{"id":25682,"date":"2018-10-31T22:36:58","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T05:36:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=25682"},"modified":"2018-11-14T23:00:53","modified_gmt":"2018-11-15T07:00:53","slug":"346a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/346a\/","title":{"rendered":"Daisuke Ono & Kenichi Suzumura interview, October 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"1811icon\"<\/p>\n

As Yamato 2202<\/em>\u2019s premiere on Japanese TV approached in early October, this casual and spirited interview was published with voice actors Daisuke Ono (Kodai) and Kenichi Suzumura (Shima), catching them in a unique moment when the series was poised to both begin on TV and reach for climactic heights in the theater.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Space Battleship Yamato 2202, Soldiers of Love<\/em>
\nDaisuke Ono and Kenichi Suzumura look back on the monumental achievement of this SF anime and its long \u201cvoyage\u201d to the next generation.<\/h2>\n


\nKenichi Suzumura (Shima Daisuke) and Daisuke Ono (Susumu Kodai)<\/em><\/p>\n

Originally published October 4\/5 on Anime Hack<\/a>, Cinemas Plus<\/a>, Nizista<\/a>, Web Newtype<\/a>, and the Official 2202<\/em> website<\/a><\/p>\n

Based on Farewell to Yamato<\/em>, which was released in 1978, a new voyage of Yamato<\/em> is depicted in Yamato 2202<\/em>. Chapter 6 of this 7-chapter series, Regeneration Chapter<\/em>, opens in theaters November 2, and the TV broadcast begins October 5. Continuing their roles from Yamato 2199<\/em>, Daisuke Ono plays the hero Susumu Kodai and Kenichi Suzumura plays his companion Daisuke Shima for the length of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s voyage. We listened to their current feelings about the upcoming TV broadcast and how best to enjoy the work.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> The TV broadcast is finally starting. What is your current frame of mind?<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> I feel like we\u2019ve come a long way from 2199<\/em>. We can finally see the end point in Yamato<\/em>\u2019s endless journey. I think the decision about the timing of the TV broadcast is truly significant. It revives the excitement of the 1970s, and the so-called \u201cYamato<\/em> generation\u201d can get excited about watching it. I think that excitement will be conveyed to the next generation that doesn\u2019t know Yamato<\/em> yet, and it could create an upsurge in new viewers as we approach the climax. As a crew member, I\u2019m very happy that Yamato<\/em> will be affected by being able to experience both of them at the same time.<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> The flow with Yamato 2199<\/em> was also to be shown in theaters first and then on TV afterward, so the feeling this time is, \u201cIt finally happened!\u201d I\u2019m looking forward to the big movement that will arise from the synergy of starting the TV broadcast as we rush toward the theatrical climax.<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> 2202<\/em> has had two arcs [13 episodes X 2] over a year-and-a-half to two years. In the case of a TV series, there are few works that were made over such a long time. Even after passing through 2199<\/em>, I can\u2019t imagine what it will be like to watch it on TV every week.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> When we came together as a cast, we treated it as a theatrical work, and I think the staff had the same feeling. Those who have seen it in theaters already know, the visuals and sound are theatrical quality. I think it\u2019s amazing to be able to see that on TV every week. The monumental achievement of the original Yamato<\/em> movie was that a movement arose in theaters, and I think Yamato<\/em> being symbolized on the big screen is very meaningful. However, since a lot of people who liked Yamato<\/em> saw it on TV, the previous Yamato<\/em> that became popular on TV made its way to theaters. I thought it was fascinating that the reverse happened with 2199<\/em>. I wondered if it would follow the same form this time, and personally I wanted the TV broadcast to start early. (Laughs) The synergy of big movements between TV and the theater is fascinating. Did you know there would be a TV broadcast, Ono-kun?<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> I knew it would happen at some point.<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> I just didn\u2019t know when. (Laughs) But it\u2019s good timing. I think it\u2019s great that the TV broadcast will start while the theatrical screenings are still underway.\u3000<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> 2202<\/em> has been made over a long period. Were there any changes in your approach to the roles during that time?<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> There haven\u2019t been any specific changes. Since 2199<\/em>, I\u2019ve played Kodai without knowing about future developments. Instead of preparing my feelings for the future, I\u2019ve always just been trying to \u201cdo my best at the time.\u201d Yamato<\/em> is a great work, and though I\u2019m tempted by a desire to know what\u2019s coming up, I want to link myself to Kodai as I play him, as he responds to the pressure of a serious decision. That\u2019s my attitude toward playing Kodai.