Renowned for works such as the "Evangelion" series, Hideaki Anno (64) took the stage as the host at a one-night-only special screening event titled "Space Battleship Yamato 50th Anniversary Screening" held in Tokyo on the 6th. Anno announced that he would be producing a new "Space Battleship Yamato" anime project.

On this day, Anno was joined by Yutaka Izubuchi (65), known for his mechanical design work on titles like "Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack" and as the director of "Space Battleship Yamato 2199," as well as anime and tokusatsu researcher Ryusuke Hikawa (66) for a talk event.

Anno explained, "Our company, Studio Khara, has been granted the rights by Voyager Holdings Inc. and its president, Shoji Nishizaki, to produce a new anime project based on 'Space Battleship Yamato.' In addition, we have also received permission from Tohokushinsha Film Corporation to use the necessary copyrights." He continued, "Simply put, I am now able to create a new 'Yamato' work." The announcement was met with cheers from the audience. Anno revealed, "I wanted to share this news first with those who came here today. This was something I insisted on saying at this event." Although he kept specific details under wraps, he announced that both Izubuchi and Hikawa are also eager to be involved in the new project.

On October 6, 1974, at 7:30 p.m., a ship that would go on to inspire countless works and creators set sail. Its name: "Space Battleship Yamato." Back when animation was still referred to as "TV manga," the series, which spanned just 26 episodes, left a lasting impression on many viewers, becoming a social phenomenon and continuing to be loved by fans even today. This year marks the 50th anniversary of that historic voyage. The screening event was planned by Hideaki Anno, who has stated, "Without my encounter with 'Space Battleship Yamato,' my life would not be what it is today."

The first screening of the event was the original TV series’ first episode, "SOS Earth!! Space Battleship Yamato, Revive!" aired at the exact time it first broadcast on October 6, 1974—at 7:30 p.m., precisely 50 years later in 2024. Following that, the rare 8mm film version of "Space Battleship Yamato," presented in three parts, was also screened. While this 8mm version is a re-edited version of the TV series, similar to the 1977 movie adaptation, it features unique edits and new narration, making it a hidden gem for Yamato enthusiasts, now screened in a theater for the first time.

Studio Khara's Announcement

Studio Khara has been granted the rights by Voyager Holdings Inc. (President Shoji Nishizaki) to create a new anime film based on "Space Battleship Yamato." Additionally, we have received permission from Tohokushinsha Film Corporation to use the relevant copyrights.

Our goal is to contribute to the continued evolution of the historic "Space Battleship Yamato" series, a beloved anime that holds an iconic place in Japanese animation history. We are moving forward with production plans, aiming to commence the project by 2025, and are working diligently on a new theatrical release that fans around the world can enjoy.

This upcoming project will take a different trajectory from the ongoing remake series that began with the 2012 release of "Space Battleship Yamato 2199" and includes the upcoming theatrical release of "Yamato Forever REBEL3199," set for November 22, 2024. We extend our best wishes for a safe journey to those currently involved in the remake series.

Fifty years ago, my encounter with "Space Battleship Yamato" shaped who I am today. Now that I have the opportunity to work on "Yamato," I want to express my deep gratitude and respect to all the staff and cast members—both past and present—who have worked on "Yamato." I will dedicate the rest of my life to creating a series of enjoyable works that blend the old and the new, and do whatever I can to preserve "Space Battleship Yamato" for future generations.
We appreciate your continued support.
Hideaki Anno, CEO of Studio Khara

Source : ORICON NEWS