{"id":3543,"date":"2013-07-03T07:02:05","date_gmt":"2013-07-03T07:02:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=3543"},"modified":"2019-11-01T11:46:24","modified_gmt":"2019-11-01T18:46:24","slug":"461","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/461\/","title":{"rendered":"Yamato<\/em> Origins, Part 7
Story Notes by Leiji Matsumoto"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"1006icon\"<\/p>\n

Collected here is a mish-mash of Leiji Matsumoto’s story notes written during the spring and summer 1974, demonstrating how truly inspired he was in this pivotal phase. This included a wide range of characters on the Gamilas side that later informed the concepts of Yamato 2199<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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

The exact date of Leiji Matsumoto’s first day as a Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> staff member is not entirely clear, but it is agreed that May 1974 was the month when everything came together after over a year of planning. Negotiations began for a network commitment with Yomiuri Television and Matsumoto got to work on a substantial rewrite of the plotline, which he would finish on May 21st. (Back up to Part 6<\/a> of this series to read it in full.)<\/p>\n

\nMany, many details had to be worked out during the runup to this date, which addressed gaps in the Eiichi Yamamoto draft and turned some old ideas in new directions. Character names were changed and then changed again. Planets, strategies, subplots, goals; all of it was back on the table now that Matsumoto was in the driver’s seat. His condition for inheriting Eiichi Yamamoto’s job title was the freedom to re-engineer whatever he wanted, and that’s exactly what he did.<\/p>\n

\nCollected here is a mish-mash of story notes written during this fertile period, and others that were written later, reflecting additional development that went on over the summer. Taken as a whole, Matsumoto’s rush of creativity demonstrates how truly inspired he was in this pivotal phase.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Part 1: Character Lists<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

DRAFT A<\/p>\n

\nCaptain:<\/em> Mamoru Kodai
\nSoldier Leader:<\/em> Hajime Oyama or Noboru Oyama or Jirou Oyama
\nNavigation Leader:<\/em> Takashi Shimai or Takashi Shiki
\nBeautiful Woman Pilot:<\/em> Yuki Asano
\nDoctor:<\/em> Sakezo Sado<\/p>\n

\nEnemy Planet:<\/em> Zesuras [Rajendora] > Zendora > Zesu Desu
\nPresident:<\/em> Dessler\/Hedora\/Hydra<\/p>\n

\nDestination Planet:<\/em> Iscandar > Seras
\nSera is the last survivor. Her sister Sara dies on Mars.<\/p>\n

\nPirate:<\/em> Phantom F. Harlock, elder brother of Hajime Oyama<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

DRAFT B<\/p>\n

\nMamoru Kodai:<\/em>
\nThe ship’s captain; a hero of the space navy with a long military record, a famous physicist.<\/p>\n

\nSusumu Banno:<\/em>
\nCombat leader, 18 years old. Wants to become a space soldier to avenge the death of his elder brother.<\/p>\n

\nJirou Shima:<\/em>
\nNavigation leader, 18 years old.<\/p>\n

\nPhantom F. Harlock:<\/em>
\nPirate captain, real name Daisuke Banno, 26 years old. A rogue operative whose is slowly dying from radiation poisoning.
\nHates the enemy aliens intensely, swears revenge on them and vows to make the Earth healthy again.<\/p>\n

\nYuki Moriki:<\/em>
\nFemale scientist\/explorer, 18 years old.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sakezo Sado:<\/em>
\nDoctor, 54 years old. His main vocation is veterinarian. A heavy drinker, great man, brave father.<\/p>\n

\nTamotsu Kurai:<\/em>
\nChief navigator, 40 years old. A self-styled genius who indulges his abilities. Thinks that he holds the fate of Yamato<\/em> in his hands. A veteran of space navigation.<\/p>\n

\nRyuichi Yamita:<\/em>
\nSoldier, 28 years old. A rabble-rouser, senior soldier who loves to make trouble. Dissatisfied with Banno and Shima being prime officers since they are ten years younger than him.<\/p>\n

\nAnalyzer:<\/em>
\nA single robot formed by two separate robots, Migi and Hidari. They are outstanding when combined, but argue incessantly when separated. They compete to drink alcohol and chase skirts.<\/p>\n

\nSpace Battleship Yamato<\/em>:
\nConverted model of the old Japanese Battleship Yamato<\/em>. The largest, strongest spaceship of Earth.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pirate Ship Deathmask\/Shadow:<\/em>
\nAn Earth-type ship. The strongest space battleship, but its performance does not match Yamato<\/em>‘s because its engine was made on Earth.<\/p>\n