<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> The axis of the story is for Kodai not to get blurred. Shima, who supports him, has more definite intentions. In 2202<\/em>, that becomes the position Shima steps back to take. The feeling of \u201cI support you\u201d toward Kodai was strong in 2199<\/em>, but in response to Kodai\u2019s growth in 2202<\/em>, I think I came to respect that he could stand on his own. There are many times when the feelings in that area are depicted visually with no lines. One one hand, I think, \u201cThis is animation!\u201d but there\u2019s also some loneliness to it. \u201cI want to perform more!\u201d (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> Compared to 2199<\/em>, I think gazing eyes and such behavior is part of Nobuyoshi Habara\u2019s directing style, and there is a lot of natural depictions where you can understand that Shima supports Kodai. By the way, the Sound Director Tomohiro Yoshida doesn\u2019t record much ad libbing when it comes to breathing. I was surprised by that at first, but when I actually saw the finished footage I understood why sound wasn\u2019t necessary.<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> In the era when animation was for children, the original Yamato<\/em> placed the depiction of adult psychology over science fiction, and Director Habara was greatly influenced by it. I think that\u2019s why he strives for nuanced depictions.<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> As a result, fewer lines for Shima. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> However, Shima can appear every week without warning, so please pay attention. I think the lines that come out after building things up visually are very heavy. When Shima says \u201cWarp!\u201d, there\u2019s a lot going on behind it. \u201cWarp\u201d to get out of a big pinch, \u201cWarp\u201d in response to Kodai\u2019s decisions\u2026lots of \u201cWarp!\u201d There aren\u2019t many lines, and Hiroshi Kamiya [Keyman] makes fun of me as the \u201cwarpman,\u201d but \u201cWarp\u201d is my main line, and thanks to the play of the visuals Shima has a proper presence there every time.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> By all means, look for Shima every week.<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> Will you stop telling everyone to treat it like \u201cWhere\u2019s Waldo\u201d? (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> (Laughs) By the way, what\u2019s the atmosphere at the recording site?<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> I\u2019m really grateful Mr. Suzumura is there. The site is filled with veterans, so I get nervous\u2026<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> Compared with 2199<\/em>, when I was often surrounded by veterans.<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> The story with 2199<\/em> was usually that young people played the crew, and now in 2202<\/em> everyone in the role of a soldier from Earth who come chasing after Yamato<\/em> is a heavyweight\u2026<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> In such circumstances, it\u2019s really helpful to have Mr. Suzumura and Mr. Kamiya there, who are close to my age. With so many veterans around, I don\u2019t have many opportunities to work with them. I was even nervous at first when talking with Houchu Otsuka [Sanada] on the Yamato<\/em> crew. But he and Mr. Mugihito [Tokugawa] came over to talk when I was chatting with Mr. Suzumura and Mr. Kamiya, and both are friendly. I\u2019m grateful to Mr. Suzumura for livening up the place.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> By all means, please print that in bold text. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> If not for Shima, Kodai wouldn\u2019t be acting captain now. I\u2019m the same. Even in places where there aren\u2019t any lines, I\u2019m glad you can feel the relationship of mutual trust between Kodai and Shima.<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> You mentioned Mr. Kamiya, who also appears in 2202<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> When Hiroshi came in for 2202<\/em>, the site had an entirely different impression than 2199<\/em>. Why was that?<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> Mr. Kamiya got into discussions with Director Habara and the writer, Mr. Fukui. Keyman\u2019s presence as a character is filled with mystery and a lot of speculation, so he aggressively tried to get at the meaning behind his lines. It\u2019s the complete opposite of my approach, where I don\u2019t dare to learn what\u2019s coming. He says, \u201cI want to know everything that\u2019s going to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> Indeed he does. I\u2019m like Mr. Ono, I prefer to decipher things from the script without looking ahead, but Hiroshi gets what he can out of the directors because Keyman is full of mysteries. It\u2019s customary that when the discussion is over between those three, I join up and the four of us go for rice. Since \u201cD\u201d [nickname for Daisuke Ono] has the lead role, he has a lot of work to do after the main voice recording, like commercials and interviews, so it\u2019s hard for him to come along.<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> I\u2019m jealous every time. I want you to take me, too!!<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Mr. Kamiya\u2019s presence has a big influence on the recording site, and his character Keyman is important for being involved in the whole story, isn\u2019t he?<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> Keyman didn\u2019t appear in Farewell to Yamato<\/em>, so his presence is a very big element. The flow of 2202<\/em> is roughly the same as Farewell<\/em> at the beginning, and Keyman was slightly out of place as a new character. That small deviation is a device that makes a huge difference in the future, so definitely pay attention to his trend.