Space Battleship Yamato: Reassessing Leiji Matsumoto's Masterpiece

Space Battleship Yamato: A Masterpiece of Science Fiction Anime

"Space Battleship Yamato," which aired from October 6, 1974 to March 30, 1975, is a work that changed the history of science fiction anime, and its influence has not faded to this day, and it continues to be loved by many fans. This work, with director Reiji Matsumoto's unique worldview, intricate settings, and a moving story, was the catalyst that made science fiction anime suddenly popular.

story

In the year 2199, the Earth was attacked by an alien nation, the Galamis Empire, using planetary bombs, contaminated by radiation, and on the verge of destruction. However, a message suddenly arrives from the planet Iscandar, instructing people to come to Iscandar to retrieve a radiation removal device, along with a high-tech, high-performance engine called a "wave motion engine." In response, humanity installs the wave motion engine on the newly constructed ship Yamato and appoints Okita Juzo as its captain. The crew of the Yamato departs for the planet Iscandar with the mission of receiving the radiation removal device and returning within one year.

Commentary

"Space Battleship Yamato" was produced with great attention to detail, including the depiction of battle scenes, human drama, and science fiction setting. When it was rebroadcast, it received support from enthusiastic fans and was well received by a wide range of people, creating a huge boom. This work made a great contribution to science fiction anime gaining acceptance, and had a huge impact on the anime industry thereafter.

cast

• Juzo Okita/Gorou Naya
• Susumu Kodai/Kei Toyama
• Yuki Mori/Yoko Asagami
• Daisuke Shima/Hideo Nakamura
• Shiro Sanada/Takeshi Aono
• Sado Sake Brewery/Ichiro Nagai
• Analyzer/Kenichi Ogata
• Desler/Masayuki Ibu

Main Staff

• Planned, Original Concept, Producer: Yoshinobu Nishizaki
• Director and set design: Reiji Matsumoto
• Composition: Toshio Masuda, Yoshinori Nishizaki, Eiichi Yamamoto
• Music by Yasushi Miyagawa
• SF setting/Toyota Aritsune
• Setting production: Yoshihiro Nozaki
• Mechanical design: Reiji Matsumoto, Studio Nue
• Supervised by Eiichi Yamamoto, Toshio Masuda, and Aritsune Toyoda
• Directed by Noboru Ishiguro
• Character design: Nobuhiro Okasako

Theme song

• OP "Space Battleship Yamato"
  Lyrics by Yu Aku, music by Tai Miyagawa, vocals by Isao Sasaki, Musical Academy (Columbia Records, Asahi Sonorama)
• ED "Bright Red Scarf"
  Lyrics: Yu Aku Music: Tai Miyagawa Sung by: Isao Sasaki, Musical Academy (Columbia Records, Asahi Sonorama)

Main Characters

• Susumu Kodai After graduating from the Space Warrior Training School, he was appointed as the combat squad leader of Yamato. His parents were killed in an attack by the Galamis Empire, and he has a strong hatred for the Galamis Empire. Although he was impulsive, he gained a variety of experiences as he continued his journey and grew as a person.
• Yuki Mori is a tomboyish and strong-willed girl who is known as a "great beauty." She is a former nurse and the leader of the living quarters on the ship.
• Juzo Okita is an accomplished physicist and a veteran warrior of the Earth Defense Force fleet. He is appointed the first captain of the Space Battleship Yamato on its journey to Iscandar, where the survival of humanity is at stake.
• Yamato A super-dreadnought space battleship for interstellar travel, built by camouflaging and modifying the remains of the battleship Yamato, which was sunk off the coast of Cape Bougainvillea, Kyushu.

