REBEL 3199 Chapter 3: Misunderstandings, individual pasts, Kodai’s teachings
Tasuku Hatanaka and Yuto Uemura talk about the relationship between Ryusuke Domon and Takeshi Ageha
Interview/Photography by Shinzo Inoue
Published April 10 by Animate Times. See the original article here
REBEL 3199 Chapter 3, Ultramarine Asteroid, begins screening in theaters nationwide on Friday, April 11, 2025. We interviewed Tasuku Hatanaka, who plays Ryusuke Domon, and Yuto Uemura, who plays Takeshi Ageha, as the screening draws near.
In Chapter 3 we delve into the reasons why Domon, played by Hatanaka, and Ageha, played by Uemura, misunderstand each other. What were the two of them thinking when they interacted? They also talk about the inspiration, influence, and teachings they received from Daisuke Ono, who plays Susumu Kodai.
Please check it out before or after watching the movie!
Domon’s feelings toward Kodai are “frustration born from belief”
Interviewer: Space Battleship Yamato is a work with a long history. Please tell us your impression of it and how you felt when you were chosen to appear in it.
Uemura: I’ve always known the theme song sung by Isao Sasaki, but I never thought that I’d be able to appear in the work. Even if such an opportunity were to arise, I thought it would be in the distant future, so I feel humbled. However, since I’m from a generation that was not deeply immersed in Yamato, I’ll do my best while thinking about what’s expected of me now.
Tasuku Hatanaka
Hatanaka: When I read the character summary for the audition, I decided not to review the original work because it depicted Domon’s fate. I thought that if I saw it, I would have been influenced by it. I believe that a different fate awaits him in this remake.
Uemura: The people who have played the characters we play in the past have all been wonderful seniors whom I respect, but we are approaching this with a fresh mind.
Hatanaka: When I saw the first Yamato, I felt a tremendous amount of passion. It was a work made by people who experienced war, and the feelings they put into the work are captured on film.
When I was little, the vague image I had of Yamato was that it was a story of good versus evil fighting aliens. But now I feel the theme of separation brought about by war, and what we still want to cherish. I don’t know everything about the original work, but I was able to feel the warmth and love that was put into in the film, as well as the sadness of having to pull the trigger. I’m sure these things will be carried over to the remake.
The themes of discrimination and coexistence with different races, which are relevant to the present day, are also depicted in this third chapter.
Interviewer: I’d like to hear your impressions of the characters that each of you are playing.
Hatanaka: Domon is the type of person who tends to focus on his own beliefs so intensely that he loses sight of what’s around him. But he also has a straightforwardness that allows him to stick to what he believes in, and he places that trust in Captain Kodai. However, this time it’s wavering. On top of that, Ageha is constantly pushing him, so Domon is especially stressed in the third chapter. (Laughs)
Even when I’m acting, I think he should take a deeper breath and not get angry over things like this. But at times like that, I deliberately don’t take a deep breath and act to show his frustration.
Uemura: I can definitely see that side of Domon.
Hatanaka: The connection between Domon and Captain Kodai began in the previous film, Yamato 2205, and there was a lot I learned from him. That’s why I think Domon wants Captain Kodai to show that side of himself.
Interviewer: Is there anything you can sympathize with Kodai about?
Hatanaka: I do. He couldn’t hold onto the hand of the woman he loved right in front of him, so I think the image won’t leave his mind and it left a scar on his heart. But Domon doesn’t care. Because up until now Captain Kodai has always been a guide for him and the others. So I can understand both of their feelings.
Interviewer: What is your impression of Ageha, Uemura-san?
Uemura: First, Director Harutoshi Fukui told me, “Ageha has a cynical side due to events in the past.” This is a part that will be revealed in this chapter, but because of this he’s unable to be honest and has awkward encounters with Domon, so he’s unable to express his true feelings.
His skills as a pilot are impeccable, so he’s very reliable. However, when it comes to himself, he tends to lose his composure, and although he should be able to see what’s going on around him, he wavers when it comes to his heart.
Also, since he’s the heir to the Ageha Group, he has a charismatic aura and I think he’s in a slightly different position than the others. Personally, I feel that as I played the role, I was able to understand Ageha as a person and became closer to him.
Hatanaka: At first, I thought we’d be recording separately, but we were able to record the important scenes at the end together.
Uemura: In a way, I felt that we were finally able to connect even at the recording site.
Hatanaka: We hardly connected at all until around Chapter 2.
Interviewer: Looking back on Chapter 2, please tell us about any scenes that left an impression on you.
