Gundam is one of the biggest franchises in Japan. One of the recent Gundam series was Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans which had aired around 2015-2016. Although it had ended it’s airing, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans was presented as one of the featured anime on the third day of C3 AFA Jakarta 2017 event, which took place at Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran, Jakarta in 18-20 August 2017.
The session, which took place on the main stage of C3 AFA Jakarta 2017 also featured the voice actor of Akihiro Artland, Yasuaki Takumi. When the MC, Hiroaki Kato, introduced him, he appeared on the stage with makeup similar to the character he voiced, — thick eyebrows. He said that as he could not have the muscular body as Akihiro Artland have, he used that kind of makeup. He admitted that he had just arrived in Jakarta at that day and had not tried any Indonesian food, so he asked the audience what food should he try, with the response being Nasi Goreng (fried rice).
After asking that question, Kato asked about how Takumi felt when he was accepted to participate in a Gundam project. He answered that he, of course felt very proud as Gundam has a legacy in Japan that continues until now. Also, he said that it was an honour to be in the project. Despite having some pressure due to how influential Gundam is in Japan, he also felt delighted and happy.
Kato then asked about Takumi’s feelings when voicing Akihiro Artland. Takumi responded that he honestly did not expect to voice one of the main characters in the series. Also, when he first received the script, no one told hik that the character will pilot a Gundam. When he found that out, he felt really joyful.
Then, Takumi asked the audience whether they already bought the series’ model kit. Some answered by raising their hands while some shown their purchases which made Takumi happy. He also suggested those who had not bought the models to buy them right away after the session as there was going to be an autograph session for those who had purchased the models on the same day.
Kato then showed three scenes which Takumi had previously chosen to be his favourite scenes. The first scene was from the final episode, which shows Mikazuki and Akihiro fighting together against their enemy. He admitted that he was delighted to be able to fight together, as both characters were rivals yet they respect each other.
The second scene was from episode 41 which featured Akihiro Artland and Lafter Frankland. Quite a sad scene, Takumi said, and the choice of words just fit the situation. Kato also highlighted one of the words used — Sayonara, which means goodbye. Although it is a “goodbye”, in Japanese the term sayonara is used for parting that lasts forever, which implies that the characters might not meet each other again.
The third and last scene was a fighting scene which features Mikazuki, the main character. He said that although this scene does not feature his character, Akihiro, this scene really means a lot to him for showing what Gundam is as the animation was done very well.
Kato then continued the talk show for a question and answer session, with questions that had been sent from fans via internet. The first question was about Yasuaki Takumi’s favourite line in the series. His answer was the line where Akihiro asked permission to shoot the enemy. The second and last question was what was Takumi’s impression when having the voice recording session. He replied that he was having difficulties at the beginning as his real voice is light while Akihiro’s is heavy, and his throat used to get tired easily,. But eventually he is able to change it in a flash.
At the end of the session, Kato announced that there is a surprise for those who joined the main stage session. He asked the audience to search for three C3 AFA Jakarta 2017 stickers beneath their chairs or the empty seats. The three lucky audience then each received a Gundam model kit which had been autographed by Yasuaki Takumi himself. The show then ended with photo session.
「C3 AFA JAKARTA2017」
昨日は、ミュージシャンの加藤ひろあきさんにMC&通訳をして頂き「オルフェンズステージ」お届けしました〜!!ご来場の皆様ありがとうございました!!みんな筋肉ポーズしてくれたりめちゃ楽しかった〜(≧∀≦)ありがとうジャカルタ！またね！ pic.twitter.com/CYKZeF4irL— 内匠靖明 (@takumi_yasuaki) August 21, 2017
The Indonesian Anime Times | Reported by Zacky Dhaffa Pratama
