New Year’s postcard from the Yamato Premium Fan Club. Since it says 3199 on it, it’s the first official product
As of this writing, the debut date for Yamato 3199 is still unknown. But the series has been in production for over a year, and if the gap between releases stays consistent with the past (27 months), it’s probably still about a year away. That makes it seem a bit early for Report 1, but March 2023 delivered just enough news to make it possible. So here it is!
January 19, 2022: production announced
When the audience sat down to watch the 2205 Chapter 2 advance screening, there were numerous surprises in store, including a post-credits scene to tease the next story. When the guests took the stage for their conversation, the title of that story was revealed. To no one’s surprise, the next production is titled Yamato Be Forever. But the title doesn’t end there, as you can see from the logo above.
No further information was revealed on January 19, but we learned a bit more over the next few weeks. Harutoshi Fukui talked a little about the title in Hobby Japan a few days later:
The title is Yamato Be Forever REBEL 3199. As for the meaning of this number, which is suddenly 1000 years in the future, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a while to find out. The word REBEL is a combination of rebel, meaning “resist” and level, meaning “a stage.” I’m sure you can guess what this title means, and I don’t think it will betray either of them. (Laughs)
On February 5 he announced that Rebel 3199 would follow the format of both 2199 and 2202 (7 chapters, 26 episodes). In a Yamatalk on February 10, it was revealed that 2205 and 3199 were proposed in tandem all the way back in March 2019, which means this announcement was almost three years in the making.
The catchphrase for this new story is “The future, change it. The enemy is…Space Battleship Yamato.” Make of that what you will.
The next news flash came in the Star Blazers/Yamato Premium Fan Club magazine, issue 15 (October 2022), which included work-in-progress designs for both Alphon and the UNCF Unmanned Battleship. They came with a request NOT to post them online, so that request will be respected here.
On the other hand, the next news flash came with a full-throated encouragement to share and enjoy. So let’s jump to March 14, 2023 and get a good look…
Event Report: Yamato 2202 Blu-ray Box release commemorative select screening & staff talk
Published on the official website March 17. See the original post here.
Theater: Shinjuku Picadilly
Speakers : Nobuyoshi Habara (Director), Harutoshi Fukui (series composition, script), Hideki Oka (script)
Date : March 14, 2023 (Tuesday)
In commemoration of the release of the Yamato 2202 Blu-ray Box [Special Limited Edition], three episodes of the series were shown at the Shinjuku Picadilly theater in Tokyo. A talk event was held with staff members Nobuyoshi Habara (director), Harutoshi Fukui (series composition/scriptwriter), and Hideki Oka (scriptwriter). They looked back on 2202 and a special video featuring the latest materials from REBEL 3199, the latest work currently in production, was shown for the first time.
Before the screening began, Fukui and Oka took the stage. They offered a moment of silence for Leiji Matsumoto, who passed away on February 13, and remembered him as an important person for Space Battleship Yamato. Due to his work schedule, Mr. Habara could not make it to the venue in time for the screening, so he offered a silent prayer in his car.
L to R: Fukui, Habara, and Oka
Next, the top three episodes that received the most votes in a Twitter poll conducted beforehand were screened: 21, 25, and 26. Afterward, Habara, Fukui, and Oka took the podium for the staff talk. It had been four years since the screening of 2202 Chapter 7. Wearing matching coats for the first time in a long time, they looked back on that time with deep emotion.
First, the top 10 episodes were introduced.
1: Episode 26
2: Episode 21
3: Episode 25
4: Episode 4
5: Episode 13
6: Episode 16
7: (tie) Episode 1 and Episode 24
9: (tie) Episode 5 and Episode 8
In response to the voting results, Fukui said, “I’m with you on the first two choices, but I thought the third would be Episode 13.”
Habara and Oka both revealed that they had the exact same assumption. Fukui’s idea for the 13th episode was for everyone to strike together.
