{"id":34985,"date":"2023-08-24T15:34:51","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T22:34:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=34985"},"modified":"2025-07-08T10:23:01","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T17:23:01","slug":"834a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/834a\/","title":{"rendered":"Vintage Report 16: December 1978"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-880 alt=\"2309icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-content\/uploads\/2309icon.JPG\" width=\"216\" height=\"90\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"cosmo-teaser\">As 1978 drew to a close, <em>Yamato<\/em> fever showed no signs of abating. <em>Farewell<\/em> would soon be back for revival screenings, <em>Yamato 2<\/em> approached its halfway point on TV, and new merch continued to appear, especially on the music side. It all made December a month to remember.<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both;\"><\/div>\n<p><!--more--><!--noteaser--><\/p>\n<p>As 1978 drew to a close, <em>Yamato<\/em> fever showed no signs of abating. <em>Farewell<\/em> would soon be back for revival screenings, <em>Yamato 2<\/em> approached its halfway point on TV, and new merch continued to appear, especially on the music side. It all made December a month to remember.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/mar25\/041b09.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 1: <em>Terebiland<\/em>, January 1979 issue<\/h3>\n<p>The third issue of <em>Terebiland<\/em> to feature color coverage of <em>Yamato 2<\/em> came with another 9-page article, a 2-sided foldout, and a bonus gift touted as a &#8220;Secret File.&#8221; What was so secret about it?<\/p>\n<p><a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/terebiland179'>Click here<\/a> to see the article and find out.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a03.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 1: <em>Small 4th Age<\/em>, January issue<\/h3>\n<p>Obunsha&#8217;s student digest magazine for 4th graders offered a 14-page article on favorite toys to look for in stores (including some advertising). It was just in time to mention recent releases from Nomura Toy Company&#8230;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"textBlue\">Nomura Toys<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em>Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> is ready for action! The amazing &#8220;warp navigation&#8221; allows it to fly through space at 99% of the speed of light. It is now available as a diecast model from Nomura Toys.<\/p>\n<p>The length is 30cm, and the heavy feeling is irresistible. There are many fun features: the bow missiles launch, the turrets rotate, the stabilizing wings pop out, the chimney missiles launch, and it stores three Cosmo Tiger IIs. As you stare at it, you can imagine many famous <em>Yamato<\/em> scenes floating before your eyes.<\/p>\n<p>The popular robot  Analyzer, is also very active in space. Sometimes it roams around, sometimes it splits into three  parts and surveys. It&#8217;s great for observation. The popular Analyzer is now available as a diecast model from Nomura Toys.<\/p>\n<p>Now, let&#8217;s depart for the space trip of your dreams!<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a04.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Text at top right:<\/em> Surrounded by unprecedented buzz \/ The amazing boom has arrived!<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a05.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 1: <em>Terebi kun<\/em>, January issue<\/h3>\n<p>Shogakukan&#8217;s magazine for TV viewers included manga for <em>Gatchaman<\/em> and <em>Yattaman<\/em> (among others) and articles on the latest anime shows. The January issue had a blurb announcing the <em>Yamato 2<\/em> episodes for December, and came with a 9-page bound-in mini magazine.<\/p>\n<p>See it <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/terebikun179'>here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/oct24\/mimi79A.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 1: <em>Mimi<\/em> magazine, January issue<\/h3>\n<p>The January 1979 issue of Kodansha\u2019s manga magazine <em>Mimi<\/em> contained a unique six-page exploration of the <em>Yamato 2<\/em> production office at Academy Studio, filled with insider details and step-by-step instructions for how anime is made.<\/p>\n<p>See the article <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/986a'>here<\/a><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a06.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 2: <em>Bouken Oh [Adventure King]<\/em>, January issue<\/h3>\n<p>A magnificent cover painting fronted for a mini-article near the front of this issue that highlighted <em>Yamato<\/em>&#8216;s new upgrades for the TV series. But that wasn&#8217;t all&#8230;<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a07.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The inside front cover offered up the first ad, placed by Bandai to promote recent model kits. More would soon be on the way.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a08.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The &#8220;first page&#8221; promoted the 1979 <em>Farewell to Yamato<\/em> calendar (side A) and a prize giveaway for <em>Yamato<\/em> toys from Nomura (side B). Tucked in at the bottom was a calendar card for January to remind you when <em>Yamato 2<\/em> episodes were on (Saturdays).