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Being a huge fan of Neon Genesis Evangelion, I gobble up any production that has Hideaki Anno involved in it. Of course, the craving for more Evangelion content is never extinguished, but at the same time, it’s a delight to revel in other works of the director and creator.

Hideaki Anno has also been involved with Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman, Shin Kamen Rider, and plenty of other anime in the meantime. Some of them have been instant hits, and Anno’s prowess is visible in them. But his latest project might be the one to make everyone rethink his status in the anime industry.

Hideaki Anno’s new project is enough to make me forget the Evangelion blues Hideaki Anno’s upcoming project is a new Space Battleship Yamato movie | Credits: Academy Productions

Neon Genesis Evangelion has ended, and this time it’s concrete. Hideaki Anno himself admitted in...

When you think of space anime, a few big titles stand out: Space Battleship Yamato (or Star Blazers for old-school fans) is definitely one of them. It’s a classic. It’s legendary, no doubt. But if you’re a Star Trek fan with an appetite for something that totally nails that ‘strange new worlds, deep mysteries, and friendship conquers all’ vibe, Astra Lost in Space totally wins the race.

You might not have even heard of Astra, and that’s a crime. It’s an absolute gem hiding in plain sight. It’s short and snappy, completely full of heart, and it’s just ideal for anyone who dreams of traveling through the stars without all the heavy and dark baggage. Let’s find out more.

What’s the deal with Astra Lost in Space? Here’s why Star Trek fans will love it

Think about it: it’s the future,...

There is barely anyone in the anime industry who is unfamiliar with the name Hideaki Anno. This beloved director and creator is known for the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. His latest work is Mobile Suit GQuuuuuuX, which premiered on April 9, 2025.

Anno worked as a co-writer for the series, although his degree of involvement is debated. Apparently, Anno’s role was limited to providing production support. But why did the Neon Genesis creator suddenly become involved in the already successful Gundam franchise?

Hideaki Anno claims Gundam brought him back to the right path

Hideaki Anno was one of the guests in the Anime New Century Declaration 44th Anniversary Talk Show, which was held in February 2025. Oricon reported the interview with Anno. The legendary creator revealed that the connection and history between him and Gundam were lengthy. He also explained how the original Gundam had a larger-than-life effect on him.

Related‘Mobile...

Fans of the popular harem rom-com anime The Quintessential Quintuplets have a special new merchandise release to look forward to in the form of five watches in official collaboration Seiko, now available for overseas collectors.

All five quintuplets from The Quintessential Quintuplets have received watches for international release, featuring yellow for Ichika, purple for Nino, blue for Miku, green for Yotsuba and red for Itsuki. Seiko only created 2,000 units per sister; Japan Select will release its limited collection of those 2,000 units overseas this month, making it a very limited-edition item. Readers can check out Seiko's The Quintessential Quintuplets watches and visuals of the sisters in similar color-themed dresses below.

Seiko & The Quintessential Quintuplets Partner Up for 5-Year Anniversary Watch Collection

The watches, initially released in celebration of the anime's five-year anniversary, are currently listed for US$530 via the Japan Select website. The Quintessential Quintuplets' watches follow Seiko's frequent IP collaborations in recent months,...

Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Art World Tales still stayed at first place in the Japanese box office in its sixth weekend of release. The 44th theatrical film from the Doraemon anime franchise earned 181 million yen (1.26 million Usd) on 142,000 admissions during the last weekend, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha . That marked a 44 percent drop from its previous weekend but was enough to keep the film in first place for six consecutive weeks. Among Doraemon films released since 2000, Nobita's Art World Tales has now become the one to stay in the number one spot for the longest in Japan, along with the 39th film Nobita's Chronicle of the Moon Exploration in 2019. After 37 days of release, Nobita's Art World Tales had earned a cumulative of four billion yen (27.93 million Usd) on 3.4 million admissions. It has also become the seventh top-grossing film in the franchise since 2000, surpassing the 33rd film Nobita's Secret Gadget Museum , which...

The official website for the Space Battleship Yamato remake anime series announced today that the next fourth chapter of its latest installment, Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 , will start theatrical screenings in Japan on October 10, 2025 . The title of the fourth of the new seven-chapter series (consisting of 26 episodes) is "Mizuiro no Sasha" ("Light Blue Sasha"). The site also released a teaser trailer and visual for the next chapter. The teaser visual was newly drawn by Kia Asamiya, who is in charge of image drawings for the Yamato 3199 series. The tagline on the visual reads: "The one shot makes the world go crazy." Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 Chapter 4 Teaser Trailer Teaser Visual Related: Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 Reveals Chapter 3 Main Trailer, Visual Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 is based on the feature film Be Forever Yamato ( Yamato yo Towa ni in Japan) in 1980, and also includes...

Anime OVAs can offer fans some of the best stories and animated moments in the medium. If fans have ever seen a series that consistently has fantastic animation in all its episodes, chances are they've watched an Original Video Animation or an Ova. These short anime series usually act as spin-offs to popular anime and help spread awareness of the brand. More often than not, a good Ova can stand on its own as a great addition to a long-running franchise or mark the birth of a new hit series altogether.

