Photo posted on Twitter by Takumi

Official Report

Posted at the 3199 website. See it here.

■ Date: Friday, October 2
■ Venue: Shinjuku Piccadilly, Theater 1
■ Guests: Megumi Han (as Sasha), Keiko Han (as Mother Dezarium), Takuya Eguchi (as Ranbel)
Harutoshi Fukui (General Director), Naomichi Yamato (Director), Eriko Nakamura (as Mikage Kiryu / MC)

Immediately following the screening, the audience appeared to be still immersed in the lingering, powerful emotions and the profound impact of the film. As MC Eriko Nakamura, the voice actress for Mikage Kiryu, invited the guests onto the stage, a thunderous round of applause erupted from the audience.

Observing the reaction from the crowd, Takuya Eguchi began by saying, “I look forward to our discussion while feeling the passion, the sentiments, and the ‘wave’ (hado) of everyone who has just finished watching the film.”

Keiko Han, who played the role of Sasha in the original 1980 film Be Forever Yamato, the inspiration for this work, also offered a warm greeting with a smile: “I know it’s been a while for some of you, but I hope we can have a wonderful conversation today.”

Megumi Han addressed the audience, asking, “Good evening, everyone, gentlemen and ladies of the Yamato family. How did you find the final chapter?” She then added, “Seeing all your faces and hearing your applause makes me feel as though I’ve truly come home. My mother, Keiko Han, is also here with us today, please give her a warm welcome!”, a remark that drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd.

Director Yamato expressed his relief, saying, “I’m just so glad we managed to get the film to a point where we could finally share it with you all.”

Meanwhile, Chief Director Harutoshi Fukui, who was wearing a T-shirt rather than his signature happi coat, spoke with a serious expression: “I just didn’t feel like wearing my happi today, so I left it behind.” He explained that he had become so deeply immersed in the project that he lost the ability to evaluate it objectively. he had been incredibly anxious, unsure of how the audience would react. However, after feeling the warmth and hearing the applause from the crowd, he looked visibly relieved and remarked, “Seeing how well you’ve embraced it, I’m finally at ease. I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”

Keiko Han, who voiced Mother Dezarium, an artificial intelligence that plays a pivotal role in the series, revealed that she had initially declined the offer to participate. “I was first approached about four years ago,” she explained. “At this stage in our careers, nearing half a century in the industry, you never know what tomorrow might bring. Since taking on a role requires a long-term commitment and a sense of ongoing responsibility, I felt I had to turn it down.” She shared that it was only after receiving a follow-up email from Chief Director Fukui that she ultimately decided to accept the role.

Keiko Han recalled the experience with a touch of humor: “When I mentioned that it might be difficult for me to work alongside such a young cast, they reassured me, saying, ‘It’s perfectly fine, you’re playing a computer (AI), so you won’t even need to worry about lip-syncing to the on-screen animation.’ I even told them, ‘I can’t handle more than three lines of dialogue at a time,’ and when the script arrived, it was neatly broken down into three-line segments. They did stick to the ‘three lines’ rule, but those segments just kept going on and on! I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Did I get tricked?'”

She then expressed her deep gratitude, adding, “Still, it’s a truly significant role, a character that serves as a catalyst for contemplating the future of humanity. Nearly 50 years later, I’ve had the chance to meet all of you, and that’s all thanks to Mr. Fukui.”

A major highlight of the film is the collaboration between real-life mother and daughter, Keiko Han and Megumi Han, who face off on screen as “Mother” and “Sasha.” General Director Fukui revealed, “From the moment I approached them, I already had a vision for them to perform lines in unison and even engage in a ‘parent-child quarrel.'” He added, “After the recording session, I asked them if things felt awkward when they got home, but they told me that, surprisingly, their relationship actually became smoother after acting those scenes out.”

Megumi Han chimed in, “I never really went through a rebellious phase growing up, so this gave me the chance to have a full-blown, high-stakes argument with my mother, one that determined the fate of humanity and the stars!”

The discussion also touched on the behind-the-scenes process for the “synchronization scenes,” where the voices of Sasha and Mother overlap. In the previous chapter, Keiko Han’s lines were recorded first, with Megumi Han matching her performance. for this chapter, the approach was reversed. Megumi Han recorded her lines first, and Keiko Han then layered her own voice over them.

