Gundam Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino Calls for Future Works to Highlight Modern Conflicts like Ukraine and Israel
Discover Tomino’s insights on modern Gundam series and his reflections on war, experience, and the evolving landscape of anime storytelling.
Yoshiyuki Tomino Reflects on War, 'Gundam,' and Humanity’s Future
Tomino: “My younger colleagues are making Gundam series today, and I don't feel a sense of experience with war.”
NHK’s Special Feature on Yoshiyuki Tomino
On June 17, NHK's News Watch 9 dedicated a nearly six-minute segment to Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The interview, titled "Yoshiyuki Tomino Speaks on the Reality of War," touches on his wartime memories, his creative process, and his thoughts on the current Gundam franchise.
Tomino’s Childhood Memories of War
The segment opens with Tomino sharing childhood memories of escaping an air raid at age three, carrying a few picture books. His home was farthest from the neighborhood air raid shelter, which his family reached only near the entrance, sheltered by fluttering woven-rush mats.
He reflects, "It was not until I grew older that I understood why my hometown was targeted by U.S. military airstrikes. I realized they were targeting military supplies and the industry supporting the war effort. War is intertwined with industry; without supplies, war cannot happen."
His experiences during the war profoundly influenced his creation of Gundam, a series that explores the realities of conflict.
War in Gundam: A Reflection of Reality
The interview highlights initial scenes from the first episode, overlaid with Tomino's insights. He explains, "The first enemies are three Zaku mobile suits. To produce these, a military industry and an industrial system are essential. So, I had no choice but to depict a war between nations."
However, Tomino emphasizes that, despite the depiction of mobile suits fighting, "the casualties are human beings." This message is reinforced with a scene showing civilians under attack in the series.
The Current Context of Gundam
As the franchise continues to grow in popularity, Tomino shares his perspective. "When people say ‘I like Gundam,’ they often mean the battles are cool. But that’s not the main point," he laments.
He also remarks on his feelings about newer series: "My younger colleagues are making Gundam series today, and I don't feel a sense of experience with war anymore." This puts into question the depth of wartime understanding among new creators.
Reflections on Humanity’s Future
Looking ahead, Tomino hints at future projects and themes. He mentions the ongoing conflicts, such as Ukraine and Israel, stating:
"The war in Ukraine has lasted three years; the conflict in Israel has persisted for 30 to 40 years. I think we don't truly understand these issues. The theme is whether humanity can stop engaging in such social behaviors."
Accessibility and Further Reading
The segment is available on NHK+ in Japan until June 24 at 10:00 p.m. JST (9:00 a.m. EDT). Additionally, NHK's website features a text article with different excerpts from the interview.
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