That's exactly what these examples do best. They elevate the stories told by their franchise to new heights, offering great animation and adding to the series' world-building. These OVAs can be a great entry point into an anime for anyone who doesn't want to watch dozens of episodes of the main anime series. These titles may not always be accessible for long,...

Long before major mecha and science fiction anime franchises took center stage, Space Battleship Yamato was one of the biggest and most iconic anime of them all. Now, a recent exhibition revealed an expensive yet epic recreation of the titular craft, with another also on the way.

The pricey collectible is a model of the Yamato cast in pure gold, and the cost to pre-order it is, as expected, immense. Likewise, another similar item "produced" by one of the biggest names in anime is also being released once again. Pre-orders for both are now open, with the franchise as a whole still a monumental part of Japanese popular culture.

New Space Battleship Yamato Model Is Truly the Gold Standard for Anime Fans #ヤマト50周年 を記念ã—ãŸè¶…豪è¯ãªç´”金フィギュアã®è£½é€ 決定ï¼ç´”金ãŒä¸ã...

Neon Genesis Evangelioncreator Hideaki Anno might be busy with Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, but he already has plenty of new projects under his belt. In late 2024, it was announced that not only would the new Gundam anime be a collaboration with Studio Khara, but that Hideaki Anno, himself, would be involved in production, marking his first time working on an anime since finishing Rebuild of Evangelion in 2021.

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is Hideaki Anno’s biggest project to date, but fans shouldn’t expect him to slow down anytime soon. In a recent report from Studio Khara, not only was it revealed that Anno had been working on GQuuuuuuX since 2018 alongside the final Rebuild of Evangelion film, but surprisingly, according to Studio Khara, Hideaki Anno already has at least five new projects he’s currently working on. Few directors are as renowned as Hideaki Anno, and if his new projects...

Dragon Ball Z pioneered the idea of power levels in anime. So much that power levels and Dragon Ball are practically the same with how fans scale characters. The scouter became iconic for displaying a numerical value to the strength of fighters, but Dragon Ball didn't invent the idea of ranking characters in anime. Some series existed alongside or even before the legendary anime hit TV screens.

Dragon Ball was released in the mid-80s and defined the coming decades for its action-packed adventure. But other anime from the same time period deserve honorable mentions for showcasing power levels akin to the legendary series. While not every anime showcases power levels in the same way as Dragon Ball, they offer a believable power system that separates the strong from the strongest.

Saint Seiya Paved the Way for Battle Shonen Anime Streaming on Crunchyroll

Saint Seiya was released in 1986 to critical acclaim.

Hideaki Anno is a legend in the anime industry, and he's most well-known for creating the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. At a recent event, however, he spoke about the importance of his latest project, which just so happens to involve another mecha anime property.

Via Japanese news site Oricon, an anime-based talk show had Anno as one of the guests, and he recalled his history with the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam anime. Inspiring the creator at a young age, the first Gundam anime was what kept him a fan of the medium as a whole. Now, this fandom is coming full circle given that the creator of Evangelion is also behind the latest Gundam anime.

RelatedMarch 31 Will Be a Foul Day for Evangelion Fans

Iconic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion has its own branded e-sports team, but sadly, the gaming group is ending its 4.5-year run in the coming month.

The...

The number of professional female voice actors in Japan has once again reached an all-time high, with many of these being celebrated in the March issue of Seiyuu Grand Prix, which went on sale on Feb 10th, 2025. Released alongside it was the Voice Actor Directory 2025 Female Edition, which lists 1,099 known female voice actors, many of them well-known to anime fans in particular, among its pages.

Via Japanese news site Oricon, the Voice Actor Directory Female Edition has been in publication since 2001 and is a very popular supplement for the main magazine. This year's list brings together 1,099 profiles of female voice actors, breaking the all-time highest count in the Directory for the 14th issue in a row. When the magazine began reporting on the list in 2001, there were only 225 women featured, but that number has consistently grown with every publication that has been released. The number of profiles shared has grown to over 1,000 in the 2022 issue,...

The official website for the Space Battleship Yamato remake anime series today released a main trailer and visual for "Gunjou no Asteroid" (literally means "Asteroid of the Ultramarine Blue), the third chapter of its latest installment, Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 . The third of the new seven-chapter series (consisting of 26 episodes) will start its theatrical screenings in Japan on April 11, 2025 . Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 Chapter 3 Main Trailer The main visual was newly drawn by the anime's character designer, Nobuteru Yuki . The tagline reads: "The past, perish. With the wrong future—. Is it freedom that we should protect, or a future that claims security in exchange for freedom? A wavering mind leads Yamato and the Earth into the labyrinth of time..." Main visual Related : Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 Releases Chapter 3 Teaser Trailer, Visual Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 is based on the feature film Be...

