Gunpla EXPO Report: The World of Universal Century featuring THE ORIGIN, Thunderbolt, and Unicorn RE:0096

On August 14th (Sun) on the final day of “Gunpla EXPO World Tour Japan 2016 SUMMER” held at Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, wonderful guests were invited to hold a talk show at the venue called “Fun to build! GUNPLA stage.” At the talk show titled The World of Universal Century featuring THE ORIGIN, Thunderbolt, and Unicorn RE:0096, THE ORIGIN’s producer Osamu Taniguchi, Thunderbolt as well as Unicorn RE:0096’s producer Naohiro Ogata, Bandai Hobby Department’s Mr. Takumi Uchida and Mr. Mizuki Fukuda went up on stage. They held a talk show focusing on the works that took place in the Universal Century timeline and the latest news and Gunpla with Ms. Kaede Okutani as the MC.

They began with THE ORIGIN. First, the latest valuable PV for THE ORIGIN IV Eve of Destiny, which will be having screening events throughout the country at 15 theatres starting from November 19th (Sat), was shown on the main screen. The PV was well-received and Producer Taniguchi said, “At last, it’s becoming Gundam-like,” and highlighted the fact that it will be the first “MS War” of mankind. Furthermore, Mr. Fukuda introduced “HG Gun Cannon First Model (Steel Calvary Troop Commanding Officer Suit)”, “HG Bugu (Ramba Ral Suit)”, and “HG Char’s Zaku I” as the mobile suits that were introduced in the PV and one after the other focused on the accentuating points of the latest Gunpla.

Next, the topic moved to Thunderbolt. After the PV was shown on the main screen, Producer Ogata talked of the episodes and highlights in relation to the work. Among other things, he spoke of the protagonist Full Armor Gundam with confidence, “The fright from seeing the Gundam from Zeon’s alliance is well drawn, I believe.” Then, Mr. Fukuda went into a detailed talk of the currently best-selling “MG Full Armor Gundam Ver.Ka” and the optional set “Weapon & Armor Hanger FOR Full Armor Gundam Ver.Ka.” He also touched on the subject of the 3D prototype that had its debut at this year’s Gunpla EXPO, “MG High Mobility Type Zaku ‘Psyco Zaku’” and further revealed that more specifications about the products will be revealed at C3TOKYO

2016 which will be held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, and will open on August 27 (Sat) and 28 (Sun).

Then, lastly, the topic turned to Unicorn RE:0096 which is currently gaining popularity and being broadcast on ANN Network. After the PV was shown, Producer Ogata spoke of the things to note in this work as well as inside stories relating to the production. In episode 18, which had aired exactly on the date of the talk, “RE:I AM” sung by Aimer was used as the opening and he revealed “(continuing from what was said before) I didn’t want to cut it out, so I had Mr. Hiroyuki Sawano especially make a 90 second version of “RE:I AM”” Then, Mr. Uchida introduced the charm points of the currently best-selling “RG SINANJU.” He explained that a huge feature of this kit was the gimmick thruster on the back that Mr. Hajime Katoki specifically drew for this kit.

Producer Osamu Taniguchi
THE ORIGIN Exhibition is also currently being held at Matsuya Ginza. The screening event of THE ORIGIN IV Eve of Destiny will finally begin starting from November 19th (Sat) and afterwards we will also enter production for the Loum Arc. I believe that the theme song from Ms. Hiroko Moriguchi will be a great composition, so definitely please look forward to it.

Producer Naohiro Ogata
Thunderbolt is over for now, but the sequel will depend on everyone’s support. I believe that this has become an extremely appreciated work for new products to release even though it has been 2 years since the Unicorn RE:0096 OVA went on sale. This is also earnestly in part due to everyone’s support. Thank you very much for today.

Mr. Takumi Uchida
The works within the Universal Century timeline, THE ORIGIN, Thunderbolt, and Unicorn RE:0096 were the main stars today, but we will also continue developing products of MS that appear in other Universal Century works. Thank you for your continuous support. Thank you very much for today.

Mr. Mizuki Fukuda
As we get closer to the exhibition of THE ORIGIN IV, please continue supporting Gunplas as we develop them. Thank you very much for today.

More about the stage is in the process of being distributed to this website. For those who were unable to go or for those who would like to see it again, by all means please check this website.

Gunpla EXPO World Tour Japan 2016 SUMMER
[Scheduled] August 11 (Thurs, national holiday) – 14 (Sun), 2016
[Venue] Sunshine City, Ikebukuro Cultural Meeting Hall 3F Exhibition Hall C
[Admission] Free