{"id":3662,"date":"2013-07-04T04:36:31","date_gmt":"2013-07-04T04:36:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=3662"},"modified":"2014-10-27T08:25:25","modified_gmt":"2014-10-27T15:25:25","slug":"713","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/713\/","title":{"rendered":"Space Battleship Yamato 2199<\/em>, Report 12"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"1212icon\"<\/p>\n

October 2012: Yamato Crew Fun Club magazine debuts, a custom-wrapped 2199<\/em> train, November concert announced, live events in Fukuoka and Tokushima, manga chapter 8, new kits revealed at the All Japan Model Hobby Show, the premiere of Chapter 3, and translated articles from the Chapter 3 program book.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

October News<\/h2>\n

With the premiere date for Yamato 2199<\/em> Chapter 3 set for October 13, it should surprise no one that the first half of the month saw a quick ramp-up of activity. Here’s how it all shook out…<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 1: Hyper Hobby<\/em> #170<\/h3>\n

Tokuma Publishing<\/em><\/p>\n

\nThis month’s Hyper Hobby<\/em> was light on text features but crammed a lot into three pages of news roundups that should all be familiar to those who have kept up with these reports. See all three pages here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\nIncidentally, this and the previous issue contained a multi-part interview with Director Yutaka Izubuchi and live-action film auteur Masato Hayase. Their discussion will be presented in a future update.<\/p>\n

Ship’s Log #1<\/h3>\n

Yamato Crew Premium Fan Club Magazine<\/em><\/p>\n

\nIssue zero of this new publication was released earlier in the year as a free promotion for the Yamato Crew<\/em> Premium Fan Club; anyone in Japan who applied at the Yamato Crew<\/em> website<\/a> could get one. This was a clever move on the part of the “home office:” hook them with an amazing giveaway issue and sell them a premium membership to continue. A premium membership also provides access to special products and ticket purchases, but you need a Japanese address to sign up.<\/p>\n

\nThe cover image on issue 1 is a new one, linked to Yamato 2199<\/em> Episode 9. It’s also interesting to note the English spelling for “Fun Club” on the cover, which is exactly how “Fan Club” was spelled on the very first issue of the original club magazine from 1978. We’ll have to wait for issue 2 to see if this was intentional. This issue’s 36 pages contain color and b&w design art for 2199<\/em> chapter 3, Japanese versions of our interviews with Nobuyoshi Habara<\/a> and Nobuteru Yuuki<\/a>, articles on Yamato<\/em> history, staff messages, and more–to be explored here in the future. Meanwhile, see photos of some interior pages here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 2: Custom-wrapped Yamato 2199<\/em> Train<\/h3>\n

The Kitakinki Tango Railway (KTR) operates two train lines in Japan’s Kyoto prefecture. Kitakinki refers to the northern Kinki region (stop giggling) and Tango is for Tango province. This becomes relevant when you take a close look at this particular car; it received a makeover to transform it into a promotional Yamato 2199<\/em> train. Each of the KTR lines now operates with one of these cars.<\/p>\n

\nThis is the latest entry in a proud history of Yamato<\/em> train tie-ins that started in 1980 to promote Be Forever<\/em> and lead to the first fully-wrapped car in May 2011. (See it here<\/a>.) The 2199<\/em> promotion will run through March 31 2013, which means it will probably be modified for the release of Chapter 4 in January.<\/p>\n

\nSee photos and video of this train at these links: Source 1<\/a> | Source 2<\/a> | Source 3<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 2 & 5: Official Website updates<\/h3>\n

It’s always a good idea to keep a close watch on the official 2199<\/em> website as a movie premiere draws closer, since updates and news flashes can appear at any time. Case in point: several new character entries and an entire new section called “Music Team” that covers the big concert event planned for November 10.<\/p>\n

\nClick here<\/a> to explore the official site.<\/p>\n

\nSee a promotional video for the concert event here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 6: Chapter 3 Sneak Preview Screening<\/h3>\n

October 6 is the single most significant date in Yamato<\/em> history; in 1974 it saw the premiere of the original anime series, and in 2199<\/em> it’s the day Yamato<\/em> launches for Iscandar. Something is done to mark that anniversary almost every year, and this time it became the first day anyone could see 2199<\/em> Chapter 3. A sneak preview was held for Yamato Crew<\/em> Premium members in Chuo, Tokyo one week before the official premiere. They didn’t have access to all the theater goods that would go on sale October 13, but they did get the new foil stickers (a new is made for each movie) and a special postcard featuring the cover art from Ship’s Log<\/em> #1.<\/p>\n