subtitle

• Episode 1: SOS Earth!! Resurrection of Space Battleship Yamato
• Episode 2: The starting gun goes off! Space Battleship Yamato launches!
• Episode 3: Yamato takes off! A challenge to travel 296,000 light years!
• Episode 4: A World of Wonders! Yamato leaps beyond light
• Episode 5: Escape from the floating continent! The Wave Motion Gun brings crisis!
• Episode 6: The space destroyer Yukikaze rests on the ice field!
• Episode 7: Yamato sinks! The fateful battle to capture the fortress!
• Episode 8: Yamato's desperate mission! Destroy the reflective satellite cannon!
• Episode 9: Rotating Defense!! Asteroid Belt!!
• Episode 10: Farewell to the Solar System! With Love from the Galaxy!!
• Episode 11: Decision!! Charge into Garmillas' absolute defense line!!
• Episode 12: Desperate Situation!! Orion's Wish Star, Hell Star
• Episode 13: Hurry Yamato! The Earth is Sick!
• Episode 14: The Galaxy's Trial!! Launching in the year 2200!!
• Episode 15: Desperate Escape!! Yamato from Another Dimension
• Episode 16: Planet Beemera, Death Row Prisoners in the Dungeon!!
• Episode 17: Charge!! Balanodon Special Attack Force
• Episode 18: The floating fortress island! A desperate squad of just two!
• Episode 19: Nostalgia for Space!! My Mother's Tears Are My Tears
• Episode 20: The day the sun falls on Planet Balan!!
• Episode 21: Domel Fleet!! A Desperate Challenge
• Episode 22: The Final Battle! The Battle of the Seven Colored Star Cluster!
• Episode 23: It's finally here!! The Magellanic Clouds are rough!!
• Episode 24: Deadly Battle! Cry for Garmillas!
• Episode 25: Iscandar! Will the planet of love perish?
• Episode 26: Earth!! Yamato has returned!!

Related Titles

TV

• "Space Battleship Yamato"
• "Space Battleship Yamato 2"
• "Space Battleship Yamato III"

TV Special

• "Space Battleship Yamato: A New Voyage"
• "Space Battleship Yamato II Compilation: Yamato Forever! (Later renamed to "Space Battleship Yamato 2 Compilation")"
• "Space Battleship Yamato III: Crisis in the Solar System!"

OVA

• "Yamato: The Immortal Ship of My Heart - Space Battleship Yamato in the Beginnings"
• "YAMATO2520"

Movie version

• "Space Battleship Yamato"
• "Farewell Space Battleship Yamato: Warriors of Love"
• "Yamato Forever"
• "Space Battleship Yamato: The Final Chapter"
• "Space Battleship Yamato Resurrection"

Detailed explanation and evaluation

"Space Battleship Yamato" is known as a milestone in science fiction anime. The reason for this is that it depicts intricate settings, a moving story, and character growth. In particular, the story of Susumu Kodai's growth deeply moved viewers. He begins with a desire for revenge against the Galamis Empire, learns about the bonds he forms with his comrades and love for Earth throughout his journey, and ultimately shows a willingness to fight for the future of humanity. This growth curve resonated with viewers, and many people were able to see it in their own lives.

Additionally, the design of Yamato and the mechanical designs of the Wave Motion Engine and Wave Motion Gun were also very attractive and made a visual impact. Matsumoto Leiji's unique designs set it apart from other anime and left a strong impression on viewers. Furthermore, the music also played an important role, and the theme songs "Space Battleship Yamato" and "Makka na Scarf", composed by Miyagawa Tai, are still loved by many fans today. The combination of these elements made "Space Battleship Yamato" a work that took the world by storm.

Background and influences

The production of Space Battleship Yamato reflected the state of the anime industry at the time. In the 1970s, Japan was experiencing economic growth, but social problems were also emerging, and young people were anxious about the future. In this climate, Space Battleship Yamato was received as a work that gave hope and courage. In particular, the setting of the Earth on the brink of destruction symbolized the social situation at the time, and conveyed a powerful message to viewers.

