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The 4K remastering upgraded the 1977 film to its best possible condition (read about the remastering process here<\/a>), and the home version comes with both a standard Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray in one package. Bonus content includes a 16-page booklet, trailer collection, and alternate footage with the original 1977 ending.<\/p>\n Order it from Amazon.co.jp here<\/a> or from CD Japan here<\/a><\/p>\n This edition comes with a standard Blu-ray (in case you don’t yet have 4K playback capability) and a booklet. If this is the first time you’re hearing about a 4K version, get up to date via Report 31<\/a> and a making-of interview here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Order it from Amazon.co.jp<\/a> or CD Japan<\/a><\/p>\n The Grand Symphony, originally composed by Kentaro Haneda in 1984, was the “closing note” on the original production years and has only grown in stature since then. Part of it was incorporated into the Yamato Resurrection<\/em> soundtrack, resulting in an increase in live performances ever since. It was performed live on July 8 2023 by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Tatsuya Shimono. This CD is a recording of that performance.<\/p>\n Much has been written about the symphony over the decades since it was composed; read two such accounts here<\/a> and here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Order it from Amazon.co.jp<\/a> or CD Japan<\/a><\/p>\n Listen to it on Youtube here<\/a><\/p>\n Shown at right:<\/em> the Amazon edition came with an exclusive “mega jacket,” which isn’t a jacket at all, but a 9.5″ square card replica of the CD cover.<\/p>\n The monthly reports spanning late ’23 and early ’24 gave a lot of attention to the 4K remastered release of the first Yamato<\/em> movie and Farewell<\/em>, both in theaters and then on Blu-ray. An extra dimension of the Blu-rays was revealed on April 2 when those who preordered each film from Amazon.co.jp received their incentive bonus item: a slipcase to contain them both.<\/p>\n It had been a while since Yamato<\/em> featured on the cover of a mainstream entertainment magazine, but with the imminent premiere of REBEL 3199<\/em>, the time was right! Mono<\/em>, published by World Photo Press, gifted us with a massive 44-page feature covering all major aspects of Yamato<\/em> old and new.<\/p>\n See all the pages here<\/a>, and read the articles here<\/a><\/p>\n Four years in the making! This addition to the Yamato<\/em> music catalog began life as the first Yamato<\/em> event to be impacted by the Covid pandemic, a concert called Yamato Meets Classics<\/em> that was planned to debut in 2012 and had to be postponed for almost three years before it could finally be performed live in 2023 (see 2205<\/em> reports for full coverage).<\/p>\n Three performances were ultimately held with an all-star orchestra that tackled two major compositions: Hiroshi Miyagawa’s Yamato Suite<\/em> and Kentaro Haneda’s Grand Symphony<\/em>, hence the name of the disc.<\/p>\n It was released on CD in two versions: standard edition (CD only) and limited edition (CD with score books).<\/p>\n Both were available from Amazon.co.jp with two different “mega jackets,” which aren’t actually jackets, but illustration boards with the cover art. The first pressing sold out quickly, so here’s a search term to help find a reissue: \u4e8c\u4eba\u306e\u5b87\u5b99\u6226\u8266\u30e4\u30de\u30c8<\/p>\n There’s a LOT more to say about this milestone release, so click here<\/a> for the full scoop and highlights.<\/p>\n Published irregularly by Gentosha, this “cultural journal” examines social trends across a wide range of topics. The theme for this volume is 1976: The Great Explosion of Subculture<\/em>. The official description goes as follows:<\/p>\n The 1970s are often thought of as a time when nothing of significance happened, sandwiched as it was between the \u201cpolitical season\u201d of the 1960s and the bubble economy of the 1980s. However, in the world of young people, out of sight of the adults, important events were taking place that could be called a cultural explosion. Occult, anime, punk, self-education… Through the testimonies and discussions of those involved in the little magazines that witnessed the birth of these four subcultures, we will get to the bottom of the great explosion of subcultures that occurred in 1976.