Fans of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, particularly the acclaimed Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans, will have a rare opportunity to meet director Tatsuyuki Nagai at New York Comic Con (NYCC) on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Nagai is scheduled for an exclusive autograph session and will participate in a featured panel, both part of a broader city-wide celebration of Gundam in New York City throughout October.
The director’s appearance highlights a significant push for the franchise in the U.S., coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans and the 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.
Tatsuyuki Nagai’s Exclusive Autograph Session
Tatsuyuki Nagai will host an autograph session at the TAMASHII NATIONS Booth #2417 on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST. Attendance for the signing is free, but limited: tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 70 attendees starting at 10:00 AM at the booth.
Ticket holders will receive a signed commemorative poster featuring the exclusive “Barbatos Rises at NYC” artwork, which depicts the ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos against the Manhattan skyline. Additionally, attendees may bring one personal item for signing, subject to staff approval.
“GUNDAM Showcase” Panel and Fan Meet-Up
Beyond the autograph session, Nagai is listed as a special guest for the “GUNDAM Showcase – Featuring Iron-Blooded Orphans, Hathaway, and the Future of Gundam” panel. This event is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST in Room 405.
The panel is expected to delve into the latest developments across the Gundam universe, focusing on the 10th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans and the upcoming Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway The Sorcery of Nymph Circe. Other notable guests joining Nagai include Kyle McCarley, the English voice of Mikazuki Augus from Iron-Blooded Orphans, Caleb Yen, the English voice of Hathaway Noa from Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway, and Naohiro Ogata, Executive Producer at Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. Attendees can also look forward to exclusive giveaways such as Gundam trading cards, collectibles, posters, and GUNPLA trial kits.
Following the main panel, a “Gundam Fan Meet Up” will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM EST in Room 1E05. This casual gathering offers photo opportunities, community interaction, and encourages cosplay to celebrate fan creativity.
Gundam’s City-Wide Takeover in New York
Nagai’s appearance is a key component of a larger “Gundam Takes Over NYC” initiative running from October 4 to October 19, 2025. This extensive celebration includes multiple interconnected events across the city:
Gundam Film Festival at Japan Society
From October 11 to October 12, the Japan Society will host a two-day Gundam Film Festival. The festival will feature English-dubbed screenings, live cast appearances, panel displays, product exhibits, and exclusive giveaways. Highlights include screenings of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- and a 4K remastered edition of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special Edition, accompanied by talk shows with English voice cast members.
Gundam-Wrapped Buses Traverse Manhattan
From September 28 to October 12, specially wrapped Gundam buses will be visible across the streets of New York City, with select routes offering free rides for fans.
TAMASHII NATIONS Store New York Features
Located at 1500 Broadway in Times Square, the TAMASHII NATIONS Store New York will showcase premium Gundam collectibles and Iron-Blooded Orphans displays during NYCC. Visitors following the store’s Instagram page (@tns_newyork) can receive free gifts, including Gundam Card Game promo cards, mini-posters, and introduction booklets.
THE GUNDAM BASE POP-UP WORLD TOUR
The American Dream Mall in New Jersey will host THE GUNDAM BASE POP-UP WORLD TOUR from October 4 to October 19. This pop-up will offer exclusive items, special GUNPLA displays, and interactive workshops such as GUNPLA building, Gundam Card Game tutorials, and Gundam Assemble kit painting.
These events collectively form an immersive experience for both long-time Gundam enthusiasts and new fans, underscoring the franchise’s enduring popularity and its significant anniversaries.