Bandai Namco Filmworks just gave us a fresh look at Gunjō no Asteroid (Ultramarine Asteroid), the third movie in the Yamato yo Towa ni: Rebel 3199 (Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199) series. This is the latest entry in the ongoing Space Battleship Yamato remakes.

A special Blu-ray edition of the film will launch on April 11, the same day it hits theaters. If you’re willing to wait, regular Blu-ray and DVD versions will be available on June 25.

This isn’t just a trilogy—there are seven movies planned for the full story. Crunchyroll is streaming the project under the name Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199.

The first film, Kuro no Shinryaku (Dark Invasion), debuted on July 19, pulling in 58.8 million yen in its first three days. The second movie, Sekijitsu no Shutsugeki (The Assault of the Burning Sun), followed on November 22, earning 64.1 million yen in the same time frame.

For the latest film,...

Manga artist Leiji Matsumoto's first large-scale exhibition titled "The Galaxy Express 999 50th Anniversary Project Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition -Journey of Creation" is scheduled to open at Tokyo City View in Tokyo from June 20 to September 7, 2025. Matsumoto's masterpieces Galaxy Express 999 and Space Pirate Captain Harlock began serialization in 1977 and will celebrate their 50th anniversaries in 2027. A number of projects to commemorate the memorial year are now in the works, with this exhibition the first of them. Through more than 300 original drawings — including his early works, documents and precious memorabilia exhibited for the first time — this exhibition will show Leiji Matsumoto's skills as an artist through the fields of manga and anime. Key Visual Related: Legendary Manga and Anime Creator Leiji Matsumoto Passes Away at 85 Makiko Matsumoto (Matsumoto's daughter and the current president of his production company Leijisha ) shared the following message: It has been two years since my father, Leiji Matsumoto,...

As part of the 50th anniversary project for the TV anime Space Battleship Yamato ( Star Blazers in the West) following the screening events from December 2024 to January 2025, a special exhibition titled "Space Battle Ship Yamato: Complete Record Exhibition" is set to be held at the Seibu Shibuya department store in Tokyo for 17 days from March 15 to 31, 2025. As with the screening events, this exhibition is planned and produced by Hideaki Anno . From among the materials stored by the non-profit organization Anime Tokusatsu Archive Corporation (Atac) founded by Anno, rare production materials, such as original key animation drawings and character/mechanic design arts from the production period, will be exhibited. Message from Hideaki Anno: Japan's "anime" began half a century ago with "Space Battleship Yamato," which aired on October 6, 1974. If I had not encountered the epoch-making work "Space Battleship Yamato" at that time, I would not be where I am today. As an expression of gratitude,...

An official new fashion brand inspired by the original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series prepares to launch, with fans internationally able to get in on the release.

Via the Radio Eva Magazine blog, the Evangelion franchise will launch the new Evangelion:95 (stylized EVANGELI0N:95)" apparel brand, revealing a range of graphic tees, sweaters and socks for its first drop on Jan. 24. The collection will be available from multiple retailers in Japan, online through the Radio Eva store, and overseas through Bizzare, Ecru, Maison de Valeur and Chance Clothing, which ships to the U.S. Readers can check out the images and more information about the Evangelion apparel collection below.

Related 'She Was My First Love': Evangelion Creator Admits Being 'Smitten' By a Key Part of Anime's Biggest Space Opera

At a recent event, Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno discussed the Space Battleship Yamato anime alongside a voice actor who was also his 'first love.

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, the new anime movie by the studios behind Evangelion and Gundam, is heading to North America this February, as recently announced by film distributor Gkids.

Via Variety, Gkids has acquired the North American theatrical rights for Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-. The film will be released on Feb. 28, 2025, and sees two titans of the mecha anime genre, Sunrise (Gundam) and Khara (Evangelion), unite for the first time. Rebuild of Evangelion director Kazuya Tsurumaki directs the film, with Yoji Enokido on the script and Evangelion's Hideaki Anno for the screenplay.

Related 'She Was My First Love': Evangelion Creator Admits Being 'Smitten' By a Key Part of Anime's Biggest Space Opera

At a recent event, Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno discussed the Space Battleship Yamato anime alongside a voice actor who was also his 'first love.'

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Gets U.S. February Release Date

As previously announced,...

Hideaki Anno is one of the most iconic creators in anime, best known for creating the original Neon Genesis Evangelion series. Before this, however, he was himself a major fan of science fiction and mecha works, as shown by his adoration for one character in a legendary show.

Via Oricon, a recent anniversary celebration for the beloved Space Battleship Yamato saw Hideaki Anno discuss the show with both fans and some of the talent behind the series. One of them was a voice actor who portrayed a character that he was quite taken with. While the role might not have been quite as romantic for the voice talent in question, it launched the fandom of an illustrious anime creator in his formative years.

Related Evangelion Is 'Lovin' It' With Latest McDonald's Anime Reveal Starring Fan-Favorite Misato

The latest Evangelion anime and McDonald's collaboration release has been revealed, giving mecha...

