is the mechanical mascot of the ''
Gundam
is a Japanese military fiction media franchise. Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Sunrise (now Bandai Namco Filmworks), the franchise features giant robots, or mecha, with the name "Gundam". The franchise began on April 7, 1979, with ''Mobile ...
''
science fiction
Science fiction (sometimes shortened to Sci-Fi or SF) is a genre of speculative fiction which typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel unive ...
anime
is Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japane ...
franchise, and is the only character that appears in more than one timeline. Haro has since become a mascot for the
Sunrise
Sunrise (or sunup) is the moment when the upper rim of the Sun appears on the horizon in the morning. The term can also refer to the entire process of the solar disk crossing the horizon and its accompanying atmospheric effects.
Terminology
Al ...
studio as a whole, often appearing in their recent idents.
Universal Century
The original Haro is a little robot companion built by the main character
Amuro Ray
is a fictional character introduced in Sunrise's 1979 anime series ''Mobile Suit Gundam''. Amuro is a mechanic who becomes the pilot of the mecha known as RX-78-2 Gundam to protect himself from the Zeon forces invading his space colony during the ...
. It is a cute testament to Amuro's exceptional talent for machines. Haro's features include a limited range of speech, and the ability to hover (in environments with atmosphere and low gravity) by flapping its ear-like appendage coverings. Haro can usually be found rolling behind Amuro's next door neighbor
Fraw Bow
This is a list of fictional characters from the 1979 Japanese science fiction anime television series ''Mobile Suit Gundam''.
Earth Federation
Amuro Ray
is the son of Tem Ray, the project leader for the Earth Federation's Project V, whi ...
. The ability to detect brain waves is also one of Haro's functions; in one of the episodes, Haro actually claimed that the brain wave of Amuro was lowered/different.
In ''
Zeta Gundam
is a 1985 Japanese television anime series, the second installment in the ''Gundam'' franchise, and a sequel to the original ''Mobile Suit Gundam''. The show was created and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, with character designs by Yoshikazu ...
'', a mass-produced Mk-II version of Haro ends up in the hands of that series' main protagonist Kamille Bidan, who initially suspects it to be the original. He repairs the robot, only to have it constantly address him as Amuro.
During the events of ''
Char's Counterattack
is a 1988 Japanese animated science fiction film set in the Universal Century timeline of the ''Gundam'' franchise.
Making its theatrical debut on March 12, 1988, ''Char's Counterattack'' is the culmination of the original saga begun in ' ...
'', Amuro gives a "third-generation" Haro to
Hathaway, the son of his captain
Bright Noa
This is a list of fictional characters from the 1979 Japanese science fiction anime television series ''Mobile Suit Gundam''.
Earth Federation
Amuro Ray
is the son of Tem Ray, the project leader for the Earth Federation's Project V, whi ...
.
In ''
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
is a novel by popular Japanese author Harutoshi Fukui (''Shūsen no Lorelei'', ''Bōkoku no Aegis'', '' Samurai Commando: Mission 1549''). The novel takes place in Gundam's Universal Century timeline. Character and mechanical designs are ...
'', The main character Banagher Links owns a replica of the original Haro, which was given to him by his father when he was young. Banagher has added unique improvements to his Haro.
In the
manga
Manga (Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is u ...
''
Crossbone Gundam'', written by ''Gundam'' creator
Yoshiyuki Tomino
is a Japanese mecha anime creator, animator, director, screenwriter, songwriter and novelist best known for creating the ''Gundam'' anime franchise. He was born in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, and studied at Nihon University's College of Art. ...
, Berah Ronah has a robotic parrot named Haro, which refers to her as "Matilda-san". This seems to imply that her Haro is (or was made from the remains of) Amuro Ray's Haro, since it mistakes Berah for the redheaded Lieutenant Matilda Adjan, who appears in the original series, and in addition makes constant references to prior events and phrases in the UC timeline.