<\/span><\/p>\n As a major force in 70s subculture, Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> fits squarely into this volume’s mission statement, and thus contains an interview with O.G. superfan Ryusuke Hikawa focusing on the birth of Yamato<\/em> fandom. <\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to start reading<\/p>\n Order this magazine from Amazon.co.jp here<\/a><\/p>\n Tatsumi Publishing added a new textbook to the ever-growing library of Yamato<\/em> and SF analysis. Its author, Sugio Takahashi, brings a whole new pedigree to the table.<\/p>\n Front cover text:<\/p>\n A unique interpretation of the view of war depicted in many SF anime works from the perspective of international politics!<\/span><\/p>\n In light of past and ongoing wars, this book explains the concepts, worldviews, aspects of war, and weapons that appear in each work. It also touches on the depths and messages of these works, and will give you an opportunity to think about the future and “war” once again.<\/span><\/p>\n Back cover text:<\/p>\n Through a number of masterpieces of SF anime, a super specialist in security talks about “war” and “international politics,” sometimes coldly, sometimes passionately, and hopes to gain insight into the future of humanity.<\/span><\/p>\n Read a book report (including an author commentary) here<\/a><\/p>\n Fans who wanted to toast the 50th anniversary properly were covered by a shochu wine distillery called Oshika Shuza (based in Kagoshima Prefecture) with a limited edition set of Yamato<\/em> bottles. The company’s description is as follows:<\/p>\n To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the anime version of Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>, we will be releasing the Yamato<\/em> 50th Anniversary Commemorative Box. We have designed the box and label with scenes and lines from Yamato<\/em>, which is still loved by many fans, to create a product that commemorates the milestone 50th anniversary.<\/span><\/p>\n The shochu used in this product is made from “long-aged” sweet potato shochu raw liquor that has been filtered less than regular products to create a rich, mellow taste, so you can enjoy it in a variety of ways.<\/span><\/p>\n The deadline to preorder a case of six bottles, each with its own label, was October 15. The cases began to ship on December 5 (to Japanese stores only).<\/p>\n See the product website here<\/a><\/p>\n “Mamor” is a Japanese word meaning “protect.” It’s where Mamoru Kodai gets his name, and it’s the title of this monthly magazine about military matters from Fusosha Publishing. It enters the Yamato<\/em> record books because of a unique article all about rank; not just IRL, but also in pop culture such as anime and movies. The promo for the article reads, “Who is more important, Char or Kodai? Let’s enjoy anime and movies more by learning about military ranks!”<\/p>\n The article runs six pages and will be translated in a future update. If you’re intrigued enough to get your own copy, order it from Amazon.co.jp here<\/a>.<\/p>\n In September 2021, the original Yamato<\/em> saga returned to life for the first time since 2009. A new novel titled Space Battleship Yamato Dawn Chapter, Aquarius Algorithm<\/em> was published to tremendous acclaim from the fan community and began an effort to fill the 17-year gap between Final Yamato<\/em> and Resurrection<\/em>. Read all about it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n September 20 delivered the official announcement for the next installment in the “Dawn Chapter” trilogy, titled Malignant Memory<\/em>. Set between Final Yamato<\/em> and Resurrection<\/em>, the story was conceived by a consortium of Yamato<\/em> experts called “Asteroid 6” and this volume is written by author Tatsuyuki Hanawa with illustrations and cover art by fan artist “Umegrafix.”<\/p>\n September 20 promotion:<\/em><\/p>\n See a 30-second video promo for the book here<\/a><\/p>\n See a 15-minute explainer here<\/a><\/p>\n A 20-minute video interview was conducted with Hideki Oka, scriptwriter for REBEL 3199<\/em> and charter member of “Asteroid 6.” Watch it on Youtube here<\/a> with captions and auto-translate to get the gist of the conversation. Among other things, he teases the appearance of the experimental Wave-Motion ship Musashi<\/em>, the Bolar Empire, and Dessler.