Iconic Gunpla, exclusive releases, and workshops set to thrill anime fans in 2026
Jewel Changi Airport is strengthening its reputation as Asia’s pop culture retail hotspot, with another major Japanese franchise set to make its Singapore debut next year.
Singapore’s First Official Gundam Store Confirmed
Singapore will welcome its first official Gundam store when The Gundam Base opens at Jewel Changi Airport in early 2026, according to a Dec 3 announcement by BandaiHobby on Facebook. The store adds to Jewel’s growing list of anime and manga attractions, following the Pokémon Center and One Piece Mugiwara Store. Hoardings are already up at the airport mall, with signage confirming a 2026 launch.
Inside The Gundam Base Retail Experience
Operated under Bandai Namco Holdings, The Gundam Base is an official retail concept dedicated to the long running Gundam franchise. Fans can expect shelves stocked with Gunpla model kits, which are build it yourself plastic models based on the franchise’s iconic mobile suits and spacecraft. Most kits come with pre colored parts, while advanced versions allow for custom painting and detailing.
Workshops, Displays, and In Store Activities
Beyond retail, the store will feature life sized Gundam displays and curated exhibitions showcasing iconic models from across the franchise’s history. BandaiHobby has also confirmed in store workshops where beginners and seasoned builders can learn assembly and customization techniques directly from experts.
Exclusive Gunpla Releases and Limited Editions
Exclusive Gunpla releases will be a major draw. These limited edition kits are typically available only at The Gundam Base outlets worldwide, making the Singapore store a key destination for collectors in Southeast Asia. Singapore exclusive launches are also expected, though details have yet to be revealed.
The Gundam Franchise’s Global Legacy
Gundam began in 1979 with the Mobile Suit Gundam anime and has since evolved into a global multimedia powerhouse spanning television series, films, games, and merchandise. As of March 2021, more than 700 million Gunpla kits had been sold worldwide, underscoring the franchise’s enduring appeal across generations.
Singapore Joins The Gundam Base Global Network
The Gundam Base already operates multiple outlets in Japan, including a flagship store in Odaiba, Tokyo, as well as international locations in cities such as Taipei, Bangkok, Seoul, and across China. A Hong Kong outlet is scheduled to open in December 2025, positioning Singapore as the next strategic expansion point in Asia.
Local Fan Excitement Builds Ahead of Opening
Local anticipation has been building since Singapore based hobby blogger Gunplanerd, who has more than 67,000 Instagram followers, shared images of the Jewel Changi hoarding on Dec 3. Fan reactions online have been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling the store a long awaited milestone for the local Gunpla community.
The arrival of The Gundam Base at Jewel Changi reflects the growing influence of Japanese pop culture in the region and reinforces Singapore’s role as a lifestyle and entertainment hub. For fans in Singapore and Indonesia, the store offers easier access to exclusive collectibles, hands on workshops, and a shared cultural space centered on one of Japan’s most iconic franchises.
Sources: Time Out (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Gundam Base, Gunpla Models, Jewel Changi, Bandai Namco, Anime Merchandise
