How do you celebrate the 30th anniversary of a popular anime series? You erect a 59-foot tall statue in Tokyo -- that's how. The "life-size" Gundam commemorates the first broadcast of "Mobile Suit Gundam" on television and is based on the first mecha of the series (Model RX-78-2). Built on a steel frame with fiberglass-reinforced plastic, the 35-ton robot has a movable head and emits lights and mist from 50 points in its body.

The exhibit officially launches on July 11th and lasts through August 31st in Shiokaze Park, but the Internets (and anyone in Tokyo with eyes) have been following the progress of the Gundam statue very closely. Make the jump to see photos and videos of the robot as he gets his finishing touches. (Side note: In five years, we expect a 59-foot tall statue for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in Manhattan, thank you very much.)


[Via Pink Tentacle]


[Via Pink Tentacle]


[Via Gizmodo]


[Via Bouncing Red Ball]


[Via The Mainichi Daily News]


[Via The Mainichi Daily News]


[Via Moe Passion]


[Via Moe Passion]


[Via Toysrevil]
[Via Toysrevil]