Uemura: Maybe it’s the part where he says to Miyako Kyozuka, “Not everyone likes Domon the way you do.” We get a glimpse of the delicate relationship between the classmates, and we learn that there was something going on between Domon and Ageha in the past. We also get a glimpse of Ageha’s indescribably cute side, so I really feel that he’s a relatable young man.
Hatanaka: The scene between Sasha and Kodai was memorable for me. Sasha reaches out her hand and Kodai tries to touch her, but he pulls back. I couldn’t help but think, “You should have touched her there!” but Kodai also has a lot of feelings, so it can’t be helped…
Interviewer: I spoke to Fukui-san during Chapter 2, and I heard that Ono-san, who plays Kodai, also said, “Can’t I at least hug her?”
Hatanaka: Kodai pulls his hand back even though they’ve met for the first time in a long while, and Sasha’s expression afterward is heartbreaking. That part has made a huge impression on me since I read the script.
Interviewer: And speaking of Domon in Chapter 2, the line “You’re late!” to Kodai left a strong impression on me.
Hatanaka: It felt like he was just venting his frustration. That line “You’re late!” was something he blurted out thinking that Kodai, the one he was venting his frustration at, didn’t hear, and I performed it with the image of Domon saying it to his idealized Captain Kodai.
Domon has an ideal of “I want him to do it like this,” and he’s always had a deep respect for Kodai, so I feel like he’s getting frustrated with the current situation, which is different from that.
Interviewer: Since 2205, you’ve had some heavy feelings toward Kodai.
Hatanaka: I think his feelings are stronger than most. It’s like he taught Domon something, and he connected with Domon on the basis of, “I was like that when I was young,” but now Domon’s like, “Why not?” I think that’s why he said those things to the Kodai he believed in, because he trusted him.
Interviewer: He did say, “I’m the one with experience.” I think that’s why Ageha directs his feelings toward Domon. What aspects of your dialogue together were you particular about?
Hatanaka: I just wanted to express his thoughts as they were. I thought that even if there was a big feud, he would get serious when he gets angry because of the things that have been building up over the years. He gets angry even over things that he wouldn’t normally get angry about, so I was particular about acting in a way that would allow him to express his anger as he felt it.
Uemura: Even in the way Ageha says things, like “You, you” or “You’re the tactical chief,” it seems like he’s saying it to Domon, but it’s also like he’s saying it to someone else, and I think he adds a sarcastic remark that’s just barely audible.
Hatanaka: That’s what pisses me off the most, the stuff that makes me think, “Just say it to me directly.”
Uemura: That’s right. I thought I’d get scolded and hit because I was speaking dismissively without looking at him. In the end, Ageha hits back…
Hatanaka: In that fight scene, Ageha was the one doing the punching, right? It was really fun to watch.
Uemura: In the end, Ageha was the one on top of Domon.
Hatanaka: Because Domon hesitated for a moment…!!
(Everyone laughs)
What influence did Ono have on Hatanaka and Uemura during recording?
Interviewer: Were there any other directions from the staff that left an impression on you?
Uemura: When I first received the materials, Fukui-san sent me a message. At that time, he said, “Yamato is a historical work with a heavy impression, but I think the parts that connect to you will come out through Ageha, so please act freely without hesitation.” Those words have been a great support for me.
And among the cast, I’m the same age as Tasuku and the other members of our generation, so I wanted to carefully portray the atmosphere of the new crew members. So while I was working hard on my character, I also focused on the atmosphere I would get when I got to the set. Once I actually got there, my worries about that disappeared, and the recording went smoothly.
Interviewer: Mr. Fukui said that there are some parts of Ageha that are similar to you, but is there anything about you that you feel is similar to Ageha?
Uemura: I guess it’s the way he keeps his distance from others and the way he chooses his words. In this episode, there’s a flashback scene where he calls out to Domon from his own perspective, but Domon interprets it differently from what he intended. However, given the way Ageha says it, Domon definitely would respond with, “Huh? Why?”
It’s like they try to get closer to each other, but the gears don’t mesh. I could sympathize with that kind of awkwardness in the way he interacts with others. I feel like I was able to reflect on my own sense of distance from others through Ageha.
Interviewer: What about you, Hatanaka-san?
Hatanaka: I was told, “Since you’re the youngest, I want you to take on the challenge with a forward-leaning attitude, like a spokesperson for the younger generation.” During recording, there were many directions like “You’re too calm” or something like that.
