Report published at the official website (see the original post here)
■ Date & Time: January 23 (Fri) after screening
■ Location: Shinjuku Piccadilly Theater, Tokyo
■ Panelists: Koichi Yamadera (as Dessler), Nobuhiko Okamoto (as Tasuke Tokugawa), Shun Horie (as Isidore), Harutoshi Fukui (Chief Director), Naomichi Yamato (Director), Eriko Nakamura (Moderator, voice of Kiryu Mikage)
This stage greeting took place after the main feature screening. The audience, having just witnessed the shocking conclusion of Chapter 5, was stunned. Speaking for them, Ms. Nakamura addressed the panel: “That ending was too shocking.”
Chief Director Fukui responded with a satisfied expression: “I’ve been looking forward to this moment with all of you for a year.” He then appealed to the audience: “Please keep this ending a secret until the premiere on February 20th.”
Meanwhile, Yamadera, who stated, “I never imagined I’d get such an important line myself,” took the stage wearing a Dessler badge on his chest. This badge, a theater souvenir from Chapter 5, features a recording of Dessler’s line. “You might think it’s just a badge, right? But there’s a button on the back,” he explained, then pressed it. The badge then blared out Dessler’s line from the film, “Yamato, be forever” sending the audience into a frenzy.
Eriko Nakamura and Koichi Yamadera
When Nakamura pointed out that Dessler seemed softer in this series compared to his portrayal up to 2205, Yamadera agreed: “You could say Dessler has shed a layer after all his experiences. What stands out most is how much better he’s become at listening to others.“ The audience nodded deeply in agreement. ”Of course, he listens carefully to Ram’s words, and he listens to Sanada’s words. He even listens carefully to Domon’s words. Before, he’d just snort and swiftly dismiss them. But I think all his experiences have deepened his bonds with Kodai and the others, which has influenced him.”
Okamoto made his first appearance at a stage greeting for the remake series. “I’m so happy and honored to be standing here. I almost feel like I shouldn’t be. I’ve been playing Tokugawa since 2199 in 2013. Thinking that I’d be able to stand here after 13 years is deeply moving,” he reflected.
This time, Okamoto also handled background voices. “Actually, in the final scene with a large crowd, there’s a line like ‘What? What?’ I participated in that. That recording was a long take, so I got to speak for over a minute. I might have actually spoken more then than I did as Tasuke this time.“
Yamadera quipped, ”So that’s your subtle way of saying, ‘Give Tasuke more lines!’“ drawing laughter from the audience.
Nobuhiko Okamoto and Shun Horie
Tasuke plays a mood-maker role among the Yamato crew. Regarding this, Nakamura pointed out, ”Among the characters Mr. Okamoto has voiced so far, Tasuke is kind of the ‘third lead’ type. It’s a pretty rare position, I think.“ Okamoto responded with pride, ”I never thought my voice had chubby attributes. I’m happy about it. I’m playing it like, ‘Ah, I can pull off chubby too.’” This comment got the audience delighted.
Regarding Horie’s portrayal of Isidore, he revealed that during the first recording session, Fukui told him, “Isidore is a really interesting role, so I really want you to play that part.” However, even after recording Chapters 1, 2, and 3, that aspect didn’t really come through, leaving him wondering, “When will Isidore’s funny side finally show?” That’s why, when he read the script for Chapter 5, he felt, “It’s finally here.”
“When I read the script, I thought, ‘So this is the part Mr. Fukui was talking about!’ and I threw my shoulders back while performing it,” Horie recalled. Since Isidore had previously treated Yuki Mori with a somewhat “nagging sister-in-law” attitude, Houko Kuwashima (who plays Yuki) once told him, “Isidore really suits you, Horie.”
“At the time, I wasn’t sure if I should just be happy about it, but that one comment really gave me confidence. Having played the role for so long led directly to this scene, so I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given such a rewarding part,“ he said with a proud expression.
Naomichi Yamato and Harutoshi Fukui
Incidentally, Horie’s Isidore and Okamoto’s Tasuke form a famous duo on the YouTube show Today’s Science Beginners, which explains the scientific concepts from Yamato in an easy-to-understand way for beginners. “Even though they never interact in the main series, they’ve worked together so much. Why is that?” Horie laughed.
Okamoto explained, “They do comedy sketches together on YouTube.”
Hearing this, Yamadera said enviously, “I want to be on it too!”
Chief Director Fukui then revealed, “Actually, we just finished recording a new episode, and starting this time, we have a guest slot.”
