Most of the events and promotions organized by energy drink maker Red Bull are thoroughly in the “XTREME” category. As a matter of fact, sometimes the names of the events are so intense that we have only the vaguest idea of what happens in them, such as the Red Bull Rampage, Red Bull King of the Rock Tournament, and Red Bull Cape Fear.
However, Red Bull has a bit of a playful, silly side to it too, as shown in a contest it sponsors in which entrants launch their home-made flying machines from a pier and see who can travel the farthest distance before hitting the water. But even then, Red Bull can’t help but do things in the most XTREME way possible, and in the competition’s latest iteration, held in Japan, they killed giant anime robot Gundam.
The name of the event is the Red Bull Flugtag, which means “flight day” or “airshow” in German. It’s not so much a showcase of cutting-edge aeronautical and acrobatics, though, as it is a showcase for daredevil tinkerers who are focused more on laughs than significant flight capability.
Red Bull’s most recent Flugtag took place last weekend in Kobe, specifically on the water of the city’s harbor. A crowd of roughly 20,000 spectators showed up to watch entrants leap off the platform, with contestants sitting in gliders and clinging to a large bunch of balloons in the mix.
続々と発射っ! #フルーグタグ
— レッドブル ジャパン🇯🇵 (@redbulljapan) October 31, 2015
ニコ生配信はこちら>> https://t.co/xMGgMMiYxw pic.twitter.com/lKBmdgFJrd
Regulations for the flying machines vary from Flugtag to Flugtag, and we’re not sure what the exact rules were for the Kobe event. Apparently giant robots were A-OK, though, because one team showed up with a large-scale replica of Gundam, anime’s most storied and respected mecha.
“But wait,” you anime-savvy RocketNews24 readers are no doubt saying, “Gundam can’t fly!”
Exactly.
【シュール】2万人を集めたレッドブル・フルーグタグ。全国から選ばれたチームが次々と神戸港に飛び立っていく(?)様子をまとめた映像を公開しました>> https://t.co/CNsE8snspn #フルーグタグ pic.twitter.com/eGqxS3rxql
— レッドブル ジャパン🇯🇵 (@redbulljapan) November 2, 2015
After being pushed what appears to be a team of saboteurs from the Principality of Zeon, Gundam toppled gracelessly into the sea, striking the water in a painful-looking two-stage belly flop that proves no, in reality, Red Bull does not give you wings.
ガンダム、飛距離40cm #フルーグタグ pic.twitter.com/5giupLTMH7
— レッドブル ジャパン🇯🇵 (@redbulljapan) October 31, 2015
Sadly, the mobile suit does not appear to have been outfitted with the C-Armor package, RX-79 series waterproofing, or any other optional equipment to help it function in the marine environment, as after completing its “flight” Gundam simply did the dead mecha’s float. Thankfully, the Flugtag looks to be a fan-made model, and is not the 1:1-scale Gundam statue that guards Tokyo’s Odaiba. As such, Japan’s capital is still under the mecha’s protection, at least until someone decides to enter it in Red Bull’s Cliff Diving World Series.
Source: Twitter/@redbulljapan

Nike’s new anime mecha sneakers look Gundam awesome【Video, photos】
Gundam’s crotch isn’t pleasing fans with its insufficient fan service in new video game【Video】
Tokyo’s new Gundam statue stands tall as torso and head are mounted【Video, photos】
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Kobe middle schools begin abolishing extracurricular activities, shift to community programs
7-Eleven Japan releases new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing range for autumn, with a must-try daifuku and teriyaki burger
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Japan’s Tsukimi One-hand Bento’s name is all wrong, but it still looks entirely delicious
Join Naked in the Niwa garden: Kyoto Station’s newest spot to craft traditional art
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
McDonald’s and Gundam team up for customized anime mecha and fried chicken sandwiches[Video]
McDonald’s Japan is selling Gundam burgers, endorsed by anime’s most charismatic antagonist【Vids】
Star Wars stormtroopers don Gundam armor in fan’s awesome crossover models 【Videos/Photos】
Call of Duty’s Gundam crossover looks really weird (if you can read Japanese)【Pics】【Update】
McDonald’s Japan gives us a taste of the anime world with new series of Gundam burgers