For many decades,Gundamhas been among Bandai Namco’s most profitable and popular franchises. This amazing mecha anime is a symbol of joy for millions of fans around the world, who love its deep and intricate plots and endearing characters. It is because of how dear this series is that a Japanese politician’s cosplay has been so controversial.
To promote his campaign, Taro Yamamoto, a candidate for the Reiwa Shinsengumi party, dressed himself as Char Aznable, the antagonist and hero ofsome ofGundam’s best anime. The cosplay caused shock and indignation among fans and Bandai, with the company going as far as to release a statement condemning the candidate.
Gundam Fans Accuse Yamamoto of Disrespecting the Franchise
Bandai Is Not Happy With the Candidate’s Actions
On July 19, 2025, Yamamoto’s team uploaded a video of the candidate standing in front of thelife-sizeGundamstatue located in Tokyo, Japan. Instead of wearing his usual clothes, the man was fully dressed as Char Aznable, one of the franchise’s most complex characters. Yamamoto talked about his campaign promises while acting as the pilot.
The video had the adverse effect the candidate hoped for, asfans immediately took to social media to criticize his blatant attempt to useGundamas a means to gain popularity among voters. Viewers also accused Yamamoto of not understanding the character, as Char’s actions are far from appropriate for a politician to condone.
Shortly after the video became viral,Bandai Namco released a statementin which they revealed that the video was not approved by them, and they do not support any political candidates in the upcoming election. The company did not hint at any kind of legal action being taken against the candidate for using Char’s likeness in his video.
Who Is Char Aznable, And Why Does The Cosplay Present An Issue?
The Man Is a Controversial Figure Among Gundam Fans
Also known as the Red Comet, Char is one of the most interesting but complex characters ever introduced to theGundamfranchise.He began his story as one of the antagonists of the originalMobile Suitanime, acting as the main obstacle to the heroes against the oppressive Zeon Republic. He was respected and feared by both allies and foes.
During his time as an antagonist, Char proved himself to be a cold and uncaring leader, capable of anything to accomplish his goals.
After the defeat of the Zeon Republic, Char joined the heroes to fight against the Titans, an elitist group of radicals who wanted to control Earth and its colonies. He would later, once again, become the antagonist ofChar’s Counterattack,one ofGundam’s best movies, during which he was finally defeated.
Nonetheless, during his time as an antagonist, Char proved himself to be a cold and uncaring leader, capable of anything to accomplish his goals. He is by farone ofGundam’s most iconic characters, being several times more popular among fans than Amuro Ray, the protagonist of theMobile Suitanime and his bitter archnemesis.
