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Japan's Media Watchdog Fields Complaint About Teen Gambling in Gundam GQuuuuuuX
posted on by Ken Iikura-Gross
In early June, the Japanese non-profit organization Broadcasting Ethics & Programming Improvement Organization (BPO) released its May 2025 Voice from the Audience summary newsletter. Near the bottom of the letter, the organization fielded a comment regarding the latest Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. The comment's summary states, “In a late-night robot anime, there was a scene in which a high school girl was playing online casino games. There are concerns depictions like this in a program that may be watched by minors could have a negative impact.”
Responses to the Gundam GQuuuuuux BPO comment were varied. Japanese aggregate site Hachima Kikō compiled several anonymous responses ranging from mocking or criticizing the comment and the BPO itself, to some noting the series airs during a late-night block.
Amongst the most critical comments against the BPO, one Hachima Kikō user stated, “The BPO didn't report on [Johnny & Associates'] dark side for decades. Should such an organization have a say?!” Another comment less critical of the BPO stated, “Like with Kamen Rider Gavv, there are some complaints to the BPO that make me think 'Really? That?'"
In a more mocking tone, one highlighted comment on Hachima Kikō joked about complaining to the BPO about the colony drops seen in throughout the Gundam franchise since the very first series: “I will file a complaint with the BPO because the depiction of the colony drop has a negative impact on the government.”
However, one Hachima Kikō commenter was understanding of the Gundam GQuuuuuux BPO comment. This commenter noted while it's difficult to steal a gun and shoot someone in Japan, using a parent or guardian's phone to log into an online casino can easily be done. This appeared to be the only comment supportive of the BPO comment.
As of press time, the BPO, Nippon Television, and the Gundam GQuuuuuux production team have not commented further on the complaint.
Sources: BPO's website via Hachima Kikō
