February 13: Isao Sasaki interview
The entertainment site Zakzak sat down with the one and only Isao Sasaki for an interview which they published in five parts. Now 80 years old, he talked about his singing and voice acting career and said that he plans to put in at least one more year before taking his well-earned retirement. Here’s what he had to say about his Yamato experience…
Isao Sasaki, the “Great King of Anime Songs”
“I was told to learn the theme song for Space Battleship Yamato in three days, but when I went to record it, the score was wrong!”
Exceptional feeling for singing a hero song
Space Battleship Yamato aired from October 1974. Its theme song has now become a milestone in anime songs. However, Isao Sasaki (80) reveals there was quite a mess during the recording process.
“After a few people had sung the song, I was approached to do it. But it was terrible. They sent me a score, asking me to learn it in three days, but it was wrong. They had transposed a D minor song into C minor, but there was no flat symbol on it. There was no karaoke or anything like that back then, so I had to rely on sheet music and the piano. I thought it was a strange song, but I didn’t have time to point it out…”
“On the day of recording, I sang the song in the studio and was told, ‘Mr. Sasaki, that’s not right.’ I had to learn it all over again on the spot. I had practiced so much that my voice became hoarse. But the director said it was better to be melancholy. It was strange, but it turned out OK.”
Singing hero songs is something he feels very passionate about.
“Hero songs are cool, aren’t they? I always want the A-sides to have that coolness. For Yamato, I was told by Composer Hiroshi Miyagawa, ‘Don’t worry about anything, just sing cheerfully.’ But Yamato finished airing earlier than planned at first. It wasn’t until about two years later that it became popular.”
“At that time, there was no karaoke yet, and when I went out on sales trips, I had to pack open reel tapes in my bag and carry them with me. Ichiro Mizuki and I used to go around together. At that time, the speakers were not so good, and we sang on top of beer cases. Mizuki told me that he was even forced to sing over a bullhorn.”
“Then came the unprecedented anime boom. When I performed at an event on the rooftop of Isetan [department store], there were about 500 female students in the audience screaming ‘Joe’ and so on. [For Condor Joe, his role in Gatchaman.] They were all anime fans. No one said ‘Sasaki-saaaaan,’ but I didn’t feel bad. I thought this boom would last for two or three years, but it’s already been 50 years. It’s amazing.”
The Scarlet Scarf is full of mood and emotion. I want to enjoy each song as I sing it.
Space Battleship Yamato has become a representative song for Isao Sasaki, but it is not only the theme song that has touched the hearts of fans. The moody ending song The Scarlet Scarf is also very popular.
“On the first day of recording, my voice got hoarse from practicing too much. I had to record the B-side song (Scarlet Scarf) the next day. As a result, I didn’t have much of a voice, but that was fine because it fit the song.”
“The composer, Hiroshi Miyagawa, had certain thoughts in mind. He wrote it in the image of The Peanuts’ Una Sera Di Tokyo (one of his earlier hits). He entrusted me with the idea of making this kind of sexy song popular once again. It’s already a mood song, isn’t it? When I first heard it, I thought it was a perfect anime song.”
The emotional quality of Sasaki’s singing can be said to be his true calling card.
“I like emotional songs. That’s why I tend to focus on the B-side songs. The A-side songs of anime are very brave. The author’s emotions are more in the B-side songs. Mitsuko Horie told once told me, ‘You’re a B-side singer.’ She and I did a duet on the theme song for Secret Sentai Goranger. The first time I worked with composer Watanabe Hiroaki was on Goranger. It was a Latin-style song, so I sang it like Elvis. The B-side song was also quite lively.”
Sasaki, who has walked the high road of anime songs, will turn 81 this year.
“As expected, I won’t be able to do as many things anymore. That’s why I want to enjoy each song as I sing it. When I turned 80, I thought I would stop working. But the tension of going to work keeps me healthy. I am now thinking that I would like to continue singing for another year or so.”
See the original articles here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Photo at right posted on Twitter by Michiko Hayashi
February 23: Yamato Meets Classics concert, Fukuoka
After more than a year’s delay due to some stupid pandemic, this monumental concert finally made its debut at the lavish Fukuoka Symphony Hall featuring four principal artists: Conductor Akira Miyagawa, Violinist Fuminori Shinozaki, Pianist Chiko Miyagawa, and Vocalist Michiko Hayashi.
Unlike the various “remake concerts” that have dominated recent years, this one went back to original works by the two Yamato music maestros Hiroshi Miyagawa and Kentaro Haneda. After an introductory talk show, Miyagawa’s 5-part Yamato suite was performed, followed by Haneda’s historic Grand Symphony. It’s hard to imagine a better combination than that.
Photos posted on Twitter by Aoi 2199 and Yamato Music FE
On sale in the lobby were score books and Yamato CDs, along with copies of Akira Miyagawa’s autobiography.
See a TV commercial for the concert here
See a promo video with Akira and Chiko Miyagawa here
See a February 23 group rehearsal clip here
See another rehearsal video by Chiko Miyagawa here.
