Yamato activity in April 2026 was about half that of March, but when you factor in a new 3199 teaser, the kickoff of concert season, another anniversary exhibition, and the return of Yamaket, it sure felt like accelerating into warp. Here’s what kept everyone busy…

April 1: April fool?

The image was legit, but the timing was rather suspect. Kia Asamiya posted this art on Twitter with the caption “I was in charge for the second teaser visual for Yamato 3199!” He must have gotten more than one question about it, since he later added, “This is not an April Fool’s joke!”

If you’ve seen the end of 3199 Chapter 5, you already know that. The tagline on the teaser image says, “What’s that? UFO?” – a question you might hear on the streets of Tokyo in 2026 with Yamato drifting overhead. That’s where we currently are, suspended between Chapters 5 and 6.

The Yamato Production Comittee followed suit, posting a 15-second video teaser showing those concluding shots and ending with, “Yamato, appearing in Reiwa-Era Tokyo.”

See it on Youtube here

Actual April Fool’s jokes were not far away. In anticipation of the Battleship Yamato Museum’s imminent reopening, video artist “Zozi” posted his own image of this with something else in place of the huge 1/10 battleship model.

This is an April Fools’ Day video. It was actually created using footage filmed over ten years ago! I once produced a video at the request of the Kure Junior Chamber, and during that project I made various requests to gain permission to film on-site. I had been contemplating this “switcheroo” for quite some time, so I’m glad I was able to release it at such a perfect moment.

See a related imaginary video by Zozi here

Another gag was posted on Twitter by Kio “Edakio” Edamatsu, a designer/animator on the 3199 staff. He explained Yamato‘s appearance over Tokyo another way:

“Wow, that’s the Yamato balloon, sis!”

“That’s right, Susumu, it’s a super cool hot air balloon that travels around 3199 locations nationwide, and it’s become a hot topic among young people right now, because they say that if you encounter it, you’ll be happy.”

April 4 & 5: Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra concerts

It must be some sort of record: two Yamato concerts in two days by the same orchestra in two different (neighboring) prefectures. The first took place in Masuyama City (Ehime)…

…and the second in Takamatsu City (Kagawa). Akira Miyagawa led Osaka Shion both times with his daughter Chiko Miyagawa on piano and their close ally Ari Miyakawa on vocals. Fans flooded in from all over, many seeing both concerts.

See their photos and read their reactions here

April 5: Wind Orchestra Est concert

Osaka Shion wasn’t the only orchestra delivering live Yamato music that weekend. If you couldn’t make it down south, another option could be found at the Nerima Culture Center in Tokyo. It was their debut concert, and among other pieces was a Yamato/Galaxy Express 999 theme medley.

Follow this orchestra on Twitter here

If all this news gives you a hankering to hear some live Yamato, click here and settle in for a couple minutes. It’s a video posted on Youtube by “Conducting Navigator,” who says…

What makes this truly remarkable (aside, of course, from the performers themselves) is the fact that at the after-party following a concert where we had just performed a program of opera excerpts and a complete symphony, both the string players and the singers showed up and the atmosphere immediately shifted to, “Let’s play some more!” It was also remarkable that we happened to be in a venue where such a thing was actually possible. I have been working as a conductor, or something resembling one, for over twenty years, but this was a rare, truly miraculous situation.

The orchestra’s name was not shared, but their hearts were in the right place.

April 5: Yamato Model Grand Exhibition part 3

In March, a modeler with the online handle ymt_0312 hosted two extended Youtube live videos in which he shared photos of Yamato models from a wide range of builders, not unlike the galleries found here in every monthly report.

He came back for a third round on April 5 and recorded the whole thing for posterity here.

Find links to the first two videos in Report 28.

April 9: REBEL 3199 Chapter 6 teaser

Ready for some new moving pictures? A fresh 30-second teaser burst into the world today, giving us our next peek into what looks like a VERY lively Chapter 6.