<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a09.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Leiji Matsumoto&#8217;s manga chapter for this issue ran 23 pages and featured the Earth Defense Headquarters drop undersea mines in a futile attempt to stop <em>Yamato<\/em> from launching. The chapter ended with the ship just about to break the surface of the water.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a10.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Interrupting the chapter (above right) was an ad to remind you that Nomura Toy Company also made <em>Yamato<\/em> model kits.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a11.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 2: <em>Yamato 2<\/em> Episode 8<\/h3>\n<p><em>Space storm! Escape is impossible!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Yamato<\/em> accidentally warps into the deadly jaws of a space cyclone \u2013 and even if they can escape the deadly time trap at its core, the Comet Empire waits to attack the second they break free!<\/p>\n<p>Read our commentary for this episode <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/540'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a16.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 3: <em>Farewell to Yamato Animation Cell Collection<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><em>60 pages, Shonen Pictorial Co.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This book was the first of its kind, an innovative collection of pseudo-animation cels with an image printed onto an acetate overlay against a thick cardboard background image. A dozen of these were created for the book, accompanied by a guide to the story. Also included was a foldout calendar for the first half of 1979.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a12.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 9: <em>Yamato 2<\/em> Episode 9<\/h3>\n<p><em>Charge! Sink Yamato!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The crew captures an enemy pilot, the first Comet Empire soldier ever seen by Earthlings. At last, they have a chance to find out who is moving against the Earth. But nothing is ever so simple in the vastness of deep space.<\/p>\n<p>Read our commentary for this episode <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/541'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/aug24\/M2Y179.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 9: Middle Second Year Course, January issue<\/h3>\n<p>Gakken&#8217;s student digest for 8th graders contained a full-color 9-page article that gave summaries for <em>Yamato 2<\/em> episodes 10-12, a message from Producer Osamu Hiroka, a mecha review, and major story points.<\/p>\n<p>See the article <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/M2Y179'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a17.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 9: <em>Middle 2nd Age<\/em>, January issue<\/h3>\n<p>Obunsha&#8217;s student digest magazine for 8th graders announced the return of <em>Farewell to Yamato<\/em> to theaters for the first revival screenings since it closed in October. They celebrated the occasion with a 6-page article titled <em>You too can learn from Susumu Kodai&#8217;s way of life!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>It was a well-crafted overview of Kodai&#8217;s emotional journey through both Part 1 and Part 2, punctuated by comments from well-known singers and actors. It was followed by a 2-page <em>Yamato<\/em> quiz made up of 26 questions. According to the magazine, if you couldn&#8217;t answer 20 or more, you weren&#8217;t a true fan.<\/p>\n<p>Ready to put that to the test? Read the article <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/835a'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a45.JPG\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 10: <em>Animage<\/em> #7, January issue<\/h3>\n<p>It was very easy for fans to transplant the characters of Kodai and Yuki onto their voice actors, so any interview featuring the two of them together was undoubtedly examined at the molecular level for insight into their relationship. <em>Animage<\/em> ran just such an interview in which they talked about their characters at length.<\/p>\n<p>Read it <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/680'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/Feb14\/8364.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 10: <em>SF Future War Account: All Warships Launch!<\/em><\/h3>\n<p>This SF anthology from Tokuma Shoten may seem a bit out of place here, but it has an interesting connection. It was illustrated by members of <em>Yamato<\/em>&#8216;s original design house, Studio Nue &#8211; and the cover was painted by mecha master Kazutaka Miyatake.<\/p>\n<p>In a Yamatalk event with Miyatake held in September 2013 (reported <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/821'>here<\/a>), <em>Yamato 2199<\/em> director Yutaka Izubuchi revealed that during his time as a mecha designer on <em>Final Yamato<\/em>, he showed this cover art to Yoshinobu Nishizaki. His intention was to sell Nishizaki on this approach for the ship designs, but the producer instead zeroed in on the space-as-ocean symbolism. It is believed that this had a strong influence on the look of <em>Final Yamato<\/em>&#8216;s climax.<\/p>\n<p><a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/losillos'>Click here<\/a> to see Studio Nue&#8217;s illustrations for this book.