I've been observing this for quite some time now, so please bear with me for having all these questions. Would anyone happen to have an actual layout of the God Phoenix's cockpit and which specific equipment (ex. radar) do each of the members personally handle? I must admit to being confused because I sometimes see the KNT switching seats on certain situations. One thing I've noticed is that whenever they switch to Firebird mode, Joe takes the seat beside Ryu while Ken moves over to sit beside Jun. Is there a logic to all those position switchings? Any enlightenment would be appreciated. James??

And I notice that the seat arrangement changes from time to time...of course, the Snack J changes in almost every ep, too...

I've noticed that too, Jun must be doing constant renovations to the place... and I guess they like variety on the God Phoenix...

I've never been able to keep straight the seating arrangements on the God Phoenix -I guess they varied to suit the artists' convenience.

Iborgia...getting closer to the Condor.....

ITA!!!! Nice new avatar, LB!

Great Avatar LB, makes me want to get one! Rory, though I've noticed the same things, I don't have any cannon clue as to why, just possible speculation.

Hi all! Well, when it comes to the official layout of the God Phoenix's Control Room, these might help. As for what equipment each person is supposed to handle, that was a lot more vague. Much of the specifics of the controls were left undefined, allowing the writers to have them do anything they needed in any particular episode. There probably was some sort of logic behind having Joe taking Ken's seat when they went to the Firebird, but it was never expressed in the series. My assumption is that they had a reason for Joe to do this in the first episode, and then it became stock footage and the reasons behind it were forgotten. When it comes to having the characters in different seats, in particular Joe, Jun, and Jinpei, lborgia88 actually came pretty close to guessing it. It wasn't the Animators who made that choice, it was the Directors. If you examine the episodes handled by different Directors, you'll start to notice that each Director seemed to have preferences as to who sat where. Fortunately for me, a group of diehard Japanese fans who call themselves "Gatchaman Countermeasure Headquarters" did just such an examination of the styles and habits of some of the main "Gatchaman" Directors, and published a fanzine with their results. Their research focused on three of these Directors, which might seem like a small sampling until you consider that these three men were the Directors for a whopping 89 of the 105 "Gatchaman" episodes. For the episodes that "Gatchaman" Chief Director Hisayuki Toriumi handled himself, he tended to prefer having Jun and Jinpei facing the front of the ship, with Joe facing the Super Radar screen. Borrowing an image from the Japanese fans (With English text added in for the sake of the Japanese-impaired), the seating looked like this: The Episodes for which Toriumi was the Director were #'s 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 18, 22, 28, 31, 35, 37, 39, 40, 46, 50, 52, 53, 57, 58, 67, 68, 71, 78, 81, 88, 90, 92, 94, 95, 98, 102, and 105. This is even more impressive when you consider that Toriumi also wrote the scripts for 5 episodes (#'s 52, 68, 88, 102, and 105) and co-wrote 4 more (#'s 22, 53, 71, and 92, all with Satoshi Suyama). He was the only Director to also work as a Writer on the series. Anyway, Director Hideo Nishimaki tended to prefer having Joe facing the front of the Control Room, with Jun and Jinpei facing the Super Radar screen. This had them seated like this: The Episodes for which Nishimaki was the Director were #'s 4, 7, 10, 12, 17, 21, 24, 29, 33, 34, 38, 41, 45, 48, 51, 56, 60, 52, 63, 65, 73, 74, 76, 80, 83, 84, 85, 86, 89, 93, 96, 97, 101, and 104. Director Masami Anno tended to follow the same pattern used by Hisayuki Toriumi, so his seating arrangements also looked like : The Episodes for which Anno was the Director were #'s 5, 6, 30, 32, 35, 42, 44, 49, 54, 61, 64, 69, 70, 75, 77, 79, 82, 87, 91, 99, 100, and 103. All three of these Directors left Ken and Ryu in the same seats at the front of the Control Room. Bear in mind that these seating arrangements were how these Directors tended to have things, but were not necessarily a 100% hard and fast rule for any of them. For the sake of completeness (And in case anyone cared), Fumio Kurokawa was the Director for 10 episodes (#'s 13, 16, 19, 25, 43, 47, 55, 59, 66, and 72), Setsuo Omura was the Director for 3 episodes (#'s 14, 20, and 27), and 1 episode apiece had Director chores handled by Hiroshi Sasagawa (#15), Katsuhisa Yamada (#23), and Kazunori Tanahashi (#26). As for the Snack Jun, it may seem like the layout of it changes at random, but there really is a fairly consistent nature to it. To the right of the front door, you'll find a couple of tables and chairs (Though there are a few times when these are shown as booths instead of separate tables and chairs), with a painting of mountains hanging on the wall beside them. To the left is the counter with stools in front of it. At the back of the place is a stage for a band, which can be used as a dance floor when the music is provided by the juke box. The space in front of the stage can be used as additional dance floor space, or have additional tables set up for patrons. Based on observations of the place by that same group of Japanese "Gatchaman" fans, they came up with this as the basic floor plan of the ground floor for the Snack Jun (With the Japanese text replace by me for easier comprehension): The restroom was really the only part of this that wasn't actually shown in the series. All the rest is based on what was shown on-screen in various episodes. While I am sure that model sheets for the Snack Jun were created, I have yet to ever see any of them. So, alas, I can't provide them here. Anyway, I hope this helps! James

