Japanese politician’s cosplay of Gundam’s most infamous villain is rated “red” by fans (and Bandai)

Japanese politicians’ attempts to use the Gundam series to attract voters have backfired, drawing criticism not only from fans but also from rights holder Bandai Namco.

Japanese politician and Reiwa Shinsengumi leader Taro Yamamoto cosplayed as the infamous Char Aznable in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), leading to accusations of political exploitation and a fundamental misunderstanding of the character. The video, shot in front of the life-size Unicorn Gundam statue in Tokyo, shows Yamamoto wearing a striking red outfit complete with a blonde wig and sunglasses, imitating Char Aznable’s alias, Quattro Vagina, from Zeta Gundam. He also introduced Maya Okamoto, a voice actress who has voiced characters in the Gundam series, as the party’s candidate for the next House of Councilors election. When Okamoto asked about his attire, Yamamoto simply replied, “Nothing in particular. I always look like this,” and did not explain anything about cosplay.

Mobile Suit Gundam Owner Bandai responds to politician’s “clown”-style Char Aznable cosplay

According to J-cast, Yamamoto’s political stunt drew swift and sharp criticism online. Japanese netizens were the most critical of the misuse of Gundam IP for political purposes. Bandai Namco Film Works, which owns the Gundam series, itself responded to the controversy, but did not directly name Yamamoto. The company said in an official statement that it does not allow its characters to be used in political campaigns. “This is not endorsed by Bandai Namco Film Works Inc. (SUNRISE Studio) and we do not endorse any particular candidate,” the statement said, distancing the brand from political campaigns. Regarding this issue, some asked Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of Gundam, to comment.

Many fans were also quick to point out the irony of a politician using Char Aznable, who is notorious for his villainous schemes, for political support. Char eventually tried to drop an asteroid on Earth to force humanity to migrate into space, a sentiment that goes against any positive political message. Minoru Ogino, a member of the Ota Ward Assembly who is known for advocating for freedom of expression in manga and anime, also criticized Yamamoto’s actions, saying, “It makes him look like a clown.”

The video itself was made to support Okamoto, who provided the voices for Emma Sheen in “Mobile Suit Z Gundam” and Reina Ashta in “Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ.” Her entry into politics comes from her work opposing the new invoice tax system, which she claims is harmful to freelancers and small businesses, including those in the anime, hand and entertainment industry. From August 2022, he will serve as co-representative of the anti-tax organization VOICTION. Fans were of the opinion that Okamoto should have distanced himself from the video, considering he is a veteran voice actor.

In the full video with Yamamoto, Okamoto explained his motivation for running for office. “I believe that things like pop culture and anime can reach even those who are apolitical,” she said, adding that she wants to be a voice for those affected by the invoice system and protect Japan’s cultural industry. Yamamoto praised her as a “rare breed” who entered politics to champion a cause rather than personal ambitions, and called on voters to support her to “protect Japanese pop culture.”

This is not the first time a Japanese politician has made headlines by cosplaying an anime. Last year, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba became a hot topic when he cosplayed as Majin Buu from Dragon Ball Z. Interestingly, Mr. Ishiba is a fan of the Gundam series.

Source: X (formerly Twitter), J-cast