The official website for the Space Battleship Yamato remake anime series announced today that anisong singer True will perform the ending theme "Eureka" for Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 's upcoming third chapter "Gunjou no Asteroid" (literally means "Asteroid of the Ultramarine Blue"). Lantis' official YouTube channel is now streaming a short preview video of the song. Sounosuke Takao , known for his soundtrack work on Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! , provided the music for "Eureka," with True herself working on the lyrics under the name Miho Karasawa . The site carries the following message from True: I am in charge of the ending theme song for "Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 Chapter 3: Asteroid of the Ultramarine Blue”. I appreciate my happiness to be a part of the long history of the series, which has been sung by many legendary artists. "Eureka” is a song that combines calmness and passion. I...

From "Nausicaans" to the Akira-class of starships, Star Trek has long shown love to the animated products of Japan. While the current future of Star Trek animation is a bit bleak, fans might find solace in various anime that can find kinship with Star Trek. What follows are 5 anime series that have certain themes or other elements that Star Trek fans would be right at home with.

(These series are listed in alphabetical order.)

Cowboy Bebop (1998)

With jazz music that Will Riker would love, Cowboy Bebop is a space western created by Hajime Yatate. It follows bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and the crew of a ship called the Bebop as they go on various adventures around the solar system.

The world depicted in Cowboy Bebop is much grungier, with a contemplative tone. Nonetheless, it has certain uplifting elements and plays with the idea of space being a Wild West-like frontier,...

The bestselling Fullmetal Alchemist manga series by Hiromu Arakawa has received a new release in the form of two new officially licensed smartwatches by watchmaker Garrack, available for fans around the globe.

Via U-with, Garrack has announced a new collaboration with Hiromu Arakawa's extremely popular Fullmetal Alchemist manga. The collection has two variants: red for protagonist Edward 'Ed' Elric and blue for Colonel Roy Mustang. Both are priced at 22,000 yen (~US$115). Edward's watch features "Don't forget 3.Oct.11" on the buckle -- a reference to Ed and Alphonse's (Al) decision to join the military to regain their bodies. The clockface alternates between five backgrounds featuring the brothers in manga artwork. Meanwhile, Mustang's watch has his three-star rank engraved on the buckle and similarly has five backgrounds; these feature him and his unit members Kain Fuery, Riza Hawkeye, Vato Falman, Jean Havoc and Heymans Breda. Readers can check out the watches and more information below.

On October 6, 1974, at 7:30 p.m., the first episode of the TV anime Space Battleship Yamato ( Star Blazers in the West) broadcast in Japan. The 26-episode series shocked many viewers and became a social phenomenon in Japan. Under the title "Space Battleship Yamato 50th Anniversary Selection Screening," selected episodes from the first TV series will screen at the Shinjuku Piccadilly theater in Tokyo and 42 other theaters nationwide starting December 27, 2024. This screening is part of the 50th anniversary project planned and produced by Hideaki Anno , who says, “I don't think I would be where I am today without my encounter with 'Space Battleship Yamato'." Three episodes will be shown each week, selected by Anno from a total of 26 episodes. A trailer for the screening, supervised by Anno himself and produced by khara, is now streamed. Three types of poster visuals have also been revealed, which were refined under the...

A major milestone in sci-fi anime, Space Battleship Yamato's serialized space opera inspired franchises in other subgenres up to the present day, from Gundam to Evangelion. Now, Seiko's premium commemorative chronograph marks the 50th anniversary of the original series.

Seiko has launched a limited-edition timepiece to celebrate Space Battleship Yamato's 50th anniversary. Now available at the Premico store, the watch costs 65,780 yen (US$425), and up to 10 items can be ordered per purchase. With only 5,000 units offered, this chronograph is bound to become a coveted piece. Outside its sentimental value among the fan base, the watch's premium, precision design will also appeal to casual collectors, or to anyone looking for a novel accent to formal attire and activewear. Shipped out in special commemorative boxes, all orders are set to be fulfilled by mid-July next year.

Related Gundam's New Card Game Sets Launch Date With Out-of-This-World NASA Collaboration

The...

Today, November 22 (in Japan), the opening day of the second chapter's theatrical screenings, the official website for the Space Battleship Yamato remake anime series released a teaser trailer for "Gunjou no Asteroid" (literally means "Asteroid of the Ultramarine Blue), the third chapter of its latest installment, Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 . The clip confirms that the third of the new seven-chapter series (consisting of 26 episodes) will start its theatrical screenings in Japan on April 11, 2025 . And the visual is newly-drawn by Kia Asamiya ( Silent Möbius ), who has served as the image drawing artist for the series. Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 Chapter 3 Teaser Trailer Teaser visual Related : Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 Casts Megumi Han in Voice Actor Mother's Classic Role Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 is based on the feature film Be Forever Yamato ( Yamato yo Towa ni in Japan) in 1980, and also includes some elements from the third original...

