An 18-metre "Gundam" robot that can walk and move its arms was unveiled in Japan amid hopes that it will help invigorate tourism hit by COVID-19.
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The robot is modelled after a figure in Mobile Suit Gundam, a Japanese cartoon launched in the late 1970s about enormous battle robots piloted by humans.
The series spawned multiple spin-offs and toys and gained a worldwide following.
It will be the centrepiece of the Gundam Factory Yokohama, a tourist attraction that opens on December 19 in the port city.
"I hope this will lead to stimulating tourism demand and revitalising local areas," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told a news conference on Monday.
"Of course, we now have the coronavirus issue. I want people to tackle endeavours like this while making an effort to prevent the spread of infection."
Australian Associated Press
