Will it be able to set a new record for the fourth time?
Space Battleship Yamato, The Final Chapter
The final installment of the Space Battleship Yamato series will be released tomorrow, March 19. The boys who cheered and were thrilled when Yamato first appeared 10 years ago are now full-fledged members of society. As producer Yoshinobu Nishizaki (48) explains, the protagonists of Yamato have been involved in this process. Everyone had to have a story befitting their growth. A new wind is now blowing through the anime world, which has long been led by Yamato. Two anime works are being released simultaneously, engaging in fierce competition. So let’s take a look at the new works while revisiting the historical significance of Yamato.
The original three films grossed 89 billion yen and attracted 10 million viewers
Yamato‘s 10-year journey built an immortal monument in the history of Japanese anime
Almost everyone is familiar with the name Space Battleship Yamato. It was first conceived in 1973, and this year marks its 10th anniversary. During that time, three TV series, one TV special, and three theatrical films have been released. The three films grossed over ¥800 million and attracted over 10 million viewers, which is no small feat. Long lines formed outside movie theaters, with people camping out overnight to get animation cells on opening day. The second film, Farewell to Yamato, released in 1978, was particularly massive, perhaps because the producer marketed it as “the last one.” It became an unprecedented hit in anime history.
Furthermore, the TV special aired in 1979 swept all the competing programs and achieved viewership ratings in the high 30s. We hear that it has a large number of enthusiastic fans, not only among children, but also among office workers. What were the factors that led to their continued enthusiastic support?
It seems we shouldn’t underestimate it just because it’s an anime. Producer Yoshinobu Nishizaki confidently states, “in the world of theatrical films, a work that surpasses Yamato hasn’t appeared in the last ten years.” The brilliance and beauty of the sci-fi concepts created by Leiji Matsumoto and the powerful staff is thoroughly captivating even for adults.
After a one year hiatus, The Final Chapter will finally premiere on March 19. With a production budget of 400 million yen, compared to the usual 250 million, and employing thousands of staff compared to the usual 100, will it reignite Yamato fever?
Yamato is also pioneering a new field of space art!
The year 2203, the Water plan Aquarius is heading toward Earth
Farewell, Yamato. Will this be my best memorial?
Yoshinobu Nishizaki, who has been in charge of Yamato‘s production for ten years, shares his thoughts on The Final Chapter.
“As a conclusion to the 10-year story of Space Battleship Yamato, I want to convey that human growth is about understanding the essence of human love, becoming aware of it, and becoming independent.”
“The reason we brought Captain Okita back, despite strong opposition from the staff, and even though he was supposed to have died in the first film, was because we wanted to depict the meaning of Kodai leaving Captain Okita‘s side and living his life to the fullest with the woman he loves. That is a battle of a different kind than what is commonly known as war.”
“In fact, when we produced Farewell to Yamato in 1978, we really thought it would be the end. But we wanted to give Yamato a glorious final finale.”
“Yamato was a catalyst for the overall development of anime. However, given that not everyone in the anime industry understands its essence, the proliferation of inferior products can be harmful. For that reason, I think the anime industry is at a turning point.”
Thus, Yamato sets off for its final battle, but it seems that Dengil isn’t the only enemy. At the same time, Harmagedon and Crusher Joe have premiered. Both works have emerged as extensions of the path pioneered by Yamato, but their popularity among elementary and junior high school students seems to be just as strong as, if not stronger than, the original Yamato. Their target audiences completely overlap with that of the already established Yamato, and a fierce battle is sure to ensue. Will this three-way battle usher in a new era where anime once again becomes a huge hit in the Japanese film market? In any case, Yamato is setting off for its final battle in terms of box office success.
By Shuku Matsushita