STAFF INTERVIEW: Fuyunori Gobu
Series Composition

Famed for his involvement across various Gundam iterations, Mr. Fuyunori Gobu stands as a signature scriptwriter for Sunrise’s works. In this recent Gundam installment, he was entrusted with the series composition and scriptwriting. It could be said that while Fuyunori spun the vertical threads of the G Gundam story, Director Imagawa wove its horizontal ones.

EDITOR: Mobile Fighter G Gundam presented a vastly different Gundam universe than its predecessors. What were you especially conscious of during its production?

GOBU: To be honest, there’s not much to say about G Gundam. At its core, the world of Gundam was fundamentally crafted by Yoshiyuki Tomino. So initially, I felt that no matter who takes the reins, Gundam remains Gundam – like a mighty tree, with all new interpretations merely forming its branches and leaves.

EDITOR: So, creating the world of G Gundam was quite a challenge then?

GOBU: Saying it was merely “challenging” is an understatement. As we endeavored to unfold a brand-new universe, it became apparent that escaping the overarching influence of Tomino’s Gundam world was inevitable. What truly proved challenging was that before G Gundam started, we were planning a “back-to-basics” Gundam project.

Yet, that approach would have merely yielded a Gundam shifted in time and space. So, we decided to shift gears drastically to Mobile Fighter. This was a collective conclusion we, including the director and the producer, arrived at: instead of being mere branches of the great tree, we’d nurture a new sapling right from the planning phase, even if it’s slender and small.

EDITOR: From the viewer’s perspective, it feels like you grafted a new shoot from the colossal tree that is Gundam, fostering a fresh sapling.

GOBU: If that’s how it’s perceived, then I’d consider it a minor victory. It’s heartening to know people are recognizing our efforts. Given the exceptional quality of Tomino’s original Gundam, perhaps retracing our steps to the very beginning was the right move. Otherwise, everything we did would just be variations of Gundam. However, translating the universe of Mobile Fighter to the screen took time.

EDITOR: The difference between the broadcast’s onset and the end of the second cour was stark. Did this factor contribute to its dynamism?

GOBU: Precisely. The curse of the previous Gundam worlds weighed heavily on us. For better or worse, Tomino’s Gundam is a series of intricate, standalone episodes. We couldn’t break free from the Gundam world as long as we clung to that formula. To create a different Gundam, we had to fundamentally reimagine the world. Hence, as a result of our discussions, we decided to be more daring instead of picking, say, the 48th variation out of 50 Gundams.

What emerged wasn’t another variant like Gundam A-Dash or B-Dash. Under Director Imagawa’s vision, the world of Mobile Fighter was refined from its conception, birthing an entirely new world. Nevertheless, vestiges of Gundam still lingered with the creators. Until the end of the second cour, we were akin to a lizard with a trailing tail. Even for Director Imagawa, it was a continual process of trial and error. It took that much time to truly become “Mobile Fighter.”

EDITOR: Given your long-standing involvement with the Gundam universe, was it hard for you to shake off its influence?

GOBU: While the original Gundam wasn’t as overwhelming, when you’re deeply involved with subsequent Gundam projects like OVA or other series, escaping the core world and its variations is genuinely challenging. As I mentioned earlier, before Mobile Fighter G Gundam, I was fully engaged in another Gundam project, so it was challenging to switch gears. It can be painful and tough. This dilemma, I believe, wasn’t just mine but something the entire staff grappled with. The liberation from constraints observed from the second cour onwards is what defines Mobile Fighter. Still, the struggles we went through weren’t in vain. The best outcome was that we laid the groundwork for creating a new world by breaking away from the existing Gundam world.

I’m gratified that our audience could perceive this narrative progression. It would be great if the new world we created in Mobile Fighter G Gundam continues to thrive, as it opens up various possibilities. Now that we have the basic foundation of a new Gundam world, we just need to build upon it and become stronger.

In any case, building an entirely separate universe is an intricate art. This endeavor has been enlightening, offering much to learn as a writer.

EDITOR: The dynamism evident from the second cour can be attributed to these reasons, then?

GOBU: Indeed, crafting an entirely new world from scratch is immensely challenging. Bringing a new Gundam to life was an uphill battle. Initial feedback was critical, with comments like “This isn’t Gundam.” Despite the harsh criticism, creating a new narrative and garnering considerable appreciation is a collective triumph for the team. It’s a rarity to work on such an enlightening project.

EDITOR: Finally, which character are you most attached to?

GOBU: If you’ve seen G Gundam, you’d know – it’s definitely Neo China’s Sai Saici, though he’s somewhat of a supporting character but holds a special place in my heart. I had the opportunity to consult with the director and handle him as I liked, and his growth throughout the series makes him my favorite. Also, in a conventional sense, I have a soft spot for Rain Mikamura. Thinking about why I’m fond of her, I believe the ending played a major role. The song, accompanied by visuals of Rain’s earring reflecting her face in a mesmerizing kaleidoscope… I’m quite fond of that ambiance.

EDITOR: Thank you for your time amidst your busy schedule.