The HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [JAL Original Color Ver.] model kit is a coveted special edition resulting from a collaboration between Japan Airlines (JAL) and Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. This collaboration is part of the ambitious “JAL×GUNDAM FLY TO THE FUTURE PROJECT,” an initiative directly linked to Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai. The launch of this exclusive GunPla is planned for July 2025, and it is distinguished by a unique design that merges the iconic mobile suit with the identity of the Japanese airline.
Packaging of the special edition HG RX-78-2 Gundam featuring Japan Airlines colors.
Product Information: RX-78-2 Gundam JAL Edition
- Price: 3,900 Yen (3,510 Yen for JAL cardholders).
- Release Date: Late July 2025.
- Scale: 1/144.
- Size: Approximately 12.5 cm.
- Series: Mobile Suit Gundam.
- Line: High Grade Universal Century (HGUC).
- Available at: Exclusively through JAL's “In-flight Shopping at Home” system for domestic flight passengers in Japan. Registration via in-flight Wi-Fi is required, and the purchase must be completed online up to three days after the flight. Limit one unit per customer.
- Product Type: Japan Airlines Exclusive (special collaboration GunPla).
The model features the legendary RX-78-2 Gundam with a color palette inspired by Japan Airlines' corporate identity: a predominantly white base, with elegant red accents and gray details. The packaging also follows this aesthetic line, with a minimalist and predominantly white design, highlighting the exclusivity of this collaboration.
Highlighted Features of the HGUC Model Kit
This model kit is based on the molds of the popular HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam (Revive Ver.), which ensures it has the updated proportions and wide range of articulation characteristic of that version. This allows for recreating a wide variety of dynamic and emblematic poses of the mobile suit. The included armament consists of a beam rifle as the main ranged weapon and a shield proudly displaying the JAL brand. For close combat, the kit includes two beam sabers with their respective hilts, which can be stored in the backpack, and beam effect parts to simulate their activation. A hyper bazooka is also anticipated to be included. Additionally, the kit comes with a set of interchangeable hand parts for holding weaponry and for different expressions, increasing the possibilities for customization and display.
Frontal aspect of the assembled HG RX-78-2 Gundam model, showcasing the exclusive JAL design.
Kit Contents RX-78-2 Gundam JAL Version
- Parts to assemble the HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [JAL Original Color Ver.].
- Beam Rifle.
- Shield (with exclusive JAL design).
- 2 Beam Sabers (with effect parts).
- Interchangeable hand parts.
- Exclusive sticker sheet for the JAL Original Color Ver. to add special details and markings.
The Iconic RX-78-2 Gundam: A Pillar in Mobile Suit Gundam History
The RX-78-2 Gundam is the Earth Federation's prototype mobile suit that played a decisive role in the One Year War (U.C. 0079) against the Principality of Zeon. Developed under the secret "Operation V," this mobile suit introduced revolutionary technological innovations for its time. These included Luna Titanium Alloy armor, a lightweight and extremely durable shielding, and an advanced arsenal that featured beam weaponry such as beam sabers and the powerful beam rifle. Additionally, it was equipped with a learning computer that adapted to its pilot's skills, optimizing its combat performance. Standard armament also included 60mm Vulcan guns mounted in the head for close defense and a 380mm hyper bazooka for higher impact attacks. Its main pilot was Amuro Ray, a young civilian forced to pilot it, whose latent Newtype abilities manifested and developed throughout the conflict. These abilities, combined with the Gundam's capabilities, led to numerous victories and caused the mobile suit to be feared by Zeon forces, who nicknamed it the "White Devil."
Context: JAL×GUNDAM FLY TO THE FUTURE Project and Expo 2025
The launch of this GunPla HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [JAL Original Color Ver.] is one of multiple initiatives within the “JAL×GUNDAM FLY TO THE FUTURE PROJECT.” This strategic collaboration between Japan Airlines and Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. primarily aims to promote the “GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION” at the anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, as well as to encourage tourism to Japan and the Kansai region. Other notable project activities include the operation of a specially decorated Boeing 737-800 aircraft, known as the “JAL GUNDAM JET.” Tour packages are also offered that include another limited-edition GunPla (the EXPO2025 1/144 RX-78F00/E GUNDAM with JAL design), and the experience of a themed restaurant bus (“JAL×GUNDAM Restaurant Bus”), seeking to immerse fans and the general public in the Gundam universe.
Sources
- HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [JAL Original Color Ver.] - Release Info | GundamKitsCollection | Accessed on May 29, 2025.
- JAL×GUNDAM FLY TO THE FUTURE PROJECT Takes Off | JAL Group - Press Release | Accessed on May 29, 2025.
- Pre-orders for the HG RX-78-2 Gundam [JAL Original Color Ver.] Begin Today! Apply Through the In-Flight Shopping at Home Service on JAL Domestic Flights! | GUNDAM.INFO | Accessed on May 29, 2025.
- HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam (Revive Ver.) | gunplakarasu | Accessed on May 29, 2025.
- Gundam: We Break Down The Best Mobile Suit Ever Made - The RX-78-2 Gundam Breakdown | Bell of Lost Souls | Accessed on May 29, 2025.