Keiko Han emphasizes a natural approach, stating, “I just heard it beforehand and spoke accordingly.” In contrast, Megumi Han reveals that a unique harmony emerged, one possible only between a mother and daughter. “I gave it a great deal of thought. After all, this is a voice I’ve heard my entire life, both in our daily routine and through her various roles. I’m so familiar with the cadence of her speech and her little quirks that it wasn’t so much a matter of trying to match her, but rather something that has become deeply ingrained in me.”

Eguchi, who plays Ranbel, a character that stands out within the Dezarium faction, spoke proudly of his character’s role in the final chapter: “Watching the finished film, I was truly moved by the way he discovers his own mission and charges forward.” He adds, “In a world where everyone else is expected to be perfectly loyal to the system, Ranbel possesses a rebellious, ‘bug-like’ quality from the very start. It’s fascinating that he, someone who should have been purged, became the catalyst for change.”

Furthermore, Keiko Han was Eguchi’s mentor during his time at a voice-acting training school. Expressing his deep respect, Eguchi said, “She’s the mentor who looked after me back when I was a complete nobody, so it’s deeply moving to be standing on the same stage as her now.”

Keiko Han, however, shared a lighthearted anecdote from their time working together: “He showed up to the recording session wearing shorts and sandals. He looked like he’d just rolled out of bed! I couldn’t help but say, ‘What are you wearing?!'” Her story drew a burst of laughter from the audience.

In this installment, the original theme song, Until the Day of Love by Akira Fuse, is featured as an insert song. General Director Fukui shared his thoughts, stating, “When it came to remaking Be Forever Yamato, I felt that the project simply couldn’t exist without this song.” He continued passionately, “Beyond the fact that I personally love the track, listening to it now, four or five years later, with the work finally complete, it resonates even more deeply. The lyrics ask, ‘Do you love someone? Is it someone close to you?’ In today’s world, it’s actually quite rare to have someone close to you reach out and speak to you directly. We often hear stories about people’s perspectives shifting because of voices they encounter on social media, voices belonging to people they’ve never even met. That’s precisely why the message, a call to return to our roots and ‘look toward the faces and voices of those right beside us’, feels perfectly in sync with the spirit of our current times.”

When the conversation turned to memorable scenes, Director Yamato highlighted the depiction of the Dezarium crowds. “While these characters are technically just ‘extras’ or ‘mobs,’ I made a conscious choice to feature a specific, ‘nameless’ parent and child at the center of those scenes, bringing them back into view repeatedly. I believe they serve as a symbolic presence, a focal point for the audience to anchor their perspective,” he explained, revealing the meticulous intent behind his directorial choices.

General Director Fukui also pointed to scenes centered on the love triangle involving Susumu Kodai, Yuki Mori, and Alphon, whose unrequited feelings were revealed in the previous chapter. “There’s a moment near the end where Alphon silently confesses his feelings to Yuki. when that line of dialogue came to me, I thought, ‘This is a win!’ Honestly, if things reach this point and Kodai still dithers about whether or not to marry her once they return to Earth, well, that would just be pathetic!” His blunt, humorous jab at Kodai drew a huge, enthusiastic response from the audience.

Megumi Han also had some thoughts on Kodai’s indecisive attitude: “I feel there’s a real connection between Alphon and Sasha,” she remarked. “Both of them face the reality that their feelings aren’t reciprocated, which is precisely why that particular scene resonated with me. You’d have to be incredibly patient to be a partner to someone like Kodai!”

Keiko Han, chimed in with, “Yuki really has poor taste, Alphon is wonderful!”, a comment that drew laughter from the entire venue.

As the lively stage greeting drew to a close, the cast shared their final thoughts. Eguchi began, “I’m truly happy to have become a part of the history of Yamato. Having seen the film, I felt a message that is truly timeless. I hope the audience takes away the idea that what you feel, regardless of whether you are a machine or a human, is what matters most.”

Keiko Han added, “We are currently at a crossroads where humanity must decide whether it can regulate the potential runaway of AI. this film couldn’t be more timely. I encourage you to watch it with your family or loved ones, and take the time to discuss the future of humanity together.”