In ''
Victory Gundam
, is a 1993 Japanese science fiction anime television series. It consists of 51 episodes, and was directed by Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino. The series was first broadcast on TV Asahi (and its ANN stations). It is the fourth TV anime ins ...
'', the main character, Uso Ewin, has a Haro replica that he received from his father. Uso's Haro possesses a remarkably advanced
artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence—perceiving, synthesizing, and inferring information—demonstrated by machines, as opposed to intelligence displayed by animals and humans. Example tasks in which this is done include speech re ...
, and is even capable of controlling
mobile suit
A powered exoskeleton, also known as power armor, powered armor, powered suit, cybernetic suit, cybernetic armor, exosuit, hardsuit, exoframe or augmented mobility, is a mobile machine that is wearable over all or part of the human body, provi ...
s, mimicking
machine gun
A machine gun is a fully automatic, rifled autoloading firearm designed for sustained direct fire with rifle cartridges. Other automatic firearms such as automatic shotguns and automatic rifles (including assault rifles and battle rifles) a ...
sounds, and projecting
holographic images to intimidate the adversary.
Cosmic Era
Haro continues to permeate the ''Gundam'' franchise, having appeared in ''
Gundam SEED
is an anime series developed by Sunrise and directed by Mitsuo Fukuda. The ninth installment in the ''Gundam'' franchise, ''Gundam SEED'' takes place in a future calendar era, in this case the Cosmic Era. In this era, mankind has devel ...
'' as
Lacus Clyne
is a fictional character introduced in the Japanese science fiction anime television series ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED'' and appearing in the sequel ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny'', both part of the Gundam franchise by Sunrise. In the start o ...
's multi-colored horde of simple-speech robot pets, built for her by
Athrun Zala
is a fictional character from the Japanese science fiction anime television series ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED'' and its sequel ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny'', part of the Gundam franchise. In the former, Athrun Zala is introduced as a member ...
. These Haros are roughly 1/4 the size of their Universal Century counterparts and are similar in function, however a few possess certain abilities such as unlocking doors. Lacus' favorite Haro is a pink machine that she refers to as "Pink-Chan" (often translated as "Mr. Pink" or "Pinky"). Another notable Haro in Lacus's collection is "Navy-Chan", a navy blue robot on which she paints a mustache bearing a distinct resemblance the facial ornament of the ''
∀ Gundam
, also stylized as ''∀ Gundam'', is a 1999 Japanese mecha anime series produced by Sunrise, and aired between 1999 and 2000 on Japan's FNN networks. It was created for the ''Gundam Big Bang'' 20th Anniversary celebration, and is the eig ...
'' of the
CC (正歴 ''Seireki'') calendar system. The rest of Lacus' Haros have been seen in yellow, orange, blue, green, and black. The parody comic ''
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Club Yonkoma'' states that Athrun has built a total of 35 Haros for Lacus.
In this continuity, Pink-chan often adds "omae moda" or "you too" to its sentences, depending on the language he is in (you too for the English translation, and vice versa), and often reasonlessly interjects with "Haro!" Pink-chan also often uses "Teyandei" (meaning "don't say a silly thing", a common reply in
Manzai
is a traditional style of comedy in Japanese culture comparable to double act comedy or stand-up comedy.
usually involves two performers ()—a straight man () and a double act, funny man ()—trading jokes at great speed. Most of the jokes ...
comedy) at seemingly random and nonsensical times. Pink-chan has also once said "damnit!" when he, along with Lacus, was returned to Athrun by Kira early in Gundam Seed.
In ''
Gundam SEED Destiny
is an anime television series, a direct sequel to ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED'' by Sunrise and the overall tenth installment in the ''Gundam'' franchise. It retains most of the staff from ''Gundam SEED'', including Director Mitsuo Fukuda. Se ...
