![Featured Image: Gundam SEED Director Mitsuo Fukuda Undergoes Surgery After Health Issue [UPDATED]](https://static.animecorner.me/2026/01/1767974973-0113ed85109579f39c8cb8d86262c0de-768x432.png "Featured Image: Gundam SEED Director Mitsuo Fukuda Undergoes Surgery After Health Issue [UPDATED]")
Mitsuo Fukuda, the director of the Gundam SEED anime films, revealed he had been diagnosed with “a bit of a health issue” at the end of last year, prompting surgery on January 9. He posted an image to X where he says he has quit smoking for the time being. UPDATE: Fukuda later added that he will be discharged from the hospital next week (via X).
“At the end of the year, I was found to have a bit of a health issue, and I had surgery today. For the time being, I’ll declare that I’ve quit smoking.“
He received well-wishes from fans as well as colleagues, including Hiroyuki Taiga, credited for Mechanical Design on Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM and work on other SEED entries, and Rie Tanaka, the voice actor of SEED protagonist Lacus Clyne.
Given Fukuda’s involvement in every SEED entry, one might expect him back in the upcoming prequel to SEED FREEDOM, SEED FREEDOM ZERO. The prequel received its first trailer in November; you can check out the provided link for the confirmed staff and backstory to the prequel announcement. SEED FREEDOM is the highest-grossing film in the franchise, with over $36 million to date (Box Office Mojo).
Source: Mitsuo Fukuda’s X (formerly Twitter)
Images from Bandai Channel
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