Thats amazing information Tats! I've copied the piccies for references..

This is amazing, James. It's also good to know that there are some fans even more obsessed than me, namely the "Gatchaman Countermeasure Headquarters." Now I know why sometimes Joe was clearly visible behind Ken's shoulder, and why sometimes it was Jun.

Wow.... so why do I always picture the staris coming down into the main room of the Snack? I guess I'm insane... Thanks James! This is awesome!!!

So do I TJ and thats how I write the layout...So we're all insane!

I was thinking that, too...because of the ep where Jinpei comes out all dressed up for his birthday...I was thinking the door was on the other side of the stage...and there's no kitchen? I always pictured where the stairs and bathroom are shown would be where the kitchen was... Eithehr way, these pics are great James! Thanks so much!

My first response is WOW! So much juicy information. Thank you James for giving me a lot of wonderful information. Must add that I too thought there was a kitchen somewhere! Now is there any cannon proof to an apartment in the upstairs? Or is that something else my mind likes to imagine?

Thank you so much James! I was just wondering myself about the layout of the Godphoenix and Jun's Joint. Is there a compartment on the Godphoenix for equipment like scuba gear for the times the team has to infiltrate a Galactor base under water? I was also wondering about that there was no kitchen in Jun's joint. I would imagine that the second level has Jun and Jinpei's bedrooms and each bedroom has it's own bathroom. I agree with James' assessment of the seating. Having Joe usually sit by himself facing the screen seemed to be his usual seat as shown in the last episode where the team is looking out the main viewscreen and the camera focuses on Joe's empty chair. BTW lborgia88, I love your Avatar! Yummy!

Hi all!

Wow.... so why do I always picture the staris coming down into the main room of the Snack? I guess I'm insane...

Well, I don't know about being insane, but you are mistaken. The stairs are definitely in a separate room, as seen in episode #95 (I.E. The episode where Jinpei comes down dressed up). Here's the proof:

I was thinking the door was on the other side of the stage...and there's no kitchen? I always pictured where the stairs and bathroom are shown would be where the kitchen was...

The only time I can recall the placement of the door switching side was in episode #87, as seen here: But, for the majority of its appearances, the door was where it was placed in their drawing. Their floor plan was based strictly on the way things were shown in the series itself. Unfortunately, we never see any sort of food prep area, so we do not know the location and size of that area. Though not seen, it's possible that this is supposed to go under the smaller, 2-shelf cabinet seen to the right in these images: My own impression is that the Snack Jun serves mostly drinks and sandwiches, not a full menu. We know that they serve sandwiches, thanks to Ken's meal here: Does anyone else remember seeing them eating anything different there? Mostly they seemed to be hanging around with things like bottles of soda. Aside from those two cabinets on the back wall, pretty much the only other part of the counter area that was fairly constant was the location of its sink, as seen here: And, on one occasion, they showed that there was some additional storage under the counter, as seen here:

Now is there any cannon proof to an apartment in the upstairs? Or is that something else my mind likes to imagine?