\nSee photos of a display at the premiere here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 6: Yamato 2199<\/em> TV Special 3<\/h3>\n

The Tokyo MX satellite network has broadcast a special for each movie so far, titled New Life Yamato Launch Declaration<\/em>. The third of these also marked the October 6 anniversary. It featured a talk with staff members, the first 10 minutes of Episode 7, and more promotion for the November concert.<\/p>\n

\nSee the footage from Episode 7 here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 7: Yamatalk Event, Fukuoka<\/h3>\n

Fukuoka Prefecture is at the far southern end of Japan. On October 7 the ornate Ocean Movie Theater in Fukuoka City became the site of the first public Yamato 2199<\/em> marathon featuring Chapters 1 and 2 and culminating with Episode 7 from Chapter 3. Director Yutaka Izubuchi was there for another Yamatalk event, accompanied by the lovely Yuki Mori.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 7 & 8: Yamato 2199<\/em> at Machi Asobi<\/h3>\n

Machi Asobi translates to “City Play,” which is as good a name as any for a city-wide festival to promote anime and manga. It has been taking place in Tokushima twice a year since 2009, and Machi Asobi 7 had some special things in store for Yamato<\/em> fans. 2199<\/em> Chapters 1 and 2 were screened back to back on both the 7th and 8th, with Director Yutaka Izubuchi on hand for a Yamatalk on the evening of the 7th. Since the 8th was the last day for the 5-meter Yamato<\/em> display at Awa odori Airport, Izubuchi appeared there for a talkshow event with Tokushima prefectural governor Kamon Iizumi.<\/p>\n

\nYamato Crew<\/em> Premium members attended another sneak preview of Chapter 3 in nearby Osaka on October 9.<\/p>\n

\nRead more about Machi Asobi here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\nAnother attraction for Yamato<\/em> fans was to get a special commemorative ink stamp at a “stamp rally.” See it on YouTube here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 10: New Type Ace #14<\/h3>\n

Kadokawa Publishing<\/em><\/p>\n

\nChapter 8 of the Yamato 2199<\/em> manga adaptation by Michio Murakawa straddled episodes 3 and 4, taking the story from the firing of the Wave-Motion Gun at Jupiter (with some seriously enhanced repercussions) to the flyover of Enceladus. At this rate, the adaptation of Chapter 2 will still be in progress as Chapter 4 opens in theaters. Let’s hope Kadokawa is in it for the long haul!<\/p>\n

See the manga pages here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Also included was Ryusuke Hikawa’s fifth Yamato Lessons from the Past<\/em> column, which can be read here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 11-14: All Japan Model Hobby Show<\/h3>\n

Closer to the home base in Tokyo, Chiba city was the site of the 52nd All Japan Hobby Show, organized by the Japan Plamodel Industry Association. Naturally, Bandai was on hand to show off Yamato 2199<\/em> models, and since this is a platform for hobby companies to announce new products, they obliged by promoting a 2-vessel Gamilas Battleship set for release in January. Other Gamilas ship models were displayed (though not promoted for sale) and signage indicated a new Cosmo Zero kit in the works.<\/p>\n

\nSee video footage of the Yamato<\/em>-related displays here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Also noteworthy was promotion for a set of custom paints for Yamato<\/em> models in the “Mr. Color” line from Gunze Sangyo.<\/p>\n

\nSee more photos from the show here: Source A<\/a> | Source B<\/a> | Source C<\/a> | See video coverage of the 2199<\/em> exhibits here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\nVisit the hobby show’s home page here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 12: 1\/1000 Yamato<\/em> Model, Space Panorama Edition<\/h3>\n

As the All Japan hobby show was still in progress, Bandai actually released a new Yamato<\/em> kit as a special tie-in with Chapter 3. It was a reissue of July’s 1\/1000 Yamato<\/em> model in a repackaged “Space Panorama” edition. This term originated in 1979 to describe box sets of mini-kits (see them here<\/a>), and has now been revived to describe the huge display stand that distinguishes this edition.<\/p>\n

