{"id":41286,"date":"2025-07-21T13:20:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T20:20:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=41286"},"modified":"2025-08-14T22:04:02","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T05:04:02","slug":"065b","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/065b\/","title":{"rendered":"Model kit history"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2508icon\"<\/p>\n

From the pages of Figure King<\/em> magazine, December 2024: a comprehensive look at the evolution of Yamato<\/em> models from the original series from the perspective of an industry expert, plus a rare interview with the first kit designer who ever produced a Yamato<\/em> model!<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

From the pages of Figure King<\/em> magazine No. 323, December 2024: a comprehensive look at the evolution of Yamato models from the original series from the perspective of an industry expert, plus a rare interview with the first kit designer who ever produced a Yamato<\/em> model!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Senmu Miyawaki’s Hidden Treasure!<\/h3>\n

Plamo Road<\/h2>\n

Special Edition…enjoy displaying the Yamato<\/em> model kits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Translator’s note: Senmu Miyawaki is the CEO of modelmaker Kaiyodo and the founder of Wonder Festival. Visit his Youtube channel here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Figure King<\/em>‘s long-running series \u201cKaiyodo Senmu Miyawaki’s Collection! Plamo Road\u201d is included in the Yamato<\/em> special edition! Senmu-san, who played a key role in the Yamato<\/em> boom, selected two epoch-making plamodels!<\/span><\/p>\n

Three years after the original broadcast of Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>, with the theatrical release of the movie approaching in 1977, an overwhelming response to the limited re-release of the old kits led to the launch of a new project using completely new molds. After seeking a product that embodies the unique charm of a character model, as opposed to a scale model, they arrived at a Yamato<\/em> model with a dramatically deformed bow. Designed as an ornament (display model) intended to be viewed from a specific angle to recreate Yamato<\/em>‘s iconic forward pass, its impact when viewed from the correct angle is unmatched by conventional scale models. The following year, it was renamed \u201cImage Model.\u201d A model with the same concept, the Galaxy Express 999<\/em> “Image Model,\u201d which is a three-dimensional version of the 999 with extreme passes, is also available.<\/p>\n

Translator’s note: the term “character model” is used throughout this article. This does not denote a character from the story, but is meant to differentiate between models based on fiction and reality. A reality-based model is referred to as a “scale model” because it represents a real object at a specified scale. Prior to <\/em>Yamato, scales were not typically applied to “character models” from anime. It was just one of the many ways <\/em>Yamato changed the game.<\/em><\/p>\n

Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> Deform Display Model<\/h3>\n

Bandai Group<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking at it now, the deform display model gets better the more you examine it. I can feel high aspirations to not just release simple character models. I like that it is not straightforward. The copper Galaxy Model was released the following year, but that was also a slightly distorted model. I can feel Bandai’s dedication at that time.<\/p>\n

Looking at the contemporary catalogs, there were many photos of Yamato<\/em> models displayed on bookshelves or placed in rooms as decorations. The catalogs seemed to be promoting the idea of how to display the models. Decorative models never really caught on in Japan, but for some reason, Yamato<\/em> models did. I feel Bandai’s ambition to create models that could be part of interior decor.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Among these, the deform model stands out for its vignette-like space, reminiscent of what Kaiyodo loves. There was also a Galaxy Express 999<\/em> model. Such models with a \u201cpass\u201d were unprecedented at the time. Looking at them now, I have to admit they are the correct character models. By the way, I was furious back then, wondering why they didn’t release a proper version. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

1\/700 Space Battleship Yamato<\/em><\/h3>\n

Final Yamato version, Bandai<\/em><\/p>\n

Released in 1983 to coincide with the release of Final Yamato<\/em>. Until then, this size had been repeatedly modified from the 1974 “zenmai” (windup) Yamato<\/em>, but here, the long-awaited completely new design model was finally realized. After this, the next new Yamato<\/em> model kit would not appear until the 21st century.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Yamato<\/em> Plamodel History<\/span><\/h2>\n

Here, we look back on the history of the Showa-era \u201cSpace Battleship Yamato<\/em>\u201d plastic models, which were a huge hit alongside the TV series.<\/p>\n