Oka recalled, “When I heard the idea that all the Yamato Crew members would be equally responsible for firing the Wave-Motion Gun, to be honest, I had my doubts about whether it was the right idea or not. But the finished film by Director Habara turned out to be really good. I was surprised and cried at the same time.”
Next, some of the comments received during the voting process were introduced. One commentor liked the scene in Episode 16 where Keyman gives Kodai an Earth-style salute.
Habara said, “That makes me happy! I added the scene in a hurry when I was checking the storyboards.”
They also answered some questions that were asked on Twitter. To the question, “Which character has a special place in your heart?” Fukui answered, “Keyman. I was allowed to do whatever I wanted with the bonus drama CD (sold as a Blu-ray bonus by Amazon). I was in the position of being a newcomer to the Yamato, just like him.”
Habara chose Miru. “I really felt sorry for him at the end,” he said.
“What kind of nation would Gatlantis be if Miru had not died there?”
Fukui’s answer drew laughter from the audience: “I think the Ark of Destruction would have been turned into an Ark of Festival, and they would fly around in a giant mirror-ball city empire.”
At this point, a special video of the latest work REBEL 3199, currently in production, was shown. At the end of the video, which was a slideshow of character and mecha concept images, key lines, etc., the audience was able to see a video clip created especially for this event. It was a CG image of Yamato flying by with a three-dimensional anchor mark on the bow. A line of dialogue that may be a proposal from Kodai to Yuki was also shown.
In closing, Habara said, “It was tough while we were making 2202, but now that I look back, all I remember is how much fun it was. I had a really good time today. Thank you very much.”
Fukui concluded by saying, “Let’s meet again at 3199.”
Other Coverage
The following accounts were published by Mantan Web shortly after the event. See the original posts here and here.
Be Forever Yamato, REBEL 3199: video shown at event
The anchor mark is now in three dimensions
An event was held at the Shinjuku Picadilly theater on March 14 to commemorate the release of the Yamato 2202 Blu-ray box set with select screenings and staff talks. Additionally, a promotion for the next work in the series, Be Forever Yamato, REBEL 3199, was also shown. It is a sequel to Yamato 2205, The New Voyage, and featured a set of drawings, some dialogue, and footage of Yamato.
Writer Harutoshi Fukui said, “I put in some important lines of dialogue while incorporating concept images that are currently being created. It may be confusing, but I hope you can use your imagination while you watch it.”
The Yamato of 3199 has a three-dimensional anchor mark on its bow. Mr. Fukui said, “I wanted to make it three-dimensional after seeing it done on the Ginga (which appeared in 2202). This is the form of Yamato this time.”
2202 Director Nobuyoshi Habara and screenwriter Hideki Oka also attended the event.
Director Nobuyoshi Habara, Harutoshi Fukui and Hideki Oka look back
The smiles of “fans” are a source of strength; “Everyone is a soldier of love”
Nobuyoshi Habara, director of the 2202 series, Writer Harutoshi Fukui, and Scriptwriter Hideki Oka reflected on the production of 2202.
Mr. Fukui spoke about his favorite character: “I think it’s Keyman. I was allowed to do whatever I wanted in the drama CD (a bonus item sold with the blu-rays at Amazon). Looking back on it now, it was a luxury. I was a newcomer to the company, and I was in the same position of Keyman. From the beginning, I created the character to die. When I think of 2202, I think of his face.”
Director Habara seemed deeply moved when he said, “I felt sorry for Miru.”
When asked what scene comes to mind when he hears the word 2202, Fukui replied that it was seeing fans at the theater. “This scene right here. Seeing your faces again and again.”
Director Habara smiled when he said, “Your smiles gave us strength. Everyone’s smile energized me. It made me think, I’m glad to be making anime! Everyone is a soldier of love.”
For this event, fans voted for episodes 21, 25, and 26 of Yamato 2202 to be screened.
