Japanese publisher Hobby Japan released its ultra-high-resolution reprint of the "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam" side story "TYRANT SWORD Of NEOFALIA" on September 30. However, the final page includes an appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of the work’s mechanical designer, Kazumi Fujita. The editorial department is asking Fujita himself, or any friends and family who know how he is doing, to contact Hobby Japan.
Originally serialized across five installments in 1987, "TYRANT SWORD Of NEOFALIA" is an original, model-focused side story set in Universal Century 0087, the era of "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam." It follows the exploits of the titular Tyrant Sword, designed by Fujita. Mobile suits that fought in the Gryps Conflict—including the Messala, Nemo, and GM II—were also given bold new interpretations. Those striking, forward-looking designs remain a major talking point among fans today. While many readers assumed Fujita had helped supervise the new reprint, the book instead closes with the unexpected appeal for information.
In 1985, at just 21 years old, Kazumi Fujita became one of the principal mechanical designers on "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam." He independently created many of the anime’s most iconic mobile suits, including the Messala, Gabthley, Byarlant, and Palace Athene. Fujita also produced the final design sheets for units such as the Gundam Mk-II, Hyaku Shiki, and Psycho Gundam Mk-II.
Fujita was also known for his candid, freewheeling remarks. During the serialization of "TYRANT SWORD Of NEOFALIA," he made comments along the lines of, “Drawing mobile suits is boring. I’m sick of it.” After leaving the design team during the early production stages of the 1992 OVA "Macross II: Lovers Again," he remained away from the anime industry for an extended period. His name finally reappeared in the mechanical design credits for the 2000 OVA "The King of Braves GaoGaiGar FINAL."
Fujita has rarely participated in new industry projects in recent years. Hopefully, this latest silence is simply another case of him growing “tired of it,” and the legendary designer will eventually resurface safe and sound.