Megumi Han concluded with a heartfelt message: “I imagine the long-time fans of Yamato have been eagerly awaiting this day. For many, this series is like a ‘home’ to return to. For 50 years, Yamato has pressed onward for the sake of those it loves, a truly noble pursuit. It is precisely because we possess a ‘heart’ that we are able to understand one another. Since the heart functions like a ‘wave’ [vibration/resonance], I hope you will carry these feelings forward, just like a wave. I entrust this film to all of you, not just for the duration of its theatrical run, but so that it may endure forever. Yamato is ‘eternal,’ so please, continue to spread that love.”

Director Yamato also shared a message: “As I mentioned in my opening remarks, I honestly didn’t think we’d make it this far. We fought tooth and nail to reach this point. I hope you enjoy it right up to the very end.”

Chief Director Fukui likewise expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m truly glad we were able to make it this far. Thank you.”

With that, the event drew to a close, having been a resounding success.

REBEL 3199 Chief Director Fukui Reveals, “I Wasn’t Sure If This Was the Right Path”

A Report on the Completion Premiere Stage Greeting, Featuring Discussions on Parent-Child Co-starring Roles and Mentor-Protege Bonds.

Published at Anime Anime, October 3, 2026. See the original post here

Immediately following the screening, the venue was filled with the palpable excitement and lingering resonance of an audience that had just finished watching the film. Sensing this atmosphere, Nakamura kicked off the event by asking the crowd, “Having just experienced this final chapter, aren’t your minds and bodies completely electrified?” The speakers appeared on stage, sharing the same sense of excitement as the audience.

In his opening remarks, Eguchi commented, “I want to share this experience and ‘vibe’ with all of you.” Reflecting on his character, Ranbel, he noted that while Ranbel was expected to follow the established system, he possessed a unique, unconventional side that defied those boundaries. It is precisely these “extraordinary” traits that make Ranbel a pivotal figure who drives the story forward.

Eguchi felt that his character resonated with the central theme of the work, the question of “what is truly right”, and revealed that he was instructed to portray a wide, intense range of emotions. He kept this in mind as he crafted the character of Ranbel.

Keiko Han, who voiced Mother Dezarium, shared her initial feelings upon receiving the offer about four years ago. Given that the series would be a long-term, multi-year project, she felt anxious about whether she could fulfill the role responsibly until the very end, and she even considered declining. However, after receiving a passionate message from Chief Director Fukui, she decided to take on the part.

Looking back, she described Mother Dezarium as a “significant role, one that invites reflection on the future of humanity.” She also expressed her joy at standing before the fans once again, having been involved with the Yamato series for many years. As she conveyed her gratitude to Chief Director Fukui, the venue erupted in loud applause.

A highlight of the stage greeting was the discussion surrounding the mother-daughter collaboration. Megumi Han, who plays Sasha, recalled working alongside her mother, Keiko Han, with a smile, joking, “It might have been the biggest mother-daughter squabble of the century!” According to Chief Director Fukui, the idea of ​​them appearing together and interacting on screen had been envisioned since the very early stages of the project, and it took a long time to finally bring it to fruition.

The film features many memorable exchanges between the two, moments that only a real-life mother and daughter could have brought to life. When the conversation turned to the scenes where their voices synchronize, Megumi Han explained, “There is no voice I have heard more in my life than my mother’s.” She noted that her mother’s manner of speaking and the tempo of her voice had become so deeply ingrained in her from a young age that they naturally aligned, even without any conscious effort to match them. She also revealed that they had discussed the extent of this vocal synchronization via LINE before the recording sessions, a behind-the-scenes detail unique to a mother-daughter duo that brought a warm, gentle atmosphere to the venue.

A Bond Between Mentor and Protege Revealed: Family and Teacher-Student Pairs Gather on Stage

The conversation also revealed an unexpected connection between Eguchi and Keiko Han. For Eguchi, Keiko Han was his instructor at a vocational school back when he first moved to Tokyo with dreams of becoming a voice actor. Describing her as his “mentor,” Eguchi expressed his deep emotion at having the chance to appear in the same project alongside her.

In response, Keiko Han highlighted the character “Ranbel” as one that left a lasting impression on her. Praising the character’s extraordinary, unconventional charm, she also lauded her former student’s success, remarking, “He has truly grown so much.” It was a special stage event, bringing together both a parent-child pair and a mentor-protege pair.

