The term Gunpla refers to mecha models, characters, or plastic vehicles from the Japanese Gundam series and are available from Bandai. It is a contraction of the words "Gundam plastic model" and appeared in 1980.

The philosophy of Gunpla: a model for everyone! No glue or paint required.

All Gundam models are characterized by two basic features:

• the parts are snap-fit
• they are molded in color