The Japanese championship award ceremonies for the Gunpla Builders World Cup 2015 were held November 22nd at Bandai's Gunpla Expo World Tour Japan 2015 event.
First on stage was Katsumi "Meijin Kawaguchi" Kawaguchi of Bandai's hobby division. Next was special presenter Kanata Hongo, famous for his TV and film appearances, as well as his enthusiasm for Gundam and hobby of Gunpla building. "This is another year of wonderful, extremely polished entries. Seeing what other, more experienced, builders have created is exciting."
With competition fiercer than ever at Japan's fifth championship, which Gunpla will take the prize!? Read on for our report!
■ Junior Course (ages 14 and under)
Japan Champion (1st Place)
Title: Last Shooting／Builder: May Hata
"Seeing the other entries on display, I thought that this year's Junior competition was so imaginative that I was sure to lose. However, the support of those around me carried me through. I'm so happy!" (May Hata)
"The expression of depth, and the contrast of the white Gundam in the darkness, bring together the piece. The fine details, including the posing, make it a very well-put-together work." (Yasunaga, Bandai Hobby)
"Seeing the other entries on display, I thought that this year's Junior competition was so imaginative that I was sure to lose. However, the support of those around me carried me through. I'm so happy!" (May Hata)
"The expression of depth, and the contrast of the white Gundam in the darkness, bring together the piece. The fine details, including the posing, make it a very well-put-together work." (Yasunaga, Bandai Hobby)
■ Open Course (ages 15 and up)
Third Place
Title: 1/1 Scale Team S.H.I / Builder: Shimoda Heavy Industries
"I was pleasantly surprised to be chosen. I've worked hard over the past year to try for the trophy, and I definitely feel like it was worth it."
(Shimoda Heavy Industries)
"Just one suit would be amazing, but three is incredible. The amount of detail packed into each suit even in 1/144, their individual uniqueness, and beautiful coloring are all very well done."
(Hasegawa, Bandai Hobby)
"I was pleasantly surprised to be chosen. I've worked hard over the past year to try for the trophy, and I definitely feel like it was worth it."
(Shimoda Heavy Industries)
"Just one suit would be amazing, but three is incredible. The amount of detail packed into each suit even in 1/144, their individual uniqueness, and beautiful coloring are all very well done."
(Hasegawa, Bandai Hobby)
Second Place
Title: "Rin" / Builder: Yamatatsu
"This is my fifth year entering, always trying my hardest to make it to this stage. I'm overjoyed to return again this year." (Yamatatsu)
"The Japanese-style touches must have taken a long time. It seems like the ability to move things like hair, or elements in a diorama, is likely to become a theme. The suit itself is nothing to sneeze at, but the incredibly fine detail surroundings is really great." (Hasegawa, Bandai Hobby)
"This is my fifth year entering, always trying my hardest to make it to this stage. I'm overjoyed to return again this year." (Yamatatsu)
"The Japanese-style touches must have taken a long time. It seems like the ability to move things like hair, or elements in a diorama, is likely to become a theme. The suit itself is nothing to sneeze at, but the incredibly fine detail surroundings is really great." (Hasegawa, Bandai Hobby)
Japanese Champion
Title: "Tallgeese Ares: God of War" / Builder: [Roku] Shinya Takaoku
"I'm extremely grateful to those who voted for me. After being disappointed with a second-place finish last year, first place is like a dream come true." (Shinya Takaoku)
"Every inch of this build is wonderfully balanced. The design is also excellent, with wonderful overall coordination. After deciding on this as the champion, I had no second thoughts." (Baba, Bandai Hobby)
Title: "Tallgeese Ares: God of War" / Builder: [Roku] Shinya Takaoku
"I'm extremely grateful to those who voted for me. After being disappointed with a second-place finish last year, first place is like a dream come true." (Shinya Takaoku)
"Every inch of this build is wonderfully balanced. The design is also excellent, with wonderful overall coordination. After deciding on this as the champion, I had no second thoughts." (Baba, Bandai Hobby)
The panel then made their final comments: Bandai Hobby's Yasunaga spoke of "being struck with the desire to build something of his own after seeing the creative Gunpla on display", while Hasegawa "[finds] it so difficult to make a decision every year, with all the Gunpla that builders have sunk their hearts and souls into." Baba considers it "wonderful that people are, in GBWC, able to communicate through Gunpla."
Guest Kanata Hongo cheered on the winners: "There are so many wonderful pieces here, really reminding me of how much fun you can have with Gunpla. Both of the winners are wonderful, and I'm sure they'll do well at the world championships. Try your hardest to be the best in the world!"
Then, finally, Meijin Kawaguchi spoke. "Every year, Gunpla becomes more and more popular. Everyone has to begin somewhere, and I hope everyone who entered keeps trying."
▲ From left: Kanata Hongo, May Hata. [ROKU] Shinya Takaoku, Meijin Kawaguchi.
The Japan Champions, May Hata's "Last Shooting" and [ROKU] Shinya Takaoku's "Tallgeese Ares: God of War", will be arrayed with other national champions at Gundam Front Tokyo this December 21th, as the World Champion is crowned.
Watch the ceremony live on Bandai Hobby Site, Gundam Fan Club, and overseas versions of GUNDAM.info!
On the day of the awards ceremony, model and famous Gundam fan Saya Ichikawa and Bandai Hobby's Meijin Kawaguchi will host a special talk panel.
See this post for details!
(GUNDAM.INFO Editorial Staff)
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