See our breakdown here

April 9: Publishing news

Sarasate is a monthly magazine for fans and musicans in the orchestral scene. They’ve covered Yamato concerts in the past, but they’re planning something special for the month of June. In addition to the regular issue, there will be a special titled I Want to Play Symphonic Suite Yamato!! The magazine’s Twitter account posted several photos throughout April to make it clear that they were putting some heavy hitters in the interview chair.

Official description:

From the timeless TV anime series, composer Hiroshi Miyagawa crafted a selection of its most memorable melodies into the work known as Symphonic Suite Space Battleship Yamato. Released on LP in late 1977, the album became a massive hit, truly the Swan Lake of the 20th century. This June, we will compile a special supplementary issue dedicated to the stories surrounding Symphonic Suite Yamato.

This special features anecdotes from Akira Miyagawa (the composer’s son and a composer in his own right) as well as conductor Kaito Ikeda, who was instrumental in the revival performance of the original score, which had long been presumed lost. Kazuko Kawashima, who performed the scat vocals on the original LP recording, and Masatsugu Shinozaki, who participated in the recording sessions, also share their insights.

The issue is also packed with stories from contemporary musicians currently involved with the work. Whether you are a performer or simply a listener, if you are familiar with the music of Yamato, or if you are a devoted fan, this is an absolutely essential volume for your collection.

● Cover & Special Interview: Akira Miyagawa & Kaito Ikeda
● Musical Commentary (Excerpted from the program of the revival concert)
● The People Who Made History
● Interviews: Kazuko Kawashima (Vocals), Masatsugu Shinozaki (Violin), Maro Shinozaki (Violin), Chiko Miyagawa (Piano), Ken Nishikiori (Tenor), Daisuke Kitaguchi (Cello), Tomoshige Yamamoto (Violin), and many others.
● Performance Practice Commentary
● Musical Scores for String Ensemble: 8 Selections from Symphonic Suite Space Battleship Yamato

Intrigued? preorder your copy of this special issue here (scheduled for publication on June 2).

April 9: 3199 acrylic blocks

A new set of decorative products was rolled out today from a company named Spica; scenes from 2205 and 3199 rendered as acrylic blocks to class up your desktop.

Each measures about 6″ wide by 4″ high and sells for ¥4400. Visit the Yamato page of Spica’s website here

April 11&12: Yoko Asagami “Unofficial Fan Meeting”

If you found yourself in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward this weekend, you could find friends at the Kokorogoto Cafe where a small exhibition had been set up to honor the voice actress of Yuki Mori (who is now a dramatic storyteller under the professional name Shunsui Ichiryusai).

Photos posted on Twitter by AnalyzerAU09

Themed drinks were served and a collection of artifacts from her anime career (provided by fans) were on display both days. Above left is a collection of autographed production art from Yamato. Above right is a poster for her 1980s radio show Animetopia.

Animation layouts (genga) from Final Yamato, 1982/83

Cells of her various other classic anime characters, including Glass Claire from Galaxy Express 999. The themed drinks were chosen to color-match Asagami’s various characters.

April 12: Yamaket 26

Until early 2025, the Yamato-centric fan event Yamaket was linked to the larger Torilozi, a 1-day fan convention held twice a year in Tokyo. Torilozi ceased to operate after Yamaket 25, leaving the group adrift. But talking turned into planning, and Yamaket came roaring back bigger than ever.

This was not only the biggest-ever Yamaket (with 60 fan circles on hand), but may hold the record for the largest Yamato-based minicon of all time. Yamaket 27 has already been announced for next April.

See what kind of day it was in an extensive photo gallery here.

April 15: Music news

Originally released in 2016, this CD titled Heirloom by Akira Miyagawa and the Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra, quickly sold out at concert venues and went out of print. It collects a mix of pop tunes written by both Hiroshi Miyagawa and his son Akira, including Yamato Jazz, a swingin’ cover of the original theme.

Due to popular demand, it was reissued and is now available on the Shion website here.

It only ships to Japanese addresses, so you’ll need a go-between to obtain it for you. Oh, look, here’s one.

April 15: Snow Battleship Yamato

As reported by the Niigata Nippo news agency:

Space Battleship Yamato Immortalized in Snow?!