1974-1975<\/span><\/h2>\n

Plastic model releases coinciding with TV broadcast<\/h3>\n

In 1967, Bandai (now Bandai Spirits) acquired the plastic model molds owned by Kogure, a model maker that had gone bankrupt, and established a plastic model division within the company. This marked the first step for Bandai as a model maker. While re-releasing products using Kogure’s molds, development of original products also began. The company focused on products such as 1\/20 and 1\/12 scale car models, but as a newcomer, it faced significant challenges. <\/p>\n

At the same time, the established model maker Imai Science achieved great success with its Thunderbirds<\/em> series. In addition to traditional military and automobile scale models, so-called \u201ccharacter models\u201d based on media characters also gained popularity. <\/p>\n

Then, in 1969, a major crisis shook the industry. Imai Science suddenly went bankrupt. Bandai, which had been doing business with Imai Science, acquired the company’s factory and most of its molds in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka Prefecture. Using this as a base, Bandai continued its operations and eventually established Bandai Model Co., Ltd. in 1971 as an independent company dedicated to the development and production of plastic models. This marked the beginning of what would later become the Bandai Spirits Hobby Division.<\/p>\n

At a time when scale models were considered the mainstream in the model kit industry, Bandai Model focused on tank models like the \u201cYonpachi Series,\u201d which were inspired by Tamiya, while also paying attention to media characters. In the same year, Popy, a company specializing in character toys, was established within the Bandai Group. Media characters like Masked Rider and Mazinger Z became hit products, despite fluctuations in popularity.<\/p>\n

Then, in October 1974, the anime Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> debuted. By the end of that year, Bandai Models released its first models: Yamato<\/em>, Cosmo Zero, Black Tiger, and Analyzer Robot. At this point, it was just one of many media characters, and the seeds of the later boom were not yet visible. Yamato<\/em>‘s plastic models, like the TV show, would spend some time in obscurity.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mascomi [Media] Series No. 113 <\/p>\n

Space Battleship <\/em>Yamato<\/em><\/h3>\n

December 1974<\/em><\/p>\n

This was the first plastic model of Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> produced by Bandai. At the time, plastic models were targeted at an older age group than toys, but \u201cmoving\u201d models were still highly valued. Among character models, “zenmai” (windup) mechanisms were a standard gimmick, and the missile launch mechanism in the Wave-Motion Gun was no exception.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, the bridge section and complex shapes like the pulse lasers, which were atypical for character models, were faithfully reproduced. Many fans who bought this after watching the show reportedly cut off the built-in spring mechanism to create their own third bridge. The set includes mascot figures of the Cosmo Zero 52, Type-100 reconnaissance craft, and Analyzer robot. Removing the bridge allows these mascots to be stored inside, adding a mother ship-like gimmick.<\/p>\n

The \u201cMascomi Series\u201d was a brand name for character models from anime and tokusatsu, and at the same time included Great Mazinger, Getta Robo, Ganbare Robocon,<\/em> and Japan Sinks<\/em> (TV version).<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mascomi Series No. 112<\/p>\n

Cosmo Zero Type 52<\/h3>\n

December 1974<\/em><\/p>\n

Released alongside Yamato<\/em>, the Cosmo Zero is a moving model with a “zenmai” (windup) mechanism. While the styling faithfully reproduces the original design, it also features unique toy-like play value, such as a missile launch gimmick and a detachable front section. The photo shown here is from the 1977 version, while the first edition had a clear blue canopy. The “zenmai” mechanism is built into the main body and cannot be removed.<\/p>\n

Mascomi Series No. 116<\/p>\n

Black Tiger<\/h3>\n

December 1974<\/em><\/p>\n

Similarly, this is a “zenmai” carrier-based aircraft. It features a bold gimmick where the front of the fuselage is launched using a spring, with the switch visible on the upper surface. Another distinctive feature is the shark mouth mold on the nose, as depicted in the early anime design; this photo is also from the 1977 version, like the Cosmo Zero. The first edition had a clear blue canopy.<\/p>\n

Mascomi Series No. 119<\/p>\n

Analyzer Robot<\/h3>\n

January 1975<\/em><\/p>\n

Analyzer, modeled as a typical robot character. It features a windup walking mechanism, moving its legs in a clattering manner, which is reminiscent of models from that era. The first edition had a clear blue canopy on the head, similar to Cosmo Zero. This was the final Yamato<\/em> product released under the Mascomi line, with a release date of 1975.<\/p>\n

