{
  "id": 2492100,
  "title": "Students make 3.5-m-tall cardboard 'Gundam' for school festival in Fukuoka Pref.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/students-make-3-5-m-tall-cardboard-gundam-for-school-festival-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T04:00:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260821/p2a/00m/0et/029000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Yanagawa High School students in Fukuoka Prefecture are set to unveil a towering cardboard Gundam model for their school festival. This 3.5-meter-tall creation will be on display from August 30 to 31. The impressive model was crafted by nine enthusiastic fans over a span of two weeks, guided by 72-year-old Susumu Ogawa from nearby Kurume. Ogawa gained recognition for his Gundam-style cardboard art during his time as a teacher in Miyagi Prefecture.\n\nFirst-year student Kotaro Tanaka expressed excitement about the completed piece, stating, \"It's impressive. I believe people will be amazed when they see it.\" Fellow student Airi Kido added, \"I hope more girls become interested in Gundam after coming to see the exhibit.\" The Gundam franchise, which first aired on television in 1979, has maintained a strong fan base, with the 2024 animated film \"Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom\" drawing over 3 million viewers. The school's cultural festival will be open to the public, featuring a performance by second-year student Shoa Matsumoto, who placed third in the 2025 Asian BMX Freestyle Championships, alongside various exhibits by the school's cultural clubs.",
  "summary": "YANAGAWA, Fukuoka -- Students at a high school in this southwest Japan city will display a 3.5-meter-tall cardboard model based on the popular anime s",
  "key_points": [
    "Yanagawa High School students create 3.5-meter-tall cardboard Gundam",
    "Model displayed at school festival August 30-31",
    "Crafted by nine fans under Susumu Ogawa's guidance"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The students' creation showcases their dedication and highlights the enduring popularity of the Gundam franchise, particularly among young fans, as it draws excitement and aims to attract a broader audience.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}