\nInvading Planet Gamilas\/Vanparella:<\/em>
\nThe first planet (of a double-planet) in the Sanzar solar system, in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The same size as Earth.<\/p>\n

\nEmperor Vanparella\/Vanpara:<\/em>
\nA dictator with an iron will and ultimate power.<\/p>\n

\nSubordinates and Inhabitants:<\/em>
\nAliens that look like Earthlings and share a distant ancestor. Taller than humans, muscles developed in a different environment. All men are oval-faced like Charlton Heston, Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood. All the women are beautiful witches (there is no ugliness). They consider even the most beautiful and handsome Earthlings to be from an inferior race.<\/p>\n

\nAngelic Planet Enzera:<\/em>
\nPlanet Vanparella is in its last stage of life. When it dies, both of the twin planets will spin out of orbit with each other and fall into the sun. Enzera has a radioactivity-removal device called the Cosmo Cleaner D that can save Earth. It must be obtained before the planet self-destructs. Enzera provides Yamato<\/em> with a fourth-dimensional engine to travel 148,000 light years.<\/p>\n

\nFourth-Dimensional Engine\/Wave Engine:<\/em>
\nEarthlings build it from a blueprint and install it in Yamato<\/em> (mixed with its old engine). Earthlings do not understand exactly how it works, and the engine room is tightly sealed. Anyway, it is a great machine.<\/p>\n

\nStarsha:<\/em>
\nThe woman who calls Yamato<\/em>. Her younger sister is Sasha.<\/p>\n

\nBad Planets:<\/em> Gomon, Daimonas, Insector
\nGood Planets:<\/em> Mariana, Mazara<\/p>\n

\nCosmo Cleaner D:<\/em>
\nRadiation removal device, Cosmo Cleaner Destora.<\/p>\n

\nDRAFT C: ORGANIZATIONAL CHART<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

Part 2: The Voyage<\/h3>\n

Whereas everything shown above predated the May 21st story outline, the following material came afterward, following successful negotiations with the Yomiuri TV Network for a 39-episode broadcast commitment.<\/p>\n

\nMatsumoto took the lead in mapping out individual TV episodes with this 13-point document. His goals were to (1) to lay down physical reference points for Yamato<\/em>‘s voyage and (2) establish a hierarchy of Gamilas characters, none of which had been developed until now, and (3) physically map out the voyage.<\/p>\n

\nIncidentally, the name ‘Gamilas’ was finalized during this process. It was a variant on the female vampire name ‘Carmilla’<\/a>. The name ‘Rajendora’ would not be heard again until it was given to a Bolar spaceship in Series 3. Incidentally, the name ‘Dessler’ came about as a combination of ‘Death’ and the Egyptian god ‘Ra.’ (The Japanese pronunciation being ‘Desura’)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1: The Vast Galaxy<\/em><\/p>\n

\nThe galaxy that contains our solar system is a vast rotating disc 100,000 light years in diameter. Our solar system is approximately 30,000 light years from the center.<\/p>\n

\n2: The Large and Small Megallanic Clouds<\/em><\/p>\n

\nYamato<\/em> is bound for these nebulae. When seen with the naked eye from Earth’s southern hemisphere, they can be found below the Milky Way’s Galactic Equator; diagonally under the Southern Cross and to the left of Orion. They are the closest nebulae to our galaxy<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

3: The Distance from Earth’s Solar System<\/em><\/p>\n

\nLooking up at the Milky Way Galaxy from underneath, they lie between 148,000 and 200,000 light years away. Because the principle of measurement is updated year by year, different documents indicate different distances. Along the route to get there, the distance to the Orion Nebula is 980 light years.<\/p>\n

\nThe Large Magellanic Cloud contains 10 billion stars and is 25,000 light years in length. It includes many bright and variable stars, among others. The Small Magellanic Cloud contains 1.6 billion stars and is 8,500 light years in diameter. A method to measure the distances of these nebulae was discovered by the study of certain variable stars.<\/p>\n

\n4: Seeing the Magellanic Clouds from Earth<\/em><\/p>\n

\nThe Milky Way got its name from the huge galactic arm that spreads across our sky. When our viewpoint allows us to see it horizontally (when we are positioned edge-on with the Milky Way) there is a large object and a small one below the galactic arm, within the Constellation of Orion. These are the Magellanic Clouds, 148,000 to 200,000 light years away.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