Photo at right posted on Twitter by Chiko Miyagawa
March 12: Yamato Meets Classics concert, Himeji
All the principals from the February 23 premiere were excited to be back for a repeat performance.
Photo posted by Scott Mohechi
The venue this time was the Arcrea ampitheater in Himeji, a city in the southern portion of Japan.
Photo posted by ysyk
Based on the photos posted afterward, this would appear to be the perfect place to hear live Yamato music.
Photo posted by Scott Mohechi
The view from the stage is even more magnificent, seemingly positioned under a starry sky.
Photos posted by komeko114 and Chiko Miyagawa
On sale in the lobby were score books, CDs, Akira Miyagawa’s autobiography, and collectible stickers of the four primary participants.
Photos posted by Hanekenofficial
Celebratory bouquets featured tributes to Hiroshi Miyagawa and Kentaro Haneda.
Cellist Daisuke Kitaguchi shared his point of view afterward on Twitter, both literally and figuratively. His caption read, “Yamato finished!! I was overwhelmed with emotion to be able to perform a piece that I have admired for decades. It was a day I will never forget.”
Posted by stagehand Yusaku Yoshida
Naturally, the concert itself wasn’t shown online, but we at least got a glimpse of the aftermath. See a closing video here.
April 25: Isao Sasaki on TV
At this time, Isao Sasaki was 80 years old, which means he’s been singing the Yamato theme for more than half his lifetime. He did it again with as much strength and conviction as ever on the NHK song program Uta-Con, where he also shared some of his memories of Leiji Matsumoto. (Vocalist Chris Hart was also on hand to sing a song from Galaxy Express 999.)
Watch the performance here.
April 28: NOTE article
Music Review: Space Battleship Yamato Grand Symphony by Kentaro Haneda
By Kenjiro, posted on the NOTE website. See the original article here.
Today, I would like to introduce something a little different. The late Kentaro Haneda compiled the famous Space Battleship Yamato into a symphony, and it has been almost 40 years since the first performance. I remember how excited I was when I found and listened to this album, and I still listen to it often. I don’t think there are many people who have heard of it, so I would like you to listen to it first here.
First Laserdisc release (1985), second LD release (1993), DVD release (2005)
In 1984, the music of this anime was rearranged into new compositions by Kentaro Haneda. It was performed by the NHK Symphony Orchestra, which can be said to represent Japan, which was quite a miracle.
This is a musical review of the piece, and I hope you will enjoy listening to the Yamato sound performed by the splendid members of this orchestra. I don’t want to say too much, and I don’t think there’s any need to do so. I’m sure there are others with a lot say, but let’s not be frivolous with this gorgeous piece, which seems to be a collaboration between Hiroshi Miyagawa and Kentaro Haneda.
However, since I am going give some comments and introductions, I have to write my opinion, knowing that it is not definitive. I describe this as “a masterpiece that returns adults to their childhood.” I have great respect for the anime of a generation ago. One of the ways I respect them is that they knew how to write a proper theme song.
2009 Resurrection edition, 2014 Sound Almanac reissue
I’m sure there are some modern anime that have good theme songs, if you look for them. The Yamato theme was shown on TV for a minute and a half at most. In this short time, the mission of Yamato is described, and hats off to this splendid rendition in which a strong hymn to Yamato is sung. I borrowed a CD and recorded it on tape and listened to it over and over on my Walkman (we did not have iPods yet).
During that time, I listened to many classics and became familiar with a wide range of music. Then I came across the Yamato Grand Symphony, which allows you to enjoy the beautiful and heroic music of Yamato in another way. Moreover, the fourth movement is an unusual form of double concerto in which Kentaro Haneda plays the piano and adds violin. While returning to your childhood, you can also enjoy the music as an adult. It is truly music for those of us who grew up with Yamato.
Rerecorded 2018 edition
Nowadays, we often see anime songs being made into orchestral arrangements, which is fun. I especially like the music of the Final Fantasy game. I went to hear many orchestras and talked with Nobuo Uematsu. But long before that, adults took anime seriously. I am very happy that they left us such a wonderful symphony.
Incidentally, the same piece was performed again in 2018, also with Naoto Otomo conducting. If you can find the CDs, please buy them and keep them on hand.
Read much more about the Grand Symphony here.
May 2: Sarasate magazine, Vol. 112
In the wake of the Yamato Meets Classics concerts, this specialty magazine for stringed-instrument players ran a 2-page article interviewing lead violinist Fuminori Shinozaki and cellist Daisuke Kitaguchi about the influence of anime and tokusatsu music on their careers, appending it with a review of the concerts.
Read the article here.
June 11: Organ recital
Organist Yuka Ishimaru has been a key performer in the Yamato & Villains concerts that Akira Miyagawa began conducting in June 2021. As a result, she’s added the White Comet theme to her own repertoire, playing it with bravado at her own solo performances. There were two in the month of June, the first held at Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall on the 11th.
See her play the theme in a 2021 performance here.