The package art by Shigeru Komatsuzaki is surrounded by Leiji Matsumoto’s meters. The symbol at the bottom left of the box is the \u201cworldwide leap\u201d mark adopted in 1975. Due to the transition period, the old mark was molded on the plamo body.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Other Bandai Group releases<\/h3>\n

While the Yamato<\/em> models are well known, during the TV broadcast Popy released a die-cast mini car series called \u2018Popynica\u2019 in January 1975, which included Cosmo Zero. A mini-size soft vinyl version of Analyzer was also released. Plans for a Popynica Yamato<\/em> and a die-cast Analyzer robot were also in the works, but were canceled due to the shortened broadcast of the TV series.<\/p>\n

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1977<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yamato<\/em>‘s comeback, with the company’s future at stake<\/h3>\n

In 1977, with the theatrical release of the movie approaching in the summer, Bandai Model was struggling financially, overshadowed by the super car boom. As a last-ditch effort, they turned their attention to Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>, which was showing signs of a revival after being rebroadcast. The old plastic model, reprinted with almost the same specifications as the original “zenmai” version, sold out immediately, and the film’s huge hit further fueled Bandai’s development of new products. This marked the revival of Yamato<\/em> plastic models.<\/p>\n

Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> Deform display model<\/h3>\n

November 1977<\/em><\/p>\n

Developed in response to the theatrical release of Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>, which became a social hit supported by enthusiastic young people, this was a completely new plamodel. To faithfully reproduce the imagery from the film, the design focused on the impact of Yamato<\/em>‘s forward pass, which was frequently used in movie posters. The model was designed as a three-dimensional object with a large bow and a small stern, emphasizing the deform.<\/p>\n

While the pass effect was highly effective, concerns were raised about the lack of realism when viewed from other angles. However, upon release, it sold out immediately and became a huge hit, symbolizing the popularity of Yamato<\/em> models. A color instruction manual tailored for anime fans was included, detailing the product overview. Features such as the pre-painted red hull color became standard for subsequent Yamato<\/em> plastic models.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1978<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Farewell<\/em> boom arrives. The feelings of young people changed plamo.<\/h3>\n

This year saw the release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind<\/em> and the first Star Wars<\/em> movie (Episode 4), and Japan experienced an unprecedented SF boom. And Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> was undoubtedly the animation work that led the SF boom.<\/p>\n

The success of the 1977 Yamato<\/em> was widely recognized when many young people gathered at movie theaters early in the morning to see the film, and a sequel was announced in October of the same year. Finally, on August 5, 1978, Farewell to Yamato<\/em>\u201d was released in 133 theaters nationwide. The final audience attendance was 4 million people, with box office revenue of 4.3 billion yen and distribution revenue of 2.1 billion yen, marking the birth of a phenomenon that could be called a massive hit.<\/p>\n

For the young people captivated by Yamato<\/em>, a plamodel that could be assembled with effort to achieve the ideal form was the dream product. However, the success of the previous year’s deform display model (now renamed \u201cimage model\u201d) demonstrated that Yamato<\/em> plamo was sought after for a charm distinct from the traditional toy-like value. They wanted a plamodel that looked just like the Yamato<\/em> they saw on screen! In short, users wanted a \u201cYamato<\/em> without a windup motor.\u201d Bandai responded to this demand by incorporating the scale model expression techniques inherited from Imai Science into a \u201ccharacter scale model\u201d and launched the Yamato<\/em> plamo series.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> Galaxy Model<\/h3>\n

March 1978<\/em><\/p>\n

In response to many fan requests, this model was a complete overhaul of the 1974 “zenmai” Yamato<\/em>. The spring mechanism in the hull was removed, and a third bridge was added. The missile gimmick was omitted, and the shape of the bow and deck were also revised. Numerous new parts were added, such as anchors and antennas. The model was meticulously revised to match the images from the original work. A notable feature was the metallic copper paint finish, which evoked the appearance of rusted metal. The three mascots were included as before, and the display stand was also included.<\/p>\n

Space Battleship Yamato<\/em><\/h3>\n

July 1978<\/em><\/p>\n

Released with Farewell<\/em> as the \u201cTeresa Panel Edition,\u201d this is the first standard Yamato<\/em> plamo kit. Based on the Galaxy Model, the molding colors were adjusted to match the original coloring. The red hull bottom was pre-painted, allowing you to recreate the image of the Yamato<\/em> simply by assembling the kit. Some specifications were changed, including the side observation rooms, which were now separate parts. The display method was changed from a stand to a paper panel. The panel was newly added and fixed in place with the starboard wing and decorative parts. The panel could also be displayed on a wall.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> 1\/700 Mechanic Model<\/h3>\n

