'Gundam SEED FREEDOM' Features J-Pop Superstar Mika Nakashima

TOKYO, Jan 26 (News On Japan) - The latest details on the insert song for the upcoming "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" movie and additional information on the related event scheduled for February 18 have been unveiled. The insert song, titled "Bokyō" (Nostalgia), is performed by Mika Nakashima, with lyrics, composition, and arrangement by Tetsuya Komuro.

The TV anime "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED" aired 50 episodes starting in October 2002. Aimed at the younger generation of the time, it marked the beginning of the first Gundam series of the 21st century. It successfully expanded its fan base, including a significant female audience, and achieved a peak viewership rating of 8.0%. The series also sparked a second Gunpla (Gundam plastic model) boom among elementary school students, dominating the era as a new generation of the Gundam series.

Following its success, the sequel TV anime "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY" began broadcasting in October 2004, gaining even more popularity with a record high viewership rating of 8.2%. The series' total package sales exceeded a staggering 4 million copies. The movement surrounding the series extended beyond the TV anime, sweeping the globe with merchandise, music, events, and even a life-sized Freedom Gundam statue in Shanghai.

Nearly 20 years later, the "SEED series" is making a comeback with the completely new "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM," which premiered nationwide on January 26. The insert song for this much-anticipated release is "Bokyō" by Mika Nakashima, with Tetsuya Komuro responsible for the lyrics, composition, and arrangement. The song was made available for streaming coinciding with the movie's release.

Mika Nakashima previously contributed the ending theme "FIND THE WAY" for the TV anime "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED" and the theme song for the "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Special Edition: The Rumbling Universe HD Remaster," marking her first foray into anime songs.

In a statement, Nakashima expressed her honor to be involved with the historic Gundam series in a new form after nearly 20 years. "I am very excited, and I hope everyone will enjoy the movie along with the song," she said.

A special website, "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM Goes Nationwide," opened at midnight on January 26, launching a campaign where characters from "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" will visit various locations across Japan. To unlock the "47 Prefectures Local Visuals" featuring the characters' visits, fans are encouraged to post on the special site with the hashtags #日本全国SEEDFREEDOM行きます (SEED FREEDOM Goes Nationwide) and #[Prefecture Name], sharing their favorite local spots and messages of support for "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM." The visuals will be revealed in order of the prefectures that receive the most posts.

Please look forward to the characters' visits across the country. Note that posting requires app authentication through "Voice UP!".

Additionally, the "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FESTIVAL ~FREEDOM to a New Future~" event will reveal original merchandise featuring the event logo on T-shirts and muffler towels, as well as goods using newly drawn illustrations. Attendees will also receive a special "Freedom Penlight" as an entrance gift.

Furthermore, the cast members participating in the "Audio Commentary Screening" for "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" have been announced. The special screening will feature pre-recorded commentary by an impressive lineup of 15 voice actors, offering a unique way to enjoy "SEED FREEDOM."

General ticket sales (first-come, first-served) start from January 27, at 10:00 AM. Don't miss out!

by Brian Dentry

Source: Dengeki

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