On August 22, the cast lineup of Mobile Suit Gundam UC was announced, and a new video was screened, during a special stage event at the "Gundam Big Expo" commemorating Gundam's 30th anniversary.
A total of eight Gundam UC cast members appeared at this event: Kouki Uchiyama (Banagher), Ayumi Fujimura (Audrey), Daisuke Namikawa (Riddhe), Megumi Toyoguchi (Mihiro), Yuko Kaida (Marida), Tetsuya Kakihara (Angelo), Hiro Shimono (Takuya), and Haruka Tomatsu (Micott). The first presentation of the cast was met with cheers from the audience. Story creator Harutoshi Fukui also made an appearance, and a two-minute promotional video was screened for the first time. The cast on the stage, along with the audience, watched the video with great eagerness.
During the stage event, Fukui drew further applause by announcing that Full Frontal would be played by Shuichi Ikeda and that Syam Vist would be played by Ichiro Nagai, known as the narrator of "Mobile Suit Gundam."
The stage event was followed by a press conference, in which each of the participants shared their thoughts on the event and their enthusiasm for the future.
Fukui | "I feel I was able to see the audience's expectations directly. We were concerned about things like making the work a continuation of the Universal Century, and setting it three years after 'Char's Counterattack.' But once we focused on what the fans would want, we were able to proceed with the sense that we'd made the right choice. I'll be happy to be watched over by your friendly eyes." |
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Uchiyama | "Up until now, I've only been thinking about how good I can make my performance. But watching this video, I was excited by the way it could combine with the images to create a higher synergy with the moving animation. I'll keep trying!" |
Fujimura | "Watching the video for the first time caused some pressure, but now my main feeling is one of enjoyment. I tried to feel Audrey's gestures and presence, doing my best to breathe life into the character when she appeared on screen. I was really impressed by the beautiful and intense video. I think the ideal would be if we could have an emotional effect on everyone by breathing life into the characters." |
Namikawa | "Ever since I read the original story, I thought I would like to play the role of Riddhe. Up until the cast was announced at this event, I haven't been able to tell anyone about this, and it's a relief to think that 'now I can finally talk about it.'" |
Toyoguchi | "The people who read the original novel all imagined their own individual voices, so I was nervous about what would happen when we came out here. Up until a few days ago, I didn't know who else had been cast, but we finally met up today and I think this is going to be fun." |
Kakihara | "Although I knew that Gundam was a great work, I wasn't sure how I really felt about playing a role in it myself. Seeing the reaction of the audience, I understood the greatness of Gundam all over again. I'd like to tackle the recording with utmost effort." |
Tomatsu | "Before I came on stage, I was really nervous. Being welcomed like this by so many people is an experience I've never been able to have before. I'd like to keep trying with all my might." |
"Mobile Suit Gundam UC" is now going into full-scale production as it heads for its Spring 2010 debut. Please look forward to future developments!
Performers:
Harutoshi Fukui
Kouki Uchiyama (Banagher Links)
Ayumi Fujimura (Audrey Burne)
Daisuke Namikawa (Riddhe Marcenas)
Megumi Toyoguchi (Mihiro Oiwakken)
Yuko Kaida (Marida Cruz)
Tetsuya Kakihara (Angelo Sauper)
Hiro Shimono (Takuya Irei)
Haruka Tomatsu (Micott Bartsch)
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