First Encounter with the Giant
On February 27th, as winter was drawing to a close, I stepped onto the futuristic landscape of Odaiba for a full day of photography. The blue sky provided the perfect backdrop as intense sunlight bathed the 18-meter Unicorn Gundam, giving the entire mecha a breathtaking presence. Despite the moderate crowd, standing before it brought a flood of childhood passion rushing back. It was truly magnificent!
The Moment of Brilliance
The most satisfying shot of the entire day was capturing the moment when sunlight struck the horn. That brilliant radiance seemed to light up the entire sky, and also illuminated the lamp in my heart that has never gone out. Though growing up made me realize how unrealistic the anime plots were, that youthful passion for saving the world and those beliefs have genuinely shaped my life’s path.
The Everyday and Extraordinary of Odaiba
While waiting for the perfect light, I also captured other aspects of Odaiba: sparrows leisurely foraging near flower beds, the fast-moving Yurikamome Line (where I deliberately practiced my panning photography skills), the iconic silver sphere of Fuji TV, water buses docked by the seaside, and the miniature Statue of Liberty in the distance. These elements together form Odaiba’s unique urban landscape.
Surprises After Nightfall
As night descended, the Unicorn Gundam reached its most spectacular moment. Accompanied by anime projections, the mecha continuously transformed through red, purple, green, and gold colors, each transition leaving a lasting impression. In that moment, I wasn’t just photographing a model—I was capturing the instant when I reunited with my dreams, recording that passion that remains burning bright across time.
