With the arrival of each new Chapter of Yamato 2202, new members of the staff and cast are called into service for the media campaign. Chapter 4 brought actor Yoshimasa Hosoya into the spotlight, who supplies the voice of fighter ace Saburo Kato. In these three interviews, he shares his insight on the character and offers a new look into the world of Yamato voice recording.
The form of love in Yamato 2202 Chapter 4, depicted through Saburo Kato and deepened by listening to Yoshimasa Hosoya
Published by Anime Hack, January 24, 2018.
See the original post here.
Yamato 2202 Chapter 4, Destiny Chapter, premieres in theaters on January 27. Yamato 2202 is the sequel to Yamato 2199, broadcast between 2012-2013, based on the 1978 film Farewell to Yamato. It depicts a new journey and battle for Yamato in seven chapters.
Chapter 4 Destiny Chapter marks a turning point in the story. We look back at the new Yamato series from 2199 to now with Yoshimasa Hosoya, who appears as Yamato‘s fighter pilot Saburo Kato.
Interviewer: I’d like to look back on the previous series Yamato 2199 and hear your story. What was your first impression performing as Saburo Kato?
Hosoya: The image of Buddhist monk was strong in the scene where he advocated the heart sutra. When I look back at Kato now while playing him in 2202, he was very immature. Back then I thought, “Why am I so hard on Susumu Kodai?” I think Kato takes pride in going by the book. Kato might have thrived in an athletic education system where the hierarchy is severe. I think he wonders if he can trust Kodai when he shows up and is the same age. It may look like scolding encouragement, but it could be like, “I haven’t accepted you yet. If you make a mistake, it could sink the ship.” I think that’s how he feels. There might be some jealously, too.
Interviewer: Kato was immature in 2199. How has he changed in 2202, after the voyage to Iscandar?
Hosoya: As expected, the biggest change is that he’s married to Makoto Harada. His personal position is as a husband and father who takes good care of his family. I think some human depth has been born, compared to 2199, when he was clearly a public figure who led the flight corps. 2199 was a group drama and he didn’t get much in the way of close-ups, but now a new side to Kato has come into view.
Interviewer: I think the Soldiers of Love subtitle in 2202 is very suitable in relation to Kato.
Hosoya: The marriage part is easy to understand, isn’t it? Also, I think you can identify with the “family love” side in that he wants to spend time with his family. It’s connected to the “love of a man and woman” with Makoto. On the other hand, they both have a “love for their friends on Yamato.” Amidst that, Kato ends up feeling conflicted, torn by feeling the unfulfilled promise of putting his own happiness first and the love of his friends for his own family, and their not telling him about Yamato‘s departure.
I think it is the character of Kato who truly symbolizes this form of “love” in 2202.
Interviewer: Have you consciously changed the way you perform Kato since 2199?
Hosoya: He’s the same person, so I play him as an extension from 2199. However, I’m closer in age to the Kato in 2202 than I was to the immature Kato in 2199. In 2202, I think Kato has come to understand the pressure and conflict that Kodai feels. In evidence, he believes in Kodai’s judgment and is even somewhat tolerant of Keyman of Garmillas, an enemy he would have shot down before. I felt a familiarity with Kato simply because of his sense of justice and straightforwardness throughout the harsh journey of 2199, and because he became much more broadminded.
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite scene in the development of 2202 so far?
Hosoya: Chapter 4 is where Dessler becomes active in earnest. In Chapters 1-3, it’s impressive when Kato leaves his family on Earth and joins Yamato. It was very refreshing that Kato talks to himself via the family photo. I think it’s a scene where you can catch a glimpse of the “vulnerability” he gets by having a family. Kato wants something to protect, which increases his humanity. I think that’s also his “vulnerability.”
Interviewer: Zordar of Gatlantis talks about the “vulnerability” that “love” can bring, which is a big theme of the work, isn’t it? In Farewell to Yamato, which became the basis of 2202, Kato got a suitably heroic death in battle. Do you know what will happen to Kato in 2202?
Hosoya: I haven’t been informed. The development has become heavy, and I’ve been told that Director Habara feels it might be easier to perform without knowing. Kato hasn’t had any major activity so far in 2202, but the word is that there are many highlights starting with Chapter 5, so I’m looking forward to it.
Interviewer: What’s the atmosphere like at the voice recording site?
Hosoya: There are a lot of veterans, so it’s a very quiet atmosphere. However, it’s a big group with 20-30 people gathering every time, so there may not be enough chairs. Sometimes I sit it a corner on a pipe chair. (Laughs)
Interviewer: Please give a message to the fans who are looking forward to Chapter 4.