No, it's not your imagination, Jun and Jinpei live in the upper floors above the Snack Jun, which is where the stairs lead to.

Is there a compartment on the Godphoenix for equipment like scuba gear for the times the team has to infiltrate a Galactor base under water?

We're never shown any specific storage rooms, and the cutaway views of the God Phoenix never indicated one, but things are certainly left vague enough that there could be one, as you can see: What little we see of the interior, outside the hanger bays for the vehicles and the Control Room, certainly indicates that there is room enough for storage of additional gear. Just look at the size of this corridor leading to the G-1: And this passageway leading to the Super Bird Missiles: If they have that kind of room inside, they certainly have room to keep extra items like scuba gear and the portable drill they use in episode #18. James

I kinda always assumed Joe was next to Ryu when going firey because the Big Red Button was on the console between the two seats.

Originally posted by tatsunokofan

Dear James, Sorry for the very late reply, but I've been rushing a lot of deadlines for the magazine these past few days. Thank you oh so very much for the wealth of information once again. I've been watching the second airing of Gatchaman carefully, that's why I've been noticing all these changes in seating arrangements in the Godphoenix. As for the Snack Jun, I think even the exterior has changed a couple of times as well. Now for a more serious question, have you ever thought about compiling EVERYTHING you know about the three series and actually write a book/compendium about it? Really, James, I can't think of anyone who could write a book about the three Gatch series than you. And I don't think it would be difficult for you to get official permission from Tatsunoko Pro either. Rory gives the always knowledgeable Tatsunoko Fan a THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN, JAMES! Sincerely, Rory

OK TJ we had it wrong.... Opppsss

Rory some times you just have to improvise!

Hi all!

As for the Snack Jun, I think even the exterior has changed a couple of times as well.

Actually, aside from its appearance in episode #17 (Where it looked completely different), the outside of the Snack Jun also remained fairly constant. I can provide examples from different episodes, if you want, but that would have to wait until later for me to be able to get the screen grabs. If you want to look for yourselves, check episode #'s 40, 52, 71, 72, 85, and 102 for good examples.

Now for a more serious question, have you ever thought about compiling EVERYTHING you know about the three series and actually write a book/compendium about it?

Thought about it? Sure. Actually done anything about it? Not yet. Maybe someday... And, I knew I had one more model sheet image of the Control Room of the God Phoenix, but it took a while to dig it out. So, here it is: James

Ooh, I like this one best of all! Very nice! James, you are awesome. When I meet you at ComiCon, should I bow down to you?

Originally posted by tatsunokofan

Now for a more serious question, have you ever thought about compiling EVERYTHING you know about the three series and actually write a book/compendium about it?

Thought about it? Sure. Actually done anything about it? Not yet. Maybe someday...

THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN, JAMES! If I were you, I'd do something about it now. Nah, seriously. You could get permission from Tatsunoko Pro now while writing it. Then, you release the book in time for the CGI film. Movie merchandise, especially books, are huge sellers if the information contained in them are complete and with nice illustrations as well. Give it some thought.

Originally posted by tatsunokofan

Now for a more serious question, have you ever thought about compiling EVERYTHING you know about the three series and actually write a book/compendium about it?

Thought about it? Sure. Actually done anything about it? Not yet. Maybe someday...

Well, you do know at least one professional freelance writer who'd love to help out if you ever decided you wanted to do it. (Hint hint. And hey, Sandy Frank thought I was good enough to plagiarise. Seems like that should count for something, too, though I'm not sure exactly what!) I know Jason used a co-author for his BotP Guidebook. ~Carolyn (always looking for great projects she'd enjoy!)

