I discovered Martian Successor Nadesico in May of 1999. I had heard about it for many months before, of course. It was becoming wildly popular. ADVision had just bought the rights to it, and the only episodes I had access to were 1-8. My friend owned them, and insisted I watch the show. "Smart people like Nadesico. You'd like it! It seems really typical, but it's not. It mocks stereotypes and always surprises you," he said. So I gave in. He was right about one thing: it seemed really typical. I whined at him how I didn't like the music, didn't like the character designs, and was apathetic to the characters. And we were only on Episode 2. But one thing stood out for me... Gai Daigohji, of course! I immeadiately loved the goofy pilot who looked like he belonged in a 70's mecha show. 70's mecha? Like Gekiganger! I thought Gai was charming, especially with his obsessive love of the made-for-the-series mecha show, Gekiganger. He was the otaku in all of us, and the shining point of the show.

Gai was driven by the codes of honor presented in shônen anime. He believed in fighting for what you believe in and standing by your friends and comrades. He wanted only to die a hero's death, like Joe in Gekiganger. Just watch how he and Akito cry during that episode! Kawaii! But, luck was not on Gai's side. After fighting a heroic (if not Gundam-esque) battle, he is simply shot in the ship's hanger. Just like that, my shining point was gone. It took me until the ending credits were over to realized what had happened. Tears began streaming down my face. My friend asked if I was alright, and I replied, "I hate this show. Turn it off; I refuse to watch anymore."

I was distraught. How could they do that to my Gai? It went against everything he ever wanted. I guess that's what my friend meant when he said that the show always surprises you. That was one damn big surprise. I felt, much like Akito, that I had to do something to honor Gai's death. And so I decided to build a small shrine to him. When I went searching online, however, I found no pictures of him, no information on him, and hardly anyone even listed him on the character pages of their sites! So, this modest shrine has become the one-stop net spot for Gai-lovers and Nadesico fans everywhere. I hope you enjoy my site, and the show. And always remember Gai Daigohji in your heart.