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"image-left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a18.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>December 11: <em>Middle 3rd Age<\/em>, January issue<\/h3>\n<p>Obunsha&#8217;s student digest magazine for 9th graders devoted one page to <em>Yamato 2<\/em> in this issue, which curiously contained a description for Episode 11, almost two full weeks before it would air. The text reads as follows:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"textBlue\"><em>Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> is back on TV!<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Let&#8217;s have a mini-mini guide to the contents of <em>Yamato 2<\/em> following the unprecedented popularity of the movie. A giant white comet is heading toward Earth to dominate the entire universe. What about <em>Yamato<\/em>?<\/p>\n<p><em>Yamato<\/em> approaches Planet Telezart following a message from Queen Teresa. <em>Yamato<\/em> fought back against Goland&#8217;s fleet in the meteor belt. The Wave-Motion Gun destroyed all the enemy ships. Then a message arrived from Dessler. It rang in the ears of the <em>Yamato<\/em> veterans.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Dessler is alive?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s impossible! He must be dead!<\/p>\n<p>On the bridge, Kodai, Shima, Tokugawa, and Sanada begin to discuss the situation.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the other crew members are busy repairing <em>Yamato<\/em>, which was damaged in the battle with the Goland fleet. Then a few fireflies appear. The crew has been away from Earth for a long time, and their feelings for home are at their highest.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Fireflies, fireflies&#8230;!&#8221; Everyone is in a frenzy as memories of Earth flash through their minds. They can see themselves as boys chasing fireflies in a park. Enthralled, they catch the fireflies and bring them aboard. Kodai has an ominous feeling when he sees them and orders the fireflies taken off the ship, but the crew does not listen to him. Suddenly, everyone begins to float up into the air.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s going on?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The ship is in a zero-gravity state. Amid the clamor, the face of Dessler appears on the screen.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s been a long time, <em>Yamato<\/em>. I have sent you a heartfelt gift to comfort you on your long journey.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>It is iron-eating bacteria disguised as a fireflies sent by Dessler. <em>Yamato<\/em> flails, out of control. Then fighters from Dessler&#8217;s fleet attack. <em>Yamato<\/em> is in danger.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"image-right\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a19.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Episode 11<br \/>\nLeader Desslok, the Vengeful Demon (Part 1)<\/p>\n<p>From the NTV series scheduled to air on 12\/23<\/p>\n<p><em>Highlights mini guide<\/em><\/p>\n[Fearful invasion of the White Comet Empire]\n<p>The giant White Comet, Gatlantis, has conquered every planet in the universe and has set its next target as the Earth. The artificial empire is usually hidden in a fireball of fast neutron storms and high-pressure gas belts. It shines like a city at night, and is also a grand strategic location with state-of-the-art equipment.<\/p>\n[A powerful mecha group]<br clear=\"none\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Earth Defense Forces side<\/p>\n<p>(1) <em>Yamato<\/em><br \/>\n(2) Newly built space battleship, <em>Andromeda<\/em><br \/>\n(3) Fighter: Cosmo Tiger<br \/>\n(4) Destroyer<br \/>\n(5) Patrol ship<\/p>\n<p>White Comet Army side<\/p>\n<p>(1) White Comet, Gatlantis<br \/>\n(2) Super Carrier Naska<br \/>\n(3) Deathvertator<br \/>\n(4) Ship-borne aircraft: Eater II<br \/>\n(5) Ships and aircraft such as land-based interceptors<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a22.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 23: <em>Farewell to Yamato<\/em> Christmas Roadshow<\/h3>\n<p>In the first of what would be a long history of theatrical revivals, <em>Farewell<\/em> returned to theaters for an engagement that would last just over three weeks. As a testament to its incredible popularity, it was booked into MORE theaters than for its August premiere.<\/p>\n<p>The same flyers were used to promote it on the ground, since the bottom section on the text side was left open for new theater information.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jul25\/834aXmasRoadshow1.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Shown above are two lobby cards that were also distributed to media for news coverage.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jul25\/834aXmasRoadshow2.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This artifact comes from the same campaign, but in this case it promotes another <em>Yamato<\/em> exhibition co-sponsored by Japan Travel Network.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/oct10\/981.JPG\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 25: Fan Club Magazine #7 <\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;Fan Club Plaza&#8221; was the name given to the letters column in the bimonthly magazine, and for the year-end issue of 1978, it was expanded to nearly fill the issue with reactions and well-wishes. Also included were a page on the Cosmo Tiger II, <em>Yamato 2<\/em> episode coverage, product info, a list of theaters showing <em>Farewell<\/em> again, and more.