\nThe other modifications are new box art and a transparent hull panel to place over the cutaway interior. It went on sale October 13 at movie theaters showing Chapter 3, and was also listed at the Premium Bandai website<\/a>. See more photos here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 12: Chapter 3 Sneak Previews<\/h3>\n

The last of the special previews happened the night before the official premiere in two locations: Shinjuku Picadilly theater in Tokyo, and Namba Park Cinema in Osaka. The full range of theater goods would not go on sale until the next morning, but attendees had the option of purchasing “gift sets” of bundled items.<\/p>\n

\nBoth sets included a movie ticket, the theater-exclusive Blu-ray, a program book, and a keychain strap packaged up in a cloth bag with Yamato<\/em> uniform insignia. The “B” set came in a green “navigation group” bag, and the more expensive “A” set came in a red “combat group” bag with the Space Panorama model kit.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 12: Official Website Update<\/h3>\n

Another character was added to the 2199<\/em> website that took all of fandom by surprise. A familiar face was added to the Gamilas side: Volf [Wolf] Frakken, commander of the Galman Dimensional Submarines! Longtime fans remember him from 1980’s Yamato III<\/em>, but until now it was not known that he would appear in 2199<\/em> Chapter 4; more proof that there are plenty of surprises in store.<\/p>\n

October 12: Yamato<\/em> Lecture 2<\/h3>\n

One more thing to make October 12 a day to remember was a fan-organized event called Yamato Lecture 2<\/em>. It was held at the Loft Plus One nightclub in Shinjuku, Tokyo. “Lecture 1” was a similar event called Otaku Awards R7: Men of Yamato<\/em> held in this same venue July 2010<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\nThe agenda was to discuss all aspects of Yamato<\/em> with a focus on 2199<\/em> to welcome new fans into the fold. Events at the Loft Plus One generally feature announced and unannounced special guests, and are usually moderated by fan celebrities. This time it included several well-known illustrators and manga authors, some of whom worked on the Official Yamato Fact File<\/em><\/a> magazine series, including Hidetaka Tenjin<\/a>. The promo art shown above right is by Shinji “Mash” Nishikawa. Click here<\/a> to see more art created for the event.<\/p>\n

\nSpecial thanks to August Ragone for this data.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

October 13: Chapter 3 Premiere<\/h3>\n

Eyewitness report by Gwyn Campbell<\/em><\/p>\n

\nA crisp, sunny Autumn morning greeted the crowd of Yamato<\/em> fans who had gathered outside Shinjuku Picadilly Cinema on October 13 for the premiere of Yamato 2199<\/em> Chapter 3: The Endless Voyage<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\nAs with the previous two chapters, the first screening of the morning featured a short talk by a few select guests: Yutaka Izubuchi (General Director), Yousuke Akimoto (Hiss), and Kouichi Yamadera. That’s right, Leader Dessler himself! (Or Spike Spiegel of Cowboy Bebop<\/em>, depending on which side of the generation gap one falls).<\/p>\n

\nYamadera was by far the biggest-name voice actor to yet appear at a Yamato 2199<\/em> screening, and the impact on the cinema that morning was obvious. People had come earlier than before and the lobby was packed wall-to-wall. The merchandise line was 6 people deep and stretched all the way back to the concessions stand. Interestingly, the limited edition Blu-rays of Chapter 3 were restricted this time around, presumably in an attempt to limit scalpers. The discs were available only at two or three designated times, strictly limited to one per person, and all purchasers had to have a valid movie ticket.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Leaving the shopping for later, I headed straight into the cinema just before the lights dimmed for Chapter 3. Overall, its pace was slower than the previous film but featured more character development. It also introduced new elements to the show and departures from the original plot. But this isn’t a movie review, it’s a story of how 600 adults spent their Saturday morning chanting “Gare Gamilon! Gare Dessler!” at the top of their lungs.<\/p>\n

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

When Chapter 3 concluded, our usual MC Kobayashi came out on stage, eager to get the audience in on a little plan he had hatched. When the guests came out on stage he wanted everyone to stand, salute and chant in unison. Yamadera strode onto stage, and the entire cinema jumped to attention.<\/p>\n

\n“Gare Gamilon! Gare Dessler!”<\/em><\/p>\n

\nIn full Dessler mode, Yamadera gazed at the crowd dispassionately. Izubuchi, doubled over, approached and handed him a speech. Yamadera cleared his throat and started speaking in Gamilan.<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi interrupted, somewhat apologetically; “I’m sorry, but these are 2nd-class citizens. They only know the common tongue.”<\/p>\n

