Kou Uraki

Kou Uraki (コウ・ウラキ, Kō Uraki) was an Earth Federation Forces test pilot who became the Immortal 4th Team’s spearhead aboard the assault carrier Albion during Operation Stardust. He piloted the RX-78GP01 Gundam “Zephyranthes” and later the RX-78GP03 Gundam “Dendrobium” in pursuit of Anavel Gato and the Delaz Fleet.

Biography

Kou Uraki entered Operation Stardust as a Torrington Base test pilot and emerged as a combat-proven ace whose actions shaped the Federation response to the Delaz Fleet.

Early career at Torrington

After graduating from the Federation academy, Kou was assigned to the Gundam Development Project in Australia. He evaluated the GP series’ frame tolerances, compiled flight data, and expected to spend his career filing performance reports rather than engaging Zeon veterans.

GP02A theft and pursuit

On 13 October UC 0083, Anavel Gato infiltrated Torrington and stole the nuclear-armed RX-78GP02A Gundam “Physalis”. Kou launched in the GP01 with minimal combat experience and quickly learned how wide the gap was between a test pilot and the “Nightmare of Solomon.” Each encounter left him outmatched, yet he refused to break off, gathering data that helped South Burning track the thief toward the assault carrier Albion.

Growth aboard the Albion

Once aboard the Albion, Kou trained relentlessly under Burning and sparred with fellow pilots Chuck Keith and Bernard Monsha. Working closely with Anaheim engineer Nina Purpleton, he pushed the GP01 through refits that culminated in the Full Burnern configuration. Gato’s sudden appearance at each engagement reminded Kou that the ace still held the initiative, but Kou’s persistence began to win him grudging respect from friend and foe alike.

Final battles and aftermath

Kou fought through the Naval Review disaster, the running battles at Konpei Island, and the desperate attempt to stop the Delaz Fleet’s colony drop. Command entrusted him with the Dendrobium, turning him into a one-man task force during the duel with Gato and the AMA-X2 Neue Ziel. Although he destroyed the Neue Ziel, the colony still struck Earth, and political authorities sealed the GP Project’s records. Kou’s commendations were classified, leaving him an unsung participant in the crisis he had helped to contain.

Physical appearance

Kou Uraki was a lean pilot with short brown hair, expressive brown eyes, and the regulation orange flight suit of the Albion detachment. Off duty he favoured rolled-up sleeves and utility vests stuffed with maintenance printouts.

Personality & traits

Kou Uraki combined curiosity with stubborn resolve. He entered battle with idealistic faith in the Federation but quickly learned to balance duty with empathy for civilians and even adversaries. His temper occasionally flared—especially where Nina was concerned—but he channelled frustration into simulator time and tactical study.

Skills & abilities

Kou Uraki possessed exceptional technical literacy thanks to his test pilot training, allowing him to exploit the GP01’s limiters and adapt swiftly to the Dendrobium’s weapons pods. In combat he favoured close-range beam rifle bursts followed by saber rushes, a style that contrasted with Gato’s disciplined gunnery yet proved effective in confined engagements.

Relationships

Kou Uraki’s service intertwined with the comrades who shaped his growth during Operation Stardust.

Nina Purpleton

Nina Purpleton oversaw the GP series and formed a complicated bond with Kou. He relied on her technical counsel and affection, only to learn of her past with Gato. The revelation shook his focus, yet Nina ultimately trusted Kou with the Dendrobium’s deployment orders.

South Burning

South Burning served as Kou’s commanding officer and mentor. Burning’s insistence on procedure and discipline tempered Kou’s impulsiveness, and his death spurred Kou to carry the Immortal 4th Team’s mission to the end.

Chuck Keith and Bernard Monsha

Chuck Keith acted as Kou’s steady wingman, sharing reconnaissance duties and keeping him grounded between sorties. Bernard Monsha pushed Kou through competitive sparring, forcing the younger pilot to sharpen his instincts under pressure.

Equipment

Kou Uraki piloted multiple cutting-edge suits: the RX-78GP01 Zephyranthes for initial pursuits, the GP01Fb Full Burnern for high-speed orbital battles, and the RX-78GP03 Dendrobium during the colony drop interception. He also logged simulator hours on the GP02A to understand its systems for counter-strategy planning.

Legacy

Kou Uraki’s classified reports documented the Delaz Fleet’s nuclear tactics and provided early warnings about extremist cells that later fed into the Titans’ creation. Though the Federation sealed his commendations, surviving Albion crew cited Kou’s actions as the reason any portion of Operation Stardust failed.

Behind the scenes

Kou Uraki was created for Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory to contrast with Amuro Ray. Designer Kawamori Shōji emphasised an everyman look and grounded abilities to highlight a pilot who succeeded through grit rather than Newtype intuition, while his ties to Nina and Gato added personal stakes to the conflict.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory

External links

Kou Uraki on the Gundam Wiki