I’m sure everyone, not just Domon, has felt pent-up emotions at some point, so I was always conscious of being reckless enough to step into that world. Domon may be the one who has the closest sensibilities to the viewers. That’s why I feel like he told me to “lean forward and take on the challenge.”
Interviewer: I understand that it’s a tragic situation, but it seems like there are many viewers who think, “There’s something I want to say to Kodai right now.”
Hatanaka: It would get annoying if he keeps up that mopey expression for too long. I know it can’t be helped, but I think the viewers feel the same.
Yuto Uemura
Uemura: There’s a nice balance between that and Ageha, who warns Domon not to be too pushy.
Hatanaka: That’s true. I think there are various ways of looking at it. Some people will sympathize with Domon, others will think he’s too young, and it also depends on the generation of the viewers. I feel like this Domon will be a mirror that viewers can see themselves in.
Interviewer: What kind of influence did Daisuke Ono, who plays Susumu Kodai, have on you during recording?
Uemura: I had the opportunity to record a scene in Chapter 3 with him. At that time, there was a line where Kodai mutters, “Sasha…” and even when I was standing at the microphone next to him and listening, it looked really painful to him.
He had detailed discussions with Fukui to get that line out, and from that I could feel the emotions and burden that Ono-san was carrying in each line. I think it’s because of all the experience he’s had up until now, but it also inspired me, a newbie, to try my best and not be outdone.
Hatanaka: I often have the opportunity to record with Ono-san, and he has taught me many things in detail, including the line “Hassha!” (Fire!) when firing the main gun. There may be some differences between Domon and Kodai, but there’s something that has been passed down through the generations. I think it’s really dramatic, and when I act, I speak the lines as if I was taught them.
Of course, Ono-san has a strong attachment to Yamato, and he really thinks about why these words come out in the current situation. There are moments when he’s confused, just like Kodai in the story, and at those times I often see him in discussion with the director.
During the actual dialogue, I often realize, “Oh, so that’s how he interpreted it,” and it seems like he’s feeling it honestly on the spot. He’s wavering because he’s honest, but that’s what gives him the freedom to swim toward his goal. That’s the best part of acting. I think Kodai is like him in that he shows us how to move forward despite hesitation, and how much fun it is to find that thrill in the job.
Interviewer: For the younger generation who are around your age, can you give us a point that you think is interesting about Yamato?
Hatanaka: When the original story was developed, it was during the period of high economic growth, and people were a little more hopeful and positive than they are now. I’m not saying Japan doesn’t have that today, but I feel like the whole world is a little lost, not just Japan. In such a situation, I’m sure there are times when Yamato might also struggle to move forward.
Kodai’s figure also shows us his hesitation. Even in the modern age, many things have developed and ways to connect with others have quickly emerged. On the other hand, those relationships seem somehow tenuous, and even though we seem to be connected, we also feel like we’re watching each other.
In that situation, it seems like we’re in a place where we have to think about what we should believe in. The part depicted in this third chapter is a heavy story, but it’s also something we encounter in our daily lives. I think the future that Yamato will move forward in is not a story of the distant future, but something that relates to us. Rather than Yamato teaching us something important, it may be something that we should pick up. I’d be happy if you pay attention to that as well.
Uemura: Everyone knows the title Space Battleship Yamato, but there’s a vague image of it being “a little dense.” When I became the one to play the character and actually saw the footage, I felt that it was a human drama after all.
There are people with various ideas of how to face the future, and the number of thoughts is as different as the number of people. There are problems that cannot be solved unless people discuss them and fight for that.
I think this work is filled with performances that can be interpreted from various angles. Through the story, you can see what people living in this era are thinking. I think that because this human drama is depicted from various perspectives through the battleship Yamato, it is relevant to the current era.
Interviewer: Finally, please give a message to the fans who are looking forward to the screening.
Uemura: Ageha appeared in Chapter 2, and Fukui-san once asked me about his debut scene, “Wasn’t he cool?” Of course I replied, “He was cool!” Before that, it seems there was a lot of talk about who would play Ageha. I feel truly grateful for the opportunity to portray him in such a memorable way.
In this third chapter, we’ll find out what kind of past Ageha is carrying and why his relationship with Domon became strained. The situation will continue to be difficult, but I hope you’ll enjoy each and every change.
Hatanaka: I think some people might be put off by hearing that, but each chapter kindly includes a summary of the previous chapter. Not only that, but the battles between ships and the action scenes with fighter jets are also thrilling, so there’s plenty to enjoy even if you’re just looking for simple entertainment. You have to experience Yamato first.
I sincerely hope that more people of my generation will encounter Yamato and watch over Kodai, like Domon does.