Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is a TV anime series that began broadcasting in October 2015 as part of the Gundam series.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of its broadcast, “Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans: Ur's Hunt -Trajectory of the Little Challenger-'' and “Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans'' new short story “Interlude'' will be shown in theaters for a limited time of 4 weeks from October 31, 2025 (Friday).
In conjunction with the release, Isekai2nd conducted an interview with Kengo Kasai, who plays the role of Mikazuki Augus. In addition to the behind-the-scenes stories from when the TV series aired, they also talked about the episodes and stories from the recording of “Makuma Kusabi,” which was released as a new Tekkadan story.
He also talks about the behind-the-scenes story of the interaction between Mikazuki and Olga Itsuka in the TV series at the time of recording, as well as his impressions of the character Mikazuki and the Barbatos he controls. I hope you will read it.
Please note that this article will be posted after its release, so it may contain some spoilers for the main story. We would appreciate it if you could check it out before viewing.
Episode 1, “Iron and Blood,” is filled with the essence of “Iron-Blooded Orphans.”
──The special edition of “Uru's Hunt -The Trail of the Little Challenger-'' and the new short story “Interlude'' are currently being screened. Could you please tell us how you feel about the new development of Iron-Blooded on the 10th anniversary?
Kengo Kasai (hereinafter referred to as Kasai) who plays Mikazuki Augus:I myself…and so did the other cast members, but I kept saying in various places that I wanted to do a theatrical version. I'm really happy that it came true on the 10th anniversary of the broadcast.
The story of “Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans Uruz Hunt'' developed in the smartphone app “Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans G'' was something that you could not see unless you were playing “Iron-Blooded Orphans G''. I have the joy of being able to enjoy such a work on the big screen and sound of a theater with everyone who has followed “Iron-Blooded'' for 10 years.
── Mr. Kasai, I remember that Mikazuki was your first leading role, but have you changed in the 10 years since you played Mikazuki?
Kasai:The first time I was given the leading role in an anime work was “Iron-Blooded''. After all, since “Iron-Blooded'' I have had more opportunities to work on various works, and many people have gotten to know me through this work.
Recently, even though they didn't watch “Iron-Blooded'' when it aired, people who have heard of me from other works have looked into what kind of works I've been in and said, “Maybe I should watch “Iron-Blooded''.
──Various projects have been carried out over the past 10 years, including the frequent revival of the radio station Tekkadan Broadcasting Station (commonly known as Tetsu Radio). Do you have any memorable stories with other cast members?
Kasai:Even now, 10 years later, when I reunite with cast members who worked on Iron-Blooded at other locations, I can still feel the atmosphere of those days. Lately, I've been talking to the members I work with, saying things like, “So you're holding an event, right?'' or “You're making a comeback on radio.'' It's been a while since we last worked together, but we still have a strong bond since we worked together before.
──Did you talk about anything during the recording of “Makuma no Kusabi”?
Kasai:It's been a while since I've done the dubbing for Iron-Blooded, but there was some tension and an atmosphere like a class reunion. Afterwards, it was the first time in a while that we were speaking as characters, so there was a bit of embarrassment (bitter smile).
But after doing the test and receiving the direction, when we went to the actual recording, everyone was already in that place as the characters…I thought it was really amazing. After all, I felt that they were all members who had been working together for 10 years.
──I would be happy if you could look back at the time when the TV series was broadcast and tell us about any episodes that left an impression on you.
Kasai:I remember that we all used to go out to eat after weekly dubbing. Of course, going out to dinner happens in other productions as well, but for me to go there with so many people and with so much enthusiasm, I think it might have been the only time I've seen it before or since Iron-Blooded. Of all the works I've appeared in, the one where I had the most opportunities to do so was by far “Iron-Blooded''.
Also, since it's a TV original work, we often talked about it every week, wondering what would happen next and when our characters would make an appearance.
──I think some people will take a look at “Iron-Blooded'' again after this screening. What would you like people to pay attention to?
Kasai:I think there are many unreasonable things lurking in the world, but I think this work reminds us that there were children who did their best without giving up when faced with such things. I think it can be translated into real-life situations, and I would be happy if people who watched it could use it as motivation to do their best, wondering what they would do if they were in a situation like this.
— Mr. Kasai, are there any scenes from “Iron-Blooded” that left a lasting impression on you?
Kasai:After all, it's the first episode, “Iron and Blood.” If you watch that first episode, you'll know what kind of work “Iron-Blooded'' is. I feel like it's packed with elements that make you think, “This is a work like this, and this is how a story will unfold.''
Among them, the scene in which Barbatos emerges from the ground in the first episode is very exciting, along with the music by Masaru Yokoyama. It's a moment of hopelessness that turns into something better, and it's refreshing to watch.
──Do you have a strong attachment to the character Mikazuki and the Barbatos he controls?
Kasai:After all, this is the first character I played as a leading role, and I have always felt that Mikazuki is one of the characters that I would like to continue to have my voice heard in some way. Regarding Barbatos, I think there is a deep connection between pilots and mobile suits in Iron-Blooded. He's not a friend, he's not a family member… he's not a comrade who's been with me forever… but I feel like he's someone who's always been next to me.
──I think Olga's presence is essential for Mikazuki, but are there any scenes involving Mikazuki and Olga that particularly leave an impression on you?
Kasai:After all, it's episode 22, “I Can't Return Yet,” after Biscuit Griffon died in the first season. I think the scene where Mikazuki inspires Olga when her heart is about to break was quite heartwarming. I don't think there are many relationships that are so distorted.
In episode 6, “About them,'' Olga said, “The person I see in those eyes should always be the coolest and coolest Orga Itsuka,'' but Olga is always worried about Mikazuki. Seeing Olga like this, Mikazuki asks, “What should I do next?'' and each time, Olga has to respond to Mikazuki. It was extremely dangerous, but I felt at that moment that if it really stopped for even a moment, one of us would probably be ruined.
──Is there anything that still stands out to you from the time you recorded Episode 22, “I Can’t Return Yet?”
Kasai:During dubbing, we test, receive direction, and then apply it in our own way before performing the actual production.What I still remember is that during that process, I felt that the play was flowing really well right now.
But the moment I felt that, I bit the line. So I thought, “Oh, I did it…'' but Hosoya-san, who plays Olga, didn't pay attention and just stayed there and said the next line. At that moment, contrary to what happened in the story, I think Mr. Hosoya inspired me.
Outside of that, I always watched him do various things next to me, and I felt that thanks to Mr. Hosoya, I was able to act freely as Mikazuki.
