Published January 20, 1983
Yamato finally reaches its final chapter!
Ten years ago, before the term “animation” was even a common term, Space Battleship Yamato captivated Japan with its grand romance and passionate emotions, ushering in an unprecedented anime boom. Now, it’s finally embarking on its last voyage.
The generation that watched Yamato when the TV series first premiered are now college students and beyond, fully active members of society. Over the past decade, Yamato has taught them countless things that have become part of their flesh and blood. This final chapter will remain deeply etched in people’s hearts as a timeless masterpiece in both anime and film history.
We spoke with Yoshinobu Nishizaki, producer of the Yamato series, about the final chapter.
You are Kodai and Yuki as they become independent warriors of love!
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Space Battleship Yamato, which was first planned in 1973.
During that time, Yamato was produced as three TV series, one TV special, and three theatrical films. In some cases, my intentions were not fully conveyed in those works, and there are many things I regret. However, that is entirely my responsibility as a producer. I have always wanted to fulfill that responsibility by bringing it to a conclusion. I became convinced that this could only be achieved by creating a work that truly embodies my vision of Yamato. It was from this conviction that I planned Space Battleship Yamato The final Chapter to commemorate the 10th Anniversary.
Through Yamato, I have preached the importance of believing in humanity and the future and fighting with faith. That way, the path will surely open up…
There is another important thing: loving people. Love comes in many forms. Among them, “loving people” is easy to say, but in reality, it is quite difficult. Love can also bring destruction and ruin, and it is not always sweet. However, it is only by overcoming such difficulties that we can find happiness. And that hardship is the unique trial given to those who love, by those they love.
As I conclude the 10-year story of Space Battleship Yamato, I want everyone to fully understand the true essence of love. And through Yamato, Susumu Kodai, Yuki Mori, and others, I want to convey that human growth comes from realizing this and becoming independent. You are the Susumu Kodai and Yuki Mori who become independent warriors of love.
Thank you so much for loving Yamato for these long 10 years. After watching this film, let’s all discuss our next steps together and embark on our lives.
Dramatic and moving, fitting for the finale!
Featuring the series’ finest staff
In the summer of 1977, the first Space Battleship Yamato theatrical film was released, a complete edit of the TV series, and sparked the anime boom. The following year, in 1978, the timeless anime classic Farewell to Yamato became an unprecedented hit and a social phenomenon. In 1980, Be Forever Yamato was released, and the trilogy set an astounding record of 10 million viewers.
Supported by a loyal fanbase across the country, the final installment of the Yamato series, Space Battleship Yamato The Final Chapter, will mark the conclusion of the Yamato series.
The greatest highlight of the series will undoubtedly be the reunion of Susumu Kodai and Yuki Mori, who have grown up alongside Yamato. The common theme of “love” that has been expressed throughout Yamato‘s works centers on the love between these two characters, and questions the nature of love between parents and children, siblings, and humanity. In that sense, The Final Chapter emphasizes this theme even more strongly.
Other notable features include the appearance of Captain Juzo Okita, a concept that cleverly utilizes space mythology, and spectacular scenes unfolding in space.
The staff includes the familiar Yamato main staff, including producer Yoshinobu Nishizaki, Leiji Matsumoto, directors Toshio Masuda and Tomoharu Katsumata, as well as Hideaki Yamamoto, Eichi Yamamoto, and Aritsune Toyota. Renowned scriptwriter Kazuo Kasahara has also been added to the team to further enhance the script, resulting in a rich and substantial production.
In addition to composer Hiroshi Miyagawa, who is an indispensable member of Yamato, Kentaro Haneda, who is active in various fields, has been hired to compose the music. Each scene is enriched with musical color, including a varied melody incorporating Spanish-style music, making it a feast for the ears as well.
The theme songs are performed by Isao Sasaki, renowned for his powerful vocals, and singer-songwriter Junko Yagami, known for her crystalline voice. Insert songs are provided by Tranzam, known for their commercial songs, and Tomoko Kuwae, known for My Heart is Stop Motion. This breaks the mold by having three record companies (Columbia, Discomate, and Tokuma Music Industries) collaborate on a single project. Each artist contributes their own unique style, from a ballad about Kodai and Yuki, to a medium-tempo 8-beat piece, to a youth anthem.
Technically, the film makes full use of notable new visual techniques such as Scanimate, creating a drama far more moving than previous Yamato films.
Production is going smoothly!
Director Tomoharu Katsumata shares behind-the-scenes stories!
Space Battleship Yamato The final Chapter is said to be packed with highlights as the final installment of the series. To further enhance the viewing experience, we spoke with production director Tomoharu Katsumata. Director Katsumata has served as chief director of the Yamato series, and also directing other films such as Arcadia of My Youth and Future War 198X.
1: Highest ever! 1,000 staff members giving their all!
This final work marks a key turning point, the transition from the generation of Captain Juzo Okita, Hijikata, and Yamanami, who have supported Yamato until now, to the generation of Susumu Kodai and Yuki Mori. In other words, Kodai and Yuki, who have lived alongside Yamato, are becoming completely independent. We also intend to create a peaceful farewell for Yamato as it reaches its final moments.