<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> Kodai encountered Dessler just once in 2199<\/em>, and they didn\u2019t exchange many words. But Kodai has pride in saying, \u201cI can understand even aliens\u201d so when he carries on a direct dialogue with Keyman as a Garmillan, Keyman literally becomes the \u201ckey man\u201d for Kodai to understand aliens. But since Keyman\u2019s perspective on Earthlings is from the Garmillas side, his way of speaking is difficult. (Laughs) There is a part that deters Kodai, and I feel like his conflict is \u201cI want to understand, but I don\u2019t want to understand.\u201d But actually, Keyman has a positive approach, he just comes out and says, \u201cGet on Yamato<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> The main visual for the TV broadcast is an homage to Farewell to Yamato<\/em>, which this project is based on. What is your impression when you look at it?<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> When I see it, I think, what are those two (Kodai and Yuki) looking at? (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> That\u2019s first. (Laughs) Then there\u2019s the title Soldiers of Love<\/em>, and I\u2019m impressed by the fact that these two are in the main visual. It reminds me of what Mr. Fukui said before 2202<\/em> started, that \u201cIt will be a painful journey that tests their love.\u201d It makes me want to cry. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Can you tell us about a scene in 2202<\/em> with Kodai and Shima that impressed you?<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> It\u2019s the scene where Shima is deciding whether or not to ride on Yamato<\/em>. I think it was huge that the feelings between these two, who traveled together in 2199<\/em>, were out of sync. As a result, Shima sympathized with Kodai\u2019s thoughts about getting on board. If not for Kodai in that scene, I wouldn\u2019t have gotten on. When you think about him as an ordinary person in society, it would be an unworthy act. (Laughs) There must be an absolute rule in this group, to protect those who believe that only they can go and give help, to say, \u201cWait a minute, let\u2019s keep calm.\u201d (Laughs) It\u2019s only right for Shima to calmly give a dissenting opinion when there\u2019s no conclusive evidence or support for what we can do. Shima goes beyond logic when he decides to board Yamato<\/em>. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Kodai has passion and the ability to act on it, and I think I believe in human nature even though I\u2019ll suffer from the trouble it brings. Also, Shima hasn\u2019t gotten far enough into the Earth Federation Army to gain a career. (Laughs) But he has the power to bring happiness to the people within his reach. Shima\u2019s standing in the organization is to balance the influence of others when they do something, and I think it\u2019s likely that he got on board to take care of the \u201cgreat sum\u201d of Yamato<\/em>. It gets diluted when you put it into words, but I\u2019m just saying that Shima is attractive when he steps up and says, \u201cLeave it to me.\u201d A certain bond between two people is depicted there, and even if it isn\u2019t emphasized in another episode afterward, I think it will be conveyed to the people watching it.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> I want to have a friend like Shima. (Laughs) The way they think of each other that goes beyond words\u2026I think Yamato<\/em> itself is a ship that is connected by such thoughts. But I think there\u2019s also a part where turmoil is the blood of the ship, too. (Laughs) I think the behavior principle of Shima is family, with the depiction of both a father and a brother coming out. It\u2019s the same with the visions shown by Teresa, but I think that\u2019s a really deep love. On the other hand, Kodai only sees his favorite woman. (Laughs) But when he gets ready to leave, he tries to leave his beloved behind. Then Shima stops Kodai when he says, \u201cWhat about Mori-kun?\u201d I don\u2019t think there are many friends who would say that. I think that line in the scene between Kodai and Shima was great. I wondered if I could say the same thing to my best friend. Shima is a good guy\u2026<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> Shima is a man of few words, but he says good things. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> For those viewers who will see 2202<\/em> anew in the TV broadcast, how would you like your work to be enjoyed?<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> Since this is going to be the last year of the Heisei era<\/a>, I think there will be a lot of people who don\u2019t know Yamato<\/em>. But when that song starts with \u201cSaraba\u2026Chikyu-yo\u2026\u201d [Farewell Earth\u2026]<\/em> I think they\u2019ll know it. The reason why Yamato<\/em> travels is vague in the lyrics, but there\u2019s enough background in it to enjoy 2202<\/em>. The long trip to Iscandar mentioned in the song has ended, but when you see the first episode it explains why we go off on a new voyage, so I think you can enjoy it by that alone. And for all the genuine fans, it becomes a new story that doesn\u2019t look like the Farewell to Yamato<\/em> that you know. Its approach and expression are totally different, but it includes homages to Farewell<\/em>, too. And of course, for the fans of 2199<\/em>, this is the sequel you\u2019ve been waiting for. Since it\u2019s a work that all three of those people can enjoy, I just want to say, \u201cJust start watching it without thinking of anything!