The biggest anime and manga convention in North America, Anime Expo 2019, was held over the 4 day period from July 4, 2019 (Thu) through July 7, 2019 (Sun) at the Los Angeles Convention Center in the United States of America.

Anime Expo is an annual event which focuses on Japanese pop culture such as anime and manga.

On July 4, 2019 (Thu) there was the world premiere of "Gundam NT" screening in 4DX, with a "Gundam NT Mini Panel" where Harutoshi Fukui and the English dub cast appeared on stage. On July 5, 2019 (Fri), there was a "Gundam 40th Anniversary Panel" featuring Fukui and Masakazu Ogawa, president of SUNRISE BEYOND.

Besides this, there was the Gunpla Builders World Cup 2019 LA Qualifiers Awards Ceremony, "Theatrical Movie Mobile Suit Gundam 00 -A wakening of the Trailblazer-" 4DX screening, autograph session, and numerous other content at the event which we will report on.

For the mini panel, from the English dub version, Mineva Zabi voice actress Stephanie Sheh (MC), Jona Basta voice actor Griffin Puatu, Michele Luio voice actress Erika Ishii, and script writer Harutoshi Fukui appeared on stage.

It was very busy, with thoughts about the work after they view it again, mood when the roles were decided upon, characters they sympathized with, and finally a drawing for presents.

At the "Gundam 40th Anniversary Panel", Fukui and Masakazu Ogawa, president of SUNRISE BEYOND, appeared.

When Fukui was asked how he became involved with the production of "Gundam UC", he answered, "I was a novelist. Through that relationship, I met the editor in chief of Monthly Gundam Ace, and they said 'Why don't you write something in Gundam?", and that was the opportunity. I spoke with director Tomino and said I wanted to approach "Newtypes" from a side not touched upon even from the side stories." Also, regarding "Gundam NT" being screened in 459 theaters across the nation, "This was the first time to release on such a large scale, it was tremendous pressure for me (laugh), please support us in the future as well."

President Ogawa, when asked why "Iron-Blooded Orphans" was well-received by Gundam fans in America, answered "Including Universal Century, those who don't know Gundam can get into it because it is easy to understand, and we challenged the work with a realistic story, I believe that's the primary factor."

Also, regarding "Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr-Hunt", he said "If you'd like to enjoy the world view of "Iron-Blooded Orphans" with a new view, this is a new project where the TV series production staff gathers again. It is a game app, but we are including a lot of video content for you to enjoy. We are looking into being able to release it in America, I will do my best to make it happen." A thunderous applause was heard from the venue.

Lastly, when asked how each of the works they're involved in position itself in the "Gundam 40th Anniversary", Fukui said "'UC' and 'NT' are the vanguard in this world, they will become a focus point I believe." Ogawa said, "'Gundam Build" series has a new work "Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE" starting, and next year is the 40th anniversary of gunpla, I believe it will become a bigger and bigger series."

There was great excitement at the present event, and the greatly successful session came to a conclusion.

Harutoshi Fukui

"Gundam is a work that approaches the future and human world from a different angle than 'Star Wars' and 'Star Trek'. I think it can be more widely received because of that, so please let your friends and family know about it! Thank you for your continued support."

President Masakazu Ogawa（SUNRISE BEYOND）

"The 'Iron-Blooded Orphans' and Build series are not over yet. Also, I am thinking about new works as well, I would like people in the US to watch them as well. Thank you very much for your continued support."

Gunpla Meister Kawaguchi, Fukui, and president Ogawa judged, and the winners received prizes such as gunpla.

On July 4, 2019 (Thu), Fukui and president Ogawa signed items, and on July 5, 2019 (Fri), Meister Kawaguchi also participated in an "Autograph Session".

Also, candid shots of this event are published on the GUNDAM.INFO Official Instagram "GUNDAM.INFO Publicity Department"（@gundam.info_jp）! Let's check this out too!

（GUNDAM.INFO Editorial Department）

［Date］ July 4, 2019 (Thu) 2019 ～ July 7, 2019 (Sun)

［Venue］ Los Angeles Convention Center

［Official Site］http://www.anime-expo.org/