Kai Shiden
- Series:Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin,Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan’s Island
- Role: Mobile Suit Pilot, Crew Member of White Base
- Mobile Suit: RX-77 Guncannon
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Émile Durkheim
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| Born |
David Émile Durkheim
15 April 1858 Épinal, France
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| Died | 15 November 1917(aged 59)
Paris,France
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| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | École Normale Supérieure |
| Known for | Sacred–profane dichotomy Collective consciousness Social fact Social integration Anomie Collective effervescence |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies |
| Institutions | University of Paris, University of Bordeaux |
| Influences | Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill |
| Influenced | Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1] |
Background and Role
Kai Shiden is introduced as one of the civilian refugees aboard the White Base in Mobile Suit Gundam. Initially reluctant and cynical, Kai evolves over the series from a sarcastic, often self-serving character into a committed and courageous pilot. Though he initially resists the Federation’s cause and lacks interest in joining the fight, circumstances aboard White Base push Kai to step up as a pilot. He becomes a skilled operator of the RX-77 Guncannon, supporting Amuro Ray and the crew in their battles against Zeon forces.
In Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin and Cucuruz Doan’s Island, Kai’s backstory and personality are further explored, highlighting his internal struggles and skepticism toward authority, as well as his eventual loyalty to his friends and allies. His witty, cynical attitude adds a unique dynamic to the White Base crew, often providing comedic relief and commentary on the futility of war, yet he also demonstrates moments of deep introspection and bravery.
Kai Shiden stands with the powerful RX-77 Guncannon, a sturdy mobile suit that matches his sharp wit and resilience in the heat of battle.
Personality and Relationships
Kai’s initial reluctance to fight and his sharp-tongued nature make him stand out among the White Base crew. He often questions the motivations of the Earth Federation and is quick to criticize the nature of the conflict. However, through his experiences in battle and witnessing the loss and sacrifices of those around him, Kai gains a new perspective on responsibility and courage. His relationship with Miharu Ratokie—a civilian he meets and grows close to in Europe—profoundly impacts him, making him more empathetic and reinforcing his commitment to the cause.
Kai’s journey from a reluctant participant to a dedicated pilot who remains with the White Base demonstrates his significant character growth and adds depth to the series’ portrayal of ordinary individuals caught in the crossfire of war.
Notable Appearances and Contributions
- RX-77 Guncannon Pilot: As the pilot of the RX-77 Guncannon, Kai plays a crucial support role in battles, providing ranged artillery support and covering fire for his teammates.
- White Base Crew: Alongside Amuro Ray, Kai becomes an essential member of the White Base team, eventually embracing his role and responsibilities as a mobile suit pilot despite his initial reluctance.
- Encounter with Miharu Ratokie: His relationship with Miharu gives him a newfound understanding of the human cost of war, profoundly impacting his motivations and outlook.
Legacy and Influence
Kai Shiden’s transformation from a skeptical, self-centered young man into a courageous and loyal ally has made him a memorable character in the Gundam universe. His wit, complex personality, and gradual development provide a grounded, human perspective on the consequences of war. As a beloved character with a nuanced arc, Kai Shiden remains a standout figure in Mobile Suit Gundam, representing the potential for growth and heroism in even the most unlikely individuals.