Massive 25.5-Meter Sculpture Wins Gold in Art Contest; 70 Participants Meticulously Crafted Every Detail

In the “Art Contest,” a photo-based judging of snow sculptures created during Uonuma City’s winter Yui no Akari: Snow Cave Festival, the Gold Prize (the highest honor in the General Division) was awarded to Space Battleship Yamato, created by the Roadside Lantern Festival Executive Committee.

The contest, now in its 20th year, is organized by an executive committee comprising city officials and other local representatives. This year, a total of 12 entries were submitted across two divisions.

The Yamato sculpture is a monumental work, measuring 25.5 meters in length and 5.5 meters in height. Members of the executive committee, comprising residents of the Imaizumi district, constructed the piece next to the Imaizumi Public Hall over the course of three days, with a cumulative total of 70 people participating in the effort.

Lead Judge Tsuyoshi Hayatsu offered the following commentary: “Given the wet, heavy nature of the snow, I imagine they struggled just to mold it into the shape of a ship; yet, this work is incredibly elaborate, with meticulous attention paid to every single detail.”

See some of the other entries here

April 16: Isao Sasaki on TV

Despite using the word “retirement” more than once, Sasaki is still belting out the Yamato theme and many others from his 65 (and counting) year back-catalog. Today he appeared on Tsurube’s Great Songs, a popular TV series that discusses songs with singers.

From the broadcaster BS11’s website:

Our guest this episode is 83 years young! He is Isao Sasaki, the “King of Anime Songs,” who has spent a lifetime singing countless classic hits. To kick things off, he delivers a passionate rendition of the historic masterpiece Space Battleship Yamato, a song that achieved million-seller status during the very dawn of the anime song genre!

Interestingly, the song was originally slated to be sung by Masato Shimon (known for the hit Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun). What was the reason behind the sudden, last-minute decision to have Isao Sasaki take over the vocals instead? Behind this massive hit lies a “happy accident,” a serendipitous outcome born precisely because the producer made him record take after take during the studio sessions. He shares “secret stories” regarding Space Battleship Yamato, tales he can finally reveal now that sufficient time has passed.

Furthermore, he performs other classic hits, including Galaxy Express 999 and the tokusatsu Sentai series theme Himitsu Sentai Goranger! Finally, he dedicates a performance of Getter Robo! to the late Ichiro Mizuki, a fellow artist with whom he shared a long history of friendly rivalry and mutual inspiration as one of the “Big Three of Anime Songs.”

Sasaki’s appearance on the show was heavily covered in Japanese media (both before and after the broadcast), giving us an extensive transcript of what was discussed on-air.

Click here to read it all for yourself, see video clips, and even listen to a song or two.

April 18: 3199 Yamato Shining Ship miniature

Bandai Spirits’ 1/2000 “Shining Ship” line launched in 2017 and now continues with a 3199 version of Yamato with built-in LED lighting and a mirrored display stand.

Official description:

The product faithfully recreates the distinctive features of the 3rd Refit Model using newly-sculpted parts, including detailed hatches for the large carrier-based aircraft housed in the aft section, main engine nozzles that taper toward the stern, and a trio of tail fins enhanced with intricate detailing. The main engine nozzles and tail fins, specifically modified during the 3rd Refit, have been newly designed and sculpted for this release.

The bridge and hull-side windows glow with a blue LED light, creating a distinct visual contrast against the illumination colors of the Wave-Motion Gun muzzle and the main engine nozzles. The set includes a display base, making this collectible a striking piece of decor perfectly suited for a sophisticated adult interior.

April 19: Hiroshi Miyagawa Festival

It’s far too early to declare a winner for “Yamato concert of the year,” but we already have a front-runner. Akira Miyagawa teamed up again with Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra on their home turf to perform an entire program of music written by his famous father. The first half was selected by Akira from Hiroshi’s pop catalog, and the second half was entirely dedicated to Yamato with Chiko Miyagawa making her debut on the pipe organ and Isao Sasaki performing the famous theme songs.

By all accounts, it was a historic occasion. Read all about it (and find some music to listen to) here!