'', Lacus impersonator
Meer Campbell
This is a list of fictional characters featured in the Cosmic Era (CE) timeline of the Gundam anime metaseries. These characters appear in the ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED'' and ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny'' anime television series, as well a ...
is often seen with her own red Haro. Unlike other Haros, which speak Japanese, "Mister Red" speaks in English. However, in the English dub, (where Pink-chan and the rest of Lacus' Haros speak English), Mister Red speaks English with a Japanese accent.
Anno Domini
In ''
Mobile Suit Gundam 00
is a Japanese anime television series, the eleventh installment in Sunrise studio's long-running ''Gundam'' franchise comprising two seasons. The series is set on a futuristic Earth and is centered on the exploits of the fictional paramilita ...
'', Celestial Being had produced unknown numbers of Haros as an assistant of daily maintenance works. Currently at least 6 unique Haros have appeared in the animation production. The Haros in the series took much more maintenance and combat role than any other series' counterpart, usually seeing them operating with various machines, including mobile weapons.
The Haro which appears most is the Orange Haro, kept by the Gundam Meister
Lockon Stratos
This is a list of fictional characters from the Japanese anime television series, ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'', the eleventh incarnation of the ''Gundam'' media franchise.
Celestial Being Gundam Meisters
The series focuses on the four Gundam (fi ...
, which accompanies him in the Gundam Dynames's cockpit, usually performing radar-like duties by detecting and warning Lockon of any incoming enemy units or attacks. In the event of close combat, Lockon's Haro is able to pilot his Gundam for him while he uses his sniper rifle, and control the additional shields that Dynames receives in episode 6. The Haro is returned to the Ptolemaios in Episode 24 after the destruction of Gundam Dynames. The Haro is later used in Cherudim Gundam's cockpit in season 2.
In episode 9, the four Haros address the orange Haro as "big brother"; their colors are blue, purple, red-violet, and dark green respectively. In episode 17, the orange Haro in turn addresses
Nena Trinity's purple Haro, which was found in a wreck 80 years ago as "big brother". It might be suggested it is the prototype of the other Haros from the Celestial Being; that Haro is named "HARO" in official data, which named in English but not Japanese.
In episode 2 of the second season, a red-pink Haro is assigned to accompany with
Saji Crossroad
This is a list of fictional characters from the Japanese anime television series, ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'', the eleventh incarnation of the ''Gundam'' media franchise.
Celestial Being Gundam Meisters
The series focuses on the four Gundam (fi ...
, who is initially detained by Celestial Being on Ptolemaios 2, and later used in 0-Raiser's cockpit to assist Saji, who has no experience using mobile weapons. It is unknown that if it was the same red-violet Haro appeared in first season, due to lighting issue.
From
Fereshte,
, a manmade AI that is of the same model as Lockon's Haro that is yellow in colour appears to resemble a cat, since it has a tail and cat-like ears which are always flapping. A character that bears resemblance to Gundam Meister 874 is shown to be released from the inside of Hanayo as shown in the Gundam 00F manga.
The Haros that appear in ''Gundam 00'' are 25 cm in diameter and are larger than
Lacus Clyne
is a fictional character introduced in the Japanese science fiction anime television series ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED'' and appearing in the sequel ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny'', both part of the Gundam franchise by Sunrise. In the start o ...
's and
Meer Campbell
This is a list of fictional characters featured in the Cosmic Era (CE) timeline of the Gundam anime metaseries. These characters appear in the ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED'' and ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny'' anime television series, as well a ...
's Haros (about 10 cm in diameter), but smaller than
Amuro Ray
is a fictional character introduced in Sunrise's 1979 anime series ''Mobile Suit Gundam''. Amuro is a mechanic who becomes the pilot of the mecha known as RX-78-2 Gundam to protect himself from the Zeon forces invading his space colony during the ...
's.