October 1978<\/em><\/p>\n

This product emphasized the appeal of Yamato<\/em> as a mecha, with its transparent design recreated in three dimensions. By attaching the left side, it could be assembled into a fully functional Yamato<\/em>. As with previous models, the hull bottom was pre-painted. Color-separated runners and some internal mecha parts featured plating, while parts of the internal structure used cardboard illustrations. This was the first time the \u201c1\/700\u201d scale notation was used. To emphasize its appeal as a ship model, it was scaled to match the waterline series, which was an interesting touch.<\/p>\n

Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> 1\/500 scale Cosmic Model<\/h3>\n

November 1978<\/em><\/p>\n

Released for the year-end shopping season, this large model measures 526mm in length. Some parts, such as the bridge section, reuse parts from the image model, while the main gun turrets, hull, and display stand are newly designed. The large size allows for a wing storage and deployment gimmick, which is a notable feature. The differing sizes of the reused secondary guns and the overly large third bridge are minor quirks. Until the release of the 1\/350 Yamato<\/em> in 2007, this was the largest Yamato<\/em> model kit available. An Analyzer that has been modified into a piggy bank by removing the spring was included.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Super Giant Battleship<\/h3>\n

October 1978<\/em><\/p>\n

Three-dimensional model with panel. Equipped with a cannon deployment mechanism. Scale is approximately 1\/3071, etc.<\/p>\n

Cosmo Tiger II<\/h3>\n

October 1978<\/em><\/p>\n

Clear parts are used for the canopy and front of the fuselage. Partially painted. 1\/80 scale.<\/p>\n

Dessler Ship<\/h3>\n

October 1978<\/em><\/p>\n

The Dessler Ship, the first enemy mecha, appears in the Farewell<\/em> version. The scale is 1\/900.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mecha Collection<\/h3>\n

January 1979 through June 1981<\/em><\/p>\n

This is a mini plamo series that did not have a fixed scale and was sold in 100 yen boxes. At the time, there were inexpensive hanging models that had evolved into 100 yen plamo, but most of them were aimed at younger children, with molded colors and no need for glue. Initially, the lineup featured ships from Farewell<\/em> and the first Yamato<\/em> series, followed by ships from New Voyage<\/em> and Yamato III.<\/em> Later, the brand name was revived for the remake series and continues to this day.<\/p>\n

1979-1981<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Mecha Collection was a huge hit<\/h3>\n

Yamato<\/em> had been releasing large models since the previous year, but in early 1979, it introduced a category that could be called the smallest. This was the beginning of the Mecha Collection, which was priced at 100 yen at the time. Although plastic models of this size previously existed, they were mascot models aimed at younger children. The Mecha Collection was a series that stood out from these with its high quality and detailed parts that required glue. <\/p>\n

The Mecha Collection’s low price and wide variety of products made it an attractive lineup, as it allowed for the production of not only main vessels but also supporting vessels and enemies. The first release of eight models included five enemy vessels, which expanded the possibilities of character models beyond just Yamato<\/em>. The 18 models released in 1979 reportedly sold 8.5 million units that year.<\/p>\n

Bandai, which saw the potential of the Mecha Collection, later applied the same brand to other works. They launched the \u201cNavy Collection,\u201d a 1\/2000 scale ship model series, and expanded their lineup of 100-yen box-sized plastic models. In 1980, they increased the price to 300 yen and launched the \u201cBest Mecha Collection,\u201d which laid the foundation for Gunpla. It might not have been born without the success of Yamato<\/em> models. With the shortening of the broadcast of Yamato III<\/em>, the series came to an end in 1981.<\/p>\n

Space Panorama sets<\/h3>\n

A decorative model with a display panel. Five versions were released, each of which included five Mecha Collection kits. The mecha was attached to the panel with arms.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/br><\/br><\/p>\n

Earth Defense Force Flagship Andromeda<\/em><\/h3>\n

August 1979<\/em><\/p>\n

The main mecha from Farewell to Yamato<\/em> was reproduced in 400mm length. The Dispersion Wave-Motion Gun and main nozzle feature orange clear parts and a lighting gimmick. The base includes a battery box and switch (Kodai and Yuki busts). The main wings have an expansion gimmick. The white and copper parts are pre-painted. 1\/700 scale.<\/p>\n

