"ONE TEAM PROJECT" Gundam supports Tokyo 2020 from space! (Video available)
The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, the University of Tokyo, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) held a presentation event in Tokyo on May 15th for the "ONE TEAM PROJECT," designed to energize the Tokyo 2020 Games.
© Tokyo 2020 © Sotsu/Sunrise
To date, this project ( https://participation.tokyo2020.jp/jp/oneteam/ ) has featured Japan's leading creators and innovators sharing their thoughts on the Games in various styles.
In March 2018, the first installment of the special project "Cheers for Tokyo 2020 from Space!" was launched. In collaboration between JAXA and the manga "Space Brothers," JAXA astronaut Nobuaki Kanai conducted an experiment aboard the ISS (International Space Station) to test whether a special "Tokyo 2020 Support Flipbook" created by manga author Koyama Chuya would flip in space (under zero gravity). ( https://participation.tokyo2020.jp/jp/oneteam/07_01.html )
"G-SATELLITE" Concept Image ⓒ Nakasuka Funase Lab
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The second project announced is "G-SATELLITE: To Space."
Developed with the cooperation of Professor Shinichi Nakasuka (Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Tokyo), the ultra-small satellite "G-SATELLITE" (10×10×30 cm) will carry models (Gundam plastic models) of the Gundam and Char's Zaku from the iconic Japanese TV anime "Mobile Suit Gundam". Bandai will produce these models specifically to withstand the conditions of space.
With JAXA's cooperation, the satellite will be transported to the ISS via a commercial rocket (supply ship). Scheduled for March-April 2020, it will be released into space from the ISS. After the satellite enters Earth orbit, the two models will appear in space.
In addition to displaying messages on electronic message boards at the models' feet, their eyes will change to the five Olympic colors. This will be captured by the satellite's camera. They are scheduled to broadcast messages of support to Earth from before the Tokyo Games begin through the duration of the event.
Attending the announcement were Professor Nakasuga, Astronaut Kanai, and Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee Sports Director Hirotsugu Murofushi, along with Yoshiyuki Tomino, the chief director of the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam." They shared their thoughts on the project and the Tokyo Games.
Tomino stated, "Gundam has a long history, but realizing we've truly entered an era of space exploration is deeply moving. This became possible because of the Tokyo Games and JAXA. I hope the younger generation will use this as an opportunity to pursue their dreams of space."
Professor Nakasuka remarked, "I wanted to support the Games myself. As a Gundam fan, I'm thrilled to be part of this project. Its goal is to bring space closer to many people in a broad sense. Someday, the Olympics or Paralympics might even be held in space."
Mr. Kanai remarked, "Both the Olympics/Paralympics and space are things that can get people all over the world excited. Many people involved in space-related work are Gundam fans. I'm happy to be involved in this mission."
Mr. Murofushi remarked, "Adding space to Earth's big events promises even greater scale. This project makes you feel that human creative potential is limitless."
On stage, the four participants held the project's starting ceremony. When the start button was pressed, a video featuring narration by Amuro and Char was screened. Finally, as Amuro's voice delivered the line, "Gundam, heading for 2020!", the four joined in unison, shouting "Heading there!", celebrating the project's launch.
Project details will be announced at the second press conference in December.
Official Website: https://participation.tokyo2020.jp/jp/oneteam/08.html
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