Gundam is a Japanese military science fiction media franchise. Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino for Sunrise, the franchise features giant robots, or mecha, known as "Mobile Suits", typically including a prominent one carrying the name "Gundam". The franchise began with the premiere of the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam on April 7, 1979, which defined the "real robot" mecha anime genre by depicting giant robots within a militaristic setting.