Hosoya: With this new series 2202 being produced, I feel that it means 2199 was accepted by fans, and I’m very happy. 2202 is rock solid just like 2199 while inheriting the appeal of the Yamato series with a modern story and visuals. I think the new generation of audience can enjoy it just as much as the fans from the old days. Therefore, I intend to play Kato with all my strength in 2202. Thank you for your continued support.
Yamato 2202 Chapter 4 interview, Yoshimasa Hosoya as Kato!
A man named Kato who makes you strongly feel the “passing of three years”
Published by Pash Plus, January 25, 2018.
See the original post here.
On January 27, Yamato 2202 Chapter 4 Destiny Chapter finally opens in 29 theaters nationwide for a limited time. Before the premiere, we interviewed Yoshimasa Hosoya, who plays the hot-blooded Saburo Kato, the leader of Yamato‘s flight corps! We heard many stories from points about the work and the character to events at the recording site, stories that gave us a glimpse at the unique side of Mr. Hosoya.
Kato is the former commander of Yamato‘s flight corps. His wife is Makoto Harada (voice: Rina Sato), Yamato‘s former nurse. They have a son Tsubasa (voice: Natsumi Takamori), who is being treated for an intractable disease called Planet Bomb Syndrome. When Yamato launches again, Kato is conflicted about leaving his family, but he listens to his wife’s words and decides to join Yamato.
Interviewer: First, what is your impression of Space Battleship Yamato, and please tell me how you felt when you were chosen for the series.
Hosoya: Yamato is a very big work whose name went down in the history of anime, isn’t it? I didn’t watch the broadcast in real time, but I saw it over summer vacation when I was an elementary or junior high student. I have a memory of seeing reruns and feeling like, “Oh, that’s Yamato!” When I was chosen for the series I told my father about it and he understood immediately. That’s when I realized again that it was a big work.
Interviewer: Is there something you admire in the world of Yamato?
Hosoya: Warp navigation. Especially when we warped in the first half of the story. It showed how various powers were concentrated into a warp from the power room to the engineers. Everyone takes action and the engineers get to work and they all brace against the shock. I really like that feeling.
Interviewer: What was your impression of the character you play, Saburo Kato?
Hosoya: In 2199, there are a lot of places where Kato turns on Kodai, who is the same age, and there is the impression that he’s someone who barks a lot. While seeing that, I thought, he wants to be accepted. He wants to take the initiate. I didn’t think he would do that as much if he was truly strong and confident. He was an immature kid compared to the present Kato. He has a wife and son in 2202, and when Yamato gets going, he has to decide whether to remain on Earth with his family or leave with Yamato. Because that conflict is depicted, I think he has more depth and density as a character than in 2199.
There aren’t any specific moments with him as a “father,” so I can only imagine what kind of father he is. I think he would be very close to his child. He wouldn’t be called “Papa” or “Father,” he would be “Dad.” I don’t think he would be a strict father. It does feel like three years have passed, doesn’t it?
Interviewer: What’s an impressive Kato scene?
Hosoya: He talks with Makoto and gathers his determination. When he joins Yamato, we see Yamato floating in space from his cockpit. He quietly speaks to the family photo stuck to his monitor. “Look, that’s Dad’s ship.” I thought that was a rare scene with that line. It feels like a very warm family. I wonder if they’ll have more children. It made an impression because I could imagine various things.
Interviewer: So, what are the highlights of Chapter 4?
Hosoya: The part where Dessler fires the Dessler Gun. (Laughs) Of course, it’s a powerful scene. I’ve been yearning to see Koichi Yamadera play Dessler, and the experience of appearing in the same work with him feels special.
Interviewer: I think the relationship between Susumu Kodai (voice: Daisuke Ono) and Keyman (voice: Hiroshi Kamiya) is important in 2202. What do you think about that?
Hosoya: If Keyman crosses the line, I feel like I’m holding it firmly. I think the time has come for something big. On the other hand, I don’t understand Kodai’s thoughts well. I’m close to the leader of Yamato. Isn’t it possible that Keyman might be an enemy? When I think that, I don’t think he should be easily trusted. The Kato of 2199 wouldn’t allow Keyman to stay. I think I’d criticize the Kodai of 2199 even more harshly. But for Kodai and Kato now, I think it’s an interesting change to allow it and learn from it despite the reluctance.
Interviewer: Other than that, are there other characters you’re concerned about in 2202?
Hosoya: I’m concerned about Keyman and Touko Katsuragi (voice: Yuko Kaida). I’m concerned about the relationship between those two. Touko has a scene talking with Keyman, with an atmosphere like it’s not their first time. I wonder what kind of relationship it is. I can imagine many things.
Interviewer: How is the atmosphere of the voice recording studio?
Hosoya: Since there are many veterans, the studio has a very quiet atmosphere. I think that’s the personality of the studio for this work.
Interviewer: Who impresses you in the cast?