<\/p>\n<p>See it all <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/98'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a23.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 25: <em>Space Battleship Yamato Best 4<\/em><\/h3>\n<p>Three simultaneous releases made Christmas 1978 a great day to be a <em>Yamato<\/em> music collector. It was also a great day to be Isao Sasaki, since he was the star of all of them.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a24.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Best 4&#8221; was a maxi-single that collected all four of Sasaki\u2019s <em>Yamato<\/em> songs onto one disc: The <em>Yamato<\/em> theme, <em>Teresa Forever, The Rival<\/em>, and <em>The Scarlet Scarf<\/em>. <\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a25.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In those days, you could measure the prestige of a 45rpm single by the insert that accompanied it. When the insert reached full-color, 2-fold, &#8220;landscape&#8221; format, you knew you were doing well.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a26.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 25: <em>Space Cruiser Yamato<\/em> single<\/h3>\n<p>This one remains something of a curio, with no ready explanation for what motivated it. The <em>Yamato<\/em> theme and <em>The Scarlet Scarf<\/em> are sung phonetically in English by Sasaki, maintaining the spirit of the original while rushing admirably through some obviously unfamiliar syllables.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a27.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Space Cruiser&#8221; was the international title given to the first <em>Yamato<\/em> movie, but there was no obvious connection between that film and these songs, since they were produced long after its release.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a28.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>What is known, however, is that this wasn&#8217;t a standalone release; it was part of a larger project that formed the third release for this day.<\/p>\n<p>Read more about the single and find lyrics <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/241'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class='image-middle'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/aug08\/Sasaki9.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 25: <em>Isao Sasaki Singing His Beloved Animation Hits<\/em><\/h3>\n<p>the &#8220;larger project&#8221; was an entire LP of Sasaki singing anime songs in English; a total of 13 tracks from <em>Yamato, Danguard Ace, Galaxy Express 999, Captain Harlock<\/em>, and others. The lyrics are credited to music teacher\/arranger Donald P. Berger, who took on the heroic task of rendering concise English phrases to fit the original Japanese melodies.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a29.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The album&#8217;s insert contained sheet music and lyrics to all 13 songs. It was released only once on CD in 1999, a 5-disc box set from Columbia titled <em>Isao Sasaki Deluxe Collection<\/em> (COCX-30275 > 279).<\/p>\n<p>There was yet another music release for this month, one that would justly go down in <em>Yamato<\/em> history. Keep reading&#8230;<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a44.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 29: <em>Bouken Oh [Adventure King]<\/em>, February issue<\/h3>\n<p>Akita Shoten&#8217;s editorial crew typically launched their February issues a few days earlier than usual to take the New Year&#8217;s holiday week off, so that&#8217;s how this one landed at the end of December. It contained the usual advertising, bonus features, mini-article, and Leiji Matsumoto manga.<\/p>\n<p>See it all <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/bouken792'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a15.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 30: <em>Yamato 2<\/em> Episode 12<\/h3>\n<p><em>Will Yamato perish in the hollow planetoid?<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Yamato<\/em> breaks free of Dessler\u2019s initial assault to take refuge in a huge tunnel satellite, but they are unaware that they have fallen into their arch enemy\u2019s deathtrap&#8230;and he is closing in for the kill!<\/p>\n<p>Read our commentary for this episode <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/557'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"image-middle\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jun08\/novels105.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>December 30: <em>Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> SF novels, softcover edition<\/h3>\n<p>Asahi Sonorama was one of three publishers to release novelizations of the first <em>Yamato<\/em> story, and they handled three different versions from 1974 to 1980. Their second version was a trilogy of hardcovers that arrived with the movie in 1977, and this was the softcover edition of that version. All three volumes were released on the same day. Each one started with 32 pages of color stills.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class='clear'>\n<h3>Also spotted in December<\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/aug08\/music3g1.