<\/p>\n There is little information available about the story content, but it contains glorious illustrations by Ryuji \u201cUmegrafix\u201d Umeno, and this intriguing summary of what happened in book 1…<\/p>\n The “Galactic Crossing” was a cosmic disaster. Susumu Kodai, commander of the guard fleet, retired to the reserves, taking responsibility for interfering in the internal affairs of the planet Belraina in the midst of the damage. Two years have passed since then, and it is now 2215.<\/span><\/p>\n “I want you to check how Yamato<\/em> and Captain Okita are now.”<\/span><\/p>\n Shiro Sanada’s words awaken the silent Kodai. Together with his wife Yuki, Tetsu Kitano, and Tasuke Tokugawa, he travels to the Aquarius ice sphere, where Yamato<\/em> sank, to find traces of it.<\/span><\/p>\n After an accident involving his daughter Miyuki and Papilyzer stowing away on their ship, Kodai and his friends reach the ice sphere, where they encounter the remnants of the Dengil army operating behind the scenes. The space icebreaker Hyoka<\/em> saves the group from peril. Kodai is told by its leader, Kosaku Omura, that “Yamato<\/em> still exists.” <\/span><\/p>\n They finally reunite with Yamato<\/em> deep inside the Aquarius ice sphere. Although it is split, Yamato<\/em> retains its general shape, and the Wave-Motion Engine and Captain Okita’s remains are protected by “ice crystals” that are the crystallization of Aquarius’ water.<\/span><\/p>\n At the same time, the remains of the city satellite Uruk warp out into the solar system. Dengil’s goal is to crash Uruk into the Aquarius ice sphere and wipe out the Earth. There is only a little time left. Kodai comes up with the idea of “firing the Wave-Motion Gun from the divided Yamato<\/em> to intercept the bedrock.”<\/span><\/p>\n With the help of the Science Bureau led by Sanada and the anonymous genius girl Maho Orihara, preparations for the revival of the Wave-Motion Gun proceed. The intelligence and mental strength of all humans converge, and Yamato<\/em>, which was supposed to be dead, fires its final Wave-Motion Gun.<\/span><\/p>\n One year later, Kodai founds the Galactic Refugee Rescue Team, a private organization that rescues and supports interstellar refugees, and sets sail for the sea of stars with his comrades. Meanwhile, Shiro Sanada becomes the Director of the Science Bureau and begins the Yamato<\/em> Reconstruction Plan.<\/span><\/p>\n Although neither Kodai nor Sanada realize it, their actions are in direct conflict with the intentions of a “mysterious entity” that was supporting the remnants of the Dengil faction. This entity, which still lurks in the shadows, becomes aware of Yamato<\/em> and Earth through this incident.<\/span><\/p>\n As an ominous shadow spreads across the Milky Way Galaxy, what awaits the Kodai who set off on their journey 60,000 light years into the Bolar Federation?<\/span><\/p>\n Order your copy of the book from Amazon.co.jp here<\/a><\/p>\n Oh, didn’t you hear? The greatest anime music album of all time got a makeover (both the jacket art AND the music mix) for a new release on December 25.<\/p>\n Read about it here<\/a><\/p>\n Preorder it from Amazon.co.jp here<\/a> or CD Japan here<\/a><\/p>\n Throughout the month of November, Oshika Shuza updated fans on Twitter with photos of the packaging process.<\/p>\n Left: “This is the label for the Warp & Starsha bottle.”<\/p>\n Right: “The famous scenes in Farewell<\/em> are the exchange between Saito and Sanada, and Cosmo Tiger Kato’s final expression of having given it his all. I still cry when I remember it.”<\/p>\n Preordered cases would begin shipping on November 28. See information on the official website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Imperial Enterprises Inc (IEI) was founded in 1982 with the mission of creating unique products such as jewelry, apparel, and watches with direct-mail delivery to customers. This has led them to collaborate on Yamato<\/em> collectibles before, and they’re back at it with a new 50th anniversary wristwatch manufactured by Seiko. <\/p>\n Set for release in July 2025, you can preorder it now, but you’ll need a friend in Japan to manage it for you.<\/p>\n See more pics at the product home page here<\/a><\/p>\n Another player jumped into the 50th anniversary game today, an apparel designer named Hard Core Chocolate. At the end of November they announced a lineup of six shirts that kick it old school. Click here<\/a> for a better look at each one (and even place an order through a worldwide shipping service).