The NHK E-Tele variety show Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita is dropping a massive Gundam special on the 29th, featuring the results of a huge survey of over 10,000 fans. A few days ago, they unveiled the "fan-favorite character," and now they're back for more.
Last night (Nov. 28), the show's official X account dropped a sneak peek at the "Favorite Gundam Quote" rankings. Let's dive in and see what made the cut!
▼ A still from the *Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita* Gundam special
While this is a poll of Japanese fans, and your personal list might look different, it's a fascinating look at which lines have resonated the most over the years.
▼ #10: "Strength isn't power. It's the will to live." — Athrun Zala, *Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM*
Fresh from the blockbuster film *Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM*, this line is dropped by Athrun as he faces off against the Foundation's Shura Serpentine. Even with Shura's mind-reading abilities, Athrun, with a little help from Cagalli, proves that sheer will can overcome any obstacle.
▼ #9: "Because he was a boy..." — Char Aznable, *Mobile Suit Gundam*
An all-time classic from the original *Mobile Suit Gundam*. After masterfully engineering the downfall of Garma Zabi, Char watches his funeral broadcast from a bar on Earth. As Garma's brother, Gihren, delivers a grand speech, Char utters this cold, dismissive line, mocking the Zabi family's naivete. If you know, you know.
▼ #8: "Don't you ever stop." — Orga Itsuka, *Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans*
A line that hits hard for any *IBO* fan. These are Orga's final words to Mikazuki, a final command and a piece of encouragement for his comrades. It represents his unwavering resolve as the leader of Tekkadan... and, of course, has since become one of the most legendary memes in the entire Gundam fandom. LOL.
▼ #7: "If it was created by human ingenuity, then it should be used to save people!" — Loran Cehack, *∀ Gundam*
After a lunar colony is shattered by a nuclear attack, the debris threatens to rain down and cause a cataclysmic disaster on the Moon's surface. With the remnants of humanity's own destructive "ingenuity" about to cause more chaos, Loran pilots the ∀ Gundam, determined to fix the mess. He shouts this line, a powerful declaration of his belief in using technology for good that still gives fans chills.
▼ #6: "It's sad, but this is war." — Sleggar Law, *Mobile Suit Gundam*
For many fans of the original series, the brief but poignant relationship between Lieutenant Sleggar Law and Mirai Yashima was a standout emotional arc. This famous line from Sleggar captures the grim reality of their world. It became all the more tragic when he gave Mirai his mother's ring before heading into a battle he would never return from. (Tears).
▼ #5: "I'm going to correct adults like you!" — Kamille Bidan, *Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam*
Ah, the signature "correction" punch from *Zeta Gundam*. This is what Kamille yells right before decking his superior officer, Quattro Bajeena. Need we say more? XD.
▼ #4: "If you run, you gain one. If you move forward, you gain two." — Suletta Mercury, *Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury*
The iconic motto from the latest Gundam series, taught to Suletta by her mother, Prospera Mercury. This line became the defining mantra of the show.
▼ #3: "I still have a place to go home to. There's nothing that could make me happier." — Amuro Ray, *Mobile Suit Gundam*
From the final episode of the original series, Amuro cries out these words after the final, brutal battle. For Gundam fans, it's an unforgettable moment of raw emotion and relief.
▼ #2: "I am Gundam." — Setsuna F. Seiei, *Mobile Suit Gundam 00*
This line is pure, uncut meme fuel. A quote so legendary within the fandom it's practically synonymous with Setsuna himself. No further explanation needed. XD.
And now, for the moment you've been waiting for... which quote did Japanese fans vote as number one?
▼ #1: "To live is to fight!" — Cagalli Yula Athha, *Mobile Suit Gundam SEED*
In the climax of the story, Cagalli and Athrun infiltrate the Jachin Due fortress, where they witness the death of Athrun's father, Patrick Zala. Devastated, Athrun prepares to self-destruct the Justice Gundam to destroy the GENESIS weapon. It's then that Cagalli cries out this line, pulling him back from the brink and convincing him to escape with her. A powerful, emotional moment that secured the top spot.
▼ The complete ranking
The *Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita* Gundam special airs on November 29th and will reveal even more fan-voted lists, including "Favorite Classic Scenes," "Favorite Music," and "Favorite Mobile Suits/Mobile Armors." If you have a way to watch, be sure to tune in.