Kai Shiden - Popular Character Encyclopedia

Quotes

At a time like this, being about as cowardly as possible is just right.
She's my type of woman.
(Mourning Miharu's death) I got nothing to say.
Weakling!
Former hero, and now even whether a true hero is in question.

Trivia

Name origin is the World War II fighter plane 'Shiden Kai'.
Holds multiple large special vehicle licenses.
In the manga version THE ORIGIN, he is a delinquent high school repeating student.
After retiring from the Federation military, engages in social activities as a journalist.
In the Zeta Gundam theatrical version, informs that Char is Quattro Bajeena.
Depicted as rebellious and cynical during the One Year War, but shows growth later.

Alternate names

Kai Shiden Shiden Kai Kwai-ya Boy

Profile

Species: Spacenoid human
Gender: Male
Birth year: Universal Century 0061 or 0062

Appearance

Overall appearance: Young man 169 cm tall. Black hair and a slightly sulky expression are characteristic.
Height: Approximately 169 cm
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Black
Distinguishing features: Sarcastic expression

Opportunistic attitude

Somewhat weak impression

Talkative
Iconic items: White work clothes or suit

Guncannon piloting

Camera (memorable photo episode)

Personality and abilities

Core personality: Cynic
Detailed personality: Sarcastic and sharp-tongued but harbors kindness within, lacks cooperativeness yet has strong feelings for comrades. Opportunistic and struggles internally but participates in battle and shows growth.
Keywords: Sarcastic

Opportunism

Talkative

Kindness

Conflict

Lacks coordination

Introverted

Brave
Motto: At times like this, being a bit cowardly is just right
Talents: Mobile Suit piloting (Guncannon)

Information gathering ability

Journalist's observational eye

Tactical insight
Skills: Mobile Suit piloting technique

Negotiation skills

Journalism

Mobile weapon operation
Motivation: While confronting his own powerlessness, fights for comrades and society, and later pursues social justice as a journalist.
Habits: Makes jokes and sarcastic remarks, but shows true feelings only to a few close comrades.
Favorite foods: Unknown (no setting materials)
Hobbies: Journalism, Reporting activities
Favorite places: White Base interior, Belfast University
Favorite colors: White
Person: Miharu Ratokie
Disliked situations: Injustice, Being blamed for weakness, Isolation, Powerlessness

History

Backstory: Born in Universal Century 0061 or 0062 in a Puerto Rican spacenoid family. Due to his technician father's transfers, moved around multiple Sides and relocated to Side 7. Involved in Zeon forces' attack on Side 7, evacuated to White Base, then participated in the One Year War as a Federation Mobile Suit pilot. Cynical and opportunistic personality but harbors inner kindness, confronts comrades and himself through the war. After the war, retired from the Federation military, studied journalism, and became a freelance journalist.
Debut date: April 7, 1979
Work title: Mobile Suit Gundam
Media type: Anime
Episode or chapter: TV anime series episode 1

Side 7 attack and White Base evacuation

Significant event: Side 7 attack and White Base evacuation
Description: Involved in Principality of Zeon forces' attack, evacuated to White Base.

One Year War participation

Significant event: One Year War participation
Description: Participated in the One Year War as pilot of Mobile Suit Guncannon.

Miharu Ratokie's death

Significant event: Miharu Ratokie's death
Description: Lost Miharu in battle, renewed with grief and determination.

Federation military retirement and journalist career change

Significant event: Federation military retirement and journalist career change
Description: Retired from the Federation military, studied journalism, and became a freelance journalist.

Infiltration mission in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

Significant event: Infiltration mission in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
Description: Infiltrated Jaburo for Federation internal investigation and cooperated with Karaba.

Negotiator role in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

Significant event: Negotiator role in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
Description: Served as negotiator with Neo Zeon remnants at Bright's request.

Relationships

Amuro Ray

Teammate

Fought through the One Year War together as White Base crew members.

Miharu Ratokie

Friend

Harbors deep grief over Miharu's death and renews resolve to fight.

Hayato Kobayashi

Best friend

Childhood friend who fought together on White Base.

Bright Noa

Leader

Commands as White Base captain. Kai initially rebels but comes to respect him.

Sayla Mass

Ally

Scolded as weakling during evacuation but later becomes a comrade.

White Base

White Base: pilot

Earth Federation Forces

Earth Federation Forces: soldier

Karaba

Karaba: unknown

Freelance Journalist

Freelance Journalist: unknown

Media appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam

Anime / Protagonist

1979 TV series

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

Anime / Supporting

1985 TV series

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

Anime / Supporting

2010s theatrical anime

Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island

Movie / Supporting

2022 theatrical version

Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE

Game / Protagonist

2022 smartphone game

Voice cast and creators

Toshio Furukawa

Voice actor: Toshio Furukawa
Language: Japanese
Version or series: Mobile Suit Gundam series
Notes: Continued from the original

Yoshimitsu Shimoyama

Voice actor: Yoshimitsu Shimoyama
Language: Japanese
Version or series: Gundam-san (exception)
Notes: Stand-in in some scenes

Yoshiyuki Tomino

Creator name: Yoshiyuki Tomino
Role: Original author

Yoshikazu Yasuhiko

Creator name: Yoshikazu Yasuhiko
Role: Character designer

Hiroyuki Hoshiyama

Creator name: Hiroyuki Hoshiyama
Role: Writer

Sunrise

Creator name: Sunrise
Role: Animation studio

Related goods

Kai Shiden Figure

Item name: Kai Shiden Figure
Category: Figure
Availability: Regular

Gundam series related goods

Item name: Gundam series related goods
Category: Accessory
Availability: Regular

Find Kai Shiden goods