Once again, great info James!! You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge about Gatch/Tatsunoko. Though I have to say that I'm wondering exactly what kind of direction/detail is written in Japanese on each part of the renditions... But that could just be me and my "I need to know every little detail" mind! Anyway, thanks for sharing your vast knowledge with us!

Hi all!

Though I have to say that I'm wondering exactly what kind of direction/detail is written in Japanese on each part of the renditions... But that could just be me and my "I need to know every little detail" mind!

Well, honestly, they don't tell you a whole lot. Still, here's what I can get from them. There are a few parts of it that I can't make out, thanks to the overall low resolution of the original images, and those will be listed with "????." Still this ought to give you some idea of what they said. #1 - Super Radar #2 - TV #3 - Lift Floor (Plus something about how it raises to the dome above it) #4 - Missile Button #5 - Engine Control Lever #6 - Center Control Panel #7 - G-5 God Phoenix Control Room #8 - G-5's Pilot Seat #1 - Upper Video TV #2 - Dr. Nambu's ???? TV #3 - Lower TV Screen #4 - Button (And something in parenthesis that I cannot read) #5 - ???? #6 - World Map ???? Screen (And something in parenthesis that I cannot read) #7 - Control Lever #8 - Radar #9 - Missile Button #10 - Lift (Raises Upward) #11 - Center Control Panel #12 - Video Tape #13 - Monitor TV #14 - Side Control Panel #15 - God Phoenix #1 - Upper Video TV #2 - Dr. Nambu's ???? TV #3 - Lower TV Screen #4 - ???? Button #5 - Side Control Panel #6 - World Map ???? Screen (And something in parenthesis that I cannot read) #7 - Super Radar #8 - Radar #9 - Monitor TV #10 - Video Tape #11 - Engine Control Lever #12 - God Phoenix Cockpit I hope this helps! James

to all of your wonderful knowledge James!

Thank you, James! I will now be studying and memorizing the "true" layout and equipment in the GodPhoenix. I think you are most deserving of this smilie:

I love that Joe doesn't simply have "radar," he has "super radar" ! (Except, of course, sometimes it was Jinpei sitting in front of it, not Joe.)

Hiya, James, minna-san! I'm writing this story for a friend of mind and something just occurred to me. Would you also happen to have the floor plan/interior layout of Ken's shack and Joe's trailer?? Thanks in advance! Rory

Hi all! Like the Snack Jun, I have never seen any model sheets showing an official design for the interior of Ken or Joe's homes. However, the same Japanese fan group who did the floor plan for the Snack Jun did the same for the homes of the rest of the Ninja Team, based partially on what could be observed in the episodes themselves, and partially on what should realistically be there. I'll provide them here so you can see them, but I must stress that these are NOT official. Unlike the Snack Jun, which had a fairly consistent layout through most of its appearances, these locations were shown so infrequently that there really wasn't much to base these floor plans on, and therefore they include a lot of supposition. Anyway, here's Ken's airstrip home. Here's Joe's trailer home. The vast majority of this is based on the layout of an actual trailer that was a fairly close match to the style of Joe's as shown in the series, not what was actually seen in the series itself (Since very, very little of the interior was ever shown, aside from Joe's bed). Anticipating that requests for these would be coming along shortly, here's their floor plans for the upper floors above the Snack Jun. This is the second floor, where Jun's room is. Yes, there really was a mystery ladder shown in the guest room. Just check episode #4 and you'll see it. This is the attic, where Jinpei has his room. And here's Ryu's home. We only ever saw the part with the hammock and TV and the room with his bed, as well as the exterior of the building, so everything else is supposition on their part. And, before you ask, they never did a floor plan for Nambu's villa. They did do an article talking about some of the various rooms seen there (Pretty much Nambu's labs and his office), but they didn't try to guess at the layout of the place. James

James, these are great! Thank you so much for posting! What an awesome resource!

Wow! These are great...I pictured a couple of things a little differently...but it's neat to see this!