<\/p>\n Just one day after the scheduled shipping date, cartons of the 50th anniversary shochu wine from Oshika Shuza started showing up at their forever-homes. Twitter user shinozaki2323<\/a> posted the photos above with the following caption:<\/p>\n The commemorative shochu arrived. For the passionate fans, the cardboard box was protected with more cardboard to prevent damage, the labels were all placed in plastic to prevent rubbing against the carton, and one bottle was placed in a carton with the lid unfolded for easy removal. It was perfect consideration. (Passionate fans can be noisy, after all.) lol<\/span><\/p>\n SusumuLOVEeno77<\/a> agreed, saying “The quality was better than I expected.”<\/p>\n In a year of outstanding musical events, it’s hard to choose a better one to cap everything off. For this special project, the engineers at Columbia Japan went all the way back to the 16 channel source tracks and digitized them from the ground up to produce a new mix for the ages. As fans themselves who grew up on this album, it held a special place in their hearts and needed to be handled exactly right.<\/p>\n How do we know this? Because they explained it in a detailed interview published the same day on Phile Web<\/em>. Click here<\/a> to read it.<\/p>\n A body of work with this much history behind it can’t be limited to one format, so it was also released on limited edition vinyl, digital download, and an unprecedented spatial audio version that makes you feel like you’re in the recording studio.<\/p>\n Both the CD and LP contained the same interior content, though of course the LP version was much larger. Since the Symphonic Suite 2202<\/em> album (from January 2021) was simultaneously released on vinyl, the occasion merited a crossover in liner notes. Read them here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Order the album from Amazon.co.jp here<\/a> or CD Japan here<\/a>.<\/p>\n And while you’re waiting for it to arrive, listen to the whole thing for free on Youtube here<\/a>.<\/p>\n In November it was shochu wine, and now we go for the hard stuff. Here is the official announcement for this new tie-in as reported on the Whiskey Mew website<\/a>:<\/p>\n To save the Earth from destruction, a huge battleship split the earth and revealed its majesty, setting off into the far reaches of space. The theme song that everyone knows is heard! The story began in 1974 with that memorable scene, and half a century has passed since then. The timeless masterpiece Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Its popularity gradually grew after it began airing on TV, and with the release of the movie version, its popularity became unshakable.<\/span><\/p>\n Next, the completely original story Farewell to Yamato<\/em> was released in theaters. It was a huge hit, ranking second in box office revenue for Japanese films that year, sparking a social phenomenon that became the catalyst for the anime boom. It expanded the age range of anime fans, and became the beginning of the anime business, including movies, music, comics, anime magazines, and character goods, and it influenced many creators.<\/span><\/p>\n Whiskey MEW will release whiskey with the main visuals from these two memorable movies on the label.<\/span><\/p>\n The label for Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>, a whiskey carefully selected by Hideo Yamaoka, features Secret Highland 2008. It is from Wildcat Distillery in the northern Highlands, known as the main malt for Johnnie Walker. It is a single malt with a waxy and oily feel that is currently in fashion, as well as a strong fruity flavor.<\/span><\/p>\n The other whiskey, chosen for the Farewell to Yamato<\/em> label, is Williamson 2015. Named after Bessie Williamson, who is said to be the first female director in the history of the Scotch industry, this whiskey is made at a distillery on the south coast of Islay. It has a smoky aroma and flavor with a strong peat attack followed by a gentle fruity sweetness, making it a whiskey that can be enjoyed in any way.<\/span><\/p>\n With love and hope in our hearts, let’s toast to the 50th anniversary of Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> with this exquisite whiskey!