Bandai Spirits Co., a well-known Japanese toy manufacturer, has recently announced that it will be raising the prices of its Gundam model kits. This price increase is the first one in over four decades and is being attributed to the impact of rising inflation on the company's ability to maintain current pricing levels.

The decision to raise prices is a response to the broader economic pressures faced by various industries, as companies struggle with the increased costs of materials and production. This move is expected to be well-received by collectors and enthusiasts who have been loyal supporters of the Gundam franchise, which has been a popular choice in the model kit market since the 1980s.