Upcoming Gundam Anime Explores AI Fears Through Its Narrative, Says Director

With concerns about artificial intelligence reaching new heights, the upcoming Gundam anime is set to tackle this pressing issue. Kenji Kamiyama, the creator and director of Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO, shared in an interview that his new spin-off series draws inspiration from his worries about AI.

Set in a post-disaster world where humanity has been exiled due to a hostile alien artifact disrupting Earth’s ecosystem, RG XARX-ZERO follows Ray Azumi, a war orphan voiced by Takeo Otsuka. Like many young pilots before him, Ray is thrust into the cockpit of an experimental Gundam. The remnants of humanity strive to turn the aliens’ own weapons against them, with Ray’s Mobile Suit at the forefront. Kamiyama posed a thought-provoking question: “Can we truly master a technology we did not create ourselves, or will we end up being used by it?” He sees this as a metaphor for the technologies, like AI, that humanity is already struggling to manage.

Kamiyama also touched on the timeless theme of anti-war sentiment, noting that while the forms and meanings of war evolve, the essence remains constant. He reflected on the changing nature of conflict, suggesting that the unease surrounding current wars resonates throughout the narrative.

A seasoned creator known for reimagining beloved franchises, Kamiyama has previously directed works such as The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. He emphasized the importance of balancing legacy and innovation when approaching established worlds, stating, “I try to prepare surprises while taking the utmost care not to stray from that consensus. When that goes well, the sense of sharing the moment with the fans becomes the motivation to keep creating.”

In crafting the world of RG XARX-ZERO, Kamiyama opted to set the story after a cataclysmic event, allowing viewers to imagine the history that led to the present. He collaborated with science fiction author EnJoe to establish the series’ sci-fi logic, drawing creative inspiration from EnJoe’s unique approach to language and meaning.

RG XARX-ZERO also lays the foundation for the upcoming Gundam: Rogue Orbit video game, which will take place decades later in the same universe.

Over its 47-year history, Gundam has been known for addressing significant themes. The original Mobile Suit Gundam shifted the narrative focus from alien battles to the harsh realities of human conflict and the costs of war. With RG XARX-ZERO set to explore a human-versus-alien conflict, it will be intriguing to see how Kamiyama navigates this unique premise while delving into the series’ enduring themes.