\nUnimpressed, he restarted the speech in Japanese. “Loyal subjects, welcome to Shinjuku Picadilly!”<\/p>\n

\nThe crowd went wild. Once everyone calmed down, the talkshow began.<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi was dressed in a big black thing that was a cross between a cape and a poncho. He said that he was told the talk would be more Gamilas-themed due to the guests and that he should wear something thematically appropriate.<\/p>\n

\nWhen asked for his initial impression of the role, Yamadera replied, “Well I was part of the Yamato<\/em> generation. When it first aired, I was in my first year of junior high and watched every single episode. I absolutely loved it. While of course I liked Kodai as well, I was a huge Dessler fan. When I was told that they were doing Yamato<\/em> again my first thought was oh? Will I get to do Kodai again? [He had previously voiced Kodai for 2009’s Yamato Resurrection<\/em>, which makes him the first voice actor to speak for both the hero and his rival.] But then I heard that Kodai was being done by someone else, someone younger. I thought that that was only natural and that therefore I wouldn’t have a role. Then I heard about Dessler. I thought, ‘Surely you cant be serious!? I don’t want to fight, I’ve already gone through this! In a different show.’ Or so I thought. But, if someone has to do the role then, presented with the opportunity, I accepted. And I’m very happy that we have managed to make such a wonderful version of Yamato<\/em>.” <\/p>\n

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

Akimoto:<\/em> Well I play Hiss, the Vice-President. Actually, you might think he is second only to Leader Dessler himself, but there’s an unbelievably huge step down in status between the two. Well, whether in reality, he is second-in-command or not, he is an ill-mannered, stuck up little old man and I hope to do my best in the role.<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> Could you tell us a bit about the reasons behind your choice of voice actors?<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> Well, this time the design for Dessler skewed a little younger. As for the direction we wanted to take the character, after the original show there are others who played the role and times where the voice became quite different. So while there were other voice actors out there who could’ve done it, I didn’t want to just assign the role in such a half-hearted way. It’s not like there aren’t voice actors in 2199<\/em> who were in previous Yamato<\/em> productions. There’s shigeru Chiba, for example, who played a crew member in Yamato III<\/em>. Then there’s Mugihito who plays Tokugawa in Yamato 2199<\/em> and previously did Dagon in Yamato III<\/em>. In this way, we can utilize them by casting them in different roles. But when it came to a younger Dessler, I was convinced that Yamadera was the only person for the role.<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> Really?<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> Really.<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> I think there’s plenty of others who could do it.<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> No, there aren’t<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> Thank you.<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> Most people I know thought so, too. Including, for example, Hideaki Anno.<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> THAT Anno? Thank you! (applause)<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> As far as Akimoto is concerned, Hiss’ role needs kind of a dourness. Aspecial kind of quality. A certain bitterness. When I thought about who could pull that off, Akimoto came to mind. Actually, the image of him in my head…he usually does much cooler roles. So at first I didn’t know whether it was right to cast him in this role. But I made up my mind that only he could to it.<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> Touching on what we were speaking about earlier, I believe Akimoto has also played Yamazaki.<\/p>\n

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

Izubuchi:<\/em> That’s right, Chief Engineer Yamazaki. The original voice actor (Mikio Terashima) passed away and Akimoto played the role in some of the Playstation games. <\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> So you could say that a lot of the original Yamato<\/em> crew have defected over to Gamilas. (laughter)<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> That’s right! Not only Yamazaki, but Kodai as well! (laughter)<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> This could be a big problem for Yamato<\/em>!<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> True, I know everything about the ship.<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> So you were a kind of spy?<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> Well, maybe it’s the other way around.<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> Dessler is a spy?<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> Kinda deep isn’t it? (laughter)<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> Well, this time you are playing Dessler, and I have to say that his first scene made quite an impact. Because he was in the bath!<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> A nude scene! That’s right.<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> How was that?<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> Well it’s not like I was in the actual bath myself (laughter).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Izubuchi:<\/em> There were similar scenes in the original, where Dessler was bathing. And there was this character with him who unmistakably had Shima’s face, just in a different color. A blue Shima (laughter). In that scene he was calling Starsha on the phone from the bath so there already existed this kind of image of Dessler bathing. It was like an outdoor bath. Like something from a health resort.<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> And this time there are female characters present, as well.<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> Ah, they were actually left out of the original series. And I thought in this version it would be fine to have women around him.<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> Now, from Chapter 3, as those in the audience have just seen, we start to see more of a departure from the original and in particular new things from the Gamilas side<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> That’s right. In Chapter 3 we see the Gamilas Cabinet. In Chapter 2 we only saw a couple of characters related to the Cabinet, but in this chapter we get to see the whole cabinet together and it’s pretty dense.<\/p>\n