Mr. Oka revealed his thoughts when he said, “The episode that made me cry the most was Episode 13 because of the Wave-Motion Gun. It was Mr. Fukui who said, ‘They all have to shoot together. Isn’t this the only way?’ To be honest, I was skeptical and did not fully agree at the time. But we made it into something really good, and I cry every time I see it.”
In response to a fan’s question, “When will Kodai and Yuki get married?” Fukui said, “I think there might be a hint in the video that we’re going to show today.”
Fan reaction
As expected, fans who attended the event shared photos and comments generously the next day. This included some additional tidbits not reported above, such as the fact that not a single shot has been completed yet. Not surprising, since they haven’t even announced a director. Mr. Habara also shared an emotional memory of Fukui discouraging him from going to a stage greeting since it would delay production. He relented when Habara begged him not to “deprive him of the only enjoyment he had.”
The following was published on the Yamato Days fan blog on March 15. See the original post here.
3199 latest information summary!
Good evening everyone! The latest information about the next film REBEL 3199 was revealed at the Yamato 2202 select screening & staff talk held today at Shinjuku Picadilly. There are reports on the net by those who attended the event, so I’m sure many of you already know about the content. However, I would like to summarize the information in my own way.
I did not participate in this event myself, and I am basing this information on what I have seen on the net. Therefore, there may be some misinformation or misunderstandings mixed in.
Mecha appearing in 3199
The confirmed mecha are Arizona, Galman-Gamilas large battleship, unmanned battleship, and tripod tank. Of these, the unmanned battleship was announced at last year’s Fukuyama event, so we knew it was coming,
It’s great to see that the long-requested Arizona will also make an appearance. This alone makes 3199 worth seeing.
Incidentally, in the video shown at the event, I heard that the Arizona class is labeled “Operation DAD.” Is this some kind of force augmentation plan like the “Wave Gun Fleet Concept”? Come to think of it, in 2205, the UNCF made a decision to disarm in the form of “optimizing armaments commensurate with the scale of the planet.” (Although, considering the drastic change in the situation in 2205, a return to a certain degree of military expansion is unavoidable.)
It seems that the political situation on the earth in 3199 will have changed drastically. Does this mean that the Bismarck, Prince of Wales, and Novik, which appeared in Yamato III, also appear as “Operation DAD” ships? If so, I wonder what role these vessels will be given in the story.
Confirmed characters in 3199
Next, in addition to “Ensign Alphon” announced at the Fukuyama event, three new characters have been confirmed: Sada, Captain Ram, and Ageha. The presence of Ageha was already hinted at in 2205, so his appearance is not that much of a surprise.
However, there is a mention that he appears as the commander of an unmanned fleet. I’m concerned about authenticity in this area. In 2205, he was portrayed as a peer of Domon and the others, so I think he may have risen too high in the ranks. (It is possible that he was promoted in a short period of time due to the combination of his super elite status, his parents’ prestige, and the lack of human resources.)
Personally, I suspect that there may be some confusion in the information about Kitano’s brother, who is also confirmed to appear in 3199. I will hold off on the truth of this until it is confirmed.
As for the unexpected appearance of Captain Ram, I heard that 3199 would also be a remake of Yamato III. In that sense, it would not be surprising if Captain Ram appears in 3199. What role will he play in the new work? According to someone who saw the video, he didn’t have the look of an enemy. Is 3199 Earth in close proximity to Bolar? I’m curious about his position.
The most interesting thing this time is Sada. In the original version, her appearance is in the latter half of the story. I was really surprised that she was revealed this soon. In the original, she had almost no role except for the fingerprint event. She may appear in 3199 as a character who is deeply involved in the story, just like Sabera in 2202.
Other than the characters mentioned above, there is Keeling, who appeared in 2205, Nanbu’s Father, and a woman who seems to be “Mother Shalbart,” with some interesting information, such as a possible relationship with Iscandar.
