V-Storage interview, June 10

Age of Yamato interview with Houchu Otsuka (Shiro Sanada)

(See the original article here)

Age of Yamato is a film that reconstructs both Yamato 2199 and Yamato 2202 from the point of view of Shiro Sanada. We interviewed Houchu Otsuka, who played the role of Sanada.

A high quality “documentary work” and condensed entertainment

Interviewer: How did you feel when you were recording this work?

Otsuka: It’s structured in a way that the story progresses through the monologue of Shiro Sanada, who I play. When I first previewed the script, I thought, “This is a big job.” It’s not a dialogue or narration, it’s a “narrative.” How do you create the reality of a man who has seen all of Yamato‘s voyages? I went into the performance with a sense of responsibility and pressure to tell the story.

I was groping at first, but I was able to grasp the point where I thought, “This is how Sanada would speak in this scene,” and from then on, I felt comfortable. I’ve been playing Sanada for a long time, so I know his feelings well. I think I was able to tell the story as “Shiro Sanada as a human being.”

Interviewer: What are the highlights of this compilation?

Otsuka: It’s a high-quality “documentary” with Sanada as the narrator. At the same time, it’s an entertainment work that condenses the story of 2202 to a great density.

Interviewer: When did you first come into contact with the world of Yamato?

Otsuka: I was about 20 years old when the first Space Battleship Yamato was aired in 1974. I had just moved to Tokyo from the countryside. At that time, I was still without a job, and I was at a loss. (Laughs) I was living in a tiny apartment with no TV, and I was just trying to eat. So I didn’t have time to watch Space Battleship Yamato. Looking back on it now, it was a waste.

At that time, there were many voice actors who seemed to be on top of the world. I was beginning to think about pursuing a career as a voice actor, and Yamato was a gorgeous “distant world” to me. It wasn’t until I got the offer for 2199 that I really got to know it.

Interviewer: How did you feel when you received the offer for 2199?

Otsuka: Takeshi Aono, who played Shiro Sanada in “Yamato,” was my favorite mentor. He used to buy me drinks and take me out every day. I had a special feeling about taking over the role from Mr. Aono, whom I respected. By actually playing Sanada, I was able to understand the greatness of Mr. Aono once again.

Interviewer: What do you think of the character Shiro Sanada?

Otsuka: I often play characters who are a little strange. I assumed that Sanada would also be an eccentric person, so in the first audition, I tried to play him in a slightly twisted and eccentric way. But I was given a bad review. “Aren’t you thinking a little too differently?” (Laughs)

Sanada is a strong man, but he’s also humorous, kind, and decisive. He is ideal to me. I admire him very much, but it’s difficult to be like him. In the beginning of 2199, he seemed cold-hearted. But through Yamato‘s voyage, I gradually came to see his humanity. I enjoyed playing that change. I wanted to express the essence of Sanada’s character and the sorrow of losing someone important in every line of dialogue.

Interviewer: If you had to pick a favorite scene or line from 2199 or 2202, what would it be?

Otsuka: I would have to say, “Let me tell you a story about a man, an ordinary man.” The speech scene in the last episode of 2202. That speech was a series of wonderful lines. It’s not often that I’m given such a long speech. It was a very rewarding and a dreamlike experience for me as an actor. During the performance, my emotions started to heat up. I naturally became one with Sanada and was able to play the role. I felt like Sanada had lived his whole life to say those things.

Interviewer: Finally, please give a message to your fans.

Otsuka: If you’re not familiar with the Yamato series, you will understand it well. Also, if you’ve been watching it for a long time, you will find new excitement in it. What will happen next in the series, Yamato 2205? I hope that everyone will watch it to get their hopes up even higher.

Houchu Otsuka Profile
Born in Okayama Prefecture on May 19, 1954. Starting out as a dubbing artist for Western movies, he went on to work as a narrator for anime, games, and TV programs.



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