Advanced Generation
The Haro in ''
Mobile Suit Gundam AGE
is a 2011 Japanese science fiction anime television series and the twelfth installment in Sunrise (company), Sunrise's long-running ''Gundam'' franchise. The series was first announced in the July issue of Shogakukan's ''CoroCoro Comic'', ...
'' is created by main character
Flit Asuno, later entrusted by him to his son Asemu, and inherited by his grandson Kio. Despite it is similar to the UC Haros in color and size, this Haro appear to be extremely elastic, and has the ability to bounce as high as a mobile suit's cockpit. It can also be used as a portable computer/terminal when it opens itself, displaying a keyboard and screen.
Reguild Century
''
Gundam Reconguista in G
, also referred to as , is a 2014 Japanese science fiction anime television series and the thirteenth installment in Sunrise's long-running ''Gundam'' franchise. Created for the Gundam 35th Anniversary celebration, it is the first ''Gundam'' ...
'' has a Haro-like diagnostics robot named Nobell. It is named after the main character Bellri and his friend Noredo. It is referred to as a HAROBE-type robot.
Size
The Haros seen in the original Universal Century and the Advanced Generation timelines are roughly the size of a basketball, with the Anno Domini timeline's variations being slightly smaller. The Cosmic Era Haros are slightly smaller than a softball but larger than a baseball.
Human form
In ''
Superior Defender Gundam Force
, is a 2003 Japanese-American anime television series produced by Sunrise. The series was released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Gundam media franchise, and was the first Gundam series to be entirely animated in cel-shaded 3D computer ...
'', "Chief Haro" is the leader of the SDG, who wears a Haro helmet to mask his real identity. Though he cannot "fly" like his toy counterpart, his "wings" do flip up his cap at times.
Video games
In the game, ''Gundam SEED Never Ending Tomorrow'', there is a special mode called "Haro Madness" where the player fights gigantic versions of "Pink-Chan", "Navy-Chan", and a green Haro. They have their own signature traits, and this mode is said to be one of the hardest in the entire game.
In the ''SD Gundam: G Generation'' series of
tactical role-playing games
Tactical role-playing games (abbreviated TRPGs), also known as strategy role-playing games and in Japan as (both abbreviated SRPGs), are a video game
Video games, also known as computer games, are electronic games that involves interac ...
, Haros frequently appear as secret units, generally ones of overwhelming power, such as the giant "Psycho Haro" of ''SD Gundam: G Generation Zero'', which is easily capable of destroying an enemy fleet in a single turn. Another mission on G Generation Seed which the player had to defeat the Pink Haro.
In arcade fighting game Mobile Suit Gundam: EX Revue, when any player gets dizzy, Instead of stars there is Haro.
In the ''
Super Robot Wars
''Super Robot Wars'', known in Japan as is a series of tactical role-playing video games produced by Bandai Namco Entertainment, formerly Banpresto. Starting out as a spinoff of the ''Compati Hero'' series, the main feature of the franchise is ...
'' series of video games, Haros are rare equippable items, usually providing a large bonus to the equipping unit's stats or simply a sub-pilot of Usso Erwin (''
Mobile Suit V Gundam'') or Lockon Stratos (''
Mobile Suit Gundam 00
is a Japanese anime television series, the eleventh installment in Sunrise studio's long-running ''Gundam'' franchise comprising two seasons. The series is set on a futuristic Earth and is centered on the exploits of the fictional paramilita ...
''). Additionally, in the early
Super Famicom
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), commonly shortened to Super NES or Super Nintendo, is a 16-bit home video game console developed by Nintendo that was released in 1990 in Japan and South Korea, 1991 in North America, 1992 in Euro ...
installments, the various forms of
AI that controlled many common enemy units were represented by portraits of Haro. Using Spirit Command Daunt (脱力) in other games than
Original Generations will shown a green Haro (or Pink Haro in ''
Super Robot Wars J
, is a tactical role-playing video game released for the Game Boy Advance by Banpresto.