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

Yamadera:<\/em> There’s so many characters!<\/p>\n

\nAkimoto:<\/em> Thanks to that, there’s a lot of people in the cast I’m familiar with, but haven’t had the chance to see in a while. So thanks to this production, I get to work with a lot of nostalgic faces again.<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> There’s a lot of cast members involved on the Gamilas side. When recording, we actually do separate sessions for the Gamilas and Yamato<\/em> members. And when the casts come in, well, apart from Celeste most of the Gamilas cast are old hands. And when the Yamato<\/em> crew’s cast see them, they say that they don’t think the Yamato<\/em> [cast] can win. Now, as voice actors, I can see where they are coming from. But as the crew of Yamato<\/em>, if they don’t feel like they can win then Yamato<\/em> will never end! (laughter). Well, there’s a couple of veterans on the Yamato<\/em> side; Okita and Sanada for example.<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> In Chapter 3 we see the introduction of more new story elements. I just wanted to ask what your favorite scene was from this set of episodes.<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> I’d have to say the episode about Analyzer and the Gamiloid. That was great, right? (applause) I loved the character of Analyzer since I was a child, and even though the character is a little different in this version–<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> He isn’t a skirt chaser. (laughter)<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> But yes, it was great to see a character I loved brought back so well.<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> I wasn’t sure how well that story would be received, so in a way it was kind of a litmus test.<\/p>\n

\nAkimoto:<\/em> I think my favorite part was how scary Dessler is. I mean, even if I AM the vice-president, HE can just flick his finger and…well, you never know when it might happen to you. I thought that element was done really well. <\/p>\n

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

MC:<\/em> So we were introduced to some new characters in Chapter 3. Can we expect more of this?<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> Certainly in Chapters 3 & 4, yes. There will be more new characters to come who will be new but done in such a way that they still feel familiar to the audience.<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> In this Chapter in particular, there were a lot of new faces on the Gamilas side that were both cool and cute. Of course, Dessler became a lot cooler as well. I was quite surprised.<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> A lot of people have commented that Tokugawa’s granddaughter was cute. And also that Shima’s younger brother was cute. Actually, both were played by the same actress.<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> Was this done on purpose?<\/p>\n

\nIzubuchi:<\/em> Not at all. It was completely coincidental.<\/p>\n

\nMC:<\/em> I’m sure everyone is looking forward to more great performances in episodes yet to come. Any final thoughts for today?<\/p>\n

\nYamadera:<\/em> I think that an undertaking like this, remaking an older show, is quite difficult. But the most amazing thing is that it’s able to satisfy both new viewers and people like myself who grew up with the original. [For example] I can see people of different age groups here in the audience today. So in this respect, I think it’s a remarkable show and feel that I must keep pushing myself to do better. Actually, I feel quite a bit of pressure, so maybe my face will actually end up turning blue! So, with this pressure, I’d really like to keep trying my best, striving to be better. I think Gamilas has a tough battle on its hands, but as I just mentioned, I have a tough battle ahead of me, too. I think Dessler has great things in store and similarly, I intend to fight with my all while portraying the character.<\/p>\n

\nAkimoto:<\/em> I will just follow Leader Dessler (laughter).<\/p>\n

\nAs it gave way to a press photo-op, that was the end of the Chapter 3 guest talk. It was briefer than usual (possibly due to Yamadera’s schedule), but was definitely the most fun talk show to date. Then it was time for the not-so-fun part–the 90-minute wait in line for one of those darn Blu-rays.<\/p>\n