Chief Director Harutoshi Fukui Reveals His Anxieties and Relief

In the latter half of the event, Chief Director Harutoshi Fukui spoke candidly about the thoughts and internal struggles he poured into this project. Notably, he appeared on stage without the happi coat that has become a staple of his attire at events for this series. When asked why, he confessed that his personal attachment to the work was so intense that he found himself unable to evaluate it objectively.

While he had previously been able to maintain a certain cool, detached perspective during the production process, this time was different. Having immersed himself so deeply in the story, he admitted that, right up to the end, he could not shake the lingering question: “Was this truly the right path to take?” “I was worried about what I’d do if it completely fell flat.”

These words from General Director Fukui reveal the extraordinary level of dedication he poured into this project. However, the moment he stepped into the theater, he sensed an intensity that surpassed even the usual level of excitement. It also meant a great deal to him when Nakamura, who served as the event’s moderator, approached him backstage to say, “It was wonderful.” Bolstered by the candid feedback from the cast, who had just witnessed the finished work, and the reactions of the audience, he felt confident that the film had truly resonated with its viewers.

Reflecting on the experience, General Director Fukui remarked, “I realized that everyone had truly taken it to heart,” adding, “I feel profoundly relieved now.” His words captured the sense of relief felt by a director who had remained deeply committed to the project throughout its long production period, a final chapter now brought to completion.

General Director Fukui also touched upon the song Until the Day of Love, which is featured in the film. He noted that the song was indispensable to the remake of Be Forever Yamato. The lyrics speak to the importance of cherishing those close to us and the value of direct, face-to-face communication, a message that resonates even more strongly today, given how our ways of connecting with others have shifted due to social media and other digital platforms.

Director Naomichi Yamato also shared his thoughts, suggesting that the film has likely reached those who have grown up alongside the series. Expressing his gratitude to the staff and cast, he candidly remarked, “I may never have the chance to work on a project like this again in my entire life.”

Delivering “Love” and “Communication” to the Audience

At the conclusion of the event, the speakers shared messages with the audience.

Eguchi described the film as a significant work, one that reminds us that what we feel is what truly matters, regardless of whether one is human or a machine, and encouraged everyone to help share the film with as many people as possible.

Keiko Han remarked that, given how the relationship between AI and humanity is a pressing question in today’s real world, she hopes people will watch this film alongside their families and loved ones. She encouraged the audience to engage in conversation after the screening and to discuss the future of humanity.

Megumi Han spoke about the core theme that Yamato has explored for 50 years, the act of making choices and forging ahead for the sake of those one loves, emphasizing that it is precisely because we possess a heart that we are able to share our feelings with one another. As she spoke about her deep affection for the series and its fans, her eyes welled up with tears. She urged the audience to “visit the theater with your loved ones and help spread the ‘wave’ of this film,” a sentiment that was met with warm applause from the venue.

The event served as a completion premiere stage greeting, ahead of the October 30th theatrical release. Participants shared their perspectives on themes such as the bonds between parents and children or mentors and students, as well as the concepts of “love” and “communication” that the film explores.

Chief Director Fukui, who had appeared anxious, finally showed a look of relief upon seeing the audience’s reaction following the screening, a moment that underscored the extraordinary passion poured into this production. What, then, is the true meaning behind the words “love” and “wave”, terms that the speakers returned to time and again? We invite you to discover the answer for yourself in the theater.

Additional coverage from Mantan Web

Keiko Han & Megumi Han: Passing down the Role of Sasha in REBEL 3199, “A Family Feud with the Fate of Humanity and the Stars at Stake”

See the original post here

Keiko Han recounted how the offer came about: “I was approached about four years ago. At my age, you never know what might happen tomorrow, and I didn’t feel I could take on the responsibility, so I initially declined. Then, I received an email from Mr. Fukui asking, ‘Do you dislike my work?'”

While Fukui interjected with a laugh, “I didn’t actually write that!” he confirmed that he had indeed reached out to her.

Keiko continued, “I told him, ‘I can’t perform the same way a younger person would,’ but he just insisted, ‘It’ll be fine!’ When I mentioned, ‘I can only manage about three lines at a time,’ I found that the script was neatly divided into three-line segments, though they were quite long! I think I might have been tricked! (laughs) But honestly, I never imagined I’d have the chance to reunite with everyone through Space Battleship Yamato again. This is all thanks to Mr. Fukui. Thank you so much.”