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span class='image-right'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/aug08\/music3g2.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>New Disco Arrange album<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The exact day of release is frustratingly unrecorded, but everything else about this album is the stuff of legend. <em>I Adore the Eternity of Love<\/em> was the next step in <em>Yamato<\/em>&#8216;s musical evolution after <em>Symphonic Suite Yamato<\/em>, released one year earlier. Hiroshi Miyagawa took 12 of his compositions from Part 1 and Part 2 and created whole new arrangements with a disco beat.<\/p>\n<p>It was the first and only <em>Yamato<\/em> album released on the Polydor label (rather than Nippon Columbia), which is most likely what prevented it from reaching CD until 2012 as part of the <em>Sound Almanac<\/em> series. Anyone who didn&#8217;t know about the album would get to hear samples from it when three tracks were integrated into the latter half of <em>Yamato 2<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Read more about the album (including translated liner notes) <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/242'>here<\/a>. and <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/758'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jul23\/nomura01.JPG\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<p><em>1\/850 Diecast Yamato (Nomuro Toy Co.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Stretching almost a foot long and weighing more than any photo could convey, this became Nomura&#8217;s most popular diecast toy ever (though to be accurate, it had some plastic parts too). <\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jul23\/nomura02.JPG\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<p>The proportions were virtually the same as their 1\/1300 version, but the fightercraft were more accurate and missiles could be fired from the forward launch tubes.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jun23\/352x63x.JPG\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<p><em>8mm film reels (Toei)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The first on-demand version of <em>Farewell to Yamato<\/em> was released just over a year after a previous set for <em>Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>. Toei contracted the same manufacturer, Herald Enterprise, to create this 2-volume set.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jun23\/789afilm2x.JPG\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<p>Each reel was 20 minutes long with sound, containing highlights from the film. Volume 1 was titled <em>Hope for Tomorrow<\/em> and Volume 2 was <em>From Yamato With Love.<\/em><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a33.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Post office ads<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Public recognition through record box office success is one thing. But we all REALLY know that the true mark of approval comes from cooperative advertising with your national post office. Japan Post did exactly that, using <em>Yamato<\/em> to motivate customers to get their New Year&#8217;s holiday postcards into the mail.<\/p>\n<p>The first one gave a deadline of December 20 to &#8220;launch&#8221; your cards in time to be received January 1st. The second made it clearer with the message, &#8220;You can&#8217;t send New Year&#8217;s cards through warp (instantaneous mass transfer device).&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This tie-in was initiated by the Kanto postal network, and these posters were displayed in regional post offices in Kanto, which includes Tokyo.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/RedHawkMaster.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>The &#8220;other&#8221; Yamato<\/em><\/p>\n<p>December 1978 saw the release of a <em>Yamato<\/em> model kit that must have caused quite a stir upon first sight. Since 1976, model company Aoshima had been rolling out spaceships and vehicles in their <em>Redhawk<\/em> series. By no coincidence whatsoever, they decided to name one of them <em>Redhawk Yamato<\/em> in the exact same year that <em>Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> was at its most popular.<\/p>\n<p>But even in a world quickly filling up with <em>Yamato<\/em> knockoffs, this was not one to be lightly dismissed. Find out why <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/209'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/mar25\/041b10.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Animation magazine, January issue<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The second bimonthly issue of <em>Animation<\/em> included a lengthy article that looked back at the major developments in anime over 1978, in which the premiere of <em>Farewell to Yamato<\/em> was the unrivaled high point. The portion devoted to the film captured unique facts and figures, making it an excellent time capsule.<\/p>\n<p>Read it <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/animation179'>here<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Only three more issues of <em>Animation<\/em> followed this one before the publisher went bankrupt, then it was picked up by another publisher named Bronze Co. (in November &#8217;79) who renamed it <em>Monthly Animation<\/em>. The professorial tone and conservative graphics did not compete well with other anime magazines, and it vanished in less than a year.