Immerse Yourself in the Cosmic Era: *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED FREEDOM* Collaborates with Onkyo for Exclusive Wireless Earphones!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED FREEDOM*! Onkyo has unveiled a special collaboration model of their truly wireless earphones, featuring brand-new, exclusive voice recordings from your favorite characters. These stylish earphones are available in four distinct models, each dedicated to an iconic character: Kira Yamato, Lacus Clyne, Athrun Zala, and Cagalli Yula Athha. To sweeten the deal, each earphone set comes bundled with exclusive merchandise, including a newly drawn illustration acrylic stand, a practical earphone pouch, and a convenient wireless charger.
The Enduring Legacy of *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED*
For those new to the saga, the *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED* series unfolds in the dramatic Cosmic Era (C.E.), a future where humanity is divided into two factions: ‘Coordinators,’ genetically modified individuals boasting enhanced physical and intellectual abilities, and ‘Naturals,’ who are born without such alterations. The series powerfully depicts the intense conflicts and wars that erupt between these two groups.
The original *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED*, set in C.E. 71, captivated audiences as a TV anime from 2002 to 2003, followed by *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED DESTINY*, which began in C.E. 73 and aired from 2004 to 2005. Since then, the beloved franchise has continued to expand its universe through various media, cementing its place as a cornerstone of mecha anime.
The Latest Saga: *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED FREEDOM*
Fast forward to C.E. 75, and we arrive at the newest chapter in the saga: *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED FREEDOM*. This theatrical film, released on January 26, 2024—nearly two decades after its predecessors—delivers an entirely new story that fans eagerly awaited. Following a special, limited-time screening that featured over 500 updated animation cuts, the excitement continues with the confirmed production of a prequel, *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO*.
Unveiling the ANIMA AOW04: Design and Exclusive Voice Features
This exciting collaboration with the *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED FREEDOM* movie brings forth the “ANIMA AOW04” truly wireless earphones. This original model is a unique dual-brand creation by ANIMA, a company renowned for blending subculture with high-fidelity audio, and Onkyo, a leader in audio technology. The earphones are available in four distinctive models, each inspired by Kira Yamato, Lacus Clyne, Athrun Zala, and Cagalli Yula Athha. A highlight of their design is the meticulously placed character-themed motifs and icons adorning both the top of the charging case and the left and right earphone housings, showcasing subtle yet unmistakable homages to each character.
Beyond their striking aesthetics, these earphones feature exclusive, newly recorded voice guidance from each character, allowing you to enjoy their original voices for actions like powering on and off, pairing, and even tap sounds. Even the packaging is a treat, adorned with special, newly drawn illustrations.
Availability, Pricing, and Pre-Order Information
Curious to experience these amazing earphones firsthand? A physical demonstration of the ANIMA AOW04 is currently available at the “ONKYO DIRECT ANIME STORE” (also known as Oto Ani Ichigouten) in Akihabara. Here, fans can personally assess the sound quality and, more importantly, listen to the embedded character voices before making a decision. Pre-orders at the store are conveniently handled via a dedicated QR code. Both the “Oto Ani Ichigouten” and the official “ONKYO DIRECT” online store also offer the exclusive “Newly Drawn Illustration Acrylic Stand,” “Earphone Pouch,” and “Wireless Charger” for individual purchase, so be sure to check those out as well.
The “ANIMA AOW04” truly wireless earphones, celebrating the collaboration with *Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED FREEDOM*, are priced at 18,000 JPY, which includes both tax and shipping. Pre-orders are currently being accepted through the “ONKYO DIRECT” online store and the Akihabara “ONKYO DIRECT ANIME STORE (Oto Ani Ichigouten)” until September 26, 2025, 15:00 JST. Shipments are scheduled to begin sequentially from early to mid-December 2025. For comprehensive details, please visit the official product page.
Detailed Product Specifications
ANIMA AOW04 Wireless Earphones – Key Specifications:
- Model Name: AOW04
- Bluetooth® Specification: Ver. 5.3 / Class 2
- Bluetooth Profile (BR/EDR): A2DP / AVRCP / HSP / HFP / SPP
- Supported Codecs: SBC / AAC
- Simultaneous Connections: 1 device (Multi-point not supported)*¹
- Maximum Connection Distance: Approx. 10m
- Battery Capacity: Earphone (per side): 45mAh; Charging Case: 350mAh
- Charging Time: Earphone unit: Approx. 1.5 hours; Charging Case: Approx. 2 hours
- Continuous Playback Time: Approx. 6 hours
- Continuous Talk Time: Approx. 6 hours
- Water Resistance Rating: IPX4*² (Earphone unit only, charging case is not waterproof or dustproof)
- Charging Case Connector: USB Type-C
- Other Features: Ambient sound mode, wireless charging*³
*¹ Multi-pairing, multi-point, LE Audio, and ANIMA Studio are not supported.
*² The earphones alone comply with IPX4 standards, offering protection against splashes and rain. However, performance may degrade over time or with use, so please use them carefully to avoid getting them wet.
*³ Wireless charging time and compatibility may vary depending on the connected device. We cannot guarantee compatibility with all chargers.
CP-EP01A Wireless Charger – Key Specifications:
- Compatible Devices: iPhones, Android smartphones, wireless earphones that support wireless charging
- Input: DC 5V=2A, 9V=2A, 12V=2A
- Output: 15W (Max) – Android 15W, iPhone 7.5W
- Input Terminal: USB Type-C
- External Dimensions (Main Unit): Approx. 102mm x 102mm x 7.2mm
- Weight (Main Unit): Approx. 58g
- Operating Temperature Range: 0°C ~ 45°C
- Operating Humidity Range: 10% ~ 80%
- LED Indicator Colors:
- Powered On: Blue solid for 3 seconds
- Standby: Off
- Charging & Charging Complete: Blinking
- Error: Blue fast blinking
*The LED color may not change upon charging completion with some device models.
- Cable Specification: USB A to Type-C Cable
- Cable Length: Approx. 100cm
- Accessories: Cable, Instruction Manual
- Note: USB output adapter (AC charger, etc.) is not included with this product.
Additional Merchandise Pricing:
- Newly Drawn Illustration Acrylic Stand: 1,500 JPY (tax included)
- Earphone Pouch: 1,500 JPY (tax included)
- Wireless Charger: 4,400 JPY (tax and shipping included)
By Nakase Koutarou
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