Gameplay
Judgement features several systems used in previous games, as well as new ones. They include:
*Favorite Series
**First introduced in ''Super Robot W ...
'') will spin around the target, causing the target to lose 10 Will Points (or some battle events will cause lose more than 10 Will Points without using Daunt). In the very early series (before 4), the AI units head icons are Haros, rather than computer chips.
In Harobots series developed by
Sunrise Interactive, Haro is portrayed as trainer's pet.
In the ''
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam'' series, enemies will occasionally drop power-ups resembling Haro with open wing flaps, which refills the player's health and special power bars to maximum. Also in ''
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2'', new objectives are signalled by a "Haro, haro" sound (the voice differs depending on region), and the Pink-chan Haro appears on the Game Over screen saying "Focus" (in the English version). One of the random Submissions that appears during the game's regular missions is Lacus asking the player to find and rescue Haro for her, Haro never speaks directly but if the mission is completed he asks Lacus to join the players side.
Toys and merchandise
In real life,
Bandai
is a Japanese multinational toy manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Taitō, Tokyo. Its international branches, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectables America and Bandai UK, are respectively headquartered in Irvine, California and Richmond ...
released a series of Haro Capsule toys (called Haro Cap, different from the Gundam Haro Capsule sold by Broccoli USA) with different colours and painting, mostly showing a reference to icons of the ''Gundam'' universes. For example, one having the V shaped antenna painted on the forehead(?) referencing RX-78-2 Gundam and one painted red with an antenna on the forehead as the MS-06S Zaku II, Char Aznable Custom.
Haro has been immortalized in a series of robotic toys called "1/4 scale Digital Hobby Series Mascot Robo". It was initially available in green. The "Haro Color" series was released later on, adding yellow, orange, navy blue and sky blue to the roster. These Haros are basically glorified alarm clocks that react to any nearby sound by rocking sideways, lighting up red eyes, creating robotic sounds, spewing Japanese phrases and/or flipping their "ears". If an alarm is set and time approaches, the Green Haro plays a tune (not the actual song) of
Mobile Suit Gundam
, also known as ''First Gundam'', ''Gundam 0079'' or simply ''Gundam '79'', is an anime television series, produced and animated by Nippon Sunrise. Created and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, it premiered in Japan on Nagoya Broadcasting ...
's OP theme, "Tobe! Gundam".
Years later, at the height of ''
Gundam SEED
is an anime series developed by Sunrise and directed by Mitsuo Fukuda. The ninth installment in the ''Gundam'' franchise, ''Gundam SEED'' takes place in a future calendar era, in this case the Cosmic Era. In this era, mankind has devel ...
s popularity, a 1/1 scale (the same size as the 1/4 scale) Pink Haro called "Haro 2" was released to coincide with popular character
Lacus Clyne
is a fictional character introduced in the Japanese science fiction anime television series ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED'' and appearing in the sequel ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny'', both part of the Gundam franchise by Sunrise. In the start o ...
. The Pink Haro is more sensitive to sound than its predecessors, along with a light-detection sensor. When the ambiance changes from bright to dark (usually by casting a shadow over it by waving your hand), the Pink Haro will react in the same manner like the previous Haros, only noisier. If an alarm is set and the time approaches, it will keep saying Japanese phrases while flipping its ears and blinking its eyes. Pink Haro's voice in this toy was provided by the actor who dubbed its voice in the anime,
Kotono Mitsuishi
is a Japanese voice actress, actress, singer, and narrator. She was affiliated with Arts Vision and Lasley Arrow, but is now freelance. Mitsuishi lived in Nagareyama, Chiba. She graduated from high school and entered the Katsuta Voice Actor's Ac ...
.
On February 2008, a "Gundam 00 Style Digital Hobby Series Mascot Robo" Haro, who represents Lockon Stratos' Orange Haro will be released as announced in the Plamo Radicon Show 2007.