We enlisted nearly 1,000 staff members to create this final installment. While the usual number of people is around 600, we were determined to compete with American films like Tron, which use computer graphics, so we significantly increased the number of people for techniques such as translucent lighting.
The scene at the center of the drama, in which the water planet Aquarius races through space, uses an entirely new expression. We conducted repeated tests, shooting cel footage, applying a translucent mask for double exposure, and then filming actual water and special oils. The film used for this test was approximately 8,000 feet long, equivalent to the length of three 30-minute TV anime episodes. Furthermore, filming Aquarius required approximately 4,500 cels, more than double the work required in conventional productions.
Aside from Aquarius, we also made full use of techniques such as Scanimate, which we had already used in our previous film Be Forever Yamato, to create a three-dimensional depiction of the creation of the Earth and other natural phenomena. In terms of color, we divided the universe into three color tones and varied the rhythm of the production.
I would be happy if even a little of our staff’s enthusiasm is conveyed to the fans who come to see the film. Right now, everyone is working tirelessly, forgetting to eat or sleep, in preparation for the film’s release in March.
Introducing two major topics from among the many highlights
2: What?! A love scene between Susumu Kodai and Yuki Mori!?
Battles aren’t just about fighting the enemy. Making a loved one happy can also be a battle.
In The Final Chapter, Susumu Kodai and Yuki Mori, two young people who have walked alongside Yamato as crew members, are united in body and soul. As the leader of Yamato‘s combat team, Kodai has fought bravely to save the Earth from crises, while Yuki Mori, as the leader of Yamato‘s living quarters, devotes herself to providing nursing care on board and is willing to sacrifice herself to support her beloved Kodai. These two are the ideal couple born from the Yamato series. Their magnificent love scene at the end may be a shock to fans!
Urgent news!!
The latest unreleased news, faster than anywhere else!!
3: Yamato is about to explode! What will be the fate of the Earth…?
Attacked by the Dengil Empire, which is plotting an Earth invasion, the Earth Defense Force is in dire straits. With Yamato as their last resort, they fight with all their might under the command of Captain Juzo Okita.
Wounded by an unimaginable attack, Yamato musters its last bit of strength and boldly stands up to Dengil’s ambitions. The final 40 minutes of the battle scene, gripping the viewer with breathtaking intensity and spectacle, lead to a series of human dramas as the film approaches its final moments.
Yamato explodes!! Will Yamato disappear into the depths of space? Or will it quietly sink to the bottom of its home ocean? Or…what will become of the crew and Earth that have lived with it?
Theme song and insert song recordings are complete!
1: The singers pours their heart into the songs so Yamato can be more truly Yamato…
Sorry for the long wait. Here is recording information for the theme song and insert songs from Space Battleship Yamato The Final Chapter.
On December 15th, Tomoko Kuwae and Tranzam recorded at the Sound City Studio in Azabu, and on December 18th, Junko Yagami and Isao Sasaki recorded at Columbia Records’ Studio 1.
Isao Sasaki recorded Kodai (Me) and Yamato (lyrics by Aku Yu, music by Hiroshi Miyagawa), Junko Yagami recorded Love Supreme (lyrics and music by Junko Yagami), Tomoko Kuwae recorded Love of Two (lyrics by Kuni Kawachi, music by Inoue Daisuke), and Kuwae and the five members of Tranzam recorded A Rainbow to Tomorrow (lyrics by Aku Yu, music by Inoue Daisuke). These wonderful songs bring out the individuality of each singer.
Before Yamato‘s songs hits the market, we’d like to share messages from the singers at the recording sessions.
2: Youth in our 30s ~ Me and Yamato
Interviewer: I heard you re-recorded the theme song for Yamato.
Sasaki: Yes. I’ve sung the Yamato theme song so many times before, it felt a bit stale, but this time I went back to my roots and sang it.
Interviewer: Did Mr. Nishizaki give you any new instructions on how to sing it?
Sasaki: He wanted the audience to sing along. So I think it’s better to sing it for fun rather than putting too much emotion into it.
Interviewer: Is there a psychological difference between the first time you sang the Yamato theme and now?
Sasaki: I think it was about eight years ago. I remember being extremely nervous then. I still find it difficult to sing, eight years later.
Interviewer: Finally, please give a message to the anime fans who have grown up with Yamato.
Sasaki: Many kids today don’t have a purpose in life. All problems are crushed from the inside out. Parents, for one, don’t have enough confidence to tell their kids to take over their jobs. Yamato has a clear goal, doesn’t it? I hope that aspect resonates with children.
3: I’ll do my best on the long-awaited anime theme song…
Interviewer: Do you watch anime often?
Yagami: When I was little, I watched space anime. Then I watched Wanwan Chushingura. I’ve watched it many times. I love movies and watch them quite often, but anime often moves me. It’s a mistake to think of anime as just for children. Adults should watch too.
Interviewer: How do you feel about being in charge of a theme song for an anime movie?
