On Saturday, Studio Khara made a significant announcement regarding a special 50th anniversary project for the revered Space Battleship Yamato anime franchise, created by Yoshinobu Nishizaki and Leiji Matsumoto, with Hideaki Anno at the helm for planning and production. The project is set to feature multiple book releases alongside a commemorative screening event scheduled for October 6, precisely 50 years after the anime’s inaugural episode aired in 1974. Additionally, an expansive exhibition will be held across various locations in Japan.
The forthcoming book publications encompass a diverse range of offerings, including an artbook by renowned manga artist Michio Murakawa and a compilation of design artwork by mechanical designer Junichirō Tamamori. Moreover, fans can anticipate a special 50th anniversary edition of the Space Battleship Yamato 1974 Complete Works, as well as various manga publications, both of which will be published by Studio Khara.
Hideaki Anno, the visionary behind Neon Genesis Evangelion, has long acknowledged Space Battleship Yamato as a pivotal influence on his passion for anime. He was instrumental in crafting the opening sequence for the Star Blazers 2199 series. Reflecting on his deep connection to the franchise, Anno revealed that his admiration for Yamato spans nearly five decades, tracing back to his middle school years. He fondly recalled sacrificing other activities, such as watching Great Mazinger, to catch every episode of Yamato after cram school.
The original Space Battleship Yamato anime chronicles the interstellar exploits of the World War II battleship Yamato, resurrected as a spaceship to safeguard Earth against extraterrestrial threats. Its premiere on television in October 1974 marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon. The subsequent theatrical release in 1977 garnered immense success, amassing 2.1 billion yen (approximately US$23 million) at the box office, while achieving a remarkable television rating of 50% in 1978.
As part of the ongoing franchise revitalization, the next installment, Yamato yo Towa ni: Rebel 3199 (Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199), is set to debut as a series of seven films, commencing with “Kuro no Shinryaku” (Dark Invasion) on July 19. This project continues the legacy of the Space Battleship Yamato remakes, building upon the rich tapestry of storytelling established by Matsumoto and Nishizaki.
Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199, a modern reimagining of the original 1974 series, initially premiered in Japan as a series of seven theatrical films from 2012 to 2013, before its television debut in April 2013. The franchise further expanded with the release of the Uchū Senkan Yamato 2199: Hoshi-Meguru Hakobune anime film in 2014, captivating audiences with its captivating narrative and stunning visuals.
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Source: ANN