Quick Links This Space Opera Anime Is Still a Pop Culture Gem Space Battleship Yamato Inspired Several Other Anime Star Blazers Paved the Way for Global Anime Fandom

When it comes to iconic and popular anime genres, space opera fiction isn't the most common anymore. It's easy to forget that sci-fi anime gave rise to some of the biggest brands in the industry, including mecha classics such as Mobile Suit Gundam. Before that legendary series came about, however, anime as a whole was defined by one brand that's still incredibly important and popular to this day.

Space Battleship Yamato was released 50 years ago in 1974, and it's since been a major part of Japanese popular culture. Advancing anime storytelling, Space Battleship Yamato paved the way for countless other brands to do the same. Likewise, the anime was also instrumental in bringing the industry to Western audiences, making the brand much more important than many realize.

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Space Battleship Yamato , Yoshinobu Nishizaki and Leiji Matsumoto's legendary sci-fi anime series. Events and projects are already underway to celebrate this momentous occasion, and watch-maker Seiko is joining the brawl with a limited-edition timepiece. The watch sports color and design elements reminiscent of the Yamato herself, from the red and black color scheme to the anchor mark at 12 o'clock. Three subdials reflect manga artist Matsumoto's mechanical design for the series, and the watch face and hands feature glow-in-the-dark elements. Related: Hideaki Anno and Studio Khara Announce Plans for New Space Battleship Yamato Film The back of each watch is engraved with the series's logo, as well as its number out of the set's run of 5,000: Each watch arrives in a collector's box featuring Matsumoto's iconic artwork. Related: Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 Casts Megumi Han in Voice Actor Mother's Classic Role The watch...

Last year, Toho released a new Godzilla film, titled Godzilla Minus One (read our review Here), in Japan on November 3rd, which happens to be Godzilla Day, the anniversary of the 1954 release of the original Godzilla movie. That was the 69th anniversary – and since this year marks the 70th anniversary of the original film, Godzilla Minus One is returning to theatres this weekend, with screenings starting on November 1st. There’s also a black & white version of Godzilla Minus One that’s called Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color, and that version of the film is also returning to theatres for this celebration. To see if Godzilla Minus One and/or Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color will be showing near you this weekend, check out the Tickets.Godzilla website.

Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, Godzilla Minus One sees an already devastated postwar Japan facing a new threat in the form of Godzilla.

Space Battleship Yamato is one of the most influential anime in existence. Dating back to 1974, it had a style and story like no other. It inspired the likes of Gundam, Evangelion and Marcross. The style of Space Battleship Yamato also inspired the styles of some video games, such as Space Invaders. There are multiple series and films within the universe that you can explore. Now, the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Hideaki Anno, has acquired the rights to a brand new Space Battleship Yamato film with a twist.

Space Battleship Yamato 1974. [Credit: Academy Productions]

Hideaki Anno has always been an artist who pushes boundaries and keeps evolving. Now, the news of a new Space Battleship Yamato film adaptation has created significant hype in the anime community. As an artist and director who was originally inspired and gave homage to the series, Anno is the perfect choice to continue the legacy. Fans...

Hideaki Anno, creator of the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion anime, has announced that he will be in charge of a new film installment for Leiji Matsumoto's classic sci-fi franchise, Space Battleship Yamato. While attending Yamato's 50th anniversary event, the critically acclaimed director laid bare his appreciation for the original 1974 TV series and how it inspires him as an animator.

Per Comic Natalie, Anno is the main organizer of Space Battleship Yamato's 50th Anniversary Project -- a commemorative initiative that includes several different events and projects. On Oct. 6, Anno attended the 50th anniversary screening of Yamato's debut anime episode. He was accompanied by Yutaka Izubuchi, General Director of the Space Battleship Yamato 2199 film adaptation, and Ryusuke Hikawa, an anime and special effects researcher who also worked on the film. While engaging in a talk with his fellow creators, Anno recounts his initial experiences with the original series.

Hideaki Anno announced that his company, Khara Inc., has secured the rights to produce a new anime film for the Space Battleship Yamato series.

The announcement was made during the anime’s 50th anniversary screening event held in Tokyo on Oct 6, 2024.

During the event, Anno disclosed that Khara had secured the production rights from Voyager Holdings, which oversees the original series, and received permission to use the copyright from Tohokushinsha Film Corporation.

“This time, Khara Inc. was granted the rights by Voyager Holdings, represented by President Shoji Nishizaki, to create a new animated work based on ‘Space Battleship Yamato.’ At the same time, we obtained permission to use the copyright from Tohokushinsha Film Corporation.“

Speaking at the event, Anno expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “With this, I can now make a new Space Battleship Yamato work.“

While details of the new production remain under wraps, Khara’s official...

In a statement on the official home page for animation studio Khara , director / Khara founder Hideaki Anno has announced that Studio Khara has acquired the rights to produce a new Space Battleship Yamato animated theatrical film, including permission from Voyager Holdings to produce new animation and permission from Tohokushinsha Film Corporation to use the copyright. The as-yet-untitled new film is currently in the planning stages, with production on the movie tentatively scheduled to begin in 2025. The story of the film will differ from the Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 , 2202 , and 3199 anime which reboot the original Space Battleship Yamato series for a modern audience. Related: Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 Now Available on Crunchyroll In the statement, Anno noted that he wouldn't be the same person he is today if he hadn't encountered the original Space Battleship Yamato anime some 50 years ago. He also expressed his gratitude to and respect for...