\nEnd of report<\/em><\/p>\n

Chapter 3 Merchandising<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

The film was accompanied by a new round of souvenirs by the Froovie company, sold in theater gift shops and online here<\/a>. When all this swag is catalogued after seven films, Yamato 2199<\/em> could very well set a record for merchandising volume on a single 26-episode series. If you don’t count the original Yamato<\/em>, that is. See a photo gallery of all the Chapter 3 goods here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The theater-exclusive Blu-ray disc for Chapter 3 avoided the technical error that delayed the Blu-ray of Chapter 2, and was available for purchase on opening day. As before, most were gone by the end of the first week. The disc contains episodes 7-10 with English subtitles. Bonus features on this volume are an audio commentary for Episode 9, the second 2199<\/em> TV special, an on-camera interview with vocalist Isao Sasaki, and a video digest of Chapter 1.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The outer wraparound sleeve was once again painted by Studio Nue alum Naoyuki Katoh, an impressionistic image of a pilot flying past Yamato<\/em>‘s rocket anchor.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The other big bonus item, which sets the theater-exclusive Blu-ray apart from the standard edition (scheduled for November 22 release) is the 132-page storyboard book, which covers Episode 10. The cover illustration is by character designer Nobuteru Yuuki. Shortly before the film opened, the Yamato Crew website offered a sort of consolation prize for those who couldn’t get this Blu-ray; when the “public” edition becomes available, their version of it will include an exclusive trading card and facsimiles of the voice-actor recording scripts for episodes 7-10. The site also offers a special slipcase to contain all 26 volumes once the series ends. (The “AR” designation is for “After Recording,” since voices are recorded after animation is done.)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Finally, the disc came with another 12-page mini-guidebook to Chapter 3. See all the pages here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Something anyone could pick up at the theater free of charge were these two flyers, one for Chapter 4 and the other for the Yamato Orchestra Big Ceremony 2012<\/em>, which is covered in the next report.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last but not least was this new set of clear files sold online from the Yamato Crew website, all using art created for other publications except the third one, which is a montage of stills from Chapter 3.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Movie program book<\/h3>\n

The book for chapter 3 followed the format of the first two with four additional pages for a total of 40. See it from cover to cover here<\/a> and continue reading for translated text…<\/p>\n

\nA terrible Gamilas trap waits for <\/em>Yamato in unknown space!!
\nThe year is 2199. Space Battleship <\/em>Yamato left to save the home world of Earth, which became a planet of red death. <\/em>Yamato now says farewell to the heliosphere and sets sail for space unexplored by humans. Waiting in its path is a formidable trap set between the stars by Emperor Dessler of Gamilas. The great voyage, filled with challenges, has only just begun.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

INTRODUCTION
\nBy Ryusuke Hikawa (Anime Commentator)<\/em><\/p>\n

\nThe series has finally arrived at Chapter 3. If you were to say, “introduction, development, turn, conclusion,” this part would be “development.” It is positioned in a block where we begin to see the overall composition of the series.<\/p>\n

\nThe early stage of the game was shown precisely; Chapter 1 was the departure from Earth and Chapter 2 was the breakthrough past enemy control within the heliosphere. The previous chapter in particular had the spectacle element of battle after battle, which showed the superior performance of Yamato<\/em>. The high morale and skill of the crew was also shown, and provided a great catharsis.<\/p>\n

\nThis action element with space and other planets as the stage was certainly a big attraction of Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>. Above all, I was happiest to see that with the aid of technology, this attraction succeeded as “modern anime.” However, that’s not all the staff of 2199<\/em> is aiming for. It finally becomes clear in Chapter 3 that Yamato<\/em> has other attractions besides battle. The greatest joy in this chapter could be the aspect in which potential blooms along with unpredictability.<\/p>\n

\nWhile leaving the garden of the sun, Yamato<\/em>‘s crew opens a communication channel with Earth, their home. Understanding the sense of separation and who they are fighting for, an individual reconfirms the source of the mission. Each step forward in space is a step toward the unknown. New incidents and trials not yet experienced are waiting, one after the other.<\/p>\n

\nThe preceding chapters were promoted with an emphasis on how they conformed to the 1974 version, but many first-time elements are contained in Chapter 3, coming close to an entirely new story. But whether or not it is a completely new work is not such a simple thing. Because many well-understood characteristics come surging out, the new developments are inspired by elements that were present in the original. By all means, I’d like you to pay attention to the attitude of the staff, which tries to pierce the “strange arrangement.”<\/p>\n

\nThus, in Chapter 3, the fascination Yamato<\/em> originally offered emerges again, a wonderful atmosphere filled with imagination for the future. The important keyword at the core in particular this time may be “roman.”<\/p>\n

