Director Seiji Mizushima & Mr. Kanetake Ebikawa on Stage! The “AFFT2017” Gundam 00 All-Night Screening Report

The Mobile Suit Gundam 00 all-night screening was held at Shinjuku Piccadilly 1 on October 14^th (Sat) at the “Anime Film Festival Tokyo 2017”, a new anime festival celebrating the 100^th anniversary of Japanese anime.

The all-night screening included a screening of a select 6 episodes from the TV series as well as Mobile Suit Gundam 00 The Movie -A wakening of the Trailblazer-. Director Seiji Mizushima and mechanical designer Mr. Kanetake Ebikawa appeared as guests on stage.

▲ From the left, the host Mr. Hatanaka from Sunrise, Director Seiji Mizushima, and mechanical designer Mr. Kanetake Ebikawa

First, they spoke once more about the passing of the 10^th anniversary of the broadcast debut of 00. Mr. Ebikawa commented, “Those saying that they loved 00 never disappeared even after the broadcast ended, so it doesn’t feel like 10 years have passed.” The Director couldn’t help but speak about his feelings at the passage of time, “It hasn’t quite hit me, but the chances of meeting men and women in their 20s that loved 00 in the industry has increased. Those from the SEED generation and even the following generations have appeared in the industry.”

The details behind how Mr. Ebikawa came to participate in the production of the series as mechanical designer was also revealed by the Director, “I casually invited him with, ‘We’re doing an audition for mechanical designers, do you want to try out?’ His prototype model of Exia was very good so we decided on Mr. Ebikawa.” They also reminisced on how Mr. Ebikawa himself was the most surprised at the time when he received the news.

Next, they spoke about the mechanical design of Gundam Exia. Mr. Ebikawa revealed that the suit’s proportions gradually changed as he continuously redrew its design, saying, “At first, there were a lot of cords attached to the entire suit,” and “Its cord parts were only supposed to turn red in Trans-Am Mode.” He also spoke of his state at the time, “I felt pressure while thinking, ‘If this was released to the world, what kind of judgement would I be given?’”

Afterwards, “PG Gundam Exia (LIGHTING MODEL)”, “METAL BUILD 00 QAN[T]”, and “METAL BUILD Gundam Exia (10^th ANNIVERSARY EDITION)” were introduced on screen from the product series released in celebration of the series’ 10^th anniversary. The Director raved, “The METAL BUILD series has a gorgeousness that makes one want to decorate their alcove with them. Its thick, heaviness and its high quality are wonderful.” Mr. Ebikawa stated, “The charms of these products cannot be conveyed through just these images; I would definitely like it if you take a look at the product itself in person.”

They also spoke about the “Gundam 00 Festival 10” which is a commemorative event for 00’s 10^th anniversary that will be held on April 14, 2018 (Sat). The Director commented, “The overall structure and concept of the event has been decided. I would like to make it into an event that will be connected to future events. We would like to give everyone an event that won’t lose to past events, so please look forward to it.”

The guests gave their final comments and the talk show came to a close.

Kanetake Ebikawa (Mechanic Designer)
“I am happy to be invited to these kinds of events to welcome the series’ 10^th anniversary. There are various products that will be released until the end of the year, so please look forward to the rest of the 10^th anniversary project. I am constantly thinking that it would be great if I could create new video content for the series, so I would be happy to be invited to do it. Thank you very much for today.”

Seiji Mizushima (Director)
“10 years have flown by so fast. This series is one that is constantly brought up by everyone even amongst the other series I have worked on until now. One day, I would like to direct video content from the series once more and I would be happy if everyone enjoys the merchandise, café, and events for the series. I would also like to take part in the 15^th and 20^th anniversaries in the future, so I hope that everyone enjoys this series for many years to come. Thank you very much for today.”

For details on the “Gundam 00 Festival 10”, a commemorative event for 00’s 10^th anniversary to be held on April 14, 2018 (Sat), please read the articles below.

[Related Article] Advanced Tickets To Go On Sale Tomorrow For The 10th Anniversary Event “Gundam 00 Festival 10”! (October 16, 2017)

[Related Article] A Gathering of The Main Cast! The 10th Anniversary Event “Gundam 00 Festival 10” To Be Held On 4/14/18! (October 6, 2017)

(Gundam.info Editorial Department)