Xi Gundam Snow Sculpture Set for 76th Sapporo Snow Festival Ahead of 'Hathaway' Sequel Premiere

Bandai Namco Filmworks and Sotsu confirmed that the Xi Gundam will be the centerpiece of the 76th Sapporo Snow Festival this winter. The medium-sized snow sculpture is set to promote the upcoming film, Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, which opens in Japanese theaters on January 30.

The festival runs from February 4 through 11, 2026, and the Xi Gundam display will be located at Odori Park's 7-chome HBC Square. This marks the third consecutive year the franchise has been featured prominently at the event; last year saw the RX-78-2 alongside the GQuuuuuuX. The sculpture will be illuminated nightly until 10 PM for evening viewing.

Beyond the main attraction, organizers are setting up a dedicated Gundam booth at the Tsudome venue. This space will feature a special photo opportunity utilizing newly commissioned artwork that shows Hathaway, Gigi, and Kenneth in winter attire standing in front of the Xi Gundam.

A container shop, wrapped in visuals from the new film, will sell exclusive merchandise developed with local Hokkaido businesses. Unique items available will include white chocolate, mint candies, and character-themed cake rolls.

Visitors to the booth can also engage with the Gundam Recycling Project. This exhibit demonstrates Bandai's commitment to eco-friendly Gunpla manufacturing. Attendees can assemble Ecopla models made from recycled materials and then deposit the plastic runners into a collection box, offering a tangible look at the recycling process. A pamphlet detailing the initiative will be provided.

The Sorcery of Nymph Circe continues the narrative established in the 2021 film adaptation of the Hathaway's Flash light novel series, following the Earth Federation pilot turned resistance leader. With the film premiere just weeks away, the Sapporo event gives fans a major opportunity to see the Xi Gundam up close while engaging with the franchise's latest push.