The acclaimed director of the Neon Genesis Evangelion series, Hideaki Anno, is set to direct a new movie based on the classic sci-fi franchise Space Battleship Yamato (also known as Star Blazers). This is great news for fans of the creative behind one of the most acclaimed anime series of all time, who will get to see his talent come to life on screen again.

As seen in an X post shared by @MangaMogura, Hideaki Anno confirmed that he will be the director of a new movie based on the Space Battleship Yamato franchise. He will start working on the movie next year, and it will be under his own studio, Studio Khara. This company has proved its expertise by working on hits like Kaiju No. 8, Darling In The Franxx, the Evangelion movies, and more, so this next movie has the potential to be great.

Related Evangelion Creator's Sequel...

Code Geass is one of the popular anime in the mecha genre. Its finesse’ lies in the outlining of profound elements. This holds especially true to the theme of war, oppression, and unrest. The crude portrayal of a dystopian society sets it apart from most mecha anime. This extends to Lelouch’s character in the series. And there’s more to it.

Lelouch Lamperouge in a still from the series | Credit: Studio Sunrise

Director Gorō Taniguchi highlighted the world-building in the anime. He also outlined the importance of setting. In most aspects, his anime outclasses Naruto and One Piece. This is also reflected in Lelouch’s character in the series.

Code Geass outlines Naruto and One Piece in world-building according to Gorō Taniguchi.

Code Geass is centered on the journey of Lelouch Lamperouge. The series underscores rebellion and rage against oppression. The Holy Empire of Britannia subjects Japan to violence.

The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) today unveiled the full lineup and other highlights of its 37th edition in a press conference held at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, one of the festival’s main venues.

As previously announced, TIFF will open with the world premiere of 11 Rebels, an action-packed jidaigeki period piece directed by Shiraishi Kazuya, and close with the French-Italian comedy Marcello Mio, a Cannes standout directed by Christophe Honoré. The 10-day festival will feature screenings and extensive related events in the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area of Tokyo from October 28 to November 6, 2024.

Festival Chairman Ando Hiroyasu delivered opening remarks at the conference, highlighting three major focuses of this year’s TIFF: enhancing the festival’s international exchange initiatives, nurturing talents for the industry’s future, and implementing programs to support female empowerment.

Hiroyasu Ando ©2024 TIFF

Tiffcom Managing Director Ikeda Kaori then discussed Tiffcom 2024, TIFF’s affiliated marketplace, which will be hosting its...

The Tokyo International Film Festival revealed its full 2024 lineup on Wednesday, including its main competition program and the Asian Future section for emerging regional filmmakers, as well as the all-new Women’s Empowerment section, which highlights nine films directed by women or involving female-focussed stories.

Tokyo’s 15-title main competition reveals a preference for securing world premieres over previously shown titles by established festival names. There are eight world premieres in the section — including Big World and My Friend An Delie by China’s Yang Lina and Dong Zijian, respectively; Papa from Hong Kong’s Philip Yung; The Englishman’s Papers from Portugal’s Sergio Graciano; and three Japanese features, among others (see full lineup below). Additional highlights include the international premiere of Midi Z’s The Unseen Sister and Huang Xi’s recent Toronto Film Festival entry Daughter’s Daughter, starring Sylvia Chang.

As previously announced, the competition titles will...

The Tokyo International Film Festival has unveiled a competition section with as many Chinese titles as Japanese for its 37th edition.

Announced on Wednesday the festival’s full lineup runs to a compact 110 films, culled from a huge 2,023 applications, and functions partly as discovery event, partly as a Japanese showcase and also as best-of the year international art house compendium.

The 15-title competition includes Midi Z’s “The Unseen Sister,” “Big World,” by Yang Lina and “My Friend An Delie,” by Dong Zijian from China. Adding rising star Hong Kong director Philip Yung’s “Papa” and Huang Xi’s Sylvia Chang-starring “Daughter’s Daughter,” fresh from Toronto, and the competition will resound to Chinese accents. From Japan comes “She taught Me Serendipity,” by Ohku Akiko, “Teki Cometh,” by Yoshida Daihachi and “Lust in the Rain,” which is a Japan-Taiwan coproduction directed by Katayama Shinzo.

Other competition selections include “The Englishman’s Papers,...

Cowboy Bebop is a genre-defying classic, and it seems that one of the reasons it may have turned out the way that it is has to do with creator Shinichiro Watanabe's feelings on other Japanese media. In particular, Watanabe called out one of the most successful and influential sci-fi series to have come from Japan, Space Battleship Yamato.