Hosoya: Above all, it’s Mr. Yamadera in the part of Dessler. This was the first time we were together in a recording studio. Dessler says the closing line in Chapter 4, and at the time all the actors in the studio were watching him. I paid attention to how he would say the line. He really feels it. He speaks straight into the microphone as Dessler with no emotional blur or tension. I was very impressed. I was moved by a truly wonderful performer.
Interviewer: Which Yamato character would you personally like to talk with?
Hosoya: Hiroki Shinohara (voice: Daisuke Hirakawa), right? In 2199, he gets a little distance with Captain Kato, who tends to get hot under the collar, and calms him down well. When he gives Kato some straight advice, he doesn’t get angry immediately. Shinohara is very good at talking about that. I like how mature he is, so I’d like to talk to Shinohara.
Also, though it’s slightly different from what you asked, I’d like to talk with Dessler. I like how ruthless he is, with no hesitation. I feel a lot of things, but Dessler can eliminate this by willing himself to feel nothing. The feeling of advancing straight ahead for his purpose is cool.
Interviewer: If you could become a crew member of Yamato, where would you want to be assigned?
Hosoya: No, I’d be afraid to be on Yamato‘s crew! (Laughs) But if I’m forced to choose, though this might offend some Yamato fans, I’d be in the position of Captain Okita. I’d put on Captain Okita’s hat and coat, grow my bangs out, attach eyebrows and a beard, and give out orders for a feeling I’ve never known. I wonder what everyone would say. (Laughs)
Interviewer: Finally, a word to the fans.
Hosoya: Space Battleship Yamato is a very big work in the history of anime. 2199 was a new step forward in a modern version, and I think the sequel 2202 was created because the first attempt was successful. There are pros and cons for sure, but former Yamato fans could accept it and I think the sequel was made on that feeling of security. Thank you very much for your support, and please look forward to it by all means!
Interviewer: Thank you!
PROFILE
Yoshimasa Hosoya, from Hiroshima, born February 10, 1982. His main roles have been Shusaku Hojo in In This Corner of the World, Reiner Braun in Attack on Titan, Orga Itsuka in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans, and Gigina in Dances With Dragons
See a much longer list of his credits at Anime News Network here.
Dessler’s outstanding perfomance is the highlight! Yamato 2202 Chapter 4 Destiny Chapter is about to arrive!
Interview with Yoshimasa Hosoya as Saburo Kato
Interview by Eiichi Shitara. Published by Animate Times, January 24, 2018. See the original post here.
Yamato 2202 Chapter 4 Destiny Chapter opens in theaters on January 27, 2018! Dessler, who turned up at the end of Chapter 3 Pure Love Chapter now finally stands before Yamato again. A fierce battle unfolds in Chapter 4, and astonishing developments are sure to be waiting.
We talked about it with Yoshimasa Hosoya, who plays Saburo Kato, the top ace in Yamato‘s flight corps. Though he’s on Yamato‘s crew, Hosoya says that he loves Yamato‘s greatest rival character, Dessler. Actually, it’s natural for Mr. Hosoya to give this praise, since Dessler’s outstanding performance is a must-see!
He feels like a living human being because he changes
Interviewer: What was your first impression of Space Battleship Yamato when you appeared in the part of Saburo Kato?
Hosoya: It had the impression of a great work with a name that went down in the history of anime. I didn’t watch the broadcast in real time, but during summer vacation when I was a child. I have a memory of it being rerun in the evening, and the feeling was, “Ah, that’s Yamato!”
As for appearing in the role of Saburo Kato, I told my father, “I’m going for this,” and the feeling was that he immediately understood what I was able to do.
Interviewer: What’s your impression of Saburo Kato in 2199 and in 2202 after three years passed?
Hosoya: The Kato of 2199 was very immature when I think back, and I have the impression that he’s someone who barks a lot. There are a lot of places where he chews out Kodai, who is the same age. He wants to make himself known to others and wants to take the initiative. That’s what I thought when I saw those scenes.
If he were truly strong and confident, I don’t think he would do such a thing. Compared to the way he is now, the Kato of 2199 feels like he’s still a boy. But I thought his “missing place” was interesting. Having some faults brings a sense of familiarity, and I think Kato has many. Since he has changed from when he was immature, couldn’t you say that his appeal has increased?
And in 2202 there’s the point that Kato has gotten married and has a family, and it depicts the conflict of whether or not to leave with Yamato. Therefore, there is more a feeling of depth in the character than in 2199. Since he changes through major events, I think you can see Kato as a person who continues growing from the previous work.
Interviewer: What kind of father do you think Kato will be?
