Yoshiyuki Tomino, the visionary behind the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, has recently engaged in a series of interviews and public appearances where he has shared profound reflections on life, death, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. At 83 years old, Tomino’s perspective is shaped by decades of experience in the anime industry and a deep contemplation of humanity’s place in the world. His insights offer a glimpse into the mind of one of anime’s most influential creators, and reveal the enduring relevance of his work.
Confronting Mortality
In a recent address at Seien Girls’ High School, Tomino spoke candidly about his views on mortality. He stated, “Death is within my reach. I think it’s a good thing to be able to face death peacefully. I want to face death head-on.” This statement reflects a desire to confront the inevitable, a theme that has often been present in his work. Rather than focusing on leaving behind tangible things, Tomino expressed a wish to create something that can be passed on to future generations. He believes that the message of his work, particularly “Reconguista in G,” will resonate more fully in the future. He hopes that the future will be different from the Earth today.
This sentiment is echoed in an earlier interview where he stated, “Death is something that should be accepted, and living things die when they are born. Why does human wisdom consider life to be the only good? I want to be someone who can accept death…” This illustrates his ongoing contemplation of mortality and his desire to find peace with it. However, Tomino also admitted in that interview that despite his aspirations, he still lacks confidence in his ability to fully accept death.
The Essence of Film and Storytelling
Tomino has also shared his thoughts on the core elements of filmmaking. He recently came to the conclusion that the basis of film is a “love story,” meaning it is ultimately a story about people. He argues that audiences are most captivated by human relationships. He uses Agatha Christie’s mysteries as an example, stating that they ultimately revolve around human interactions and are in essence, “romantic films.” According to Tomino, the key to a great story is to focus on people and their connections.
His emphasis on human stories is not surprising considering his exploration of complex characters in the Gundam universe. From the conflicted Amuro Ray to the charismatic Char Aznable, his characters grapple with moral dilemmas, personal struggles, and the consequences of war. This commitment to exploring the human condition is what has made his works so relatable and long-lasting.
Gundam’s Enduring Legacy
The Gundam franchise, which debuted in 1979, has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing not only the anime industry, but also science fiction as a whole. Tomino’s work is seen as a foundation of the anime industry, and he is often called the “Father of Mecha.” His shows are known for their dark, mature themes, and for being filled with death and destruction, leading to his nickname, “Kill ‘Em All Tomino.” His script and storyboard designs set a standard for the industry that many still uphold today.
Tomino’s vision extended beyond simple robot battles. He combined the traditional elements of robot shows with complex characters and weighty themes of war and morality. He has stated that the space colony concept and Star Wars were major influences on him, and they formed the basis for the drama in Gundam. His narratives often tackle sociopolitical issues, using mecha anime as a lens to explore human conflict.
The Use of Child Soldiers
One of the most debated aspects of Gundam is the use of child soldiers. Tomino has acknowledged this, explaining that the inclusion of a young protagonist like Amuro Ray was a deliberate decision to comment on the tragedy of child soldiers. He drew inspiration from Japan’s own history, specifically, the use of 16-year-olds in combat during World War II. By showing the reality of war through the eyes of a teenager, Tomino sought to expose the uncomfortable truths of conflict and its impact on the young and innocent. He wanted to make audiences aware of the emotional and psychological toll of war on youth. Tomino’s approach challenges traditional notions of heroism, and his work remains relevant for its realistic and thoughtful approach to the human experience of conflict.
A Message for Future Generations
Tomino has expressed a desire to create works that will resonate with future generations. In that context, he believes that the message of “Reconguista in G” will be understood better in 30 years. He emphasizes patience, noting that people may not be ready to understand something now, but they might in the future. In an interview, he noted that he believes that his work is meant to show people how to live healthier and fuller lives, to foster their identity as part of their community, and to encourage them to work happily until they die. He can’t accept any work that doesn’t say that.
However, he has also expressed some concern about the future of the anime industry. He worries that it could become like Disney, producing “empty blockbusters without any personality.” Tomino believes that despite the increased investment in anime due to streaming, the financial benefits are not always reaching the animators and studios. He stresses the importance of protecting the creative heart of the industry and ensuring that creators are fairly compensated.
Tomino’s Impact on Anime and Beyond
Tomino’s career began at Mushi Production Studio, where he worked on the classic Astro Boy. He then worked as a freelance director, lending his talents to a number of shows in the “super robot” genre, before making his mark with Mobile Suit Gundam.
His contributions to the anime industry go far beyond Gundam. He also created other groundbreaking series, including Space Runaway Ideon, which he has described as a place for him to put his thoughts about life and death. He has also said that through animation he was able to avoid the temptation to harm himself. His work on Ideon has been called “brutal” and “twisted,” and earned him his nickname, “Kill ‘Em All Tomino.” Other works of note include Aura Battler Dunbine, Heavy Metal L-Gaim, and Overman King Gainer.
Tomino has also never shied away from addressing difficult themes, as is exemplified by his work on V Gundam. He believes that this work is very relevant to today’s geopolitical climate and stated that if Vladimir Putin had watched V Gundam, he thinks he wouldn’t have gone to war with Ukraine. He also described how in Zeta Gundam, he had to portray the character, Kamille, in a troubled state because it was a story about acknowledging reality, and that was also reflective of his own personal struggles.
His impact can also be seen in the dark and twisted themes he introduced to the science fiction anime genre, which have been carried on by shows like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Akira. However, Tomino has also expressed that he was upset with the creation of Evangelion because he felt that it was “telling people it was okay to be depressed,” and he believes it is important to show people how to live healthier, fuller lives.
Yoshiyuki Tomino’s legacy is not just as a pioneer of the mecha genre, but also as a storyteller who consistently challenges audiences to consider the human condition. His reflections on life, death, and the power of storytelling, remind us of the enduring relevance of his work and its importance in the world of anime and beyond. His willingness to explore difficult topics, coupled with his commitment to human-centered narratives, has cemented his place as a true visionary in the anime world. As he continues to contemplate his place in the world, his work continues to impact and inspire future generations.
