Description
Reiji, formally Aria von Reiji Asuna, is the crown prince of the distant planet Arian. His arrival on Earth reveals unfamiliarity with human customs like commerce, school, and etiquette, leading to blunt observations and accidental thefts. Despite an impulsive and sometimes rude exterior, he possesses a noble spirit, readily helping those in need and demonstrating surprising social insight, such as advising peers on relationships. His partnership with Sei Iori begins when he repays a debt by piloting Sei's Build Strike Gundam in a critical battle, displaying innate piloting skills akin to Newtypes. Initially viewing Gunpla Battle only as entertainment, his engagement deepens under Sei's influence, culminating in him building his own GPB-X80 Beginning Gundam.
Competing alongside Sei in the 7th Gunpla Battle World Championship, Reiji develops a friendly rivalry with fellow competitor Aila Jyrkiäinen over their shared love of food. His identity as Prince of Arian attracts the attention of PPSE chairman Mashita, who recognizes the Arista crystal on Reiji's bracelet and fears exposure of his criminal past connected to Arian. Mashita schemes against Reiji and Sei's Gunpla. Reiji confronts Mashita directly, inadvertently confirming his royal status and connection to the origins of Plavsky particles. After winning the championship and destroying the giant Arista, the crystal on his bracelet shatters, forcing his return to Arian.
In the OVA "GM's Counterattack," Reiji borrows Aila's Arista to return to Earth during a crisis where the Gunpla Mafia hijacks Yajima Stadium's battle system. He intervenes in Sei's battle against the Psycho GM, channeling Plavsky particles through the Arista into Sei's incomplete SB-011 Star Burning Gundam. Reiji pilots the unit alongside Sei, activating the RG System to execute the "Hyper Star Burning Knuckle" and destroy the Psycho GM. Following this victory, he fulfills a promise by engaging in a final, joyous Gunpla Battle against Sei, showcasing their evolved skills and mutual respect.
Beyond the main series, Reiji appears in the "Island Wars" OVA, revealed to have a daughter with Aila. The child inherits his passion for Gunpla Battle, symbolizing his lasting legacy, depicted in a post-credits scene alongside models of his Beginning Gundam and Aila's Command Gundam.
Competing alongside Sei in the 7th Gunpla Battle World Championship, Reiji develops a friendly rivalry with fellow competitor Aila Jyrkiäinen over their shared love of food. His identity as Prince of Arian attracts the attention of PPSE chairman Mashita, who recognizes the Arista crystal on Reiji's bracelet and fears exposure of his criminal past connected to Arian. Mashita schemes against Reiji and Sei's Gunpla. Reiji confronts Mashita directly, inadvertently confirming his royal status and connection to the origins of Plavsky particles. After winning the championship and destroying the giant Arista, the crystal on his bracelet shatters, forcing his return to Arian.
In the OVA "GM's Counterattack," Reiji borrows Aila's Arista to return to Earth during a crisis where the Gunpla Mafia hijacks Yajima Stadium's battle system. He intervenes in Sei's battle against the Psycho GM, channeling Plavsky particles through the Arista into Sei's incomplete SB-011 Star Burning Gundam. Reiji pilots the unit alongside Sei, activating the RG System to execute the "Hyper Star Burning Knuckle" and destroy the Psycho GM. Following this victory, he fulfills a promise by engaging in a final, joyous Gunpla Battle against Sei, showcasing their evolved skills and mutual respect.
Beyond the main series, Reiji appears in the "Island Wars" OVA, revealed to have a daughter with Aila. The child inherits his passion for Gunpla Battle, symbolizing his lasting legacy, depicted in a post-credits scene alongside models of his Beginning Gundam and Aila's Command Gundam.