Gundaminfo Officialsite Pictures on the internet give the impression that the new Haro will be another 1/4 scale (making it the same size as the previous Haros). Unlike its Orange Haro ancestor of the "Haro Color" series released years ago, this Haro's reported features include two modes of play and an internal motion sensor to which it will react in the manner as its predecessors. It is yet unclear if previous features such as the alarm clock and the photo-sensitivity (that the Pink Haro had) would be included or if the actor Arisa Ogasawara (who dubs Haro's voice in ''Gundam 00'') will provide the toy's speaking voice.
Through the years, Japanese videogame publisher and toy maker Banpresto
(formerly Coreland Technology Inc.) was a Japanese video game developer and publisher headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo. It had a branch in Hong Kong named Banpresto H.K., which was headquartered in the New Territories. Banpresto was a partly-own ...
as well as other companies have released countless Haro products due to the character's immense popularity as a Gundam "mascot". The merchandise includes T-shirts, wristbands, towels, circular or Haro-shaped calculators, room lights (including Planetarium-like lights and bath lights where you submerge Haro in water, activate him and he'll glow underwater), bath toys (a haro-shaped rubber duck that propels itself in water when activated), microphones and earphones, speakers, Haro-shaped CD players and cases, cell phone accessories, plush toys, cushions, and the short-lived "Haromatherapy" room freshener (pressing it makes Haro pop its ears and release scents to stimulate the olfactory senses).
The biggest and most expensive Haro product created was the infamous Haro desktop PC case. It weighs a heavy 5 kg and around 40 cm in diameter. It wasn't big enough to support all PCs: It was reported to carry relatively small computers like the Mac Mini. Only 1000 units were manufactured and it retailed for 99,800 yen. A very expensive piece, it was shunned and labelled as "a novelty product for Gundam fans only". The Haro PC case was controllable by remote but, unlike the 1/4 and 1/1 scale Haro toys, it cannot move sideways. Instead, it opens its "ears", takes out its hands and moves them back and forth while blinking its yellow eyes (instead of the conventional red) and speaking in an extremely loud voice.
Haro Cameos
After the original Mobile Suit Gundam
, also known as ''First Gundam'', ''Gundam 0079'' or simply ''Gundam '79'', is an anime television series, produced and animated by Nippon Sunrise. Created and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, it premiered in Japan on Nagoya Broadcasting ...
series was canceled, Tomino
Tomino (; co, Tuminu) is a commune in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica.
Population
See also
* Macinaggio
*Communes of the Haute-Corse department
The following is a list of the 236 communes of the Haute-Cor ...
included a number of Haro cameos in his next series, Space Runaway Ideon
is a 1980 anime television series produced by Sunrise, created and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, produced immediately following his most famous work, ''Mobile Suit Gundam''. It first premiered on TV Tokyo from 1980 to 1981, followed by two f ...
(伝説巨神イデオン).
Episode 2 - a Haro appears in an exploding Solo colonist fighter (as a side note, this same footage is used in episode 18, but the Haro has been painted over).
Episode 9 - a Haro can be seen as some dinosaurs explode.
Episodes 7, 13 and 19 - a Haro can be seen rolling around on a table as the ship shakes.
Episode 18 - a poster of Char Aznable
, born and also gone by the name , is a fictional character from the ''Gundam'' franchise. He is originally one of the main antagonists in ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' working for the Principality of Zeon, named after his late father Zeon Zum Deikun, ...
is seen on a bedroom wall, a few seconds later as the room explodes a pair of Haro can be seen flying around the room. In the animated movie Crusher Joe, Haro appears during several explosions near the end of the movie.
References
Bibliography
{{Mobile Suit Gundam AGE
Corporate mascots
Gundam characters
Fictional robots
Anime and manga mascots
Film studio mascots
Male characters in animation
Male characters in advertising
Mascots introduced in 1979
Television characters introduced in 1979