On a recent Gundam special that aired yesterday (Nov. 29), the NHK E-television variety show Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita unveiled the results of a massive poll of over 10,000 Gundam fans. The survey covered everything from "Favorite Classic Scenes" and "Favorite Music" to "Favorite Mobile Suits/Mobile Armors." While the rankings for "Favorite Characters" and "Favorite Gundam Quotes" were released before the broadcast, the music results have fans buzzing.
So, let's dive into the top 10 fan-voted "Favorite Gundam Music" tracks and see what made the cut!
▼ A still from the *Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita* Gundam special.
While this ranking reflects the tastes of Japanese fans and might not match everyone's personal list, it's a fascinating look at which songs have left the biggest impact on the franchise's home turf.
▼ #10: "Meguriai" by Daisuke Inoue — *Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space*
Before *Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM* smashed records, *Encounters in Space* was the highest-grossing Gundam film. Its theme song, featuring Daisuke Inoue's vocals over a beautiful melody, is a certified classic from a golden era.
▼ #9: "RE:I AM" by Aimer — *Mobile Suit Gundam UC*
One of the iconic themes from *Mobile Suit Gundam UC*, this track's lyrics perfectly capture the series' worldview. For many Gundam fans, this was their powerful introduction to the artist Aimer.
▼ #8: "JUST COMMUNICATION" by TWO-MIX — *Mobile Suit Gundam Wing*
An absolute anthem for *Gundam Wing* fans. The moment that synth-heavy, beeping intro kicks in, you know things are about to get real. Having just celebrated its 30th anniversary, *Wing* is still remembered by many as the ultimate gathering of cool pilots and mechs.
▼ #7: "Ai Senshi" by Daisuke Inoue — *Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow*
The theme for the second chapter of the original *Mobile Suit Gundam* movie trilogy, "Ai Senshi" (Soldiers of Sorrow) channels the tragedy of war through Daisuke Inoue's stirring performance. It's a track that's both somber and incredibly hype, getting fans fired up every time.
▼ #6: "ETERNAL WIND ~Hohoemi wa Hikaru Kaze no Naka~" by Hiroko Moriguchi — *Mobile Suit Gundam F91*
The theme song for the *Mobile Suit Gundam F91* movie is a masterpiece. Its lyrics, perfectly aligned with the Gundam universe, combined with Hiroko Moriguchi's stunning vocals, propelled her to a performance at the 42nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, marking the first time a Gundam song was featured on the prestigious stage.
▼ #5: "Shukufuku" (The Blessing) by YOASOBI — *Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury*
Finally, a more recent entry! This track marked the first time the chart-topping duo YOASOBI contributed to the Gundam franchise. Its fast-paced, electronic style is a departure from traditional Gundam themes, but YOASOBI's immense popularity secured it a top spot.
▼ #4: "Mizu no Hoshi e Ai wo Komete" by Hiroko Moriguchi — *Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam*
This was the second opening theme for *Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam* and served as Hiroko Moriguchi's debut song in 1985 when she was just 17. Her clear, powerful voice made an instant impact, and for old-school fans, this song remains an undisputed classic.
▼ #3: "Meteor" by T.M.Revolution — *Mobile Suit Gundam SEED*
Arguably the most epic insert song in the entire *SEED* saga. Its legendary status was cemented when it was brought back for the final battle in the movie *Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM*, 20 years later. Paired with Takanori Nishikawa's explosive vocals, this track is pure, unadulterated hype.
▼ #2: "Plazma" by Kenshi Yonezu — *Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX*
With the series airing this year, the popularity of this track is off the charts. Considering Kenshi Yonezu's prolific output and massive following, seeing "Plazma" soar to second place comes as no surprise.
And now, for the moment of truth. Which song did Japanese fans crown as the ultimate champion? You can probably guess...
▼ #1: "BEYOND THE TIME ~Moebius no Sora wo Koete~" by TM NETWORK — *Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack*
Of course, it had to be the definitive theme from *Char's Counterattack*. This song is so iconic that it was recently used as an insert song in episode 11 of *Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX*, reigniting the soul of the fandom. With TM NETWORK's timeless sound that still feels fresh decades later, this track is the definition of a classic.
The *Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita* Gundam special aired on November 29. While the ranking is just for fun, there's no denying that every song on this list has earned its place through a combination of incredible popularity and legendary status. XD
