Gunpla and Model Kit Contest
Do you like building models? Do you want to flex your skills, and share your interests?
If so, HachiCon’s Gunpla and Model Kit Contest is here for you! Whether you’re driven by building Frame Arms, Gunpla, Cars, or a Hello Kitty Island Adventure model, we want to help share your passion for your craft and fandom!
We welcome any model kits based on Japanese licenses, brands, and culture!
(Because at the end of the day whether we make Frame Arms or Gunpla, haven’t we all superglued our fingertips together at one point or another?)
All submissions are due on 6/20/26, and will be shown in the locked display cases at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center from 7/1/26 to 8/31/26 as a part of an open to the public display representing of the art of Model building!
*Size limits may apply. If your build is oversized, or you are concerned it may not fit – please reach out to us to make sure!
Builder Skill Categories
General
For beginner and intermediate builders.
Open to anyone who doesn’t qualify for Advanced.
- One model per competitor
- Standard judging criteria
Advanced
For experienced builders
Open to competitors age 15 and up.
- One model per competitor
- Advanced judging criteria
Final builder placement is decided at model check in by staff and organizers, but you may be moved from General to Advanced at the discretion of the contest judges
Model Kit Categories:
Gunpla
For all Bandai Gundam Franchise kits.
This includes: GM’s, Zaku, Mobile Suits, Battleships (i.e. White Base), etc.
Gunpla Category Awards:
Advanced Builders: 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place
General Builders: 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place
Frame Arms:
This includes Kotobukiya kits, and miscellaneous mech kits.
This includes: Frame Arms, Frame Arms Girls, Escaflowne, or Full Metal Panic, Evangelion, Zoids, etc.
Frame Arms Category Awards:
Advanced Builders: 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place
General Builders: 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place
Open Category:
Any kit based off of Japanese Licenses, Brands, or Cultural work.
This includes: Cars, Ships, Dioramas, Buildable Anime Figures, etc.
Open Category Awards:
Advanced Builders: 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place
General Builders: 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place
Judging Criteria
All entries will be judged by a panel of three judges using a 50-point scoring system:
Painting & Finishing: 20 points
Creativity: 20 points
Judge’s Choice: 10 points
In the event of a tie, the entry with the highest Judge’s Choice score will take the win.
All judges’ decisions are final. Requesting feedback is welcome, please remember to be polite and courteous while doing so.
Arguing with staff or judges can result in immediate disqualification.
Have questions? Reach out to volunteers@utahhachicon.com!