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> Kamiya-kun says, \u201cYamato<\/em> is already a classic.\u201d He means on the level of Momotaro<\/a> and Kintaro<\/a>, a work that everyone in Japan knows. I think it\u2019s actually a common thing not to know the details about that kind of classic. When I say \u201cKintaro,\u201d the plot doesn\u2019t just swish through my head. Yamato<\/em> has become a classic imprinted on the DNA of some people, and it\u2019s a rare work in that those who witnessed the beginning of the legend are still active. In remaking such a classic, you can either trace it perfectly, or just extract its essence and create a totally different story. The wonderful thing about 2199<\/em> and 2202<\/em> is that it balances both sides really well. Anyone who looks at it will see the \u201cYamato<\/em> of today.\u201d And I think fans of the original can say, \u201cThis is Yamato<\/em>.\u201d And those who don\u2019t know Yamato<\/em> and think of it as a folktale will be able to feel, \u201cIs this Yamato<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Can you both recommend a way of enjoying the TV broadcast?<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> When you watch a TV broadcast with two arcs [26 episodes] every week, the tempo is going to be different than with someone who looks forward to seeing it in theaters and then waits for the next time. Maybe it\u2019s a luxurious point of view.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> I think you can only eat popcorn in a theater, but at home you can enjoy booze and snacks. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> I\u2019d want to party. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> I\u2019d say to everyone that \u201cWe\u2019re Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew\u201d and recommend that they watch Yamato<\/em> while drinking booze like Dr. Sado. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> How can fans who have already seen Chapter 5 in theaters enjoy the TV broadcast?<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> It\u2019s an automatic house party. Gather your friends and adopt a smart face and hint at where it goes.<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> You mean a smirk? Sounds like a jerk. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> It\u2019s a real thrill to be one of the few who knows where it\u2019s going. It\u2019s a late-night broadcast, so don\u2019t eat any takoyaki then, just have fun drinking sake.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> No Tako!? For those who have seen it in theaters, I want you to spread it widely to your friends. It may be hard to say, \u201cLet\u2019s go see a movie,\u201d but I think it\u2019s easy to say, \u201cLet\u2019s watch now that it\u2019s on TV.\u201d It expands more on TV. Even for people who don\u2019t usually watch much anime, there may be a case where, \u201cI found it by chance as I was changing the channel.\u201d I think it\u2019s a unique occasion for those who don\u2019t know Yamato<\/em> to be touched by it.<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> It\u2019s a good time for the broadcast. Japanese people love stories about overcoming adversity. You could come home at night tired from work and watch Yamato<\/em> while you take a breath. I think it\u2019s a work that makes me feel like I\u2019ll surely have more energy tomorrow.<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Finally, a message to the broadcast, please.<\/p>\n

Suzumura:<\/em><\/span> For everyone who wanted to see it in a theater but unfortunately couldn\u2019t go, now you can see it on TV. You can enjoy it in exactly the same quality as a theater, so don\u2019t miss it! Those who didn\u2019t see 2199<\/em> can still understand 2202<\/em>, and if watching 2202<\/em> gets you interested in 2199<\/em>, on-demand delivery has started, so please enjoy that too. Please plunge into the world view of Yamato<\/em> to the fullest.<\/p>\n

Ono:<\/em><\/span> To everyone we\u2019ve kept waiting, the TV broadcast is starting at last! I feel great joy that you can enjoy an anime work of this quality on TV every week. I\u2019ve been involved in Yamato<\/em> from 2199<\/em> to 2202<\/em>, and we\u2019ve taken on the mission of handing down the monumental achievement of SF anime called Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> to the next generation. Among those who will see Yamato<\/em> for the first time, I think there will be some fans who like Yamato<\/em> more than ever before. As the crew of this \u201cship\u201d increases, I hope they will convey the universal fascination of Yamato<\/em>\u2026\u201dlove\u201d\u2026to the next generation. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[123,135],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25682","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-yamato-2202","category-yamato-2202-interviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25682","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25682"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25682\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25726,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25682\/revisions\/25726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25682"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}