<\/span><\/p>\n What is Whiskey Mew? A project launched by manga artist Hideo Yamaoka to convey the appeal of whiskey to many people. As a collaboration between whiskey and art, this project continues to explore the appeal of various whiskeys. Today, the crossover of whiskey and art is supported by many fans, and this whiskey celebrating the 50th anniversary of Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> is one example.<\/span><\/p>\n In a fabulous bit of timing, this issue of the hobby\/toy magazine from World Photo Press published a fabulous cover story for the 50th anniversary. Stretching over an incredible 42 pages, it contains a treasure trove of production art from Series 1 punctuated by interviews with three design veterans and an extensive model kit history.<\/p>\n Read the articles here: Part 1<\/a> (designers) | Part 2<\/a> (model kit history)<\/p>\n Order it from Amazon.co.jp here<\/a> or CD Japan here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/br><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/apr24\/926a12.JPG\")
<\/p>\nMarch 27: Farewell to Yamato<\/em> 4K Blu-ray<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/apr24\/926a13.JPG\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/apr24\/926a14.JPG\")
<\/span><\/p>\nMarch 27: Yamato Grand Symphony 2023<\/em> CD<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may24\/940a01.JPG\")
<\/p>\nApril 2: 4K movie box set<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/aug24\/967a06.JPG\")
<\/p>\nJuly 11: Mono<\/em> magazine No. 942<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/aug24\/967a50.JPG\")
<\/p>\nJuly 23: Space Battleship Yamato of Two People<\/em> CD (A.K.A. Yamato Meets Classics)<\/em><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/aug24\/967a51.JPG\")
\nPhotos posted on Twitter by Yamato Music FE<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep24\/975a42.JPG\")
<\/p>\nAugust 30: Spectator<\/em> Vol. 53<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/sep24\/975a43.JPG\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/oct24\/SFwarcover.JPG\")
<\/p>\nSeptember 10: SF Anime and War<\/em><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/oct24\/983a06.JPG\")
<\/p>\nSeptember 13: Shochu wine announced<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/oct24\/983a07.JPG\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/nov24\/992amamor.JPG\")
<\/p>\nOctober 21: Mamor<\/em> magazine Vol. 214<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/oct24\/983a23.JPG\")
<\/p>\nNovember 1: Dawn Chapter<\/em> book 2, Malignant Memory<\/em><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/oct24\/983a24.JPG\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b01.JPG\")
\nJacket art by Umegrafix<\/em><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b02.JPG\")
<\/p>\nPreviously in Dawn Chapter<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b73.JPG\")
\nArt by Umegrafix<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b03.JPG\")
\nCopies of <\/em>Malignant Memory out in the wild; photo posted on Twitter by Kuma Hachi<\/a> bookstore.<\/em><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b14.JPG\")
<\/p>\nNovember 15: Music news<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b18.JPG\")
\nNovember 16<\/em><\/p>\nNovember 16: Shochu wine update<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b19.JPG\")
\nNovember 18 & 20<\/em><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b20.JPG\")
\nNovember 24<\/em><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b25.JPG\")
<\/p>\nNovember 18: Watch collaboration announced<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b64.JPG\")
<\/p>\nNovember 30: Shirts announced<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b58.JPG\")
<\/p>\nNovember 30: Shochu delivery<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/dec24\/002b65.JPG\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jan25\/018b47.JPG\")
<\/p>\nDecember 25: Symphonic Suite Yamato 2024 Mix<\/em><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jan25\/018b48.JPG\")
\nPhoto posted on Twitter by Alpharing_77<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jan25\/018b43.JPG\")
<\/p>\nDecember 23: whiskey tie-in announced<\/h3>\n
Fans have been waiting for this! A whiskey label based on the timeless masterpiece Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> is now available!<\/span><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jan25\/018b44.JPG\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/jan25\/018b51.JPG\")
<\/p>\nDecember 26: Figure King<\/em> Vol. 323<\/h3>\n