Expo Gundam Head at LUCUA SOUTH: Dates, Shops & Access

The life-size Gundam that drew so much attention at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is coming back to Osaka in December 2026!

On display will be the life-size head of the RX-78F00/E Gundam formerly installed at the Expo’s GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION. The impressive head stands about 2.2 meters tall and will be unveiled at LUCUA SOUTH in Umeda, Osaka, starting Friday, December 4.

Then, in February 2027, THE GUNDAM BASE OSAKA, an official destination for Gundam merchandise, is scheduled to open. Visitors will be able to enjoy Expo-related displays and Gunpla model-building experiences at a new venue directly connected to Osaka Station.

Here’s what to know about the Gundam head’s return, the attractions planned for THE GUNDAM BASE OSAKA, and the opening dates and locations of nearby Gundam shops.

Expo Gundam returns to Umeda: life-size head on display from December 4

On Friday, December 4, 2026, the head of the RX-78F00/E Gundam will go on display at GUNDAM HEAD LAB on the 10th floor of LUCUA SOUTH.

This is the head from the life-size Gundam statue featured at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. It will be shown to the public for the first time since the Expo closed. The Gundam also has a history stretching back to GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA, where an earlier version was displayed before being given a new look for the Expo.

The head measures approximately 2.2 meters high, 2 meters wide and 2.3 meters deep, and weighs about 370 kilograms. It’s just the head, not the full-body Gundam statue, but getting this close to a piece of this scale should be quite a sight.

If you took photos with the entire Gundam at the Expo, this time take a closer look at the details of its face. Viewing the enormous head from different distances may give you a new perspective on the design you remember.

Display opens: Friday, December 4, 2026
End date: Not yet announced
Location: GUNDAM HEAD LAB, 10F, LUCUA SOUTH
Exhibit: Head of the RX-78F00/E Gundam
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (subject to facility hours)

An official story connects the exhibit to the Expo

The official GUNDAM HEAD LAB special website also features an original story linking research in Yokohama with the Gundam seen at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

In that fictional setting, the head of the RX-78F00/E Gundam houses a key mechanism related to a simulated-personality AI based on Amuro Ray. Reading the story before visiting may add another dimension to the exhibit beyond its physical design.

GUNDAM HEAD LAB official special website

THE GUNDAM BASE OSAKA: Osaka’s first permanent location opens in February 2027

THE GUNDAM BASE OSAKA is scheduled to open on the 11th floor of LUCUA SOUTH in February 2027.

It will be the first permanent THE GUNDAM BASE store in Osaka. With approximately 1,229 square meters of retail space—one of the largest in western Japan—it will offer Gunpla model kits, clothing, accessories, stationery, confectionery and more.

In addition to shopping, visitors can look forward to Expo pavilion-related exhibits and Gunpla building experiences.

An Expo Gundam statue and an enormous Zeong hand

A special exhibit area dedicated to the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION is planned for THE GUNDAM BASE OSAKA.

It will feature a roughly 2-meter-tall statue of the RX-78F00/E Gundam and a striking hand sculpture from the MSN-X17 Zeong Type MA. Visitors will also be able to revisit the world of GUNDAM: Next Universal Century, the film screened inside the Expo pavilion.

If you visited the pavilion, the displays may bring back memories of its footage and mobile suits. If you missed it, this will be an opportunity to discover the vision of Gundam’s future presented at the Expo.

Note that the approximately 2-meter-tall statue on the 11th floor and the roughly 2.2-meter-tall life-size head on the 10th floor are two separate exhibits.

Talking Takoyaki Haro brings a distinctly Osaka touch

The workshop area is expected to host events where visitors can enjoy building Gunpla model kits.

One highlight is Talking Takoyaki Haro, a character unique to the Osaka store. Designed with a local flair, it will speak to event participants and help liven up the experience.

Beyond the Expo displays, there are special touches to discover here. Details such as workshop dates and participation requirements will be announced later.