Gamilas Fleet Flagship, Dessler Battle Carrier<\/h3>\n

November 1979<\/em><\/p>\n

A large-scale model of the Desler combat aircraft carrier. This masterpiece kit features a mechanism that allows the flight deck to rotate to the combat deck, as well as a fully reproduced Dessler cannon. Three dive bombers are included.<\/p>\n

Missile Ship Goland (White Comet Empire)<\/h3>\n

March 1978<\/em><\/p>\n

The white parts are pre-painted. The trapezoidal display stand with adjustable angles was reused in other models.<\/p>\n

Earth Defense Force Fleet, Main Battleship<\/h3>\n

July 1979<\/em><\/p>\n

The white and red parts are pre-painted. Includes mini-size Deathvator and Paranoia fightercraft.<\/p>\n

Earth Defense Force Fleet, Patrol Ship Yunagi<\/em><\/h3>\n

March 1978<\/em><\/p>\n

This comes with a mini-sized lifeboat. A ball joint is used to connect it to the display stand.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Gamilas Fleet Flagship, Dessler Battle Carrier<\/h3>\n

July 1980<\/em><\/p>\n

Small-sized Dessler Battle Carrier. The combat deck is fixed, but includes fighter jets, torpedo bombers, dive bombers, and the three-deck carrier from the Mecha Collection as a bonus.<\/p>\n

Earth Defense Force Fleet, Space Carrier<\/h3>\n

June 1980<\/em><\/p>\n

Space carrier with Cosmo Tiger II loaded on the rear flight deck. The first edition included an escort ship from the Mecha Collection.<\/p>\n

Earth Defense Fleet, Cruiser<\/h3>\n

June 1980<\/em><\/p>\n

Color separation was achieved through part division onto different runners. In addition to a landing craft, the first edition included a patrol ship from the Mecha Collection.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Captain Okita Statue<\/h3>\n

March 1979<\/em><\/p>\n

A kit released by Bandai Models, made of antimony<\/a> alloy. The base was wood, and the package was a special all-white design. The statue is based on Captain Okita from \u201cHero’s Hill\u201d in the anime.<\/p>\n

\u201cYellow Beam\u201d Earth Defense Force Attack Aircraft Black Tiger<\/h3>\n

July 1980<\/em><\/p>\n

Landing gear was added and the shark mouth detail was removed. The \u201cYellow Beam\u201d is a copy of the package art.<\/p>\n

Type 52 Carrier-Based Aircraft Cosmo Zero<\/h3>\n

March 1978<\/em><\/p>\n

The spring mechanism was omitted, and the kit was completely redesigned as a display model. New landing gear and vertical tail fins were added, and the decorative base from the Goland<\/em> was reused.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Be Forever Yamato<\/em> package<\/h3>\n

During the release of Be Forever Yamato<\/em> in 1980, the packaging was changed to include the new title logo. Yamato<\/em>, which underwent its second renewal from the Galaxy Model, featured added decals of the cannon stripes and anchor mark, as well as a modified shape of the main gun’s upper section. A new Image Model and Cosmic Model also made their debut.<\/p>\n

1983<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yamato<\/em> comes to a grand conclusion<\/h3>\n

In conjunction with the release of Final Yamato<\/em> in 1983, the last series of the Showa era was released. The box art was newly illustrated for the Cosmo Zero, and the 1\/700 Yamato<\/em> was re-released with the anchor mark removed from the decals in the Final Yamato<\/em> specification.<\/p>\n

1995<\/span><\/h2>\n

Approximately 300 years of Space Battleship Yamato<\/em><\/h3>\n

The OVA Yamato 2520<\/em> was launched as a sequel to the series. The new Yamato<\/em> was designed by futurist designer Syd Mead, and his innovative 18th-generation Yamato<\/em> was modeled by Bandai Hobby Division.<\/p>\n

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An interview with Masatoshi Muramatsu<\/h2>\n

(First Yamato<\/em> model designer)<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout the success of Yamato<\/em>, I don’t think Bandai would have achieved such success in character models.\u201d<\/h3>\n

