Giant Japanese robot spurs hopes for tourism after virus hit
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="392px" width="800px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
The robot is modelled after a figure in “Mobile Suit Gundam”, a Japanese cartoon first launched in the late 1970s about enormous battle robots piloted by humans. The series spawned multiple spin-offs and toys and gained a worldwide following.
‘Of course, we now have the coronavirus issue. I want people to tackle endeavours like this while making an effort to prevent the spread of infection’
It will be the centrepiece of the Gundam Factory Yokohama, a tourist attraction that opens on Dec. 19 in the port city. “I hope this will lead to stimulating tourism demand and revitalising local areas,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told a news conference.
“Of course, we now have the coronavirus issue. I want people to tackle endeavours like this while making an effort to prevent the spread of infection.”
Leave a Comment