THE GUNDAM BASE official website

More Gundam shops are coming: opening dates and floor guide

Several Gundam-related shops covering different types of products will open at LUCUA SOUTH ahead of THE GUNDAM BASE OSAKA. Their opening dates differ, so plan your visit around what you most want to see.

Opening / exhibition start date	Shop or exhibit / floor
Tuesday, November 24, 2026	STRICT-G / 11F
Wednesday, December 2, 2026	TAMASHII NATIONS STORE OSAKA / 11F
Friday, December 4, 2026	GUNDAM HEAD LAB / 10F
Friday, December 4, 2026	Gundam Card Game Official Shop / 10F
Scheduled for February 2027	THE GUNDAM BASE OSAKA / 11F

Starting in December 2026, you can see the life-size head on the 10th floor, then explore figures and apparel on the 11th floor. After THE GUNDAM BASE opens in February 2027, you should be able to explore Expo-related displays across both floors.

TAMASHII NATIONS STORE OSAKA specializes in finished figures

Opening on Wednesday, December 2, TAMASHII NATIONS STORE OSAKA will carry finished collectible figures known for their detailed sculpting and articulation.

A statue of the RX-78-2 Gundam will welcome visitors at the entrance. Products announced for the store include the CHOGOKIN RX-78F00/E Gundam , a collectible based on the Expo Gundam, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of ¥33,000 (tax included).

It’s a shop worth checking out if you’d like a tangible reminder of the Expo Gundam.

Product: METAL BUILD Strike Gundam – Heliopolis Rollout Ver. –

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: ¥19,800 (tax included)

STRICT-G offers Osaka-exclusive apparel designs

Opening Tuesday, November 24, STRICT-G brings the world of Gundam into fashion. This will be its first Osaka store, featuring an approximately 1.5-meter-tall RX-78-2 Gundam statue inside.

Look out for Osaka-specific designs such as the STRICT-G Mobile Suit Gundam Sukajan Jacket (Osaka Pattern), which combines Gundam imagery with Osaka landmarks. The jacket has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of ¥37,400 (tax included).

Gundam Card Game Official Shop opens December 4

The Gundam Card Game Official Shop is scheduled to open on the 10th floor on Friday, December 4.

It will be the fourth permanent official shop of its kind in Japan, offering cards and related goods as well as events and a place for fans to connect. It could be an interesting stop whether you’re new to the card game or enjoy meeting fellow players.

Where is LUCUA SOUTH? Direct access from JR Osaka Station

LUCUA SOUTH is in the South Gate Building on the south side of JR Osaka Station. It is located on the upper floors above Daimaru Umeda and directly connected to JR Osaka Station.

It is in a different building from LUCUA and LUCUA 1100 to the north. For the Gundam exhibits, head to floors 10 and 11 of the South Gate Building.

Facility: LUCUA Characters World, LUCUA SOUTH
Address: 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
Access: Directly connected to JR Osaka Station / South Gate Building
Standard hours for floors 10–13: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

LUCUA Characters World may restrict entry to individual floors or stores depending on crowd levels. Before visiting, check the LUCUA SOUTH official page for any admission restrictions.

LUCUA SOUTH official website / admission restriction information

For more highlights and access information across the complex, see Happyell’s LUCUA Osaka guide as well.

Revisit your Expo memories with Gundam in Osaka

The life-size head display begins December 4, 2026, with THE GUNDAM BASE OSAKA scheduled to open in February 2027. The Gundam world that attracted attention at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is taking on a new form in Umeda.

If you saw the Gundam at the Expo, compare the head’s details with the photos you took there. From February 2027 onward, consider allowing extra time to explore the special exhibits and Gunpla activities too.

To look back at the pavilions of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, see Happyell’s Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai pavilion guide.

Note: This article is based on information announced as of November 12, 2026. Shop and exhibit details, dates and entry conditions are subject to change.