Japan is quite proud of her cultural heritage and nowhere else is this more evident than in its treatment of the anime genre. And can you blame them? A number of Japanese anime have adding that extra tingle of happiness to geek culture all over the world. Well, here is one more instance where Japan celebrates her contribution to the genre – with the creation of a giant Gundam statute!

Photo Source: switchstyle via Flickr

The statue itself, in all its robotic glory, boasts a height of 18m and is located in Odiba Island. The good folks went about creating this monument on 11 March 2009 and wrapped up work in the middle of June 2009. Incidentally, am I the only one who is impressed with that speed?

By the way, this tribute to Japan's most loved robot doesn't just cater to anime fans. In fact, it is meant to beautify Tokyo city in time for the 2016 Olympic bidding. And I bet the scheme will work too. Check out how impressive it looks all light up at night.

And, if this notice (via Wiki) is anything to go by, the idea of green living and eco-friendly way of life seems to be a theme promoted by this robot. How about that – he's saving the world from all sorts of dangers!