OVA "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin" Chapter 1, Advance Screening Report!　Yoshikazu Yasuhiko: "A new history of Gundam begins here.

The OVA "Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin I: Casbal of the Blue Eyes" will begin screening on February 28, and an advance screening event was held on February 15.

This is the first anime chapter of "Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin," a manga work by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, the character designer and animation director of the first Gundam that began broadcasting in 1979, which has sold a total of 10 million copies. Mr. Yasuhiko is back in the animation industry after a 25-year absence, and is in charge of general direction, character design, and storyboarding. The film depicts the story from the past of Char and Seira, to the beginning of the Zeon War of Independence, to which he is most attached. The film is directed by Takashi Imanishi ("Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 STARDUST MEMORY"), with mechanical design by Hajime Katoki ("Mobile Suit Gundam UC") and chief animation director Hiroyuki Nishimura ("Danboard Senki"). Highlights include a splendid cast including Mayumi Tanaka as the young Char, Megumi Ban as the young Seira, Akino Watanabe as Xilia Zabi, Miyuki Sawashiro as Claure Hamon, Chafu Rin as Zimba Ral, and Akio Otsuka as the narrator.

Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Mayumi Tanaka, Megumi Ban, and Shuichi Ikeda attended the advance screening event held on February 15 at Hibiya Public Hall. The opening show featured a dramatic appearance by the three voice actors, which attracted a total audience of 2,000 people. Then, after the screening of the film, Mr. Yasuhiko and others talked about the secret story behind the production and their passion for Gundam. Below are his comments.

Yoshikazu Yasuhiko
We have finally come this far. It has been a very long road, and in my 20 years of doing manga, ironically, I have never produced a work that I was satisfied with. However, this time, I am very happy that I was able to produce a work that is more than my size. I am very grateful for the thick staff you have prepared for me. I hope that this work will become a standard for Gundam. I hope that this work will set a new standard for Gundam, and I will be very happy if I am rewarded by the fact that a new history of Gundam will begin here. I would be deeply moved if people who don't know, didn't know, or don't know about Gundam yet can learn about it through this work.

Shuichi Ikeda
I am somewhat excited to meet Shia again and to meet you all, and I can't stop shaking. We are having a premiere screening three times faster than usual because we are the fastest in the world, and today is a historic first step. Casbal with his blue eyes and Char Aznable on the red planet. I would like to enjoy them with you all from now on. If you could stay with us again for a while, nothing would make me happier. Please look forward to the future of Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin.

Mayumi Tanaka
This is my first time to participate in a Gundam work. I would like to enjoy the origins of how the character of Char was created together with you all. To be honest, I didn't know much about Gundam, but I hope that people like me who don't know anything about Gundam will get to know it through this work.

Megumi Ban
The character I played this time, Artesia, is a child surrounded by adults, and I think she honestly expressed her emotions and represented the feelings of the audience. I am honored to have been involved in "Mobile Suit Gundam" since it was broadcast 36 years ago, and to be able to feel this space with you all 36 years later. I can't stop my legs from shaking (laughs). I have performed the role to the best of my ability. I hope that you will enjoy the work as you compare it to your feelings and the time you have spent with the Gundam of your hearts.