Left side:
Space Battleship Yamato 2
STORY:
The entire universe is in an unprecedented crisis due to the appearance of a giant evil star, “White Comet.”
Susumu Kodai and other space soldiers board the decommissioned Yamato and set off on a battle of love, overcoming the opposition of their own command center.
THE ATTRACTION:
The theme of Yamato is neither war nor the future, but love. It is about one young man, Susumu Kodai, who awakens to “love” and nurtures it. It is a portrayal of that process. “Everything begins with love” is what Yamato strongly emphasizes. And justice, courage, friendship…what is the most important thing for human beings? Yamato makes us think about it.
BEHIND THE SCENES:
• When I went to Academy Productions, where this program is made, I found a lot of young women. They are making scenes all day long. One scene (a series of movements) takes about 20 pictures. But the scene of Yamato‘s launch, for example, took a whopping 5,000 pictures. The splash of the waves had to be that powerful.
• The voice actors: Susumu Kodai is played by Kei Tomiyama and Yuki Mori by Yoko Asagami. Mr. Toyama is always smiling, like a big brother you can count on. His eyes are so kind. Ms. Asagami is a strong-willed girl who says what she thinks without hesitation. But her smile is very cute.
Right side:
Preorder information for the forthcoming Farewell to Yamato “Deluxe Edition” hardcover book, to be published in April.
First, you have to overcome what’s in front of you
Voice Actor Kei Tomiyama [Susumu Kodai]
I think there are some of you out there who have hit a wall in your studies, exams, or the thing called life, and don’t know what to do.
I also face many obstacles as an actor. I try to jump up to the next step, but I can’t do it. What I do becomes a pattern. Everyone has times like that.
In my experience, it is a matter of the heart. So, when you hit a wall, you should never shut yourself in. When human beings hit a wall, they feel lonely. It is lonely. The frustration of not being able to do anything fills our heart. And then, we lock ourselves up inside our own bodies.
But from there, there is no solution. You have to look outside. Talk with friends, listen to music, look at pictures, go on trips…try to look at new things outside of yourself. Then you will gradually start to see yourself.
Being up against a wall means that you have “lost sight of yourself.” It is very important to change your mood. You may think it’s a waste of time, or that you don’t have time for it. But if you try it, you will surely discover something new.
I don’t tend to get too upset. I have been doing voice work for more than 10 years now. Even now, I get nervous before a job. After all, I want to do a good job. I want to do well and be praised. I want to show my good side. I guess it’s because that kind of “determination” is too strong.
I think there are a lot of people who are easily agitated. If you are too uptight, you can’t show your true ability. In my case, when I think, “I shouldn’t get too nervous,” I try not to think about the job. I think about the times “when I went out with friends,” “when I had fun with my family,” and so on. I think about things that make me happy. Then, when they say, “Okay, it’s time to go on stage,” I can easily and naturally get into the role.
If you are easily agitated, the first thing you need to do is to not think too much. Let’s think of the fun you had in the past three years.
“With pleasure comes pain. Where there is pain, there is pleasure.” Life is a journey of mountains, valleys, and plains. It’s like a traveler walking silently through a land of ups and downs. Suffering! But we endure the suffering and prevail. If we do so, the sun will surely shine brightly.
And for those who are defeated by suffering, an even more painful mountain awaits them. That is life. This is something I have felt deeply in my many years as an actor. At any rate, you have to overcome each and every one of the things in front of you. You cannot run away from life. The more you run away, the more you suffer.
I know there will be many doubts and frustrations, but the high school entrance exam is the first time for everyone to be tested and evaluated. I understand the feelings of fear and anxiety. However, the entrance exam is not just about studying. Think of it as a chance to test your mental strength, and take on the challenge to the fullest.
There’s just a little more time to go before the exam. Susumu Kodai and I will be rooting for you. Please take good care of yourself and don’t catch a cold.