Yagami: I’ve always wanted to try writing a theme song for a movie. My entry into the world of singing began with film music. I love The Sound of Music and have always wanted to have my song playing behind actors like that. Having been approached about this role, I’m confident that the scale of anime and my music is a perfect match. Plus, it’s easy to get into.
Interviewer: What kind of feelings do you intend to have while singing the theme song for Yamato?
Yagami: I’ll be careful not to break the image Yamato has created. I want to sing the feelings of those around me who have unrequited love, and I want to convey those feelings through the love story of Yuki and Kodai
4: I’ll be singing the feelings of Yuki Mori…
Interviewer: Have you ever seen an anime movie before?
Kuwae: I’ve never seen one in a theater, but I saw Galaxy Express 999 on TV. It was quite interesting. I feel like it’s my turn, and I can’t wait to hear my song playing on the screen in the theater.
Interviewer: Regarding the song, how do you want to sing it?
Kuwae: My song is scheduled to play in the scene where Yuki Mori takes the injured Susumu Kodai back to Yamato in the Cosmo Zero. The song actually builds up a lot in the second half, but I’d like to sing it more gently to express Yuki’s feelings.
Interviewer: Finally, a word to Yamato fans?
Kuwae: After I was chosen to sing the insert song, I started reading anime magazines more often, and for the first time, I learned about the passion of anime fans. I want to make sure I don’t disappoint those fans, and I want to fully bring out the appeal of Yamato, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Please look forward to it.
Yamato Information Corner
If you’re a Yamato fan, this is packed with information that will bring tears to your eyes!
1: There will be a lot of events, including fan gatherings and Yamato screenings in four major cities!
To commemorate the release of Space Battleship Yamato The Final Chapter, presentations will be held in four major cities across the country, allowing fans to interact with each other. The content of the presentations will vary depending on the location, but the main events are expected to include the announcement of the latest information on The Final Chapter and a Q&A session for attendees. In addition, an extraordinary event has been planned: a screening of all the Yamato theatrical releases.
Attendees include Producer Yoshinobu Nishizaki, theme song singer Isao Sasaki, and insert song singer Tomoko Kuwae. Yoko Asagami, who plays Yuki Mori, is also scheduled to appear, but please understand that this may change slightly depending on the venue. Of course, there will also be a performance of the theme song and insert songs.
To apply, send your information on a postcard to the Toei branch (one postcard can admit two people). The deadline is ten days before the event. Some of you may be struggling due to the cold weather or upcoming exams, but we hope you will still apply.
Event schedule
January 30: Sapporo Toei Palace, Sapporo
February 5: Fukuoka Tokyu Hotel, Fukuoka
February 11: Aichi Prefectural Culture Hall, Nagoya
February 12: Osaka Welfare Hall, Osaka
2: Now, once again, get acquainted with the Space Battleship Yamato TV series, the origin of the anime boom!
The nationwide screening of Farewell to Yamato has concluded with great success. There are still 20 screenings remaining, sponsored by Columbia Records, so please invite your friends to join you there as well.
And as we announced in the previous issue, the first Yamato TV series is being rebroadcast (and has already started in some areas). It was first seen on October 6, 1974 on Yomiuri, then was rebroadcast to get higher ratings. The series has continued to dominate the conversation in living rooms all over the nation, with subsequent series achieving high ratings. Space Battleship Yamato is an important work as the pioneer of the unprecedented anime boom. Let’s go back to the roots and explore the 10-year history of Yamato.
Please note that the broadcast start dates vary depending on the region.
(The chart lists 15 stations, 8 of which had already started the rerun. Others would start in late January or early February. Most aired four or five episodes a week.)
3: Yamato second advance tickets now on sale
Following the first advance ticket, a limited edition cel-printed version, the second version has been released for 1200 yen. Of course, it also comes with an original poster (Yamato bravely challenging Dengil’s City Satellite Uruk) presented as a gift.
In addition to the regular advance tickets, special parent/child tickets will be sold this time. This allows two people to enter and costs just 2,000 yen. This ticket comes with two posters! For more information, contact your theater box office.
Space Battleship Yamato Final Cruise crew recruitment!
This major event will see the charter of the Space Battleship Yamato (a 10,000 ton luxury cruise ship called New Utopia). It will be a fitting final voyage for Space Battleship Yamato The Final Chapter. If you miss this opportunity, you’ll never be able to board Yamato again!
Enjoyable Events
• The Final Chapter and other films will be screened
• A live vocal contest
• Chances to meet Yamato singers and voice actors
• Many other exciting events, as well as prizes such as original cels
Joining In
Captain: Yoshinobu Nishizaki, Leiji Matsumoto, Isao Sasaki, Tomoko Kuwae, Kei Tomiyama, Yoko Asagami, and many other voice actors
Dates
First voyage: March 29-31
Second voyage: March 31-April 2
Third voyage: April 2-4
(all voyages are 3 days and 2 nights)
Fee
29800 yen to 45800 yen (all meals included)
Prices vary depending on the class. There is a limited number of participants in each class, so please apply early.