Photo at right posted on Twitter by Kumamonsuki3
June 23: Organ Hour concert
Yuka Ishimaru’s second live appearance of the month took place at Aichi Prefectural Arts Center, where she delivered two performances in one day. A Yamato fan in the audience, going by the Twitter name Kumamonsuki3, had this to say about it:
“I was most excited about the White Comet theme!! I have the soundtrack and have listened to it hundreds of times, but this was the best viewing experience. It looked like a fleet would come out of the Comet Organ, and the bass at the beginning was amazing!! As I listened to the whole song, I recognized again the greatness of the composer!!”
Photos posted on Twitter by Haneken Official and The Udoneeds
July 8: Tokyo Symphony Orchestra concert
Kentaro Haneda’s exquisite Yamato Grand Symphony got another shakedown on this day when it was performed live at Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall under the baton of conductor Tatsuya Shimono. On average, this hour-long tour de force has been heard live once a year for about a decade, which seems to be exactly the right amount.
Photos posted on Twitter by mekamiyaph
August 13: AJF 2023 concert
Who do you suppose took the stage to close out the Anime Japan Fes concert? None other than Isao Sasaki, who fulfilled his now-traditional role of leading both the audience and all the artists on stage in a group rendition of the Yamato theme to end the show. Sasaki has been making noise about retirement lately, but he obviously hasn’t crossed that line yet.
October 1: Anime music concert
What better way is there to start a month than with live Yamato music in concert? Fans got that chance at a performance of the Shimizu Philharmonic called Enjoy Anime Music With Orchestra, held at Marinart Hall, Shizuoka. The playlist included Ghibli and Disney titles with the Yamato theme as the heavy hitter.
October 21 & 29: Anison Fantastic Concerts
Another cool thing about October (besides the temperature) was that it began AND ended with chances to hear the Yamato theme performed live. In this case, there were a pair of anison (anime song) concerts about a week apart at two venues (Lovely Hall in Kawachinagano City and Ecorma Hall in Komae City). Both featured the one and only “King of anison” Isao Sasaki alongside other living legends in the anison community, including Mitsuko Horie who sang for Yamato III.
The performers gave the crowd all their favorites and closed with group renditions of the Yamato theme, which is pretty much a tradition wherever Sasaki appears. (He’s been making noise about retirement lately, but has yet to actually do so. No hurry, your majesty.)
Photo at right posted on Twitter by blackzero717
November 5: Yamato Meets Classics concert
The third performance of this astounding concert was heard again at Tokyo Opera City. A round of virtual applause is warranted for the hard-working Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Akira Miyagawa with his daughter Chiko on piano), who had to do it all twice in one day.
It’s unknown if the concert was captured on video, but you can see the triumphant walk-off here.
Concerts may be transitory events, but the merch that accompanies them lives forever. In this case, new editions of both scores were available from music publisher Hustle Copy. If you’re willing to try the Worldshopping app, you can order the Miyagawa score here and the Haneda score here.
Photo posted on Twitter by Info_IsoSasaki
December 10: Theater talk event
Akira Miyagawa and Isao Sasaki were the guests for the talk show to commemorate the Yamato movie’s 4k revival. As usual, the venue was the Shinjuku Piccadilly theater, and the topic was Yamato music. Among other anecdotes, Sasaki shared a little-known story about his first impression of the original theme, which was the result of a mishap.
Find out that story and more here
December 20: Star sighting
This one should impress you. On December 20, a singer named Yuka Uchiyae, who has performed a handful of anime themes, took her friend to see Yamato 4k. Here’s what she had to say about it on Twitter:
Today I went to see the 4k remaster of Space Battleship Yamato. I had the luxury of being with Kazuko Kawashima. I was moved by her wonderful singing voice, the music, and Yamato‘s worldview. It’s only because I watch it now that it really touches my heart.
If your heart didn’t skip a beat when you read the name “Kazuko Kawashima,” know this: she sang the unforgettable Universe Spreads into Infinity vocal that opens every Yamato story. Just imagine sitting next to her as that unforgettable voice opens the movie.
See the original Tweet here
December 21: TV Guide Web
Satellite network Star Channel went into heavy promotional mode at the end of the year to announce that it would broadcast both of the 4k movies in early 2024, along with another marathon of the original TV series. The TV Guide website delivered the news along with a new interview with Isao Sasaki in which he added to what was learned at the December 10 talk event.
Read the interview here
December 31: New Year’s Eve “Silver Star” concert
Here’s another holiday tradition that deserves to go on for years to come. From the official description:
The “Silver Star Concert” on New Year’s Eve is an annual event. This year’s program will be a fitting end to the year, filled with music that evokes a variety of emotions, such as the importance of nature, the preciousness of life, joy, and sadness. This year’s symphonic story “A Flutter of Snow” is an orchestral work written by Akira Miyagawa, inspired by Paul Gallico’s book, which describes a woman’s life through the life of snow.
Akira’s daughter Chiko performed on piano, and two Yamato pieces were on the playlist: the second movement from Symphonic Suite, and – for the first time we know of – Birth of a New Galaxy from Be Forever Yamato. For sure a taste of things to come in 2024.