On the 14th, director Hideaki Anno attended a press event at the Space Battleship Yamato Complete Records Exhibition, which he planned and produced in celebration of the anime’s 50th anniversary. Joining him at the event was anime critic Ryusuke Hikawa, where they discussed the series' impact and legacy.

Before the press event, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Anno described Space Battleship Yamato as a groundbreaking anime for those who watched it in real-time. He stated,
"For people of my generation who watched it live, it was an epoch-making animation that left a huge impact."

When asked why, he explained,
"It felt entirely different from any anime before it. At the time, TV anime was referred to as ‘TV manga,’ but this was the show that changed the terminology to ‘animation’ overnight."

A Revolutionary Anime That Redefined the Genre

Anno further elaborated on what made Space Battleship Yamato so unique,
"The meticulously designed spaceships moved in a way that was unprecedented at the time. It had a coolness that was simply unimaginable before. Also, unlike typical children's TV anime, it featured serious human drama. It was something entirely new—down to the level of detail in the setting."

The Connection Between 'Yamato' and 'Gundam'

The discussion also touched on the historical link between Space Battleship Yamato and Mobile Suit Gundam. Critic Hikawa pointed out,
"Many people think Yamato and Gundam are unrelated, but that’s not true. The Yamato boom led to the success of ‘Mecha Collection’ model kits released during Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato. That success ultimately became the foundation for Gundam model kits."

Anno further emphasized this connection, referring to Yamato as "the father of Gunpla", highlighting its historical significance.

Inside the 'Space Battleship Yamato Complete Records Exhibition'

The exhibition showcases rare materials from the Anime Tokusatsu Archive Organization (ATAC), including previously unseen production documents, character and mechanical design sheets, original illustrations, and setting materials.

A large chronological timeline revisits the series' evolution, spanning from the original 1974 Yamato to its modern remakes. The exhibit also features nostalgic items such as original records, a 1/100 scale detailed model, and other memorabilia.

Additionally, the exhibition includes a special section dedicated to the anime’s production process, featuring early concept art, cel animation, and rare behind-the-scenes footage. The event also offers exclusive merchandise and special activities for visitors.

Event Details

The Space Battleship Yamato Complete Records Exhibition runs until the 31st at Seibu Shibuya in Tokyo.

Source : ORICON NEWS