Published by BungeiShunju, on August 1
Far-flung adventure, The faithful crew of Battleship Yamato
Photo caption below, far right:
A semaphore signal class by Tokyo Mercantile Marine students. Time for the morning roll call.
Photo caption below, center photo:
When his name is called, he answers energetically.
Text above left:
Space Battleship Yamato was an animation movie that caused a boom when it was released three years ago. This summer vacation, the third film Be Forever Yamato will be released. Before that, five hundred children were invited onto a voyage. A 10,000 ton passenger ship, made over in the Battleship Yamato style, embarked on a 3-day, 2-night round trip between Port Kawasaki and Hyuga City in Miyazaki Prefecture. It was a world-class movie advertising campaign that cost 50 million yen ($500,000). It attracted even teachers in elementary and junior high. These days, extracurricular school activities such as seaside trips are receding due to fear of accidents. This trip took charge of 500 children all at once, which earned our respect.
After boarding, a sailing ship suddenly appeared on the sea that night. A helicopter flew in. There was plenty of entertainment such as a movie competition and a reception with voice actors. Announcements flowed across the ship each time. Organizers said the children were well-behaved. Scuffles like pillow fights on a school trip were hardly seen.
This is to be expected since anime fans generally seem to be quiet children. One goes to see an anime expecting active protagonists who are the exact opposite of one’s true self. It would be somewhat unsatisfactory for these quiet children to act out against their parents and teachers.
Captions above:
Top photo:
After arriving at Shiramukai City under the hot sun, a welcoming ceremony was held. A girl collapsing was the only moment that upset the organizers.
Bottom right photo:
A quiet, patient child.
Bottom left photo:
After the welcome ceremony was over, it was time for free action. Just stay around the venue without going too far.
Closeup at left: we can’t be 100% certain, but this sure looks like Yoshinobu Nishizaki himself helping the poor collapsed girl.
Weekly Bunshun crossed over with Yamato on at least one prior occasion; read their 1977 interview with Yoshinobu Nishizaki here.