The Economic and Environmental Effects of Having a Giant Robot on Your Backyard

Japan Probe has reported the Tetsujin-28 statue received a million visits within three months of its construction, boosting tourism and increasing the overall economic activity of the area by immediately capitalizing on the giant robot’s popularity through merchandising and Tetsujin-28 related items and services.

Kotaku also reports that within 300 days the life sized Gundam statue is erected, the city of Shizouka will be able to attract 900,000 visitors, earn over 40 billion yen, and create 9,600 jobs including security and maintenance occupations. However, the adverse side of this development may be the effect on the local environment as these following before and after shots of the venue show after the jump.

Super Japanese Mecha Anime Opening Collection

Megas XLR not included.

Because everyone digs giant robots.

Ok, I know I’ve been slow. Not covering Silent Line Portable‘s JP release was already a sign and missing last week’s Random Mecha Video of the day/week was another. So to make it all up for the lack of Random Mecha Videos and content, I present a massive collection of Mecha Anime openings from 1960’s till 2008. This is not my work, but it has been floating around an would at least interest anyone who has played SRW and asked “Where the hell did this robot come from?”. You’ll see it all, from icons like Tetsujin 28 (including the re-makes and re-imaginations), Mazinger-Z, various Macross and Gundam titles, to obscure super-robot titles such as Chogattai Majutsu Robo Gingaizer (Super Combining Magical Power Robo Gingaizer). It’s 7-8 hours of awesomeness and mecha history. The download links after the jump.

Awesome NTT Ad Featuring Tetsujin-28 (Gigantor)

A short commercial featuring a modern interpretation of the classic giant robot Tetsujin 28 can be seen in NTT’s stylish website. The website itself is well designed and the video of interest is located on the 4th panel under “CM” after the site intro has loaded.

[via: Anime News Network]

Life-Size Tetsujin-28 (Gigantor) Officially Opens to the Public

Super Robots, not to be outdone by the unveiling of the life sized Gundam statue a few months ago, have responded with a life sized statue of their own kind. Tetsujin-28 (known as Gigantor in the west) was finally opened to the public today in all its 1:1 scale glory after months of construction. For those who are curious, Tetsujin 28 distinguishes itself by being one of the first animated mecha TV shows in Japan, thus helping establish the mecha genre. The franchise has further spawned three animated shows, two live-action movies, and a live action TV series that pre-dates the anime. See the opening ceremony of the life sized Tetsujin 28 statue after the jump.