"Space Battleship Yamato" also had a major impact on the anime industry. Sci-fi anime suddenly became popular, and it had a huge impact on subsequent works. For example, later classic anime such as "Mobile Suit Gundam" and "Galaxy Express 999" were also influenced by "Space Battleship Yamato." These works were produced based on the success of "Space Battleship Yamato," and further developed the anime industry.

Character Analysis

Susumu Kodai is a central character in Space Battleship Yamato, and his story of growth forms the core of the series. He begins with a desire for revenge against the Galamis Empire, learns about the bonds he forms with his comrades and love for Earth throughout his journey, and ultimately shows a willingness to fight for the future of humanity. This growth curve deeply moved viewers. His impulsive personality and the kindness he shows for his comrades are also part of his charm.

Yuki Mori is Susumu Kodai's girlfriend and serves as the leader of Yamato's living quarters. Her tomboyish and competitive personality left a fresh impression on viewers. Her experience as a nurse and her support for the crew warmed the hearts of viewers. Her presence plays an important role in deepening the bonds between the Yamato crew.

Juzo Okita is the first captain of Yamato and the leader of the crew. His knowledge as a physicist and his experience as a veteran warrior were key to the success of Yamato's journey. His humanity and leadership also deeply moved viewers. In particular, his sacrifice in the final episode left a strong impression on viewers.

Mechanics and Settings

The mechanical design of "Space Battleship Yamato" is characterized by the unique style of Reiji Matsumoto. In particular, the design of Yamato was based on the battleship "Yamato", and its realistic design made a strong impact on viewers. In addition, the settings such as the wave motion engine and wave motion gun were also fascinating and made a visual impact. These mechanical designs also had a major influence on later science fiction anime.

The setting of the Galamis Empire was also fascinating and left a strong impression on viewers. In particular, the character of Desler left a deep impression on viewers. His charisma and loyalty to the Galamis Empire left a strong impression on viewers. The technological capabilities and strategies of the Galamis Empire were also fascinating and left a strong impact on viewers.

Music and theme song

The music for "Space Battleship Yamato" was composed by Tai Miyagawa, and its beautiful melodies deeply moved viewers. In particular, the theme songs "Space Battleship Yamato" and "Makka na Scarf" are still loved by many fans today. These theme songs left a strong impression on viewers, further enhancing the appeal of the work. The accompanying music also played an important role, enhancing the emotions of the viewers.

Related Works and Their Influence

"Space Battleship Yamato" has spawned many related works. In particular, the TV series sequels "Space Battleship Yamato 2" and "Space Battleship Yamato III" left a deep impression on viewers. The film versions "Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato" and "Forever Yamato" also left a strong impression on viewers. These related works further expanded the worldview of "Space Battleship Yamato" and gave new impressions to viewers.

"Space Battleship Yamato" also had a major impact on the anime industry. In particular, it brought a sudden surge of interest in science fiction anime, which had a huge impact on subsequent works. For example, later classic anime such as "Mobile Suit Gundam" and "Galaxy Express 999" were also influenced by "Space Battleship Yamato." These works were produced based on the success of "Space Battleship Yamato," and further developed the anime industry.

Recommendation to viewers

"Space Battleship Yamato" is known as a milestone in science fiction anime. This is due to its detailed settings, moving story, and character growth. In particular, the story of Susumu Kodai's growth deeply moved viewers. Additionally, the design of Yamato and the mechanical designs of the Wave Motion Engine and Wave Motion Gun were also very attractive and made a visual impact. Furthermore, the music played an important role, and the theme songs "Space Battleship Yamato" and "Makka na Scarf", composed by Yasuo Miyagawa, are still loved by many fans today. The combination of these elements made "Space Battleship Yamato" a work that took the world by storm.

"Space Battleship Yamato" is recommended not only for those who like science fiction anime, but also for those who want to enjoy a moving story and character growth. It is also recommended for those who are interested in mechanical design and music. "Space Battleship Yamato" is a work that deeply moves viewers, and its charm has not faded even now, and it continues to be loved by many fans.