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, the issue that covered <em>Be Forever Yamato<\/em> delivered some very insightful journalism.<br \/>\nSee it in Vintage Report 26 <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/959a'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class='clear'>\n<h2>December context<\/h2>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a34.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>December 16: Lupin III movie<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Lupin III<\/em> and <em>Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> have little in common on the surface, but they had very similar trajectories in the anime world. The first <em>Lupin<\/em> TV series arrived in 1971, aiming for viewers in a higher age bracket, and lost the ratings battle (just like <em>Yamato<\/em>). It got a boost from reruns and returned for a second round in 1977, where it did much better and stuck around for the long haul (just like <em>Yamato<\/em>).<\/p>\n<p>It was released with the simple title <em>Lupin III<\/em>, later renamed <em>Lupin vs The Clones<\/em>, <em>The Secret of Mamo<\/em> and <em>The Mystery of Mamo.<\/em> It was the franchise&#8217;s first leap to the big screen, taken while the second TV series was still running. From that day to this one, hardly a year has passed without more <em>Lupin<\/em> in it. And that&#8217;s a good thing.<\/p>\n<p>Read more about the film <a href='https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Mystery_of_Mamo'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/Dec78mags.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Anime magazines published in December<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>OUT<\/em> (February &#8217;79 issue), <em>Animage<\/em> Vol. 7 (Jan &#8217;79 issue), and <em>Manific<\/em> #2 (Jan &#8217;79 issue)<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class='clear'>\n<h2>Also spotted in 1978 (exact dates unknown)<\/h2>\n<p class=\"image-middle\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/apr08\/Knock2.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Knockoff products<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Where there is a great success story, imitators usually spring up looking for a free ride like Star Flies on a Space Battleship. (Clever turn there, eh?) Amid the flood of <em>Yamato<\/em> merchandising there could be found a predictable number of knockoff products, tailor-made to fool the eye of the uninformed (or indiscriminant) consumer. On the upside, it does take a creative (if misguided) mind and a sort of endearing chutzpah to push these things out into broad daylight, and it can be great fun to examine them with a trained eye.<\/p>\n<p>See a rogue&#8217;s gallery of <em>Yamato<\/em> knockoffs <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/203'>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/feb25\/78idolM2YC.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>&#8217;78 Idol Yearbook<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Middle 2nd Year Course<\/em>, Gakken&#8217;s student digest magazine for 8th graders, offered this bonus booklet in one of the 1978 issues (exact month unknown). It gave readers the opportunity to carry their favorite music, film, and TV stars around wherever they went. Kodai and Yuki took their place in the lineup right next to Pink Lady.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep23\/834a37.JPG\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Music mayhem<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve been scanning the last few reports for more info about &#8220;secondary&#8221; music releases (as opposed to official ones), first of all &#8211; thank you for your obsessive devotion. Secondly, though there are a LOT of them, their exact release dates are often hard to pin down. <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/78music'>Click here<\/a> for a roundup of everything that was probably released in the wake of <em>Farewell to Yamato<\/em>. They all contain covers of <em>Yamato<\/em> songs, and some are more legit than others.<\/p>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/apr11\/6801.JPG\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<h3>What&#8217;s Next<\/h3>\n<p>1979 dawns with no slowdown whatsoever; <em>Farewell to Yamato<\/em> continues to dominate the discourse, <em>Yamato 2<\/em> shifts into its second half, and merch just keeps coming with no end in sight. Behind the scenes, the next adventure is already in the planning stages in what will become the most productive year ever for Office Academy. See it all in Vintage Report 17 <a href='https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/843a'>here<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p><\/br><\/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":[21,155],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34985","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles-series-2","category-vintage-reports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34985","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=34985"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34985\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41200,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34985\/revisions\/41200"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}