First UK Gundam-Base store opens in London tomorrow

By John Freeman on 2 July 2026 • ( 0 )

Gundam-Base London Opening Poster - 3rd July 2026

Gundam, one of the most influential and successful Japanese entertainment properties in the world, will open its first permanent Gundam-Base Store in the UK, located in London’s Camden Market, tomorrow (Friday 3rd July 2026).

The store’s grand opening features a signing, starting at 1.00pm, by Gundam royalty, Takanori Nishikawa, the popular Japanese singer closely associated with the Gundam series, and a massive Gundam fan.

Please note, only the first 30 customers who spend £150 or more in a single purchase will be eligible for a signing.

Following an initial exclusive preview for media and influencers, the store will be opened to the public where fans can take in the immersive displays, impressive statues and exclusive product lines, including the hugely popular Gunpla from Bandai Hobby and various Gundam product ranges such as Tamashii Nations, Banpresto, Ichibansho and Gundam Card Game.

Originally launched in 1979, Gundam revolutionised the mecha genre through its realistic storytelling, military-inspired robot design and more mature themes, helping to establish anime as a global force within popular culture.

Today, as Gundam approaches its 50th anniversary, it represents far more than just anime, having become a globally recognised symbol of Japanese creativity, design and fandom culture. The Gunpla product range, a series of snap-fit plastic model kits based on the mobile suit Gundam series, offers something for everyone. With various grades and scales to cater for different experience levels and budgets, it successfully blends craftsmanship, fandom and premium modelbuilding.

“The opening of our permanent Gundam Base Store in the UK represents the strength and heritage of the Gundam brand, as well as the wider growth of anime as a whole,” commented Kazu Kojima, Commercial Director at Bandai Toy & Hobby UK.

“This once niche category is now a solid part of mainstream culture, and the appetite shown by fans at the store opening today really demonstrates how popular Gundam has become over its 47 year history. Anime is here to stay – and Gundam is leading the way.”

John McKenzie, Managing Director at Bandai Namco Amusement Europe Ltd adds: “Following the great success of the Gundam Base Pop Up in London, we are incredibly excited to launch the first ever permanent UK Gundam Base. The store will give fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Gundam and we are very much looking forward to welcoming the community along to experience it.”

• The Gundam-Base London can be found at Camden Market, Provender Building, Unit 19/20, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AH | Follow the Bandai UK Facebook Page for announcements

Takanori Nishikawa Signing 3rd July 2026 Gundam-Base London

• The Takanori Nishikawa Signing starts at 1.00pm on Friday 3rd July 2026. The first 30 customers who spend £150 or more in a single purchase will be eligible for a signing. Each person can have one item purchased in-store on the day signed. (Signing availability and event details may be subject to change)

• Bandai Toy & Hobby UK

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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.