The announcement of the latest 2025 Gundam anime, "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX," a collaborative effort between two animation giants – Khara (of the "Neon Genesis Evangelion" series) and Sunrise (of the "Mobile Suit Gundam" series) – has generated a huge buzz among fans.
Its prequel theatrical version, "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX-Beginning-," hit Japanese cinemas yesterday (January 17), drawing in hordes of eager fans. Today (January 18), an official special program aired on Japanese television, featuring an interview with Kenshi Yonezu, who performs the theme song. Yonezu shared his thoughts on contributing to the new Gundam anime and his personal experiences with anime, comics, and games.
Yonezu, now 33, mentioned that it was completely normal for guys his age to grow up building Gunpla and following the Gundam series. He never imagined, when he started making music, that he would one day get a call to work on a Gundam project. For this particular offer, he simply couldn't find any reason to say no.
He also highlighted that the director for this project is Kazuya Tsurumaki from Khara. Yonezu found their proposal incredibly exciting, especially since Tsurumaki's directorial debut was the OVA "FLCL" (フリクリ), an anime he absolutely adores, and Tsurumaki had served as assistant director on "Neon Genesis Evangelion."
Back then, "FLCL"'s abrupt and bizarre scene transitions, its blend of manga-style visuals, and its pervasive experimental direction were unlike anything seen in animation before. It was a mind-blowing experience for him, and the series even influenced his own creative work.
"FLCL" is a six-episode OVA series released in 2000, co-produced by Production I.G and Gainax.
The story follows Naota Nandaba, an ordinary elementary school student living in the mundane city of Mabase. One day, his peaceful life is shattered by the sudden appearance of Haruko Haruhara, a mysterious girl riding a Vespa. Haruko knocks Naota flying with her vintage guitar, and from that moment on, strange horns begin to sprout from Naota's forehead, from which giant robots continuously emerge, triggering a series of bizarre events.
To have the chance to collaborate with an anime directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, and on top of that, for the Gundam series, is an incredible honor. It truly feels like a dream come true – no matter how busy he was, he just had to take it on!
As the new Gundam release for 2025, the promotional campaign is already in full swing. The broadcast schedule for the TV anime, however, has yet to be announced. Rumors are also circulating that "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX" will be screened in Taiwan, with Medialink confirmed as the distributor. Gundam fans, get ready to see what Khara & Sunrise have cooked up with this exciting new collaboration!
▼ "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX-Beginning-" Theatrical Trailer