Gundam Cosplay Scandal: Tokyo Politician Channels Asteroid Villain in 2025 Election

Gundam cosplay erupts in Tokyo’s 2025 election: Reiwa Shinsengumi’s Taro Yamamoto, decked as Char Aznable—blond wig, sunglasses, and all—films a campaign skit beside the Unicorn Gundam statue, promoting Maya Okamoto. Trending queries: “Can politicians use anime characters?” and “Who is Char Aznable in politics?” Bandai Namco’s blunt response: “We do not support any candidate.”
Instead of typical campaign ads, Yamamoto’s Char Aznable routine introduces Maya Okamoto, sparking the trending question: “What happens if you use anime for politics in Japan?” Critics called it “buffoonery” and wondered, “Is cosplaying as a villain a good campaign move?” The sight of a would-be senator channeling an asteroid-dropping antagonist outside a giant robot statue prompted Bandai Namco to unambiguously disavow the stunt.
Bandai Namco’s official statement slammed Yamamoto’s campaign, clarifying no permission was granted and leaving voters to ponder whether a Gundam villain’s icy apocalypse is really the best political mascot.