While Space Battleship Yamato is pretty demonstrably less popular than Cowboy Bebop in the West, the series has long been a powerhouse in the realm of anime, particularly in its home nation of Japan. The series originally began back in 1974 and ran until 1979, from there spawning movies, follow-up series, spinoffs, and even live-action remakes. While it's not all that popular in the Western fandom, Space Battleship Yamato has been incredibly influential on later series like Gundam, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Macross, and even popularized the term "anime." It seems, however, that...

Anime series from the past have greatly influenced and shaped the medium, providing context for the traditions seen in today's shows. Exploring older anime reveals excellent material that may have been overlooked during the major boom of the '90s, offering a treasure trove for those willing to delve into the past. Old anime classics like Space Battleship Yamato, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Gunbuster are still worth watching today, as they showcase timeless designs and are an integral part of the medium's history.

Modern writing and technology have done a lot to help anime evolve into a mainstream medium. The combination of gorgeous visuals and less clichd writing has given anime more universal appeal than it's ever had before, and it's easily gotten to the point of being at the center of general pop culture all around the world.

The current landscape of anime has done wonders for its popularity,...

Star Blazers Rebel 3199 offers thrills, intrigue, and stunning animation for fans of the franchise. Don't miss the upcoming premiere in November. Watching the original Star Blazers series provides crucial context to better understand and enjoy the new movie series. Star Blazers mixes real-world themes with animated action, setting itself apart from other space operas of its time.

If the first episode of Star Blazers Rebel 3199 is any indication, anime fans can expect more of the same thrills, intrigue, and breathtaking animation when the second part of the series premieres in November. Even though Rebel 3199 holds up well as a standalone chapter within the groundbreaking Star Blazers franchise, fans would deeply benefit from going back to the series' roots and checking out the original 1974 Star Blazers series.

Naomichi Yamato, Harutoshi Fukui, and Hideki Okas Star Blazers Rebel 3199 (Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199) is a modern interpretation of the two 1980 Star Blazers anime...

Following the latest theatrical release in Japan , the latest chapter in the Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato saga is now available to watch on Crunchyroll! Fans in select regions can now watch episodes one and two of Space Battleship Yamato 3199 , with future episodes launching at a later date. Read on for everything you need to know about the release! Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 Episodes 1 and 2 available now Territories: United States, Canada, Great Britain, Channel Islands, Malta, Gibraltar, Isle of Man and Eire, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Netherlands, Central and South America Synopsis: In 2207, two years after Gamilas and Iscandar vanished, a colossal object, the “Grand Reverse” appears, effortlessly breaching Earth’s defenses. Swarms of troops and multi-legged tanks swiftly conquer Earth’s capital city. Amidst the chaos, the old Yamato crew receives a secret order and now begins a voyage for unseen dimensions...

In its second weekend of July 19-21, Kingdom: Daishougun no Kikan ( Return of The Great General ), the fourth installment in the live-action Kingdom film series based on Yasuhisa Hara's manga, earned 816 million yen (5.2 million Usd) on 529,000 admissions according to Kogyo Tsushinsha . The numbers were down 49 percent from its opening weekend ( 1.628 billion yen ) but it was enough to keep the film in the top spot for a second straight weekend. After 10 days on release, Daishougun no Kikan has made a cumulative 3.6 billion yen (22.93 million Usd) on 2.41 million admissions, which were about 158.5 percent of the first two-week revenue ( 2.271 billion yen ) of the previous third installment released in July 2023, Kingdom: The Flame of Destiny . Related: Japan Box Office: Fourth Live-Action Kingdom Film Makes Record-Breaking No.1 Debut Gekijou-ban SutoPuri Hajimari no Monogatari ~ Strawberry School Festival!!!~ ( Strawberry Prince The Movie: A Story of The Beginning ~Strawberry School Festival!!!!~ ), the anime feature film inspired by...

Today, July 19 (in Japan), the opening day of the first chapter's theatrical screenings, the official website for the Space Battleship Yamato remake anime series released a teaser trailer for "Sekijitsu no Shutsugeki" (literally means "The Sortie on Red Day" ), the second chapter of its latest installment, Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 ( Yamato yo Towa ni Rebel 3199 in Japan). The clip confirms that the second of the new seven-chapter series (consisting of 26 episodes) will start its theatrical screenings in Japan on November 22, 2024. Additionally, a teaser visual for the second chapter, newly drawn by Kia Asamiya ( Silent Möbius ), who is in charge of image drawings for this series, has been released. The tagline reads: "Counterattack. Look carefully. This is Space Battleship Yamato." Advance tickets with a bonus poster using the teaser visual poster go on sale at theaters today. Related: First 5 Minutes of Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 1st Chapter Streamed Be Forever Yamato...

