The Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM 1st Anniversary Event took center stage on Sunday, January 26th, 2025, at the Marunouchi Piccadilly Dolby Cinema in Tokyo. Featuring a dazzling lineup of stars and heartfelt moments, the event marked a year of extraordinary success for the beloved film, which has grossed 5.3 billion yen and drawn over 3.16 million viewers since its release on January 26th, 2024.
A Star-Studded Lineup and Gratitude from the Team
The event featured stage greetings from iconic cast members, including Soichiro Hoshi (Kira Yamato), Rie Tanaka (Lacus Clyne), Kenichi Suzumura (Shinn Asuka), Hiro Shimono (Orphee Lam Tao), and Sumire Uesaka (Ingrid Tradoll), alongside Director Mitsuo Fukuda. With live viewing available in theaters nationwide, fans were treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and heartfelt reflections from the team.
Director Fukuda expressed his gratitude, saying, "This past year has been amazing, filled with awards and your unwavering support. I wasn’t chasing numbers or recognition—I just wanted people to enjoy the film. Thank you for making this journey so rewarding. I look forward to the next 10 years!"
Memorable Moments and Surprises
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam cake, which left the cast and audience in awe. The intricate cake design, complete with a Haro accent, symbolized the film's achievements and was a perfect centerpiece for the celebration.
The event also featured a touching moment as the cast discussed the journey of the SEED series. Hoshi reminisced about global fan interactions, saying, "Even without understanding English, I felt the passion and energy of fans at events in Las Vegas and Seattle." Suzumura shared humorous anecdotes about pre-release speculation, while Shimono and Uesaka reflected on their first experiences working in the SEED universe, with Shimono jokingly describing his role as "pure chaos."
Fans were thrilled by a sneak peek of an original illustration gifted to attendees, featuring the characters celebrating with a birthday cake. Amid laughter, the cast commented on Athrun’s unexpected smile, calling it “cute and surprising.”
A Year to Remember and Exciting Plans Ahead
As the event drew to a close, Hoshi and Director Fukuda delivered heartfelt speeches. Hoshi thanked fans for their dedication, saying, "The SEED series has been an unforgettable journey, and I’m thrilled to continue this adventure with all of you as both a cast member and a fan."
Director Fukuda teased the upcoming project, SEED FREEDOM ZERO, and concluded with a heartfelt message: "Thank you for loving the series. Your support has been invaluable, and I’m excited for what’s to come."
SOURCE: GUNDAM INFO
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