Hosoya: We haven’t seen much of him as a father. We haven’t seen specifically what kind of father he is. It feels like he’s close to his family. Rather than “Father” or “Papa,” he would be called “Dad.” Rather than being a strict and distance father, I feel like he’s at his child’s side.
Interviewer: Are there any impressive Kato scenes or lines?
Hosoya: When Kato parts with his family and goes to Yamato in 2202, he talks with Makoto a little and finds his determination. He talks to himself afterward. In the scene where he’s looking at Yamato in space from his cockpit, there’s a family photo on his monitor. He reveals his feelings when he talks to his family and says, “Look. That’s Dad’s ship.”
That would have been a very unusual thing for Kato in 2199. It feels like a warm and important family. I wonder if they’ll want to have more children. I can imagine various things from that line, so it makes a wonderful impression.
Dessler’s outstanding performance is the highlight!
Interviewer: A lot of concepts and gimmicks appeared for the first time in Yamato, which was a pioneer of SF anime. What is your favorite thing?
Hosoya: It is the Warp navigation. The first scene in the story with warp navigation. I like that gimmick. In a scene where the story is advancing and the ship warps out during a battle, it’s not possible to show it with that length and drama. But the first time, the power room and the engineers are shown, and a lot of power is concentrated into accomplish one big action. I like that feeling a lot. I also like detailed depictions, like when an engineer grabs something in a hurry after finishing his work to take up a shock position.
Interviewer: I think I heard that your trigger for wanting to become a voice actor was when you watched the original and thought, “I want to do a warp, too.” I think it’s great to have wishful thinking about doing a warp. What was your first warp like?
Hosoya: At the time of the first warp, everything going on inside the ship was shown in detail. Kato was promoting the heart sutra then. He threw a dart and it stopped in midair. It seemed like time itself had stopped. When you watch it as a viewer, it’s totally different from when I did the scene as an actor. It was like, “Oh…that’s how it ended.”
Interviewer: Would you like to say the “warp” line?
Hosoya: I want to say “Warp,” but the thing I’d like to say most is “Wave-Motion Gun.” Isn’t that much more worthy? “Prepare the Wave-Motion Gun!” There’s a series of instructions to start with, but I’d like to finally say, “Fire!”
Interviewer: Nearly 1,000 people on Yamato‘s crew get on board with the Wave Gun. But only one has the weight to say it.
Hosoya: That’s right. Not just anyone can say it.
Interviewer: What’s the atmosphere like at the recording site?
Hosoya: Because there are a lot of veterans, I think the studio has a quiet atmosphere. I don’t think there’s any animation recording studio where more veterans come together than on Yamato. For example, any time there is a spotlight on someone’s character, I think everyone concentrates on it. And since everyone is concentrated on your performance, there isn’t so much “Here’s what I did yesterday” talk. I think the quiet, subdued feeling is a characteristic of the Yamato studio. Of course, the veterans always give an amazing performance, which I think is just great.
Interviewer: What are the highlights of Chapter 4?
Hosoya: I love Dessler, so the place where he gives an outstanding performance is the highlight for me! He fires the Dessler Gun, which is similar to the Wave Gun of Yamato, and it’s fresh, too. It has the feel of Dessler, and his wine glass has a great, unique shape, too. (Laughs)
Interviewer: You’re on Yamato‘s crew, you’re not supposed to support the enemy! (Laughs) Do you have that favorable view because he’s played by Koichi Yamadera?
Hosoya: I always wanted to watch Mr. Yamadera perform. This is the first time on Space Battleship Yamato we’ve been in the same room, so it feels a little more special. There are a lot of highlights for Dessler, played by Yamadera. I feel really sorry for the Yamato fans, because he makes an impression simply with his cool.
Interviewer: What 2202 characters are you concerned about?
Hosoya: Keyman and Touko Katsuragi. There’s a scene of them talking that has the atmosphere of not being their first time. I’m interested in the relationship of these two.
What’s striking about it is that I don’t think the Kato of 2199 would have allowed Keyman to board Yamato. That wasn’t the ratio when he went at Kodai in 2199. I think he would have intensely refused. But now it’s, “If Kodai says so” and he reluctantly allows it. I think that’s an interesting change.
Interviewer: In addition to Chapter 4, there are new elements that will surprise the old Yamato fans, aren’t there?
Hosoya: By doing that, I feel that it is closer to a modern style.
Interviewer: In this Yamato, “love” is considered to be the theme. Various kinds of love are depicted. I wonder if Kato represents family love.
Hosoya: I don’t think that’s the theme. The theme of this Yamato is “love,” but personally I think the scenes that symbolize that love are a bit different. I think that’s how it should be, but the director decides on that. It’s not my decision.
The situation is written in the script that Kato has a family, and he has to leave them to get on board Yamato. I think it would be good if the viewer can feel what Makoto feels, what the child feels, and what Kato feels.