Okamoto also sent a love call, saying, “Who would’ve thought that person would come in as a guest? If that serious person can do it, then maybe even Commander Dessler…we’re definitely waiting for you,” hinting at new developments.
When asked about his feelings upon completing Chapter 5, Director Yamato stated, “You may have noticed while watching the main story, but we’ve incorporated various homages to the original work. I wanted to ensure it would satisfy everyone who has been with Yamato for decades, everyone who has watched over it all this time. While pursuing that, we also incorporated new expressions throughout so everyone can enjoy it again and again. We look forward to your continued support.”
Toward the end of the event, Yamadera, representing the cast, offered final remarks: “Hearing everyone’s greetings on stage today, I was reminded anew how this work overflows with love. Love for Yamato, humanity, Earth, and the universe. I believe the more you watch it, the more you’ll discover its deeper charms. If you enjoyed today’s premiere, I hope you’ll watch it many times during its theatrical run and feel it with your heart. If, as a result, this work becomes a source of strength for tomorrow or leads to a richer heart, that would be truly wonderful. And for the February screenings, I hear they’ll be selling this Dessler badge too.“ He then pressed the button on his chest pin, making Dessler’s line ”Yamato, be forever,“ resound through the venue.
”Please keep Dessler by your side!” he called out loudly to the audience.
Finally, Chief Director Fukui delivered a powerful comment: “Thanks to you all, we’ve reached Chapter Five. Having worked on various projects over the years, I’ve noticed that around this point, fans often start looking a bit anxious, wondering, ‘Will this actually end?’ But rest assured, this time it truly will. I hope you’ll stay with us until the very end.” Warm applause filled the venue in response to his words.
Additional reporting from Mantan Web:
Harutoshi Fukui: “Let’s not give away” The Shocking Finale
See the original article here
The chapter’s main visual, accompanied by the tagline “The last minute changes everything,” has been a topic of discussion, hinting at a shocking conclusion. Fukui said nothing about the ending, appealing to the gathered fans: “Please, let’s not talk about this ending.”
Eriko Nakamura, the event moderator, also emphasized: “Please keep your lips sealed.”
Koichi Yamadera: “I never imagined” this Dessler line
See the original article here
Regarding a certain line Dessler delivers in Chapter 5, Voice Actor Koichi Yamadera reflected, “I never imagined I’d get to say a line like that. I was thrilled! Honestly, that line…” he reflected deeply.
In Yamato 3199 also shows changes in Dessler. Yamadera stated, “Dessler has gone through various experiences and has been able to connect with the Yamato crew, shedding his old skin. The big change is he listens to people more now. He even listens to Domon. You can sense his newfound composure. Dessler used to just snort and dismiss others easily, but in Chapters 4 and 5, he even compliments people.“
Executive Director Harutoshi Fukui nodded in agreement, adding, ”He’s lost that urgency to push forward and has become like a veteran entertainer.”
Harutoshi Fukui Assures us, “It Will End Properly”
See the original article here
While avoiding spoilers for the “shocking finale,” Fukui commented on future development: “You might wonder, ‘Does it actually end?’ But it does end properly. Please stay with us until the very end,” emphasizing that the series will conclude in Chapter 7.
Additional reporting from Oricon:
Koichi Yamadera (Dessler): “I Never Thought I’d Say This Line” in the Latest Space Battleship Yamato Series
See the original article here
Following the film’s shocking conclusion, Director Fukui addressed the buzzing audience with satisfaction: “I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a year.” He then playfully cautioned, “Please don’t spoil this ending for anyone.”
Yamadera, beaming, said, “I’m truly delighted you’ve finally seen Chapter 5.” When asked about memorable scenes, he cited Dessler delivering the line “Yamato, be forever.” “I never imagined he’d say such a line. I was thrilled.”
While refraining from detailing the exact situation, Okamoto revealed, “That scene gave me chills!”
Okamoto, who plays Tasuke Tokugawa made his first stage greeting appearance for the Yamato series. He reflected deeply, “After about 13 years, I finally get to stand here (for a stage greeting), and it’s deeply moving.” He also humorously mentioned his limited lines in front of the chief director, drawing laughter from the audience.
Host Nakamura asked about Dessler’s softer impression. Yamadera responded, “Well, he’s had various experiences…” and shared his thoughts: “What struck me most is how much he listens to others now. He really listens. You sense that calmness. Before, Dessler was the type to snort derisively, but this time he praises people. Dessler has changed.”
Backstage at the Shinjuku Piccadilly; photo posted on Twitter by the Yamato Production Committee
Photos posted on Twitter by Nobuhiko Okamoto and ACROSS Staff