Ahead of its theatrical screenings, the official website for the Space Battleship Yamato remake anime series released the first five minutes of "The Black Invasion" ( Kuro no Shinryaku ), the first chapter of its latest installment, Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 ( Yamato yo Towa ni Rebel 3199 in Japan). The clip begins with poet reading by Shiro Sanada (CV: Hochu Otsuka), and slightly introduces a new heroine, Sasha / Mio Sanada. Then, a new invasion of the earth by a mysterious black object begins. Meanwhile, a new conspiracy regarding the invasion is being revealed on the earth by Yasuo Nanbu (CV: Kenji Akabane), the heir son of Nanbu Industry, which was involved in the construction of Yamato. Additionally, a 20-minute digest of the previous installments, which will be screened in theaters before the first chapter, is also streamed. Related: Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 Releases New First Chapter Trailer Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 is based...

Gundam legend Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, the character designer and animation director for the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam anime series and several successive anime, says it was the talent of Neon Genesis Evangelion's Hideaki Anno and his team that convinced him that manga was the better route for him.

In an interview with Toyokeizai, Yasuhiko spoke about various topics related to Gundam, anime and manga. He described being blindsided by the number of young talents entering the anime industry following the success of Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979, which rocked his confidence that had been growing. In the '80s, Hayao Miyazaki, Akira's Katsuhiro Otomo, Hideaki Anno and more changed the relationship between manga, long considered the "master," and anime, which now stood as a medium in its own right. "When I saw how cutting-edge, highly niche anime was being made, I realized that I couldn't do that," Yasuhiko said. His involvement in...

The official website for the Space Battleship Yamato remake anime series released a main trailer and visual for "The Black Invasion" ( Kuro no Shinryaku ), the first chapter of its latest installment, Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 ( Yamato yo Towa ni Rebel 3199 in Japan). The tagline for the main visual reads: "We can't live together anymore. —What will you tell your loved one then?" Main visual Related : Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 Releases New First Chapter Trailer Be Forever Yamato Rebel 3199 is based on the feature film Be Forever Yamato ( Yamato yo Towa ni ) in 1980, and also includes some elements from the third original TV series Space Battleship Yamato III in 1980-1981. Sci-fi writer Harutoshi Fukui ( Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn ) serves as general director, series composition and screenplay writer. He has already served as series compositor and screenplay writer for the remake series' second installment, Space Battleship Yamato 2202 , in 2017-2019 and the third installment,...

Star Trek fans are no strangers to being drawn into imaginative worlds and thought-provoking narratives celebrating diversity. Just as those following the prime directive bravely go where no man has gone before, so too does anime, with countless sub-genres and storytelling possibilities. Star Trek endures due in part to its amiability. Just as Star Trek offers commentary on the times, it evolves along with them, too, emblematic of sci-fi's allegorical tinge.

With a rich history dating back to the 1970s with classics like Space Battleship Yamato, anime offers plenty of adventures among the stars but the anime and Star Trek crossovers aren't limited to the boundlessness of space. The thematic throughlines in One Piece's pirate plots showcase friendship and found family, and the same themes run through the USS Enterprise. Star Trek fans know that, at its core, the series' philosophical ponderings take precedence. From the futurist allegory of...

Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno highlights the possibility of an Evangelion sequel, saying it could even be made by someone else.

Anno sat down with Asahi Shimbun to discuss his career and his new Hideaki Anno Exhibition in Nagoya, Japan. When asked whether he wanted to make sequels to Eva or if he wanted someone else to make them, he replied, "Hmm, there may be something to that. The prospect of an Evangelion sequel made by someone other than myself could exist. I haven't decided yet - or rather, it's better for the work if there's a high degree of freedom. Whether it's commercially viable or interesting would depend on the content. It's not like I'm saying I'll never make another one again or anything like that."

Related Neon Genesis Evangelion Has a 'Soul's Refrain' With '90s Rei Ayanami Figure Reissue Two classic Neon Genesis Evangelion garage kits are being re-released,...

Anime offers unique space opera adventures comparable to the grandeur of Star Wars. Anime series like Astra Lost in Space, Mobile Suit Gundam, and Space Dandy provide diverse narratives for sci-fi fans. Space Battleship Yamato and Captain Harlock offer compelling modern and classic space pirate adventures similar to Star Wars.

The Star Wars franchise may provide fans with a rich setting full of exciting worlds and battles, but anime is no slouch in the Space Opera genre, either. In fact, many fans have come to love the exotic ships and characters brought to life with pen and paper. For those wanting something new, anime has no end of unique worlds and battles between good and evil.

Whether one wants expansive empires battling it out with endless fleets or single adventurers exploring new worlds, there are as many stories that have come out of Japan as modern classics as there are...

With Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199 anime premiering later this summer, the venerable Space Battleship Yamato series looks ready to win new fans over, and reignite the original fandom. This sequel series will follow up on the Space Battleship Yamato 2199 retelling, providing new rebooted material that fans can see without trawling follow-ups of the 1974 anime. This makes it the best time for the fans to check out this underrated sci-fi classic.

While the titular ship's profile is unmistakable, its presence internationally has faded since its hayday in the 70s. The new 3199 series, however, shows that it has not been forgotten.

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With the franchise getting a new lease on life in this unexpected reboot, fans new and old shouldn't be afraid to check out Yamato for the first time, as the new continuity makes the setting more approachable than ever.

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