\nThe Scarlet Scarf<\/em>, the secondary theme passionately sung by Isao Sasaki was used surprisingly effectively in the trailer for Chapter 3. The word “roman” is used impressively in the tone of the song (lyrics by Yu Aku). Although the meaning of “roman” is very ambiguous, I’ll interpret this “longing that defies description” here. <\/p>\n

\nSubjects such as “adventure,” and “dreams,” and “the unknown” direct those feelings. In the case of this work, the feelings arise between “empty space that spreads out to infinity,” and “the will to voyage beyond it.” “Roman” is not only a story, it dwells in the overall mood of visual meditation. In this work, Yamato<\/em> has the shape of a ship, and space is likened with “the sea.” That is “roman” already. And the “voyage” to be carried out is not based on a map which someone else has already made. Based on scant, unconfirmed information, the nature of the voyage is to open up a new “passage.” The results are important, since it is a journey of salvation, but “the heart of the person” will be tested in the process. Precisely because the “various hearts” are drawn to the keyword “roman” at the core, I am reminded of the appeal of the work called Yamato<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\nFactors relating to the “heart” give Chapter 3 a complex point of view, and surprising new developments are presented one after another. Though it is a remake, it will not finish as a simple remake–it can also be seen as a manifestation of determination. How will this exquisite sense of a “voyage into the unknown” continue to develop as a story? The “feeling of longing” for a work such as this is also a kind of “roman.”<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

I feel like the Encounter with Yamato<\/em> has become a turning point for me.<\/h3>\n

Houko Kuwashima as Mori Yuki<\/em><\/p>\n

\nI was chosen for the the role of Yuki Mori after my audition in the summer of 2011. Since many people were up for the part of Yuki and other roles including enemy characters, I was honestly surprised when it was decided to give the Yuki role to me. I heard later that it was similar for others.<\/p>\n

\nI saw the original Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> for the first time after I got the part. In the case of such a remake, some people check the previous work completely. Conversely, there are also those who don’t look at it at all. In my case, I watch it little by little in form with the new version, but even if I take it line by line, the synchro-condition with the original is wonderful, and I can feel the power of director Izubuchi’s work.<\/p>\n

\nI felt that the Yuki of the original was a heroine which the times demanded, but I think the Yuki this time is portrayed as a very modern woman. A cool career woman. Even if a woman of today sees it, she is a heroine they can identify with. Director Izubuchi’s Yuki is a very contemporary woman with a solid core. I was told to be conscious of that while playing the part. There are not many men who want to be scolded by such a superior woman. (Laughs) <\/p>\n

\nThe most difficult performance for me so far was the part explaining the invasion of Gamilas on Earth in the first episode. Although it turns out to be an explanation to children, I thought of it as narration and worried at first about what to do. Since Director Izubuchi had said, “I don’t want to put in narration this time,” I wondered if Episode 2 or subsequent ones would have such scenes, and I was pretty nervous. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

\nI think the appeal of Yamato<\/em> being done as a remake is the part in which you can feel the history. I’m making a new thing that follows existing history, and I can still feel the passion and love of the staff. Just like Director Izubuchi’s idea that “this must be passed on,” I want young fans to see it, and I think the passion of the staff will surely be conveyed. Even if there is a long gap, you can feel what it means to make it right now.<\/p>\n

\nI think my duty is to breathe a soul into the character based on the script. The casting has been redesigned, including Mr. Daisuke Ono [Kodai] and me, and I understand that we were chosen to sincerely interpret Yamato<\/em> in real time for the generation that does not know it. When Mr. Ono and I go to a recording session, we encourage each other with “You all right?” “I’m all right!” (Laughs)<\/p>\n

\nI feel like my encounter with Yamato<\/em> is a turning point in my work as a voice actor, and I’m very glad to come across such a film. When I hear “Yamato<\/em>,” I feel like standing straighter. Anyhow, I would like various generations to see it. How will the secrets and relations of Kodai and Yuki turn out? I think we’re all looking forward to future developments.<\/p>\n

\n[End]\n

\nThere was an additional interview with a veteran of the original Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> saga, sound effects designer Mitsuru Kashiwabara. Click here<\/a> to read it.
\n
\nContinue to Report 13<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[97],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3662","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-yamato-2199-reports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3662","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=3662"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3662\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16204,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3662\/revisions\/16204"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}