It was announced from the beginning that 3199 would be an ensemble drama, so the number of important characters may increase over 2202.
Photo posted on Twitter by YAMATO93653248
Yamato in 3199
The appearance of Yamato in 3199 has also been revealed.
(1) An anchor mark is added to the bow of the ship. Perhaps there is an anchor mark on the side as well?
(2) Addition of the battle stripes on the barrel of the main gun.
The design seems to have been changed to be similar to Yamato in the original Be Forever. The anchor mark and the stripes may be a point of disagreement among old fans, but since this work is a remake, I think it’s a good decision to pay respect to the original version.
Other points of interest
Other than the above information, the following was also revealed…
Dezarium’s operation to occupy the Earth is depicted on a larger scale than the original version. Multiple Gorubas surround the planet.
Dezarium people who land on Earth say, “We’re back.”
Kodai and Yuki will be separated.
Ensign Alphon wants to know about love.
The mysterious term “Ground Reverse” is a mystery.
“Ground Reverse” is particularly interesting. It appears together with the words “last bastion.” (Is the speaker on the Dezarium side?) I think the term is fundamental to the story in 3199. It’s similar to “Cosmo Reverse” and since there are many references to Iscandar it could be related. I wonder if the purpose and identity of Dezarium will be revealed when the meaning of “Ground Reverse” is fully known.
It seems as if all the information that was withheld until now has come out all at once. Considering that it only represents the beginning of the story, it’s hard to imagine how dense the contents of 3199 will be. It may not be possible to fully understand 3199 just by watching it once. However, even if I don’t like the information revealed this time, it has raised my expectations.
It seems the first episode is currently in production, so the full release is still some time away (summer at the earliest?) I’m really looking forward to the day when it is completed.
April 14: Official Tweet
The day before this report was posted, the Yamato production committee released four work-in-progress designs from the collection that was shown on March 14. The caption read: “This is part of the latest production materials that were included in the 3199 special video released at the previous screening event. In addition, more materials from the special video will be released soon!”
See the original Tweet here and stay tuned!
Unmanned Battleship (large version)
Unmanned Battleship (standard version)
Asteroid Base
Dezarium Walking Tank
And there you have it: Yamato 3199 Report 1.
Click here for Report 2!
Something that is truly interesting about the unmanned battleship’s new design is the “E.F. Air Force” marking. As far as we know the earth Federation doesn’t have a separate air force branch, and it is kind of wierd that the Air force would have access to space battleships. Perhaps it’s a reorganised branch that existed outside of the Cosmo Force within the general UN forces? Or maybe I’m just looking too much into it and it’s just there for the sketches lol.
Operation DAD? That’s an odd designation for the Arizona-type battleship project… I wonder if other Bolar Wars Earth designs will make an appearance alongside the bot ships of Be Forever Yamato.
With the reappearance of the unmanned battleships, I wonder what happens to the rest of the unmanned D-class battleships and the BBB units. Were they retired or mothball in favor of purposed-built proper autonomous ships? Either way, I look forward to see the stats of those particular ships as they don’t look as well armed as their Gatlantean war era counterparts. I wonder if they’re meant to be intelligence gathering ships with all those radar and sensor attachments…
Looking forward to seeing the Arizona!
Any chance of a 2205 Blu-ray in the US, followed by this?
So far, there have been no announcements from anyone.
Since CR announced the previous series, It could be a couple of factors. It didn’t perform as well as they hoped, so they aren’t going to license the rest. Another possibility is that they are waiting on Rebel 3199 to premiere, so they can get a better deal by licensing both (2205 & Rebel 3199) at once. I was kind of hoping Sentai or Discotek would license the movies (2199 Compilation movie / Voyage of the Celestial Ark / Age of Yamato)
Super worried they might kill off long term established characters like Dessler since it’s an ensemble drama. He’s lost so much in his character arc and I remember in an interview he was one of the producers favorites. Hope he doesn’t die