Full of the latest information!　Report on C3AFA's "Gundam Special Stage 2017" with Tomoaki Maeno and Yuki Kunitate on stage.

C3AFA TOKYO 2017, a comprehensive character and hobby event, was held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture on August 26 and 27, 2017. Here we report on the "Gundam Special Stage 2017" held on the main stage on the 26th.

At this event, voice actor Tomoaki Maeno, who played Lino Fernandez in "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin," appeared with MC Yuki Ayami to deliver the latest information on the Gundam series. In addition, secret guest Yuki Kunitate, who plays Rage in "Gundam Build Fighters," also made an appearance, and the talk about the appeal of the works was very lively.

First, Mr. Maeno looked back on the most memorable scenes in "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin. Mr. Maeno chose the scene in the third episode where Lino Fernandez, the character he plays, gives the mask to Char Aznable. This is the first time he wears that iconic mask of Char's in this scene. When Mr. Maeno was told that he would be playing this important scene, he was very surprised as an unparalleled Gundam fan.

He also talks with Kunitate-san about the highlights of "Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin: The Battle of Loum," which is scheduled to be screened at 35 theaters nationwide from September 2. He excited fans' expectations with his enthusiastic appeal, saying that he hoped they would enjoy the high quality of the mobile suits and the drawings, which are a fusion of digital and analog in the best balance.

On the opening day of the movie, there will be a premium stage greeting with Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, general director, and Shuichi Ikeda, who plays Char Aznable, on stage, and live viewing is also scheduled. In addition, Shinjuku Piccadilly in Tokyo will hold a limited weekday-only event from September 19 to experience "Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin: Char's Sortie," a VR movie that allows viewers to experience the excitement of riding in the cockpit of Char's Zaku. Advance reservations can be made, so please check the official website for details.

Next, Kunitate-san talked about the highlights of "Gundam Build Fighters: GM Strikes Back," which has been available since August 25, as well as his impressions of playing Rage for the first time in a while. He said that the highlight of this series is that no one dies in the heated battles. Gundam Build Fighters: GM Strikes Back" will be distributed for free on Gundam Fan Club, Bandai Channel, Gundam Build Fighters official website, and Bandai Hobby Site until August 31. In addition, the second episode of the short film "Gundam Build Fighters Battle Rogue" will be available on Amazon Prime Video and other sites from September 8, and Kunitate appealed to fans to enjoy this dream battle between dream machines as well.

Next, Miyu Irino, who played Shaji Crossroad in "Mobile Suit Gundam 00," appeared in a video commentary. This year, "Mobile Suit Gundam 00" will celebrate its 10th anniversary, an anniversary year. Therefore, the radio program "Solestar Station 00," which was broadcast in the past, has been revived as "Solestar Station 00 II," a 10th anniversary commemorative distribution program, and is being distributed on Bandai Channel and other channels. Mr. Irino is the MC for this program, and he once again appealed the program to the fans in the audience. By purchasing and entering the campaign, 10,000 people will be selected by lottery to win a "HG 1/144 Double O Gundam GUNPLA 00 10th ANNIVERSARY Ver." with special coloring.

Also on September 24, a life-size Unicorn Gundam is scheduled to have its grand opening in front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Tokyo. Rare photos of the Unicorn Gundam under construction were shown at the end of the event. The information-packed special stage came to an end with the two cast members each expressing their gratitude to the fans.

(Reporting and writing by Menegi Takahashi at TRAP)