The latest installment in the Space Battleship Yamato saga, Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199, continues to generate excitement among fans. The third film in the series, titled “Gunjō no Asteroid” (Ultramarine Asteroid), has revealed its ending theme song, adding another layer of anticipation for its April release.
“Eureka” to Grace the End Credits
Bandai Namco Filmworks announced that the ending theme for Gunjō no Asteroid will be “Eureka,” performed by the talented artist TRUE. This reveal came during TRUE’s “TRUE 10th Anniversary Live Sound! Final ~Shūtaisei~” concert. The song is written by TRUE, under her real name Miho Karasawa. A preview of the song has been made available via Lantis, further fueling the excitement surrounding the film’s release.
A Reimagining of a Classic
Yamato yo Towa ni: Rebel 3199 is not a simple remake; it’s a reimagining of the 1980 film Be Forever Yamato and incorporates elements from the original Space Battleship Yamato III series. The story unfolds in 2207 A.D., two years after the events of Space Battleship Yamato 2205, where the crew of the Yamato face a new threat, the Dezarium, after the destruction of Garmillas and Iscandar. The Dezarium, claiming to be evolved humans from the future, target Earth, leading the Yamato crew to defy orders and embark on a journey into uncharted space.
The Rebel Crew
The crew of the Yamato, including Susumu Kodai and Yuki Mori, find themselves as rebels, facing not only the Dezarium but also their own government. The series plays with expectations, separating Kodai and Mori, similar to the original story, but with a potentially different identity of their enemies. It appears the true nature of the Dezarium and their connection to Earth will be a key component of this story.
A Theatrical and Streaming Event
Rebel 3199 is being released as a series of seven films, totaling 26 episodes. The first film, “Kuro no Shinryaku” (Dark Invasion), premiered on July 19, 2024, and the second film, “Sekijitsu no Shutsugeki” (The Assault of the Burning Sun), was released on November 22, 2024. Gunjō no Asteroid, the third film, is scheduled to open in Japanese theaters on April 11, 2025. Simultaneously, the anime is being streamed on Crunchyroll under the title Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199.
The Legacy of Space Battleship Yamato
The original Space Battleship Yamato, known as Star Blazers in some regions, first aired in Japan in 1974. The series follows the crew of the space battleship Yamato as they embark on a perilous journey to save Earth from the threat of the Gamilas. The 1980 film, Be Forever Yamato, is a crucial part of this saga, and the new Rebel 3199 series draws heavily from its plotlines while introducing new elements.
Key Staff and Production
The Rebel 3199 project boasts a talented team including:
- Chief Director, Series Composer, and Screenwriter: Harutoshi Fukui, known for his work on Space Battleship Yamato 2205 and Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2202.
- Screenwriter: Hideki Oka, also part of the writing team for Space Battleship Yamato 2205 and Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2202.
- Character Designer: Nobuteru Yuki, whose past works include Space Battleship Yamato 2205 and Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2202.
- Mechanical Designer: Junichiro Tamamori, who has also worked on Space Battleship Yamato 2205 and Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2202.
What to Expect in the Third Film
Gunjō no Asteroid promises to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Dezarium and their connection to Earth, while also exploring the challenges faced by the Yamato crew as rebels. With the release date fast approaching, fans eagerly await this next chapter in the Space Battleship Yamato legacy. The series is expected to run for a total of 26 episodes, released across seven theatrical films. Each film will feature a limited-edition Blu-ray Disc at participating theaters during its run, followed by retail sales.
The Continuing Saga
The original Space Battleship Yamato aired from October 6, 1974, to March 30, 1975, and consisted of 26 episodes. This series laid the foundation for a franchise that has spanned decades, with multiple movies, series, and remakes. Rebel 3199 continues this tradition, introducing new generations to the iconic characters and stories.
A Look Ahead
As Gunjō no Asteroid prepares to hit theaters, fans can look forward to not only the thrilling action and space battles, but also the emotional journey of the characters. The addition of the ending theme “Eureka” by TRUE, adds another layer of excitement and anticipation. The series promises to be a fresh take on the classic story, with surprises and twists that will keep both long-time fans and newcomers captivated.
