Taishi Murata and Nobunaga Shimazaki on stage! The “Iron-Blooded Orphans New Year! Orphans’ First Screening Event” Report

The “Iron-Blooded Orphans New Year! Orphans’ First Screening Event,” an event to commemorate Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans Season 2 entering its 2^nd cour from January 15^th (Sun) with episode 39, took place at Shinjuku Picadilly in Tokyo on January 13^th (Fri.)

The episodes that depicted the fierce battle against the Mobile Armor “HASHMAL,” episodes 36 through 38, were shown at the event. Mr. Taishi Murata, voice of Norba Shino, Mr. Nobunaga Shimazaki, voice of Iok Kujan, and Producer Masakazu Ogawa appeared on stage as guests and conducted a 1 hour talk.

After the episodes were shown, MC Mr. Volcano Ota called Mr. Shimazaki, Mr. Murata, and Producer Ogawa up on stage. Mr. Shimazaki began the talk show by asking the audience, “Everyone, how is he? Iok Kujan. Don’t you hate him…?” filling the audience with laughter and applause.
Once their respective introductions were finished, they reflected on the fierce battling in the Mobile Armor arc and spoke of their impressions while acting.

Mr. Shimazaki said, “Iok is a character that uses up all my energy no matter what he does, so it was fun voicing him.” At that, Mr. Murata replied, “Nobunaga was really energetic! He was constantly acting with everything he had and it always surpassed the animation!” and livened up the talk with discussing Iok. Mr. Shimazaki further said regarding his strong feelings towards Iok, “No matter how off-beat he was, Iok is an upright character. I earnestly acted as if I was the protagonist. His subordinates are also excellent so he won’t die!”

In regards to his acting in episodes 36 to 38, Mr. Murata said, “For Shino, this is a story where he pilots Flauros and battles against the Mobile Armor. However, the impression that Iok left after derailing Tekkadan’s plans was stronger.” He continued, “If it weren’t for Iok, the Flauros may not have been deployed,” causing applause to erupt from the audience. Producer Ogawa then interjected, “That is quite a hind sighted opinion,” and induced laughter from the audience.
Mr. Murata said, “I was moved by the fact itself that he was able to pilot Gundam Flauros (Ryusei-Go). A ‘Gundam.’” In reply, Producer Ogawa said, “When it was decided that the suit Shino would pilot would be pink, I had wondered ‘will this be okay product-wise?’ But it worked out great since both the design and character are lively.” The topic then turned to Shino and Yamagi. Mr. Murata said with a content smile that he was happy that he could voice a scene that was like a glimpse in the battlefield between a protagonist and heroine.

They were then asked about their respective first impressions of their characters and the transition to their current impressions. Mr. Shimazaki replied, “At first, when I only looked at his appearance, I had seen Iok as a levelheaded aide. However, as I continued to read the script, there’s an interesting breadth to his character. Now, he’s quickly become sort of like a “theatrical Iok” (lol).” Mr. Murata answered, “(Shino)’s sense of responsibility has become stronger since the members of Tekkadan has increased, so he’s resolved himself to undertake an unpopular role. I feel that he’s aware of his own role as the story continues and is growing.”
The topic then turned to when they were recording. Producer Ogawa said, “I watched as the cast rapidly became one with their characters and I feel very grateful.” Mr. Shimazaki replied, “It looked like you guys were having fun predicting what’ll happen next while having relaxed and concentrated voices. There is great teamwork within the studio.” They then discussed wild possibilities with each character like “What if Tekkadan and Iok joined forces?” and both the guests and audience became very excited.

The customary present raffle took place after the talk. The present included a set of Gunpla and apparel products as well as the 2^nd installment of “Buddy Kore Iron-Blooded Orphans.” These wonderful products were signed by Mr. Shimazaki and Mr. Murata.

▲ The box art of both “HG GUNDAM FLAUROS” and “HG MOBILE ARMOR HASHMAL” signed respectively by both cast members!

Once the raffle was finished, the new opening video was shown ahead of its broadcast the next day as a surprise from Producer Ogawa.
After the screening, the venue filled with the sounds of nonstop applause. Lastly, the event ended with comments from each guest.

Producer Ogawa
Although future developments in the story will become heavier, I would like everyone to watch over the fate of the characters. We will make sure to perfectly wrap up Orphans and, depending on the support the series receives, I think it’d be great if we can do something for the series again in the future.

Taishi Murata
Thank you very much for attending the event today. There will be scenes where people will square off against people, strategies will develop and grow, and Mikazuki and Orga will deepen their bond. I would like everyone to enjoy the wide breadth and various highlights in the story.

Nobunaga Shimazaki
I’m very happy to be able to talk this much about Orphans and Iok. The creators really love and enjoy creating this series, so I’m sure that everyone is enjoying the series as well. No matter what he does, I want to continue loving Iok even if it’s just me (lol). Please continue supporting Iron-Blooded Orphans. Thank you so very much for today!

オクを好きでいたいと思います（笑）今後とも鉄血のオルフェンズをよろしくお願い致します。今日はどうもありがとうございました！

Once the event ended, the Tekkadan flag, which was filled with messages from many of the attendees such as their feelings towards the series and their messages to the characters, was brought up on stage.
Season 2 will finally enter its 2^nd cour and Iron-Blooded Orphans will show turbulent developments. The series will no doubt bring developments that you won’t be able to take your eyes away from, so definitely make sure to watch the series until the final episode.

(Gundam Info Editorial Department)