We’re pretty big fans of Odaiba’s full-scale Gundam statue, which towers over Tokyo Bay at an incredible 18 metres tall. But there’s nothing quite like homespun charm, and we’re equally delighted to discover the existence of a plastic bottle version, built single-handedly by one enthusiastic sake shop owner in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo.
Our friends over at off-the-beaten-track Japan travel site Another Tokyo went to check it out last month, and this is what they found.
The delightfully-named Pet Bottle Gundam or P.B. Gundam (“pet bottle” being the Japanese-English word for a plastic drinks bottle) can be found at the Kashiwazaki liquor store in Shimotsuke, Tochigi.
▼ Tochigi has been better known for the shrines and temples of Nikko than its giant Gundam replicas…until now.
All photos: Another Tokyo
The three-metre tall model may not quite be full-scale like Tokyo’s 18-metre version. But three metres is still an impressively large model for an old guy who owns a liquor shop to have built by hand!
▼ It’s even holding a black pet bottle weapon, or P.B. Bazooka as we like to call it.
Different sized bottles have been used to make up the Gundam’s parts. And because the materials used were recycled drinks containers, the only cost involved in the project was the paint!
But P.B. Gundam isn’t the only large-scale plastic model this enthusiast has made.
▼ Can you tell what it is yet?
▼ That’s right…it’s a slice of watermelon! Complete with giant cockroach (or is it a stag beetle??).
Watching over the watermelon is this Kamen Rider model. Unfortunately, he’s not made from plastic bottles, but from regular ol’ plastic foam. Boo!
▼ Still a pretty cool thing to have in the window of your rural sake shop, to be fair.
Another Tokyo’s reporter also ventured inside the shop, where he found…not a lot of sake, but a pleasingly eccentric selection of antiques!
So if you find yourself in the Tochigi area, why not pay P.B. Gundam and friends a visit? They may not get as many visitors as the Tokyo version, but we’re sure they’ll be pleased to see you. Be sure to visit the life-size Totoro and pick up some gyoza while you’re up north!
Store information
Address: 906 Shimokoyama, Shimotsuke, Tochigi Prefecture (栃木県下野市下古山９０６)
Approx 6km from Omocha-no-Machi station (おもちゃのまち駅)
Source and images: Another Tokyo
Tokyo’s giant Gundam statue dismantled in anime-like scene that’s warming the hearts of fans
Tokyo hotel has a special room just for Gundam Gunpla plastic model builders【Photos】
Tokyo’s new giant Gundam anime robot statue is complete, and it’s awesome【Photos】
Tokyo’s giant Gundam statue scheduled to get upgrade and start moving in 2019
Goodbye, Gundam. Life-size mecha statue is leaving Tokyo next spring
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Starbucks Japan now offers close-to-closing discounted items through its mobile order app
What makes something “kawaii” to women from Japan, China, and South Korea? Survey investigates
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Bandai to release life-like posable plastic figures to help you draw “realistic” epic poses
Studio Ghibli’s truck from My Neighbour Totoro now available as die-cast Takara Tomy car
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Tokyo’s new life-size Gundam giant robot statue to be completed, open to public next month
Tokyo is getting a new giant Gundam robot statue this fall and it’ll be even bigger than the last
We check out the local flavors of the commonly confused Ome and Aomi areas of Tokyo in one day
Leave a Reply