The Gundam Build series has been confirmed to have a new anime series in production this year, in 2023, but have you looked into the production staff of the latest installment in the series, "Gundam Build Metaverse" yet? Because Gundam is still incredibly popular and has spawned countless works, you'll definitely want to check out who's involved in the production before watching the anime. In particular, in the Gundam series, the design of the mobile suits that appear in the works is extremely important, so it's important to pay attention to who's designing them. In this article, we'll be introducing the production staff of "Gundam Build Metaverse," the latest installment in the Gundam Build series. Many people who have worked on other Gundam works appear, so be sure to check it out!
Original Author
First, I'd like to introduce the original author of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, which is the basis for this work. The Mobile Suit Gundam series is Japan's most representative robot content, and I'm sure everyone knows about it. However, many people may not know much about who created it.
Hajime Yatate
The first name listed as the original author of this work is Hajime Yatate. This name is not the name of a specific individual, but rather a shared pen name for the planning staff at Sunrise, who produced Mobile Suit Gundam. It's important to remember that this name was created solely for the copyrights of the Mobile Suit Gundam series.
Yoshiyuki Tomino
When asked about the original author of this work, the name Yoshiyuki Tomino likely comes to mind. Yoshiyuki Tomino is the director of the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series and can be considered the creator of Mobile Suit Gundam. For this reason, he is listed as the original author in sequels produced after Mobile Suit Gundam, including this work.
Overwhelmingly Popular
To this day, he enjoys overwhelming popularity as an anime director, with many passionate fans who believe that "If it's not Gundam by Yoshiyuki Tomino, it's not Gundam."
Animation Production
Now, I'd like to introduce the production company behind "Gundam Build Metaverse." When it comes to anime production for the Gundam series, Sunrise is the name to go to. In 2019, Sunrise saw a major development, moving into a new phase of anime production, so I'd like to share that with you.
SUNRISE BEYOND
SUNRISE BEYOND is in charge of animation production for this series. SUNRISE BEYOND was established by Sunrise in 2019 and is responsible for "IP production and IP activities," as well as "planning, production, and copyright management of video content, primarily animation."
The Producer of the Gundam Build Series is the CEO
SUNRISE BEYOND's CEO is Masakazu Ogawa, who served as the producer of the Gundam Build series, so it makes sense that this latest installment in the Gundam Build series would be produced by SUNRISE BEYOND.
Director
From here, I'd like to introduce the director directly involved in the production of this work. This marks a change from Shinya Watada, who directed the previous work, "Gundam Build Divers," so be sure to check it out.
Masami Ohari
The director of this film is Mami Ohari. While Ohashi is known as an animation director, she also has a background as a mechanical designer, making her well-versed not only in animation direction but also in mechanical design and mecha animation. She's the perfect fit for this film, which features many fascinating mobile suits.
Mechanical Design
Now, I'd like to introduce the people in charge of the mechanical design for this work. In the Mobile Suit Gundam series, the coolness of the mobile suits is directly linked to the appeal of the work itself, so it's a very important element. Many experienced mechanical designers are involved in this work, so be sure to check it out.
Kunio Okawara
Among the mechanical designers of this work, Kunio Okawara is particularly noteworthy. Okawara designed most of the mobile suits in the original Mobile Suit Gundam, and can truly be said to be the father of Gundam design.
He brought numerous innovations to the industry
He brought many innovations to the industry, including the Zeon mobile suits, which were groundbreaking at the time, so we're definitely looking forward to seeing the mobile suits designed by Okawara.
Kanetake Ebikawa
Kanetake Ebikawa, known for his designs on the Gundam Exia from "Mobile Suit Gundam 00," is also participating as a mechanical designer on this series. Unlike Okawara, who follows the traditional Gundam design style, Ebikawa specializes in more sophisticated mechanical designs based on a more modern era, and this appointment demonstrates the breadth of the mobile suit designs featured in this series.
Takayuki Yanase
Like Kanetake Ebikawa, Takayuki Yanase, who was in charge of mechanical design for Mobile Suit Gundam 00, is also participating in the mechanical design for this work. Yanase has designed an unparalleled number of Gundams, and is renowned for his diverse Gundam designs. We're looking forward to seeing the many fascinating Gundams that Yanase designs for this work.
Naohiro Washio
Naohiro Washio, who was in charge of the mechanical design for "Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans," is also participating as a mechanical designer for this work. Since there are probably few mecha designers with experience designing biological Gundams like those in Orphans, Washio's participation could be said to broaden the scope of design in this area.
Pay attention to the mechanical design of Gundam!
So far, we've introduced mechanical designers, but even when introducing the anime production staff, aren't there many works in which most of the staff are mechanical designers? That's how important the role of mechanical designers is in the Mobile Suit Gundam series, and I hope you've realized that they are something we anime fans should pay attention to.
Pay attention to Hajime Katoki!
One mechanical designer in particular who deserves your attention as a member of the Mobile Suit Gundam series is Hajime Katoki, who, unfortunately, was not involved in the production of this work. Known for his "Version Katoki Series" plastic models, which modernize classic Gundam designs, he can be said to be the unsung hero who ensures that Gundams created a quarter of a century ago remain relevant and popular today.
Pay attention to Kunio Okawara!
Also, I'd like to draw attention to Kunio Okawara, who created the original Gundam design. Without him, the Gundam design would never have been completed, so it could be said that he is the person who had the greatest influence on Gundam. The Gundam-like feel of the mobile suits that appear in the series changes dramatically depending on whether or not Kunio Okawara was involved.
Which side are you on?
As you can see, Gundam designs can generally be attributed to either Okawara or Katoki. You can even tell the difference by how the mobile suit is standing in illustrations, so if you're interested, be sure to do some research yourself.
This film features mobile suits designed by Kunio Okawara!
Unfortunately, Hajime Katoki is not involved in this work, but Okawara is, so you can enjoy Okawara-designed mobile sweets to your heart's content. Fans who want to enjoy classic Gundam design should definitely check it out.
Voice Actors
Finally, while it's normal to introduce the voice actors, unfortunately, no voice actors have been announced for this series. I think they'll be announced soon, so please check it out for yourself.
Summary
Did you enjoy this article? This time, we've introduced the production staff involved in "Gundam Build Metaverse." Unfortunately, much of the voice actors' information has yet to be released, but the mechanical designers, who play an important role in Gundam productions, have been revealed. In addition to the mechanical designers, we expect to hear more about the Osaka staff in the future, so please continue to keep an eye on us!
