Tetsujin 28 being built in the city of Kobe

After the craze brought about by the full scale Gundam RX-78-2 that was built in Odaiba, the city of Kobe follows suit with another full scale robot. Construction has began to build an 18-foot statue of the robot Tetsujin 28.

Tetsujin 28 was a popular manga back in 1956 and was the first to feature a giant robot. Since then, the series has gained a cult following ever since has spawned numerous anime series and live action films. Now Kobe plans to immortalize the series by erecting a monument of the popular giant robot.

According to AnimeNewsNetwork, "The Kobe Tetsujin Project's statue is intended as a symbol of the city's revival after the 1995 Kobe Earthquake. It is being build in Nagata Ward, the city's hardest hit neighborhood which has since been rebuilt and revitalized. The statue also celebrates the life of one of Kobe's most well-known native sons, as Yokoyama not only created the Tetsujin 28 manga and anime, but also Giant Robo and Sally the Witch."

The project is reported to cost 1.4 million USD. Parts of Tetsujin 28 is already being sent to Kobe's Wakamatsu Park where the statue will be erected. They plan to finish construction by September and open the statue to the public by October 4.

We can only speculate what the Japanese are up to. Best one I have heard so far is that the Japanese are creating a giant robot defense force and are slowly building these robots in plain sight. Perhaps, a measure against North Korea. I can just imagine people lining up now wanting to sign up and pilot these babies. XD

This video shows some of the progress made in completing Tetsujin 28.