Candidate Cosplaying as Gundam Triggers Bandai’s Response

A viral campaign stunt featuring a candidate cosplaying as Gundam has led to controversy and an official Bandai’s response. On July 18, Taro Yamamoto, leader of Japan’s Reiwa Shinsengumi party, released a campaign video ahead of the 2025 Upper House elections dressed as Char Aznable (under the alias Quattro Bajeena) from Mobile Suit Gundam.

The video, filmed in front of the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue in Tokyo, featured Yamamoto in a red suit, blonde wig, and signature sunglasses. He was joined by anime voice actress Maya Okamoto, also running as a candidate for the Reiwa party. The two exchanged scripted banter, but the anime cosplay stole the spotlight.

The video quickly went viral on X, amassing over 10 million views. However, the reaction was far from universally positive. Critics accused Yamamoto of exploiting Gundam’s cultural legacy for political gain and misrepresenting the character, whose storyline includes triggering a nuclear winter to force humanity into space.

Bandai’s Response to Candidate Cosplaying as Gundam

Amid the backlash, Bandai’s response came in the form of a public statement. The company stated: “In the 2025 House of Councillors election, there were candidates who are doing election activities using cosplay-style costumes that image or strongly recall the characters of the Gundam series.” They added, “It is not approved by Bandai Namco, and we do not support specific candidates.”

Although Yamamoto wasn’t named directly, the context made the target of the message obvious. Despite the controversy and Bandai’s response, Reiwa Shinsengumi secured six seats in the election, only one more than in the previous cycle.

via Yamamoto