Seattle-area Gundam and Gunpla fans have a major reason to celebrate. Bandai Namco has officially announced that THE GUNDAM BASE Seattle will open at Westfield Southcenter in Tukwila in Fall 2026, bringing an official permanent destination for Gundam plastic model kits and merchandise to the Pacific Northwest. The announcement is part of Bandai Namco’s continued expansion of THE GUNDAM BASE across the United States, following the successful launch of its first permanent North American location in Chicago. The Seattle store is being positioned as more than a traditional retail shop. Bandai Namco says visitors can expect a broad selection of GUNPLA kits, exclusive products, limited-edition merchandise, premium displays, immersive Gundam-themed environments, community events and special activations. The company has not yet announced an exact opening date, store size or grand-opening schedule for the Southcenter location, saying additional details will be released closer to the opening.

For anyone unfamiliar with the hobby, GUNPLA is short for “Gundam plastic model,” referring to the model kits based on the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. Fans purchase the kits and assemble them piece by piece, with products available for beginners as well as highly experienced builders. THE GUNDAM BASE is specifically designed around that hobby, giving shoppers access to a much deeper Gundam-focused experience than a typical toy or hobby store. Bandai Namco says its official THE GUNDAM BASE facilities are designed to serve as destinations for Gundam fans around the world. The company currently operates 31 stores worldwide, with official locations having previously opened in markets including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China and Thailand. The Seattle location will therefore give Pacific Northwest fans something they have largely had to travel elsewhere to experience: an official THE GUNDAM BASE environment dedicated to the franchise and its model-building culture.

Seattle’s announcement follows the opening of THE GUNDAM BASE Chicago, which became the first permanent North American location for the brand. The Chicago store opened at Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois, in December 2025, offering exclusive GUNPLA, a GUNDAM CARD GAME area, exhibit displays, a play area and a large Gundam statue. Bandai Namco says the Chicago location welcomed thousands of visitors from across North America after opening, and the strong response helped pave the way for additional U.S. locations. The company subsequently announced Seattle and Minneapolis as the next two locations, both scheduled to open during Fall 2026. The expansion reflects the growing popularity of Gundam and Gunpla in the United States. For Seattle, it also adds another major destination to the region’s already active anime and Japanese-pop-culture scene.

While Bandai Namco is keeping some details under wraps, the company has already outlined what fans should expect from the new Seattle location. The store will feature GUNPLA for builders of different skill levels, exclusive products and limited merchandise, life-sized displays and Gundam-themed environments, along with community-focused events and special activations. Expert staff will also be available to help and inspire builders. The biggest question now is exactly when the doors will open and what special merchandise or activities will be available for the grand opening. Bandai Namco says those details will be announced closer to the store’s launch.

For Seattle’s growing anime, gaming and collectibles community, however, the announcement itself is already a big deal. THE GUNDAM BASE Seattle will bring an official Gundam destination to Westfield Southcenter this fall, giving longtime builders and newcomers alike a new place to discover, build and collect Gunpla right here in the Pacific Northwest.

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