Bandai moved fast. As soon as the model design draft was finalized, they immediately teamed up with Sunrise to launch a massive "Gundam 10th Anniversary" promotional campaign.
The press conference was packed to capacity.
All the major Japanese media—from animation and model outlets to financial magazines—had their cameras aimed at the stage.
Bandai's president, Makoto Yamashina, was full of energy as he personally revealed the core highlight of the 10th Anniversary model: "This model introduces a revolutionary new technology—glue-free assembly!"
The words sent ripples through the room. Every reporter from the model enthusiast community knew exactly what that meant.
Then Sunrise announced an all-new TV anime project, Mobile Fighter G Gundam, sending the atmosphere soaring to its first peak.
But among the hardcore Gundam fans and veteran anime journalists, a faint worry crept across their faces.
During the Q&A session, a sharp question suddenly cut through the lively mood.
"Excuse me, Director Yoshiyuki Tomino!"
A senior anime reporter stood up, locking his gaze on Tomino.
"As the 'Father of Gundam,' why aren't you personally directing this new TV series? Does this mean there's creative conflict between you, Bandai, and Sunrise? Is this so-called 'New Gundam' a full surrender to commercialization—a betrayal of Gundam's very soul?"
The room fell silent. All cameras immediately focused on Tomino's slightly weary face.
He paused, then, unexpectedly, smiled—a faint, peaceful smile.
"Thank you for your concern," he said hoarsely but sincerely.
"The truth is, my health hasn't been great. My mental state isn't what it used to be. I simply don't have the strength right now to see through a full TV production."
"I just need some quiet time to recover—to regain my energy and recharge my creative spirit."
"The Universal Century storyline is Gundam's roots. As long as I can still pick up my pen, its future will remain under my direction. Please, all fans who love Gundam, rest assured."
His words calmed the crowd.
"This new series is a bold exploration. I want Gundam to embrace new possibilities—to reach a broader world."
He paused again, his eyes filled with sincerity and complex emotion.
"And for the birth of this new series, I must express my deepest gratitude to one person."
"That person is Sega's Executive Director, Takuya Nakayama."
Takuya Nakayama?
Reporters exchanged looks. They all knew that name—but how was he connected to Gundam?
"It was he who, at my lowest point—when I was lost and exhausted—gave me a piece of advice that made me put down my burdens and focus on recovery."
"He told me that a great work needs a healthy creator. If I forced myself to continue and collapsed halfway, or lost my inspiration due to stress, that would be the true betrayal—to the work, and to all the fans who love Gundam."
So it wasn't internal conflict—it was concern for Tomino's health and the quality of the work! That realization relieved the audience.
"Those words enlightened me," Tomino said softly. "They helped me decide to let a new team explore Gundam's new path."
"So please, rest easy. This 'absence' is for the sake of a better 'return.'"
"And the creative idea behind this new Gundam? It came from Nakayama-san's genius mind."
The hall erupted.
A reporter nearly jumped up: "Director! You mean the core concept for the new Gundam came from Takuya Nakayama?!"
Tomino nodded seriously.
"Yes. It's a story that opens up an entirely new frontier for Gundam. Please, join me in looking forward to it."
Some reporters and audience members weren't entirely sure who Nakayama was—until another journalist stood and asked, "Wait, you mean that Takuya Nakayama—the one behind Fatal Fury and Pokémon?"
The moment he said it, the crowd collectively understood.
If someone could come up with Fatal Fury and Pokémon, giving inspiration for a new Gundam didn't seem impossible at all.
"Can you share more about how Nakayama-san contributed his idea?" another reporter asked eagerly.
Tomino smiled and handed the microphone to a Bandai executive.
The executive cleared his throat and enthusiastically described how Nakayama had outlined a brand-new worldview. Then, in his excitement, he accidentally slipped up.
"Oh! Speaking of Nakayama's genius—our 'glue-free assembly' technology was also inspired by a casual comment he made!"
Boom!
If there had been murmurs before, the room now completely exploded.
A game producer who could write anime scripts and inspire revolutionary model design technology?
What kind of brain did this man have?!
Even before the press conference ended, the news had already taken flight.
Journalists had their headlines ready:
"Genius Planner Takuya Nakayama—Single-Handedly Behind Gundam's New Era and Model Revolution!"
"From Games to Anime to Models—Sega's Mad Genius Redefines Creativity!"
The next day, another article spread like wildfire:
"Deep Dive: Who Exactly Is Takuya Nakayama—the Man Who 'Casually' Saved Gundam?!"
The report read like a career dossier, listing every major work Nakayama had ever touched at Sega:
"Fatal Fury—he pioneered the game-anime synergy model. He was also the first to coin and promote the concept of electronic sports, hosting the Sega eSports Tournament."
"The phenomenon-level IP Pokémon? He's the undisputed executive producer."
"Dance Dance Revolution and Taiko no Tatsujin? Both came from his planning desk."
"Super Robot Wars, Ace Attorney, Golden Sun, Harvest Moon, Sega Chronicles—he was the core creative force behind all of them!"
"And even more shocking—industry insiders claim that Bandai's Super Robot Wars Collection, SD Gundam G Generation, and even the Dragon Ball game series all trace their conceptual roots back to him!"
Each name was legendary.
And when all those iconic titles were connected by a single name—"Takuya Nakayama"—the entire gaming community collectively felt chills run down their spines.
"Wait… seriously? All of these were his work?!"
"I thought he was just a game designer! Now you're telling me he even understands model engineering?!"
"Hold on—so basically, every great game we've played these last few years is somehow tied to him?!"
Finally, one stunned Sega fan shouted what everyone was thinking:
"I get it now! Nintendo has Shigeru Miyamoto—Sega has Takuya Nakayama!"
And just like that, the phrase "The Two Gods of Gaming" spread across the entire gaming world.
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