Before you panic at the headline, you’re not THAT old. Mobile Suit Gundam is not 50 yet, nor will it be for several years. The folks in charge of it are just making birthday plans early…very early.
The first Gundam anime premiered in Japan on April 7, 1979. Because of this, the unofficial Japan Anniversary Association has declared April 7 to be Gundam Day, with the first “observed” occurrence in 2027. Next year will be an eventful one for Gundam, although it only turns 48 at that point.
That is the year which kicks off January 9 with Japan’s first Gundam-Con, planned to be “the largest event in the franchise’s history.” Planned attractions include exhibitions, interactive areas, tournaments and special guests from every era of Gundam’s lore. They’re calling it a “global event,” so it’s possible mini-conventions could sprout up elsewhere on the same day or slightly later.
Remastered versions of classic Gundam series are in the works. Both the original Mobile Suit Gundam and the landmark Gundam Wing have been confirmed to be getting new transfers; they would not confirm when Wing will be refined, but the re-release of MSG is planned to be timed to the 50th anniversary (yes, this means it wouldn’t come out until 2029). Hopefully we get Wing earlier than that.
For the far future, the Tokyo National Museum is making plans to host an exhibition about Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino in 2029. A live-action Gundam movie is still in the works at Netflix, and the next animated movie has been revealed as Gundam Seed Freedom Zero. along with the world’s first teaser video:
For the immediate present, there’s Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, the latest Gundam feature which opens in theaters today. There’s also “A Boy With Gundam,” a new short created to herald the coming 50th anniversary. It’s about three generations of Gundam fans, and it was directed by Tsukuro Hayakawa. Check it out below (you may have to turn on English subtitles).
