The Team that Worked on Gundam Build Fighters Try Have Gathered! The Stage Report from C3TOKYO 2016: Gundam Build Fighters Try: Island Wars

August 27th, Saturday, on the main stage of C3TOKYO 2016, the most attended entertainment event in Japan, a special stage was made for Gundam Build Fighters Try: Island Wars.

Ms. Kazumi Togashi (Sekai Kamiki), Mr. Yuuma Uchida (Yuuma Kousaka), Ms. Yui Makino (Fumina Hoshino), Director Shinya Watada, and Producer Masakazu Ogawa went on stage. A special commentary screening and talk show of Gundam Build Fighters Try: Island Wars, which was broadcast on Sunday, August 21st, was held.

Let us go into how the event was structured.

First, it has been approximately one year since the television series aired. The staff reflected on the recording of Island Wars and, in spite of it being a while since the recording, the three cast members were smoothly able to do a live reading. The staff members said to the fans in the venue, whom they’d be watching the OVA with, that they were “looking forward to what kind of reactions they would have.” Without further delay, the commentary screening began.

When the video began playing, the three cast members recalled the first episode of “Build Fighters Try.” Ms. Togashi said, in regards to the beginning battle scene, “Even before I received the script, I was thinking that Sekai would be the one to arrive late,” and spoke of how she was in sync with her character. There was also a moment when a retort came from Ms. Makino when Yuuma refuses to go the south island. Mr Uchida, backed up his character and said, “It’s inevitable since to him his part-time job is SO important in comparison!”

Next, Sekai tries to help Fumina from the hammock but they end up rolling onto the floor. Ms. Togashi commented on a common feature with the TV series, “There was also a scene like this in the first episode. However, their positions were switched.” When Fumina, Kaoruku, and Shia use Newtype-like communication, two women from the audience yelled, “We like this scene!”

When the first half of the anime finished, the stage became bright again and they began to talk and look back on the first half.

Ms. Makino said, “The state of their love is progressing. Do I call it a woman’s struggle? I have a feeling everyone has matured emotionally. Especially in Shia’s war preparation…” and spoke of how impressive the scene with the three girls was. Mr. Uchida talked about Shia’s Gunpla “Shia QAN[T]” and its appearance in the anime. He raised this question, “Between the design and the scenarios, which one was made first?” Director Watada said, “In the TV series, the designs of the Gunpla were created first. However, in Island Wars, the scenarios were developed first,” and made clear the differences between the two productions.

Then, the last half of the anime began.

The Director commented on the serious development in contrast to the first half, “The Yuuma in the last half has changed completely from who he was in the first half; he’s become reliable,” and referenced Yuuma’s expressions. Mr. Uchida retorted back full of confidence, “He’s a kid that you can rely on when it matters!”

During the scene when they push through a great number of Gunpla fighters to the place where their opponent was, Director Watada talked about the Kamiki Burning Gundam and the beam attack from its shoulder. He revealed, “It was written in the animation directions that it was a divine beam.” Mr. Uchida highly praised the scene where PETIT’GGUYs swing maces, “I feel there’s a connection with the maces. For some reason, I cannot approve of it.” He caused laughter to erupt from the audience.

PSYCO-GUNDAM and PSYCO-GUNDAM Mk-II then appear before Sekai and the others. Director Watada said, “It merely took one cut to defend against the attack: Kamiki Burning had pulled out its sword,” and identified a moment that is unnoticeable if only watched once. The cast were surprised, as noted by their voices.

The story then at last reached its climax.

Star Winning Gundam and Lightning Gundam unite with Kamiki Burning. The theme song sung by BACK-ON, “The Last One,” plays when the falling colony is destroyed. Ms. Togashi said excitedly, “The scenes with music are very powerful!”

The fighting is over. Fumina admonishes the young girl that holds the key to the mystery in the story. Ms. Makino said, “I like this scene. I think that it’s wonderful that she’s saying they should build Gunplas together. Once again, I felt that there is also a lot of pleasure in making your own Gunpla,” and highly praised the scene.

The screening ended with 3 types of Gunpla lined up in a drawing. Next was the corner where the Gunpla that appeared in the OVA was introduced.

Lastly, messages were presented to the attendees and the curtain was lowered on the main stage.

Yui Makino

Not a lot of time had passed in the story, but it was a recording where I imagined she had become more adult-like and stronger. I would be happy to be able to voice her again. Thank you very much for today.

Yuuma Uchida

I love Gundam Build Fighters Try and, again, am grateful that the audience could see the new anime. I love Gunpla and would be so happy if, after watching Island Wars, the people that want to make Gunpla increases. Thank you very much for today. Let’s make Gunpla, everyone!

Kazumi Togashi

Two years ago, I gave my greetings on this stage. As I was able to see Island Wars with everyone, I feel deeply moved. I was really able to feel that this is a very loved work. Let’s enjoy creating Gunpla together from here on out. Thank you very much.

Director Shinya Watada

Build Fighters Try is, of course, influenced by Build Fighters and to have this work be loved until now, as a staff member, I am grateful. I would be happy if you begin to like Gunpla through this work. Thank you for your support.

Producer Masakazu Ogawa

Thank you very much for today. First, the reason why Meijin Kawaguchi does not appear in Island Wars is because he is planned to appear as Tatsuya Yuki in the special arc of Build Fighters that is now in planning production. We are preparing a story for Sei and the others, so please look forward to it.

(Gundam Info Editorial Department)

C3TOKYO 2016
August 27 – 28, 2016 (Sat – Sun)
Venue: Makuhari Messe