Takuya Irei – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

Takuya Irei was a mobile suit enthusiast and student at the Anaheim Electronics Industrial College who became involved in the events surrounding Laplace’s Box during UC 0096. A close friend and roommate of Banagher Links, Takuya possessed extensive knowledge of mobile suits and military history, aspiring to become a test pilot for Anaheim Electronics.

Biography

Early life

Takuya was born around UC 0080 and grew up in the space colony Industrial 7 at Side 7. As a teenager, he enrolled at the Anaheim Electronics Industrial College, where he developed his passion for mobile suits and became an expert on military history. He was particularly fascinated by the One Year War and the legendary mobile suits from that conflict.

Student life

At the Industrial College, Takuya shared a dormitory room with Banagher Links, and the two became close friends. Unlike many of his peers who showed little interest in the past conflicts, Takuya was genuinely enthusiastic about mobile suit technology and history. He often tried to interest his classmates in visiting the school’s collection of One Year War relics, including an MS-06F Zaku II, though most found such displays boring.

Takuya also became friends with Micott Bartsch, a girl who attended a nearby high school and was the daughter of Industrial 7’s plant manager. The three friends often spent time together, though Takuya was aware of Micott’s romantic feelings for Banagher.

The Laplace Incident

During a class trip to the colony builder known as the “Snail” in UC 0096, Takuya’s life changed dramatically when fighting broke out between Londo Bell forces and the Neo Zeon remnant group known as the Sleeves. The battle resulted in the deaths of most of his classmates when they were caught in the crossfire whilst trying to reach the emergency shelters.

When Banagher left to search for a mysterious girl he had met, Takuya was left to protect a distraught Micott. The two fled through the industrial plant, where they encountered the same girl, who introduced herself as Audrey Burne. The trio narrowly escaped death when debris from a damaged D-50C Loto nearly crushed them, only to be rescued by Riddhe Marcenas piloting his MSZ-006C1 ReZEL.

Aboard the Nahel Argama

Riddhe evacuated Takuya and his friends to the assault carrier Nahel Argama. During the transit, Takuya witnessed a single-horned mobile suit transform into a Gundam and demonstrated his extensive knowledge by explaining to an ignorant Micott that “Gundam” was the name of the first mobile suit developed by the Earth Federation, which Zeon forces during the One Year War had called the “White Devil.”

Once aboard the Nahel Argama, Takuya was excited to learn that the new Gundam was being held on the same ship that had served as the mothership for the Gundam team during the First Neo Zeon War. He enthusiastically joined Riddhe’s invitation to Audrey to view the captured mobile suit, exclaiming that it must be destiny.

His excitement turned to shock when the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam’s cockpit was opened to reveal that the pilot was none other than his friend Banagher. Takuya and Micott rushed to Banagher’s side as he recovered in the medical bay, where they witnessed Commander Daguza Mackle interrogating their friend about his actions.

Ongoing involvement

Throughout the subsequent events of the Laplace Incident, Takuya remained aboard the Nahel Argama as a civilian. When the ship came under attack, Ensign Mihiro Oiwakken rushed the friends to safety, urging them to don normal suits. It was during this attack that they learned Audrey’s true identity as Mineva Lao Zabi, the Zeon Princess.

When the Nahel Argama was ordered to rescue Banagher and the Unicorn from the Sleeves-controlled colony Palau, Takuya took interest in the new complement of mobile suits being transported. Later, when the ship was trapped in Earth’s atmosphere for nearly twenty days, Takuya assisted at the tether station when the crew fired a cable to pull the Sleeves freighter Garencieres into space, helping to reunite Banagher and Mineva with their allies.

Later career

Following the resolution of the Laplace Incident, Takuya eventually joined the crew of the Garencieres. By UC 0097, he had apparently taken the place of the late Gilboa Sant as a crew member, serving under Captain Suberoa Zinnerman alongside Flaste Schole and other members of the reformed crew.

Personality and traits

Takuya was characterised by his genuine enthusiasm for mobile suit technology and military history, setting him apart from his more apathetic peers. His extensive knowledge of mobile suits and their development showed his dedication to his studies and his aspiration to become an Anaheim Electronics test pilot. Despite his serious interest in military technology, he remained a loyal and caring friend, particularly to Banagher and Micott.

He demonstrated considerable bravery during the attack on Industrial 7, staying to protect Micott when Banagher left to search for Audrey. His quick thinking and knowledge of Federation mobile suits proved valuable during their escape, correctly identifying friendly forces during the chaotic battle.

Takuya’s excitement upon discovering the Unicorn Gundam aboard the Nahel Argama revealed his deep appreciation for the historical significance of both the mobile suit and the ship itself. His encyclopaedic knowledge of military history allowed him to educate others about the importance of what they were witnessing.

Skills and abilities

Takuya possessed extensive theoretical knowledge of mobile suits, their development history, and military tactics from various conflicts throughout the Universal Century. His expertise covered everything from the original RX-78 Gundam to more recent mobile suit developments, making him a valuable source of information for his friends and crewmates.

While he aspired to become a test pilot, Takuya’s actual piloting experience remained limited to theoretical study during his time at the Industrial College. His true strengths lay in his analytical abilities and his capacity to quickly identify mobile suits and understand tactical situations during combat.

Relationships

Banagher Links

Takuya’s closest friendship was with his roommate Banagher Links. The two shared a dormitory at the Industrial College and regularly spent time together. Takuya was one of the few people who knew about Banagher’s mysterious background and supported him throughout the traumatic events of the Laplace Incident. Their friendship endured despite the dramatic changes in Banagher’s life following his piloting of the Unicorn Gundam.

Micott Bartsch

Takuya maintained a close friendship with Micott Bartsch, serving as a protective older brother figure during the attack on Industrial 7. He was aware of Micott’s romantic feelings for Banagher and provided emotional support during their time aboard the Nahel Argama. The three friends formed a tight-knit group that survived the chaos of the Laplace Incident together.

Garencieres crew

In his later career, Takuya developed relationships with the crew of the Garencieres, including Captain Suberoa Zinnerman and Flaste Schole. His integration into the crew represented his continued involvement in the aftermath of the Laplace Incident and his dedication to supporting those who had fought for a better future.

Behind the scenes

Takuya Irei was created by Harutoshi Fukui for the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn novel series. His character design was handled by Kumiko Takahashi for the OVA adaptation.

Voice acting

In the Japanese version of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, Takuya was voiced by Hiro Shimono, who was born on 21 April 1980. Shimono is known for voicing characters with enthusiastic or scholarly personalities, making him well-suited for Takuya’s role as a mobile suit enthusiast. His other notable roles include Zenitsu Agatsuma in Demon Slayer, Connie Springer in Attack on Titan, and Keima Katsuragi in The World God Only Knows.

The English dub featured Robby Sharpe as Takuya’s voice actor. Sharpe reprised the role in Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative, maintaining continuity across both productions.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn RE:0096
Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative

External links

Takuya Irei on the Gundam Wiki
Takuya Irei on Gundam.info