Ask John: Why Do Robot Names Always Start With G?

Question:
I see a pattern among mecha shows. Godannar, Gravion, Giant Robo, Gao Gai Gar, GoLion, Getter Robo. The list goes on. Is there a reason that robots (and thus the series) often starts with “G” something? Some Japanese custom I’m missing? Or does it just sound so much cooler that way?

Answer:
This is an intriguing question which seems self-evident, but which I’m not aware of anyone having ever previously examined in depth. I don’t know of any particular reason why so many mecha and robot anime series have titles that prominently feature the “G” sound, but I think the most obvious theory may be correct. In fact, many robot anime series’ titles prominently stress either a “G” sound or a “D” sound. Examples of titles with a prominent “G” include: Gundam, Godannar, Gravion, Giant Robo, Gao Gai Gar, GoLion, GoShogun, God Sigma, Giant Gorg, Getter Robo, Gowapper 5 Godam, Gakeen, Gaiking, Gingaizer, Gordian, Gold Lightan, Govarian, Godmars, Galatt, Galvion, Galient, Granzort, Grendizer, Gakusaver, Gosaurer, Gasaraki, Gunbuster, Groizer X, Ganbaruger, Gekiganger III, Gakusaver, Goldran, G-Dangaioh, Gurren Lagann, Evangelion, Trider G7, Braiger, Albegas, L-Gaim, Tobikage, Jushin Liger, Big O, Mightgaine, Astroganger, and Kotetsu Jeeg. Examples of titles with a prominent “D” sound include DaGarn, Dangaioh, Dorvack, Dougram, Dai Apolon, Danguard Ace, Daitarn 3, Daimos, Daikengo, Daltanias, Daiohja, Dunbine, Dairugger XIV, Dancougar, Le Deus, J-Decker, Dagwon, Daigard, Gear Fighter Dendoh, Demonbane, Nadesico, Vandread, and Reideen, just to name a few. Japanese is a phonetic language, and I suspect that words and names with pronounced “G” and “D” sounds just seem stronger and more impactful than names that don’t. Serving as evidence of this theory, compare any of these forementioned titles to robot anime titles like Macross, Fafner, Rahxephon, Bokurano, Baratack, Ideon, Laserion, Zeorymer, Zambot 3, and Zegapain. Not to suggest any of these later shows are inferior just because of their titles, but clearly Japanese titles lacking a strong “G” or “D” sound don’t have the deep, from-the-diaphragm forcefulness or the staccato pronunciation of Japanese names that do have prominent “G” or “D” sounds. My best guess is that creators of early robot anime quickly discovered the aesthetic value of certain naming conventions, and those conventions, because of their practical effectiveness, have been relied upon and repeatedly used through the decades.