Movie
Description
Juzo Okita, born December 8, 2141, in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, rose to become Commander-in-Chief and fleet commander of the United Nations Cosmo Navy. He studied astrophysics and graduated from the National Space Defense Academy, forming lifelong friendships with Ryu Hijikata and Hikozaemon Tokugawa. His early career included service during the Second Inner Planetary War and aboard Defense Ship 36. He had a son who joined the Cosmo Navy but died during the Second Battle of Mars.
By 2191, Okita commanded the UNCN Japanese Fleet. At Pluto during humanity's first encounter with Garmillas forces, he refused orders for a preemptive strike, leading to his suspension. This preceded devastating Garmillas attacks using radioactive planet bombs that rendered Earth's surface uninhabitable. Okita contracted terminal Planet Bomb Syndrome from this exposure, a condition he concealed from all but his closest confidants. He later secured Earth's first major victory at the Second Battle of Mars (Operation K2), though it cost his son's life.
Selected to captain the Yamato on its mission to Iscandar to retrieve the Cosmo Reverse System capable of restoring Earth, Okita commanded during critical operations. In Operation M, a diversion near Pluto to aid Princess Sasha, he commanded from the Kirishima. While successful, the operation resulted in near-total fleet destruction, including Lieutenant Commander Mamoru Kodai, who sacrificed himself disobeying retreat orders to save Okita's ship. Okita was deeply affected and later mentored Mamoru's younger brother, Susumu Kodai, aboard Yamato.
Throughout Yamato's journey, Okita employed unorthodox, aggressive tactics. During the Planet Balun Breakthrough Operation, he ordered a suicidal charge into a 10,000-ship Garmillas fleet, using Balun's gravity to position Yamato for a Wave-Motion Gun strike. This destroyed the subspace gate network and thousands of enemy vessels. His leadership emphasized resilience, epitomized by his credo: "I'll fight as long as I live. I will never despair. Even if I'm the last one alive, I will never despair."
Okita's health deteriorated steadily during the mission. After retrieving the Cosmo Reverse System, he died peacefully as Earth came into view. His death was initially misdiagnosed by Dr. Sado, who failed to verify vital signs. In reality, Okita remained comatose but alive upon Yamato's return. The Earth Defense Force placed him in cryogenic suspension for years while developing a cure.
Revived for Final Yamato, Okita resumed command during the conflict against the Dingirians. He intercepted Yamato's launch preparations with a broadcast announcing his return, later explaining his survival to the crew as the result of prolonged medical treatment following Sado's error. His revival underscored his symbolic role as a steadfast leader.
Okita's legacy persisted through the crew he inspired, particularly Susumu Kodai, who became Yamato's third captain. His tactics and unwavering resolve remained reference points in subsequent conflicts, like the Battle of the 11th Planet in 2202.
By 2191, Okita commanded the UNCN Japanese Fleet. At Pluto during humanity's first encounter with Garmillas forces, he refused orders for a preemptive strike, leading to his suspension. This preceded devastating Garmillas attacks using radioactive planet bombs that rendered Earth's surface uninhabitable. Okita contracted terminal Planet Bomb Syndrome from this exposure, a condition he concealed from all but his closest confidants. He later secured Earth's first major victory at the Second Battle of Mars (Operation K2), though it cost his son's life.
Selected to captain the Yamato on its mission to Iscandar to retrieve the Cosmo Reverse System capable of restoring Earth, Okita commanded during critical operations. In Operation M, a diversion near Pluto to aid Princess Sasha, he commanded from the Kirishima. While successful, the operation resulted in near-total fleet destruction, including Lieutenant Commander Mamoru Kodai, who sacrificed himself disobeying retreat orders to save Okita's ship. Okita was deeply affected and later mentored Mamoru's younger brother, Susumu Kodai, aboard Yamato.
Throughout Yamato's journey, Okita employed unorthodox, aggressive tactics. During the Planet Balun Breakthrough Operation, he ordered a suicidal charge into a 10,000-ship Garmillas fleet, using Balun's gravity to position Yamato for a Wave-Motion Gun strike. This destroyed the subspace gate network and thousands of enemy vessels. His leadership emphasized resilience, epitomized by his credo: "I'll fight as long as I live. I will never despair. Even if I'm the last one alive, I will never despair."
Okita's health deteriorated steadily during the mission. After retrieving the Cosmo Reverse System, he died peacefully as Earth came into view. His death was initially misdiagnosed by Dr. Sado, who failed to verify vital signs. In reality, Okita remained comatose but alive upon Yamato's return. The Earth Defense Force placed him in cryogenic suspension for years while developing a cure.
Revived for Final Yamato, Okita resumed command during the conflict against the Dingirians. He intercepted Yamato's launch preparations with a broadcast announcing his return, later explaining his survival to the crew as the result of prolonged medical treatment following Sado's error. His revival underscored his symbolic role as a steadfast leader.
Okita's legacy persisted through the crew he inspired, particularly Susumu Kodai, who became Yamato's third captain. His tactics and unwavering resolve remained reference points in subsequent conflicts, like the Battle of the 11th Planet in 2202.