Even if they're unofficial, it's great to see floor plans that are compatible with the little that was shown in the series. In future, when writing fics, I could see myself referring to these, even if just for myself, to help visualize the space that characters are moving around in.

Great floorplans, James! Thanks so much for sharing them with us. Like LB said, even if they aren't "true", it will still help me/us visualize the areas the characters are in when writing.

Dear James, Again I stand in awe of your great knowledge!! I'm looking forward to the day when I would see you as the author of a Gatchaman info book in the very near future. Consider yours truly one of your loyal subjects!! Sincerely, Rory

These are great James. Thank you for posting them.

Wow, James, this is awesome information! Thanks for sharing all this stuff, I've wondered about the layouts myself and this clears it up!

Yes James, thanks as well.

Why would Kens shack have the WC in the same room as the bath? (I always thought the Japanese were dead against such arrangements)

Hi all!

Why would Kens shack have the WC in the same room as the bath? (I always thought the Japanese were dead against such arrangements)

If you look at all of the floorplans, you'll see that they all have that arrangement. Since those floorplans were created by Japanese fans, I would have to say that modern Japanese aren't as dead against such things as you had been led to believe. James

Either that, or the KNT are more 'westernized' than they might appear.

Originally posted by Tengu Why would Kens shack have the WC in the same room as the bath? (I always thought the Japanese were dead against such arrangements)

Until I saw the pic, I never really thought much about the layout of the shack. I just thought it was just one room and wasn't his home.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Either that, or the KNT are more 'westernized' than they might appear.

I guess so... because I didn't think much of what was next what! Seemed normal to me

I know this thread is long dead, but I'm going to wade in anyway. In most modern apartments in Japan, you will find the WC in with the bath. It's a space saver and that's what designers of very small living spaces are all about. My first apartment just outside Tokyo had a separate WC and it was a major talking point among the Japanese teachers I worked with as it was unusual. Just to give you an idea of how big my apartment was... Think of a rectange 3 metres wide (under 10') and 7 metres long (roughly 22'). Add a sleeping loft over the entrance, WC and kitchen. This you reach by climbing a ladder in the living room. The loft is 4 m ( about 13') by 2 m (6') and 1 metre high (3'). (which means the WC, entrance hall and kitchen fit into a slightly narrower rectange, 1.5m wide with ceiling height of 2 metres). The bathroom complete with sink is a square - 1.5m on each side. The shower obviously is in the bath. Outside the bathroom is the 'laundry', space to have a washing machine against the wall - another talking point. As I didn't have a balcony, my machine was INSIDE!! The kitchen was sandwiched between washing machine, backed onto the toilet and was a corridor from the entrance hall to the bathroom. It consisted of two electric burners and a sink without a draining board. The prep area was a cutting board that fit over said sink... And I had cupboards under and above. I haven't mentioned the intercom linked to the doorbell in the living room. Just in case you were too lazy to walk the 12' to see who was knocking at the door...

Wow, that was a compact apartment, green! Rather like living in a trailer. I was in Slovakia and the Czech Republic in 1995, and I recall a lot of places I saw there had the WC and the bathtub in separate rooms -something I had never encountered before.

In our fics, a lot of us have added rooms to the Phoenix - sick bay, galley, tiny bedrooms. Its clear in the cut away that they not only didn't exist, but I don't know where you'd put them. Yeah, there's some extra room visible in the screen shots, but enough for our extra rooms? James, I second Rory about the book. You know we'd all be purchasing it!

In 'The Great Breakout Trick Operation', they use the GP as a fake Galactor ship. There has to be enough room in it to seat 200 people. In my AU, I imagine it with this extra space for things like emergency rescue/evacuation (say, if they'd had failed to block the lava in the 'Gallack X' ep, and had to rescue the children in the orphanage), transport recovered items (such as gold bars), or transport specialized equipment they don't use very often. A rack with scuba gear could fit inside. On the other hand, the show did sometimes have problems with scale. Some of those mecha seemed to go from big to humongous in the space of an eyeblink. James, you should write that book. I'll proofread.