April 22: Seiyun Award nominations

Last year’s efforts to commemorate Yamato have landed two contenders in the 57th Seiyun Awards for 2026, Japan’s version of the Hugo. In the comics category: the restored version of Yuki Hijiri’s 1974/75 manga. In the free category: the meticulous 50th Anniversary Exhibition, which made its debut in April 2025.

The Twitter account for ATAC (Anime Tokusatsu Archive Centre) announced their placement in the midst of voting, which closed on May 15. Winners will be announced in early June with a ceremony taking place at the 64th Japan SF Convention in July.

April 22: Hobby Japan Web

The Hobby Japan website published the online version of Yamato Mechanics Part 18, focusing on the Unmanned Fleet Command Ship Gladiator from 3199.

See the post here

Read it in English here

Photos posted on Twitter by MatuiToshiaki and pincet_no_3410

April 23: Battleship Yamato Museum reopens

After closing for renovation last year, the museum built on the very spot IJN Yamato was constructed (Kure city, near Hiroshima) reopened with new exhibits and some restoration work on the massive 1/10 scale model that fills the center of the building.

Media coverage was generous and detailed, and photos poured out on the socials. See a substantial roundup of pics and articles here.

April 24: 50th Anniversary Exhibition, Hakata

If you were in Kure for the museum reopening, you only had to go a little farther south for the fourth opening of the Anniversary Exhibition. Fans showed up and shared their photos so we could all get a taste.

See a photo gallery here

April 24: Hobby Japan #684

The next installment of the Yamato Mechanics series (written by 3199‘s resident lore-keeper Yuka Minagawa) focused on the unmanned interceptor ship Ajax, accompanied by four pages of diorama models.

See and read this content here

April 25: Maharu Okuma’s blog

Maharu Okuma, a blogger on the NOTE platform, asked what seems like the most basic possible question for this fandom: “Why Did the Original Space Battleship Yamato Send the Real-Life Battleship Yamato into Space?” We can all answer that, but perhaps not in the way a certified psychologist can.

Click here to read Okuma’s theory, which also examines the Yamato-style salute.

Photo posted on Twitter by 2achiachi

April 25 & 26: Super Robot Spirits 2026 concert

If classic anime themes sung live by O.G. anison singers sounds like a good time to you, Super Robot Spirits has been serving them up for almost 30 years. The latest round put two shows on stage at Tokyo’s Zepp Haneda with a huge lineup of favorites centered on the 70s and 80s.

Photo posted on Twitter by toriglass_b7k

Isao Sasaki, an SRS mainstay almost from the beginning, joined the anison army on the 26th (his third appearance of the month) to perform themes from Yamato, Grendaizer, Dangard Ace, and Getter Robo alongside such anison royalty as MIQ and Mitsuko Horie. Chances are good this will not be his last appearance.

April 28: Piascore sheet music

If all the music talk from April makes you itchy to perform some of it yourself, here’s a way to scratch it: a company called Piascore has released a one-page composition of The Infinitely Expanding Universe arranged for piano. It’s only available within Japan, but if you have a way around that, click here to chase it down.

See a performance video here

April 30: Nobuyuki Sakurai’s Weekend Modeling

Nobuyuki Sakurai is a Yamato superfan and professional modelbuilder whose work has graced the pages of many magazines. His ongoing relationship with Hobby Japan has produced a new book, the second in what appears to be a continuing series. Among the many subjects presented therein (and also on the cover) is the 1/1000 Hyuga.

Official description:

This is the second standalone volume in the popular ongoing series from HJ Mechanics, a specialty hobby magazine for adult mecha enthusiasts titled Nobuyuki Sakurai: What You Can Achieve in Just Two Weekend Days!

This volume serves as a detailed production chronicle demonstrating how, using only the two days of a weekend, you can create high-caliber model builds on par with those of a professional modeler. The projects cover a wide spectrum, ranging from character models to scale models such as aircraft, tanks, supercars, and warships.

The book provides a minute-by-minute, detailed breakdown of the entire construction process, offering a fresh and dynamic “how-to” experience that captures the immediacy and excitement of a live build session.

Order it from Amazon.co.jp here

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