Actors Rina Ikoma and voice actor Kengo Kawanishi appeared at a special stage greeting in Tokyo on November 2 to celebrate the release of the special compilation film Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr-Hunt – Path of the Little Challenger and the new 10th anniversary short Makuai no Kusabi (The Wedge Between Acts).

Marking ten years since the 2015 premiere of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, the 10th anniversary project includes the theatrical release of Urdr-Hunt – Path of the Little Challenger, a re-edited version of the 12-episode series from the smartphone app Iron-Blooded Orphans G, now enhanced with new footage. The newly produced short Makuai no Kusabi is screened alongside the compilation film as part of the anniversary celebration.

The stage event featured Rina Ikoma, who plays Wistario Afam from Urdr-Hunt, and Kengo Kawanishi, who voices Mikazuki Augus from Iron-Blooded Orphans, with comedian Hantaro Tenshin serving as host. As Re:End’s opening theme “The Over” played in the background, the two guests took the stage to enthusiastic applause. Tenshin first commented on their outfits: Kawanishi appeared in khaki tones reminiscent of Tekkadan, noting that his inner vest “feels like Orga’s style,” while Ikoma explained that her khaki-and-yellow ensemble reflected “Wistario’s yellow and blue color image and his androgynous visual appeal.” Their deep affection for the series was evident even in their wardrobe choices.

Reflecting on Ten Years of Iron-Blooded Orphans

When asked about their thoughts on the 10th anniversary and the new works, Ikoma said, “It’s an incredible honor to be part of such a powerful series. Reading fan comments on social media has become a hobby of mine, and I’ve noticed that some people have come to know me through this work. I’m truly grateful that it’s helped more people discover who I am.”

Kawanishi added, “I’ve received so many reactions—‘It was amazing,’ ‘We’ve been waiting for this.’ It really made me feel that continuing as a voice actor for ten years has all been worth it.”

Revisiting the Roles of Wistario and Mikazuki

Speaking about Urdr-Hunt, Ikoma shared, “The material originally appeared in the game, but this time we recorded new parts for the theatrical version. When I revisited the script, I realized, ‘Ah, in that moment, he was facing everything with such resolve.’ I could sense Wistario’s determination more deeply, and it was also an opportunity to see how much I’ve grown as an actor these past few years. It was truly a mysterious, moving experience.”

She continued, “To think that Iron-Blooded Orphans is now ten years old—it’s amazing to have been able to continue playing a character over such a long span.”
Kawanishi then spoke about Makuai no Kusabi: “Getting to portray a moment that exists within those 50 episodes and having it released this way really made me feel, ‘I’ve come back to that world again.’ After ten years, our bodies and voices naturally change, but when we all stood side by side in the recording booth, it felt like the world of Iron-Blooded Orphans had come alive there once more. I was so happy to feel that again.”

“Family” as the Bond Between Cast Members

When asked about each other’s characters, Ikoma responded, “Wistario admires Tekkadan, and personally, the one I admire most is Mikazuki. He’s not just an appealing anime character—his way of life is truly cool. It makes me want to live my life protecting others, too.”

Kawanishi, who had experienced Urdr-Hunt since its game days, remarked, “Wistario has qualities that I don’t. Mikazuki is the type who carves his own path, but Wistario, while leading from the front, relies on his companions when necessary. It made me realize that it’s okay to depend on others more, just like Wistario does.”

Ikoma nodded, adding, “I used to find it hard to lean on people, but recently I’ve learned to ask friends for help when I’m struggling. I think that’s something I learned from Wistario.”

The conversation then moved to a fun segment titled “Describe Your Companions in One Word: Iron-Blooded Orphans × Urdr-Hunt Hero Talk!” When asked to describe their comrades in one word, both Ikoma and Kawanishi chose “family,” drawing applause from the audience.
“For Wistario, his companions are family, not just Demner Kittako Jr., but everyone he fights alongside,” Ikoma said. “During recording, my co-stars’ performances pulled me forward so much—it really felt like a family.”

Kawanishi shared, “Even during the original TV series recordings, I was nervous, but having Masaya Hosoya beside me as Orga and being surrounded by the Tekkadan and Gjallarhorn members who were all working toward the same goal—that felt like family. After sessions, we’d go eat together and talk about what we recorded or what might happen next. Even now, when I meet those castmates, it feels like Iron-Blooded Orphans again. Our bond hasn’t faded after ten years. That’s why I chose the word ‘family.’”

Looking Toward the 20th and 30th Anniversaries

Toward the end of the event, announcements were made about the second and third installments of the talk-screening series. The second will feature staff members from the Iron-Blooded Orphans series, while the third will include director Tatsuyuki Nagai, Kawanishi, and Hosoya.

“I think there are things we still haven’t fully discussed. I’d like to dig deeper into everything with Director Nagai,” said Kawanishi enthusiastically.
Ikoma added, “As fans ourselves, we just want more and more of these events!”

The session also shared details about upcoming projects: the grand finale event “Tekkadan Festival” set for February 15, 2026, at Tachikawa Stage Garden, and the revival of the radio program Tekkadan Broadcasting Station 10th Anniversary.

As the stage greeting drew to a close, the staff presented a bouquet to the cast. Speaking about the limited four-week theatrical run, Ikoma expressed, “I’m so happy to be part of such a wonderful work. Though it’s a limited release, I hope audiences will rediscover the charm of Iron-Blooded Orphans through this film.”

Kawanishi concluded, “After running for ten years, it’s finally become a movie. I hope that when the 20th and 30th anniversaries come, more dreams will come true. I’d love to see a feature-length version and a continuation of Urdr-Hunt. Let’s keep running together with Tekkadan for years to come.”

Finally, Ikoma said, “If I have the chance to be part of Iron-Blooded Orphans again, I’ll consider this my new starting point. I’ll keep honing my craft so that when I meet Wistario again, I can deliver a performance I’m proud of. Please enjoy this film to the fullest—thank you for coming today.”

Kawanishi followed, “I’m filled with pride in what we’ve created. Please enjoy the screening to your heart’s content, and if you liked it, spread the word on social media or tell your friends. Your support helps bring us back to meet you again. Thank you for continuing to support Iron-Blooded Orphans!”

Source : ORICON NEWS