The first “zenmai” (windup) Yamato<\/em> plastic model was released in 1974. The person involved in its development was Masatoshi Muramatsu, who was working as a designer at Bandai. We spoke with Muramatsu, who marked the first step in the history of the Yamato<\/em> plastic model boom, about his experiences at Bandai at the time.<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Please tell us about your work when you first joined Bandai.<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> At the time I joined, the focus was on scale models, particularly aircraft and cars. Bandai was also conscious of Tamiya Model Co., and we were very particular about the precision and quality of our scale models. We were determined to surpass Tamiya.<\/p>\n

At the time, scale models were considered the \u201cmainstream\u201d genre for Bandai. Scale models are based on the premise of faithfully reproducing real vehicles or buildings, so designers are judged on the realism of the details. For aircraft, this meant reproducing the rivets on the fuselage surface or the thickness of the wings, while for cars, it involved capturing the curves of the hood and body, as well as the internal engine compartment.<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Did you draw all of that by hand on paper?<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> All of the design work was done by hand back then. Even with limited reference materials, we drew model blueprints based on photos and diagrams of the real thing. There was no CAD software like there is today, so the accuracy of the blueprints depended heavily on the skill and experience of the designer.<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Are there any differences in design between scale models and character models?<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> At first, it was really trial and error. Until then, the focus of design had been on how to reproduce the real thing, but character models required a completely different approach. Anime characters and mecha are fictional, so even if the design looked cool on screen, the balance would often be off when it was turned into a three-dimensional model. Finding that balance was where the designer’s skill really came into play.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> That’s when the design for Yamato<\/em> came along, right?<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> Yamato<\/em> first aired on TV in 1974. At the time, Bandai was also ramping up character model development, and I was told, \u201cNext up is Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>.\u201d Having experience with scale models, I thought, \u201cI’ve got this,\u201d but once I got started, I realized how challenging it was. (Laughs)<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> What was the most difficult part?<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> The deck was difficult overall. The pulse laser was particularly complicated and detailed, and if we had reproduced it as it was, it would have been too dense. The design looked good on the anime screen, but it didn’t look right in 3D. I racked my brains trying to figure out how to reproduce it. With scale models, you can refer to the actual object, so the shape and placement of the details are more or less fixed. But with anime, we only have the reference materials. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional are different, so if we try to reproduce it in three dimensions as is, the shapes don’t match or the parts overlap.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> At the time, a windup mechanism was essential for a plastic model, wasn’t it?<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> Children loved \u201cmoving models,\u201d so this was an absolute must. In order to install the spring mechanism, we had to secure space inside the hull. It also had to be strong. So we went through a lot of trial and error during the design stage. Once the mold was ready, we worked with the mold craftsmen to make adjustments over and over again. We also added a missile launch gimmick. This was another element that was essential for children.<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Some plastic models at the time had removable windup motors, but Yamato<\/em>‘s was fixed.<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> That was more a matter of the designer’s preference. I didn’t think much about it at the time. (Laughs) However, we received many requests from fans asking us to remove the mechanism. They wrote things like, \u201cWe don’t need this; make it more realistic,\u201d or \u201cWe want more detailed parts instead of the windup motor.\u201d That’s why we later created the Galaxy Model, which was sold as a display model. It seems that Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> had many adult fans as well as children.I think there was a strong desire for \u201crealism.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Did you handle the modifications?<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> Someone else did the modifications. I think there was a particular demand for the Galaxy Model among adults. Since it didn’t require any painting, it looked complete just by assembling it, so I think it had a sense of luxury and was easy to assemble.<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Deform display models with unique features were also created.<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> Those models emphasized the \u201cimpression\u201d from the anime. I wasn’t involved in their creation, but I imagine it was very difficult for the designers. They had to figure out how to translate the atmosphere of the screen into a three-dimensional form. Moreover, the turrets were different sizes, so they had to draw all the blueprints with different sizes while maintaining the overall balance.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> You were also in charge of the first Yamato<\/em> in the Mecha Collection, right?<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> At the time, models tended to be expensive, and large kits were particularly costly. The Mecha Collection was conceived with the concept of being affordable and easy to assemble. Even though they were small, we paid close attention to the design. For example, we reproduced the details of the ship’s hull and fighter jets as much as possible, while also making them easy to assemble and visually appealing. It was difficult to fit the display stand into the limited space of the runners.<\/p>\n