Regarding the casting of the parent-child duo, Fukui remarked, “I had decided from the start that they would have moments where their voices align, as well as scenes where they argue. After one such argument, I asked, ‘Was it awkward at all?’ but it didn’t seem to be.”

Megumi smiled and added, “I never really went through a rebellious phase in my own life, so I got to experience a ‘parent-child quarrel’ with the fate of humanity and the stars hanging in the balance!”

Reflecting on the scenes where the voices of Mother Dezarium and Sasha synchronize, Megumi noted, “I’ve heard Mother Dezarium’s voice as often as I’ve heard a parent’s, it’s not so much a matter of ‘matching’ it as it is something deeply ingrained in me. It just happened naturally the moment I started speaking.”

Fukui shared his thoughts on Mother Dezarium: “She was created thousands of years ago, born into existence already fully grown. Her structure is quite similar to that of the original Sasha. Mother Dezarium attempted to save humanity, but because she couldn’t keep pace with the process of natural growth, she ended up in the state we see her in now. Having Keiko Han play this role is truly symbolic. There’s a sequence where her voice gradually grows younger, eventually sounding exactly like that of a seventeen-year-old”, a testament to how impressed he was by Keiko Han’s performance.

Takuya Eguchi: “Deeply Moved” by Words from His “Mentor” Keiko Han
The message of Yamato 3199 Will “Endure Forever”

See the original post here

Reflecting on his relationship with Keiko Han, Eguchi remarked, “She is my mentor. She was an instructor at my vocational school. It’s truly moving to be here with her. When I greeted her on set, she even teased me about my casual attire, saying, ‘Look at how you’re dressed!’ She remains a significant presence in my life, still keeping me on my toes like that.”

Keiko Han commented, “The character that has left the biggest impression on me is Ranbel. He’s quite an unconventional character, isn’t he? I have a question for you, Mr. Fukui: why did you choose Takuya Eguchi for this role? I mean, he’s certainly ‘unconventional’ in terms of his height!” (Laugh) Fukui replied, “We worked together on a dramatic reading, and he has such a wide range of techniques. I knew he would fit the role perfectly.”

When Keiko [Han] praised him, saying, “You’ve really grown!”, Eguchi smiled and replied, “I’m so moved! Thank you!”

Regarding Chapter 7, which features a significant role for his character, Ranbel, Eguchi remarked, “I never imagined I’d get to play such a major part. It was thrilling! I had some idea of ​​what to expect, but the finished footage was on an entirely different level.”

Eguchi also spoke passionately about how several scenes in the final chapter of Yamato 3199 deeply moved him, adding, “I felt a message that will endure forever.”

Photo posted on Twitter by Brownie Cinema

Why Akira Fuse’s Until the Day of Love Was Chosen as an Insert Song
Harutoshi Fukui: “It Would Be Impossible Without This Track”

See the original post here

It was announced that Until the Day of Love, performed by Akira Fuse, would be the same song featured in the 1980 animated feature film Be Forever Yamato. The song also garnered attention when it appeared in the teaser trailer for Chapter 7.

Harutoshi Fukui explained: “From the moment we decided to remake Be Forever Yamato, I knew it would be impossible without this song. we made sure we could secure the rights before we even began. Listening to it now, it really resonates on many levels. We live in an era where people often fail to listen to those right beside them, yet they might place their trust in the voices of strangers online, or even fall down the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories. The song now feels like a call to pay attention to the voices and faces of the people close to us.”

Reflecting on the final chapter, Fukui remarked, “Usually, I’m able to maintain a detached, bird’s-eye view of my work, but this time, I became so deeply immersed that I lost my perspective. I found myself wondering, ‘Did I get this right?’ and worrying, ‘What if I completely missed the mark?’ Today, Eguchi-san told me, with tears in his eyes, ‘It’s wonderful!’ When I entered this theater, the atmosphere felt more intense than usual. I’m relieved to know that the work has truly resonated with the audience.”

Director Yamato also expressed his gratitude to the staff, stating, “I don’t think I’ll ever have the chance to be involved in a project like this again. It’s all thanks to everyone who contributed.”

Backstage at the Shinjuku Piccadilly. Photo posted on Twitter by the Yamato Production Committee.

Promotion for a T-shirt lottery contest. Photo posted on Twitter by the Yamato Production Committee.

The shirt was the prize in a Bandai Channel campaign; five fans who had bought a Yamato public bath set would win one after posting on Twitter.

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