5: Seen from Above the Galaxy<\/em><\/p>\n

\nThere is no up or down in space, but this is where the Magellanic Clouds are positioned relative to the Milky Way if seen from the “top.”<\/p>\n

\n6: Where Yamato<\/em> Leaves the Galaxy<\/em><\/p>\n

\nYamato<\/em> leaves the galaxy through the “underside” near Orion. Or this is what we assume! The neighborhood of Orion, 980 light years away, is where Yamato<\/em> parts ways with the vast Milky Way!<\/p>\n

\nTherefore…<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

7: …Yamato<\/em> will continue its voyage toward the Magellanic Clouds while seeing the vast Milky Way Galaxy overhead! Yamato<\/em> departs the galaxy through the underside!<\/p>\n

\n8: We should assume the first line of defense from Gamilas is positioned in the area of Orion. This is an unpleasant fact!<\/p>\n

\n9: The View from the Megallanic Clouds<\/em><\/p>\n

\nThe view toward the Milky Way looks like this. Yamato<\/em>, Gamilas, and the lawless pirate Harlock experience romance, bloodshed, and a desperate struggle in this vast open ocean of space!<\/p>\n

\n10: We’re in a hurry, but do not be impatient!<\/em><\/p>\n

\nBefore crossing the border into Gamilas territory, we should become acquainted with their command network and their way of life. Leader Dessler’s nation can be better understood as a great pyramid.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

11: Character Lineup of the Gamilas Military<\/em><\/p>\n

\nVice-President Hisu:<\/em>
\nWorries about details, trivia, and the control of information. Loyal to Dessler, but Domel of the Balan base is his comrade-in-arms.<\/p>\n

\nPropoganda Minister Shalabaster:<\/em>
\nA strong, beautiful woman and a PR genius. Continuously promotes the greatness of Dessler and the invincible Gamilas Army to other planets. Never speaks of defeat. Convinces everyone to believe in Dessler. Secretly envies and curses Starsha.<\/p>\n

\nDomestic Affairs Officer Sameru:<\/em>
\nA tyrannical politician. Direct conductor of the policies that keep other planets in check. Keeps 100 mistresses and constantly lines his pockets.<\/p>\n


\nMatsumoto’s rough design for Geru<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Chief of Secret Police Gorola:<\/em>
\nMaintains a reign of terror. A man who ruthlessly kills his own countrymen and even his brothers. Even Hisu shrinks at his glare.<\/p>\n

\nChief Bodyguard Kesu:<\/em>
\nThe most elite officer in the Gamilas corps. Dedicated his heart and soul to Dessler, and is willing to die for him. Doubts the weak nature of Hisu. Responsible for defense of the government and the capital city.<\/p>\n

\nSS Forward Army Corps Leader Natar:<\/em>
\nA robotic man with no emotions. Formerly a peasant who became a murder machine without a second thought. <\/p>\n

\nStrategy and Spy War Director Minuku:<\/em>
\nA genius at cryptography and covert operations. Well-versed in the psychology of Earthlings. Older brother of Darkunas.<\/p>\n

\nSpacefleet Commander Geru (formerly Goering):<\/em>
\nCommander of space navy for the Small Magellanic Cloud. A brave man with a long military record of strategy in space battles. An accomplished expert in blitzkrieg-style aggression. Fond of a flashy campaign, which puts him at odds with Carrier Fleet Commander Domel. Supports the covert ops fleet of Darkunas.<\/p>\n

\nDOMEL’S FORCES<\/p>\n

\nCommander Domel (formerly Rommel):<\/em>
\nOne of two spacefleet task force commanders based on Planet Balan. A genius of Carrier operations in space. A believer in the dignified frontal attack. A superb officer who respects the abilities of Earthmen, recognizes the value of blood and tears.<\/p>\n

\nYamerodes:<\/em>
\nCaptain of the First Mobile Unit under Domel, functions as his vanguard. A specialist in guerilla warfare.<\/p>\n

\nGarula:<\/em>
\nCaptain of the Second Mobile Unit under Domel, commander of a large-scale spacecraft carrier fleet. Obsessed with fighting Yamato<\/em> to the point where he sometimes defies Domel’s orders. Loses confidence when Yamato<\/em> defeats his fleet.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Amiraz:<\/em>
\nCaptain of the Third Mobile Unit under Domel (Marine Corps and landing forces). Enjoys the challenge of land battles fought with tanks and small arms. Sends subordinates to their deaths without hesitation, arms them with swords and bayonets.<\/p>\n

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

Wara:<\/em>
\nCaptain of the Fourth Mobile Unit under Domel, the only all-female combat unit. A parachute force used in suicide attacks. The cruelest commander in Domel’s Army Corps.<\/p>\n

