The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2025 with a new collaboration, as Uniqlo unveils a special collection of graphic t-shirts featuring artwork from the iconic anime series. This new collection is set to be released in mid-April 2025 in Japan.
The collection will feature four t-shirts—two white and two black—each adorned with bold, printed art inspired by beloved characters from Mobile Suit Gundam. These graphic tees, priced at 1,990 yen (approximately US$13), aim to celebrate the enduring legacy of the series, which first debuted in 1979. The t-shirts are designed with illustrations by Kunio Okawara, one of the original mechanical designers behind the Gundam robots.
Uniqlo’s announcement highlighted the diverse range of Gundam series included in the collection. It features artwork from the original Mobile Suit Gundam, as well as from later entries like Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, which had a movie release in 2024, and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, a global hit.
This collaboration is just the latest in a series of anime-themed collections from Uniqlo. The retailer has previously worked with franchises like Pokémon, releasing designs featuring fan-favorite characters such as Pikachu, Eevee, and Mimikyu. They also recently launched a collection inspired by Dandadan, including designs like a t-shirt featuring the characters Momo, Okarun, and Aira.
The Gundam franchise continues to captivate fans with new releases and exciting projects. One of the major upcoming releases is Mobile Suit Gundam GquuuuuuX -Beginning-, an edited version of the TV series that premiered in Japan in January and will be available in the U.S. on February 28. Additionally, fans can look forward to the highly anticipated live-action Gundam film, which is being produced by Legendary Entertainment, the team behind Dune. The film is being helmed by Jim Mickle, best known for his work on Sweet Tooth, with production already underway.
Also in the works is a prequel to Gundam SEED FREEDOM, titled FREEDOM ZERO. Directed by Mitsuo Fukuda, the project has been in development for over two decades and will further expand the Gundam universe.
For fans eager to dive into the series, Netflix is currently streaming the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED series, while Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury and the original Mobile Suit Gundam are available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury is set in the year A.S. 122, an era dominated by large corporations in space. The series follows Suletta Mercury, a girl from the remote planet Mercury, who transfers to the Asticassia School of Technology, a prestigious institution controlled by the Beneritt Group. The story explores her journey as she navigates this new world, driven by her pure heart and burning passion.
This new Uniqlo collection and the exciting future of the Gundam franchise underscore the lasting influence and popularity of the mecha anime that has captivated audiences for 45 years.
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