Movie
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Jūzō Okita was born on December 8, 2141, in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. He enrolled in the National Space Defense Academy, forging a lasting friendship with Ryu Hijikata while earning a PhD in astrophysics. Upon graduation, he served in the United Nations Cosmo Navy throughout the Second Inner Planetary War. His early career aboard Defense Ship 36 cemented a lifelong bond with Hikozaemon Tokugawa. He later fathered a son who also joined the Cosmo Navy.
By 2191, Okita achieved the rank of Admiral, commanding the UNCN Japanese Fleet. During humanity's initial encounter with the Garmillas at Pluto, he defied orders to fire on the alien vessels, an act leading to his suspension. This refusal preceded devastating Garmillas counterattacks that rendered Earth's surface uninhabitable. Okita contracted the terminal Planet Bomb Syndrome during this time, concealing his illness from all but his closest confidants: Hijikata, Chief Executive Heikuro Todo, and Dr. Sakezo Sado. In 2198, he orchestrated Earth's first decisive victory at the Second Battle of Mars (Operation K2), a triumph overshadowed by the death of his son in the conflict.
Selected to captain the space battleship Yamato for its critical mission to retrieve the Cosmo Reverse System from Iscandar, Okita oversaw Operation M. This diversionary assault near Pluto enabled Princess Sasha Iscandar to deliver the vital Wave-Motion Core to Mars, though she perished. Despite his worsening health, Okita insisted on commanding the Yamato, assuring Hijikata he would return alive. He personally recruited Susumu Kodai as tactical officer, acknowledging Kodai's late brother Mamoru—whom Okita had mentored—and expressing regret over Mamoru's death during Operation M.
Throughout the voyage, Okita employed aggressive, terrain-aware tactics that consistently outmaneuvered Garmillas forces. He demonstrated diplomatic flexibility, forging strategic alliances with Garmillas dissidents. His leadership extended beyond military command; he actively mentored Kodai, encouraging independent decision-making and viewing him as a surrogate for his lost son. Okita's illness triggered multiple medical emergencies, including collapsing during combat against a Garmillas dimensional submarine, necessitating emergency surgery. At the Garmillas capital Baleras, he defied orders to destroy the city with the Wave-Motion Gun, instead using it to save civilians from Leader Dessler's sacrificial ploy.
As the Yamato neared Earth on its return journey, Okita became bedridden. He witnessed Earth from the bridge but succumbed to his illness in orbit. His consciousness merged with the Cosmo Reverse System, replacing Mamoru Kodai's spirit to guide Earth's restoration. Posthumously, his legacy endured through the Yamato crew, particularly Susumu Kodai, who became the ship's third captain. In alternate continuities, such as *Final Yamato*, Okita was revived years later via cryogenic suspension to lead Earth's forces against new threats, a revival distinct from the 2199 timeline.
By 2191, Okita achieved the rank of Admiral, commanding the UNCN Japanese Fleet. During humanity's initial encounter with the Garmillas at Pluto, he defied orders to fire on the alien vessels, an act leading to his suspension. This refusal preceded devastating Garmillas counterattacks that rendered Earth's surface uninhabitable. Okita contracted the terminal Planet Bomb Syndrome during this time, concealing his illness from all but his closest confidants: Hijikata, Chief Executive Heikuro Todo, and Dr. Sakezo Sado. In 2198, he orchestrated Earth's first decisive victory at the Second Battle of Mars (Operation K2), a triumph overshadowed by the death of his son in the conflict.
Selected to captain the space battleship Yamato for its critical mission to retrieve the Cosmo Reverse System from Iscandar, Okita oversaw Operation M. This diversionary assault near Pluto enabled Princess Sasha Iscandar to deliver the vital Wave-Motion Core to Mars, though she perished. Despite his worsening health, Okita insisted on commanding the Yamato, assuring Hijikata he would return alive. He personally recruited Susumu Kodai as tactical officer, acknowledging Kodai's late brother Mamoru—whom Okita had mentored—and expressing regret over Mamoru's death during Operation M.
Throughout the voyage, Okita employed aggressive, terrain-aware tactics that consistently outmaneuvered Garmillas forces. He demonstrated diplomatic flexibility, forging strategic alliances with Garmillas dissidents. His leadership extended beyond military command; he actively mentored Kodai, encouraging independent decision-making and viewing him as a surrogate for his lost son. Okita's illness triggered multiple medical emergencies, including collapsing during combat against a Garmillas dimensional submarine, necessitating emergency surgery. At the Garmillas capital Baleras, he defied orders to destroy the city with the Wave-Motion Gun, instead using it to save civilians from Leader Dessler's sacrificial ploy.
As the Yamato neared Earth on its return journey, Okita became bedridden. He witnessed Earth from the bridge but succumbed to his illness in orbit. His consciousness merged with the Cosmo Reverse System, replacing Mamoru Kodai's spirit to guide Earth's restoration. Posthumously, his legacy endured through the Yamato crew, particularly Susumu Kodai, who became the ship's third captain. In alternate continuities, such as *Final Yamato*, Okita was revived years later via cryogenic suspension to lead Earth's forces against new threats, a revival distinct from the 2199 timeline.