A Japanese who "makes Gunpla as a change of pace from making Gunpla" won the Grand Prix! GUNPLA BUILDERS WORLD CUP 2018" World Finals Report!

GUNPLA BUILDERS WORLD CUP 2018, Bandai's official competition to determine the world's best Gunpla builders. The award ceremony for the World Cup finals was held on December 9, 2018 (Sun.) at THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO in Odaiba, Tokyo.

A total of 28 entries, 12 from the Junior Course (14 years old and under) and 16 from the Open Course (15 years old and over), gathered at the main venue. Finalists gathered from all over the world to watch the results.

The judging panel consisted of four judges: Manabu Kimura, editor-in-chief of "Hobby Japan," Iwao Sekiguchi, editor of "Model Graphix," Katsuhiko Yasunaga and Katsumi Kawaguchi of BANDAI SPIRITS Hobby Division, and the overall score was based on three points: "craft," "paint" and "idea. The competition was based on three points: "Craft," "Paint," and "Idea.

Masami Ohari, director of "Gundam Build Fighters: Batologue" and mechanical designer for many other robot anime, took the stage as a special judge. Masami Ohari, who has also worked as a mechanical designer for many other robot anime, took the stage. I am honored to have been a part of this event.

Mr. Masami Ohari

First, the special awards were announced. THE GUNDAM BASE Award went to "Origin of Char" created by Mr. Manson Ng of Hong Kong.

It was highly praised for its "interesting combination of ideas, and its adherence to the worldview of 'Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin of Char'.

The Men's Bigen Award went to "Kshatriya Besserung" by Canadian filmmaker Lowe Ryan. The overall composition is superb and shows deep affection and effort. With effective additional parts and effective expressions, it has a new individuality and a beauty that is not limited to its appearance.

The "Special Jury Prize," selected by Mr. Ohbari, went to "We Are Gundam," created by Mr. Vichayus Aiam Ong of Thailand.

The work was highly praised, with Ohbari's handwritten illustration on a piece of colored paper presented as a complimentary prize.

From here, the champions of each course were announced. First, the top three winners of the Junior Course were announced.

In third place was "The White Golem" by Nguyen Hong Long of Vietnam, who unfortunately was unable to attend the event.

The model is 1/144 size, but I like the detailed way it is made. If the backpack and metal parts are made more precisely, it may be able to aim for a higher position in the competition.

Second place went to "Once Again," created by Wu Si En from Taiwan.

At first glance, it looks plain, but if you look closely, you can see that the workmanship and painting are both at a very high level. I think it will be even better if you try to add some changes in height," he evaluated.

First place went to "Build Divers Fantasy," created by Mark Alexander Irwanto of Indonesia.

I was surprised at the high level of spatial composition. The most surprising thing was the coloring, the plating was beautiful, and it was a unanimous decision," he commented.

Mr. Irwanto commented.

I believe my art is not yet complete. Thank you very much!"

Next, the Open Course Champion was announced.

Third place went to "We Are Gundam," created by Mr. Vichayus Aiam Ong of Thailand, following the "Special Jury Prize.

I was amazed at the way the reflection on each piece of armor was done. I tend to focus on the main body, but I also enjoyed looking at the detailed reproduction of the feet," he said.

Second place went to "Everything Starts with a Prototype," created by James Mark Al Quinsat of the Philippines.

The idea of making a 1/60th scale piece look like a 1/12th is amazing...I was amazed at how well the 3D printer was used, yet it didn't look out of place, and the painting ability was amazing. The detailing is also excellent, making the work a joy to look at forever.

And first place went to "Gundam Exia Repair II - Embryo," produced by Yusuke Sato of Japan.

He said, "Box-type dioramas are usually viewed from one direction, but if you look closely, you can see a window on the side, so you can enjoy the diorama from the window as well. Also, the detailed modeling gives it a sense of playfulness. The work is at a high level no matter where you look at it from, and the ideas are excellent, making it a work worthy of being a champion.

Sato commented.

I am very touched to receive such an award. Thank you very much."

In closing, Mr. Ohbari said, "I was shown the infinite possibilities that are possible because of Gundam plastic models. I would like to take this inspiration back to the field and continue to create animation.

Mr. Sato is such a Gunpla fanatic that "when I get stuck in making Gunpla, I make another Gunpla for a change. His next project is "still undecided," but as the defending champion, we are looking forward to seeing his next masterpiece.