\nManda:<\/em>
\nCaptain of the Fifth Mobile Unit under Domel, commander of battleship force. An advocate for the elimination of carriers and carrier-based craft.<\/p>\n

\nRamen:<\/em>
\nCaptain of the Sixth Mobile Unit under Domel, the Space Torpedo Corps. Commander of the destroyer fleet. Knows no retreat under Domel’s orders. Bravest of all the officers in Domel’s Army Corps.<\/p>\n

\nDARKUNAS’ FORCES<\/p>\n

\nDarkunas:<\/em>
\nThe other spacefleet task force commander based on Planet Balan. Leads a covert operations fleet, a submarine corps that specializes in anti-radar strategy. Younger brother of Minuku, comrade of Geru. Believes in humiliating Earthlings and does not use frontal attacks. Prefers secretive strategies and surprise attacks, diametrically opposed to Domel<\/p>\n

\nNuruba:<\/em>
\nCaptain of the First Covert Fleet under Darkunas, expert in biological warfare. Uses creatures and inhabitants of alien planets against Yamato<\/em>. Intends to capture and vivisect an Earthling.<\/p>\n

\nDoriru:<\/em>
\nCaptain of the Second Covert Fleet under Darkunas, sets up various traps such as space mines in asteroids. Scatters decoys, etc. using ninja tactics. An unpleasant man with a foul odor.<\/p>\n

\nBandas:<\/em>
\nCaptain of the Third Covert Fleet under Darkunas, specialist in bombs, missiles, and the use of space debris. A calm scientist.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

OTHER CHARACTERS<\/p>\n

\nIroze:<\/em>
\nA subordinate of Shalabastar, under her direct command. A female soldier who specializes in psychological operations. Uses supernatural phenomenae to send a ghost into Yamato<\/em> and destroy it from within. Defeated in battle by Yuki Mori.<\/p>\n

\nTalan:<\/em>
\nCommander of Defensive Forces, protects the absolute defense zone within the Large Magellanic Cloud. A man of great self-confidence who dares 100 ships to attack, including Yamato<\/em>. Watched closely by his wife, he is attracted to women’s bottoms.<\/p>\n

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

Dogishimas:<\/em>
\nCommander of perimeter defenses around the Large Magellanic Cloud.<\/p>\n

\nWarwa:<\/em>
\nCommander of defenses in the Sanzar Solar System. Believes no enemy can penetrate that far. Lives a leisurely life with his family.<\/p>\n

\nTodai:<\/em>
\nGamilas Homeland Defense Commander. Because there is already an elite bodyguard unit protecting the government and capital city, he is lax in his duties. He is the weak link that allows Yamato<\/em> and Harlock to attack, depriving the bodyguards of support.<\/p>\n

\nThis is a dreadful lineup of characters to write about!<\/p>\n

\n12: This is the makeup of the Gamilas forces, who are fully prepared.<\/em><\/p>\n

\nCan Yamato<\/em> be expected to defeat all of them? As shown on the Battlefield Map of the voyage, this a dreadful thing to face.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

13: The Map<\/em><\/p>\n

\nAs the writing team gathered to take Matsumoto’s story notes to the next phase, this map and the details behind it would guide the process from here on…but there were many changes still to come.<\/p>\n

\nContinue to Yamato<\/em> Origins Part 8: The 39-Episode Outline<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n

Bonus: Design Origins<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Above are the first two Matsumoto roughs for Yamato<\/em>, which demonstrate (among other things) the inception of the Wave-Motion Gun. This was a big step forward from the art-deco look of the ship as it appeared in the 1973 plan book, but Nishizaki wanted to take it a step farther.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He was influenced by a 1961 adventure story from Hi no Maru<\/em> magazine titled Shin [New] Battleship Yamato<\/em> by Ikki Kajiwara (who would go on to write incredibly popular sports manga such as Tomorrow’s Joe<\/em> and Star of the Giants<\/em>). This manga version of Kajiwara’s story appeared in Shonen Gaho<\/em> magazine in 1963, drawn by Tetsuya Dan. (Read all about it here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With this as a reference, the last link in the chain was forged between earlier concepts and the final, enduring design. Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> emerged, wings and all. (And, just for the record, Matsumoto never liked those wings.)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Over 20 years later, Matsumoto finally revived his rough design for a cameo appearance in a Galaxy Express 999<\/em> manga. Because in some cases there’s no such thing as “final.”<\/p>\n

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