As the series continued, we received many requests for \u201cmecha like this.\u201d In order to meet the expectations of the fans, we had lively discussions at planning meetings about which mecha to commercialize next.<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Did the huge success of the Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> plamodels have an impact?<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> It was really tough. (Laughs) Yamato<\/em> sold better than expected, and we couldn’t keep up with production. The production line was overwhelmed, and some employees even took work home. In the case of Yamato<\/em>, we had to paint the red hull. We used paper to mask the areas and sprayed the paint, but it had to be done by hand. I took parts home and my whole family helped with the masking. (Laughs) In addition to mass production at the factory, there were many parts that required a lot of work, so it was really tough on the production floor.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> How do you feel about the impact of Yamato<\/em>‘s success on Bandai?<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> Without the success of Yamato<\/em>, I don’t think Bandai would have been so successful with character models. Yamato<\/em> led to the creation of series such as Gundam<\/em> and laid the foundation for Bandai as it is today.<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Coincidentally, both Yamato<\/em> and Gundam<\/em> were first created by you, Mr. Muramatsu.<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> Creating something for the first time is really difficult. But I’m proud to say that I was the one who did it first.<\/p>\n

Interviewer:<\/em><\/span> Finally, what are your thoughts on the fact that Yamato<\/em> is still loved even after 50 years?<\/p>\n

Muramatsu:<\/em><\/span> It’s truly heartwarming. Even after 50 years, there are people who still remember Yamato<\/em>. The children who played with the plastic models have grown up and are now showing Yamato<\/em> to their own children. Seeing it passed down like that is truly rewarding as a creator. Looking back now, I truly feel that creating Yamato<\/em> was the right choice.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Masatoshi Muramatsu Profile<\/em><\/p>\n

Born on July 23, 1947, in Shizuoka Prefecture. Joined model maker Imai Science in 1966. Made his design debut with the \u201cmascot model Cyborg 009,\u201d and went on to create numerous character models such as the \u201cThunderbird 5 Docking Set,\u201d \u201cPirate Prince,\u201d and \u201cDonkikko.\u201d After the company’s first bankruptcy, he worked as a mold maker before joining Bandai in 1972, where he designed military models like the \u201cYonbachi series\u201d and character models such as Zerotester<\/em> and Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>. He is also widely known as the designer of the 1\/144 Gundam and 1\/144 Zaku. Among his works, the one he is most fond of is the 1\/16 Pendel Princess (steam-powered automobile) released in 1977. He retired from Bandai in 2012.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Is this the ideal Yamato<\/em> plamodel!?<\/h2>\n

Executive Producer: Yoshinobu Nishizaki, Supervised by Hideaki Anno<\/h3>\n

In the year 2008, Bandai Visual (now Bandai Namco Pictures) released a DVD-BOX of the remastered Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> TV series. As a bonus feature, a completely new mold was created for the \u201cTV DVD-BOX Bonus 1\/700 Scale Yamato<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hideaki Anno’s ideal image of Yamato<\/em> as depicted in his dreams<\/h3>\n

The three-dimensional image of this Yamato<\/em> plastic model, which is completely different from existing models, was led by Hideaki Anno, a fan of Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>. We introduce this plastic model, which Anno described as \u201ca dream come true,\u201d at the end of this special feature.<\/p>\n

The project began in 2006. It was during a meeting held in November of that year, where industry-leading Yamato<\/em> fans gathered to discuss the prototype of the large-scale 1\/350 Yamato<\/em> model kit set to be released by Bandai Hobby Division (now Bandai Spirits Hobby Division) in the same month. Among the participants, Hideaki Anno revealed photos of an unfinished Yamato<\/em> garage kit he had personally commissioned several years prior (2002). This model was created by Manabe Masakazu, who has worked on numerous SF mecha models for both tokusatsu and anime.<\/p>\n

Anno asked Shigeru Watanabe of Bandai Visual, who was hosting the meeting, if it would be possible to turn this garage kit into a plastic model. Watanabe consulted with Bandai Hobby Division, and the plan to release the plastic model as a bonus item for the remastered DVD box set was realized. This kit, which embodies the passion of Yamato<\/em> fans, Manabe’s sculpting skills, and the expertise of Bandai Hobby Division, was released as a bonus item by Bandai Visual, with the approval of Producer Yoshinobu Nishizaki. Although this product is now difficult to obtain, we would like to record here that this Yamato<\/em> model, created by Hideaki Anno in pursuit of his ideal, does exist.<\/p>\n

Translator’s note: as of this writing, a rerelease is planned for January 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n

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