Yoshikazu Aihara is the chief communications officer aboard the Yamato in the original continuity, including "Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato". A dedicated crew member, he manages deep-space communications and operates the ship's radio equipment. During the Yamato's mission to Iscandar, Aihara maintained regular contact with Earth using specialized clearance and equipment. He discovered his father was critically ill through intercepted transmissions, causing significant distress that led him to plead with navigation officer Daisuke Shima to abort the mission and return to Earth. Overcome by homesickness and despair, he briefly abandoned his post, floating into space until rescued, then returned to duty. His technical expertise remained essential throughout subsequent voyages, including interactions with alien entities such as Trelaina of Telezart. In "Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato", Aihara continues as part of the Yamato's communications team during the conflict against the White Comet Empire.