Gundam Is His Whole Life: How One Man Created the Ultimate Fan Apartment in Japan

Japanese pop culture news edited by Patrick Macias

Jun 23, 2025

31-year-old Takahashi transformed his apartment into a full-scale Gundam sanctuary
He balances a demanding full-time job with building models and creating content
Despite his deep fandom, he hopes to find a partner who respects his passion for Gundam

For Takahashi (no first name given), a 31-year-old Gundam enthusiast, living alone gave him the freedom to build his perfect space. In a quiet Saitama neighborhood, he transformed a 65-square-meter apartment into a Gundam lover’s paradise. Carefully arranged shelves, matching color schemes, and row upon row of Gunpla greet visitors at the door. This was the childhood dream he turned into reality. His YouTube channel, Takahashi Laboratory (or Taka-Labo), now reaches over 165,000 subscribers.

The release of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX in spring 2025, along with its Amazon streaming success and theatrical version, has reignited Gundam’s popularity. For Takahashi, the appeal never faded. “There’s always something new,” he says. “Gundam never stops. That makes us fans really lucky.” More than just a hobby, it has been a constant in his life for over twenty years.

The Moment That Started It All

Takahashi first encountered Gundam at age six through a capsule toy machine. He didn’t know the name or backstory, but the mobile suit’s design struck a chord. Days later, he recognized the same machine in a PlayStation game his father brought home. That instant connection marked the beginning of a lifelong obsession.

While other childhood trends faded, Gundam stuck. “Everyone else moved on from Yu-Gi-Oh! and other fads, but Gundam was always there,” he says. Even as an adult, he finds it endlessly interesting. “There’s always more to learn. It just keeps growing with you.” That sense of depth gave him confidence that this was a passion worth investing in for the long haul.

Finding Identity Through Fandom

In junior high, Takahashi was hesitant to express his love for anime. Being labeled an otaku still carried stigma. He had no standout skills in sports or academics, so he didn’t want another reason to be picked on. But in high school, everything changed. “I figured it was easier if people just knew me as 'the guy who loves Gundam.' And it worked. People remembered my name and face. That gave me a sense of identity for the first time.”

After college, Takahashi joined a toy company and even appeared in product videos. “It was amazing to talk about something I loved,” he says. “I had some experience making videos at school festivals, but working in a pro setting was completely different. It was stressful but also incredibly satisfying.”

Reality Check: Can Passion Alone Pay the Bills?

Despite the fun, Takahashi began to worry. “I loved working with Gundam stuff, but I didn’t know if it would be sustainable in the long run. What if things didn’t work out in a few years? I needed to try a more stable path.” He shifted careers, first working in dental supply sales and now in architecture, a job that provides both security and confidence.

Although Gundam is no longer his main job, it still fills every free moment. Weeknights are spent building, filming, and editing. “Before I can even shoot a video, I have to finish the model kit,” he laughs. Weekends are blocked off for full production. “Every minute matters.”

Gundam Comes First, But Relationships Aren’t Off the Table

Takahashi says Gundam is his top priority. “That doesn’t mean I want to stay single forever. If someone can understand how important this is to me, I’m open to having a partner. As long as we respect each other’s values, it can work.”

He believes that open communication is essential. “You sometimes hear sad stories about collectors whose partners throw away their stuff. I wonder if they really had honest conversations from the start. If you’re going to live together, you need to understand each other.”

The Gundam Room Is Non-Negotiable

When asked if he would ever share the Gundam room with a partner or family, his answer is clear. “No. This space is for Gundam only. Mixing it with anything else would make it feel incomplete. I’ll get a different home for family life, but this room will always be for my passion.”

To support this dream space, he pays a manageable rent of 65,000 yen per month. That allows him to maintain the apartment without financial stress. “This is where I go all in on what I love,” he says. “It’s worth every yen.”

Via Toyokeizai.net