FUUTO PI Director Crowns Student's Brilliant Gundam x Kamen Rider Crossover Model a Viral Hit

A surge of excitement has swept through the anime and tokusatsu fan communities following acclaimed FUUTO PI director Yousuke Kabashima's public commendation of an extraordinary fan creation. At the heart of this viral sensation is a meticulously crafted model from a student at Kaijō Junior & Senior High School's model club: a Bandai Unicorn Gundam, renowned from the Mobile Suit Gundam UC series, transformed with an impeccable custom repaint to embody the iconic black-and-green Cyclone Joker form of Kamen Rider W, the celebrated protagonist of the Kamen Rider W series and its anime sequel, FUUTO PI.

The story ignited on social media when Kabashima, attending his son's school culture festival, stumbled upon the impressive display. His enthusiastic sharing of images on X (formerly Twitter) instantly captured widespread attention, rapidly accumulating over 3,400 reposts and a flood of positive comments from dedicated fans of both the Kamen Rider W and Gundam universes. This remarkable fusion of two cornerstone Japanese franchises has not only showcased the boundless creativity within these fandoms but also sparked lively discussions and memes across various platforms, celebrating the innovative synergy between advanced robotics and superhero transformation. The Kaijō Junior & Senior High School model club proudly amplified Kabashima's praise by reposting his commendation, further illuminating the exceptional craftsmanship of their students.

A Harmonious Blend of Iconic Series

This isn't merely a superficial mashup; the Unicorn Gundam's signature transformation gimmicks and sleek design are thoughtfully re-envisioned through Kamen Rider W’s distinctive Cyclone Joker color scheme, resulting in a harmonious blend that pays respectful homage to both beloved series. For those unfamiliar, FUUTO PI serves as the vibrant animated continuation of the highly successful 2009 Kamen Rider W tokusatsu drama.

Produced by Studio KAI, the anime is a faithful adaptation of the Fūto Tantei manga, serialized in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Spirits. It features the return of veteran voice actors Koki Ushiyama as Philip and Yoshimasa Hosoya as Shōtarō Hidari, reprising their pivotal roles as the iconic dual protagonists. The series, streamed globally via Crunchyroll, has garnered critical acclaim for its meticulous adaptation and robust character development. The franchise recently expanded its rich lore with the November 2024 theatrical release of Fūto Tantei: Kamen Rider Skull no Shōzō (FUUTO PI: Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull).

Meanwhile, Bandai’s Unicorn Gundam continues its reign as one of the world’s most sought-after model kit lines, celebrated for its intricate detailing and engineering marvels. This student’s ingenious customization transcends mere hobbyism, effectively bridging two distinct genres and powerfully illustrating the enduring influence of Japanese pop culture on enthusiasts and creators across all age groups. This cross-franchise phenomenon stands as a powerful testament to how anime and tokusatsu continue to inspire new generations to merge their passions in imaginative and unexpected ways, and how creators actively engage with their fan communities to champion shared enthusiasm. While there has been no official announcement regarding future collaborations, the overwhelming public response unequivocally signals a broad and eager audience for such groundbreaking creative intersections.