Voice actor Soichiro Hoshi (Kira Yamato), director Mitsuo Fukuda, and producer Hisakazu Tanaka attended the special stage greeting for the second commemorative screening of the anime film *Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM* (to be released on January 26).

During the event, a letter from Kenichi Suzumura, who voices Shinn Asuka, was read aloud, as he could not attend in person. In the letter, Suzumura mentioned that he had recently received a message from a friend for the first time in a while, saying, "To the director and all the staff, thank you for reconnecting me, who is often unable to keep in touch with friends due to frequent transfers, with my friends again (laughs)." He went on to say, "I can't be there with you in person to share the charm of the series, but I'm sure there's a beautiful view of smiling faces in the audience right now. Even though I'm not there, I send my heartfelt gratitude!" He then promised, "I will do my best as long as this work continues, to deliver even more emotions."

At the event, it was also announced that the special edition included newly produced scenes and that Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO was in production. Director Fukuda revealed, "My work is almost done. After all, it was ready 20 years ago," expressing his gratitude to the fans for supporting *FREEDOM* and making the production of the new work possible.

Full Letter from Kenichi Suzumura

To everyone in attendance,

Congratulations on the re-release of *Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM*, and I sincerely congratulate you on the huge success of surpassing 5 billion yen in box office revenue and over 3 million attendees. I am deeply grateful to have been part of this work, made possible through the passion of all the staff members involved.

After the release of the movie, I received enthusiastic messages from friends and acquaintances whom I hadn't contacted for a while, saying things like 'It was amazing' and 'It was the best.' It reminded me of the impact this work has had. They also said, 'It was worth the wait! Please pass on our thanks to the staff.' To the director and all the staff, thank you for reconnecting me, who is often unable to keep in touch with friends due to frequent transfers, with my friends again (laughs).

I am truly disappointed that I could not attend today's stage greeting. Although I can't be there in person to share the charm of the series with all of you, I'm sure there's a beautiful view of smiling faces in the audience right now. Even though I'm not there, I send my heartfelt gratitude!

*Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM* depicts not only a grand world story but also the deep struggles and growth of its characters. I hope the emotions and excitement you felt through this series have been conveyed through our performances. I will keep doing my best to deliver even more moving works as long as this series continues, meeting your expectations. I hope today's stage greeting will be a special memory for all of you.

Thank you very much for today. I look forward to the day when I can meet you all in person next time. Please continue supporting *Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM* in the future.

Source : ORICON NEWS