundam Franchise
The Gundam franchise shows no signs of slowing down as it approaches its 46th anniversary in 2025. Following the success of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, which premiered on Prime Video on April 8, 2025, fans can look forward to additional episodes dropping weekly throughout the spring. Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki and co-written by Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno, the series introduces a fresh “alternate history” storyline and has already inspired a new line of model kits and merchandise.
In July 2025, Bandai will launch the Gundam Card Game alongside Gundam Assemble, a tabletop miniatures game, both set to release in English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese. These games aim to expand the franchise’s reach into the gaming community, offering new ways to engage with the Gundam universe.
Additionally, the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, running from April 13 to October 13, will feature a Gundam pavilion with the relocated life-size moving Gundam from Yokohama’s Gundam Factory. This RX-78F00/E model, modified for the expo, will highlight Japan’s advancements in robotics and animation, further cementing Gundam’s global influence.
On the collectibles front, Gundam Wing’s 30th anniversary celebrations continue with new High Grade Gunpla kits, including models of Gundam Deathscythe Hell and Wing Gundam Zero, set to hit North American stores in September 2025. These releases, alongside the 7-Eleven collaboration, reflect the franchise’s commitment to honoring its legacy while embracing new creative ventures.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The 7-Eleven Gundam model kit collaboration is more than a promotional stunt; it’s a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal and its ability to integrate into everyday life. By bringing Gundam to convenience stores, 7-Eleven and Bandai have created a unique intersection of pop culture and accessibility, inviting fans to celebrate their passion in a new way. As the Gundam franchise continues to evolve, collaborations like this ensure its place as a cornerstone of anime and mecha culture.
For more information on the model kit and participating 7-Eleven locations, visit the official 7-Eleven Japan website.
Source: Comic Natalie
