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Captain Juuzou Okita was born on December 8, 2141, in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. He enrolled in the National Space Defense Academy, earning a PhD in astrophysics and forging lasting bonds with fellow student Ryu Hijikata and Hikozaemon Tokugawa, whom he met while serving aboard Defense Ship 36. After graduation, he served in the United Nations Cosmo Navy and fought in the Second Inner Planetary War. He later had a son who also joined the Cosmo Navy.
By 2191, Okita had risen to Admiral and commanded the UNCN Japanese Fleet. He was dispatched to intercept three alien warships near Pluto. Defying orders to open fire immediately, he prioritized the historic opportunity for first contact and was consequently relieved of duty. This decision precipitated a devastating counterattack by Garmillas forces, which obliterated 80% of Earth's fleet and initiated a relentless planetary bombardment with planet bombs. During this conflict, Okita contracted Planet Bomb Syndrome, a chronic and ultimately fatal illness known only to his close confidants and his physician, Sakezo Sado.
In 2198, Okita led Earth’s forces to their first major victory against the Garmillas at the Second Battle of Mars, also called Operation K2. The battle saw the debut of the shock cannon and forced Garmillas forces to retreat from the inner solar system. Okita’s son was among the casualties.
After this victory, Okita was selected to head Program Yamato, a mission to retrieve the Cosmo Reverse System from Iscandar to restore Earth’s biosphere. He was appointed captain of the space battleship Yamato. Before the ship’s launch, he commanded Operation M, a diversion near Pluto that allowed Princess Sasha of Iscandar to deliver the vital Wave-motion Core for the Yamato’s engine. The operation incurred heavy losses, including most of the First Fleet and the life of Mamoru Kodai, who sacrificed himself to cover Okita’s retreat.
During the Yamato’s voyage, Okita’s health declined steadily due to Planet Bomb Syndrome. Despite his condition, he remained dedicated to the mission and mentored the crew, especially Susumu Kodai, whom he saw as a surrogate for his lost son. He expressed remorse for his role in the death of Kodai’s brother and personally authorized Kodai’s promotion to head of the tactics division.
In the events of Odyssey of the Celestial Ark, Okita was shown in his quarters discussing music with Lieutenant Susumu Kodai. Their conversation turned to Kodai’s late brother, illustrating Okita’s enduring influence and emotional ties to the crew. When the Gatlantis forces launched a surprise attack, Okita was not on the bridge, and Kodai assumed command in the absence of senior officers.
After returning to Earth, Okita succumbed to his illness just as the Yamato approached the planet. However, he was later revived through emergency surgery and recuperation by a special medical team assembled on orders from the Earth Defense Force Director. This recovery was due to a misdiagnosis by Dr. Sado, who had declared him dead without exhaustive medical examination. Okita eventually resumed command, preparing the Yamato for relaunch and reassuring the crew about his condition.
Okita’s legacy lived on through the Yamato crew, particularly Susumu Kodai, who became the battleship’s third captain. His leadership and resolve in confronting personal loss and terminal illness continued to inspire those under his command.
By 2191, Okita had risen to Admiral and commanded the UNCN Japanese Fleet. He was dispatched to intercept three alien warships near Pluto. Defying orders to open fire immediately, he prioritized the historic opportunity for first contact and was consequently relieved of duty. This decision precipitated a devastating counterattack by Garmillas forces, which obliterated 80% of Earth's fleet and initiated a relentless planetary bombardment with planet bombs. During this conflict, Okita contracted Planet Bomb Syndrome, a chronic and ultimately fatal illness known only to his close confidants and his physician, Sakezo Sado.
In 2198, Okita led Earth’s forces to their first major victory against the Garmillas at the Second Battle of Mars, also called Operation K2. The battle saw the debut of the shock cannon and forced Garmillas forces to retreat from the inner solar system. Okita’s son was among the casualties.
After this victory, Okita was selected to head Program Yamato, a mission to retrieve the Cosmo Reverse System from Iscandar to restore Earth’s biosphere. He was appointed captain of the space battleship Yamato. Before the ship’s launch, he commanded Operation M, a diversion near Pluto that allowed Princess Sasha of Iscandar to deliver the vital Wave-motion Core for the Yamato’s engine. The operation incurred heavy losses, including most of the First Fleet and the life of Mamoru Kodai, who sacrificed himself to cover Okita’s retreat.
During the Yamato’s voyage, Okita’s health declined steadily due to Planet Bomb Syndrome. Despite his condition, he remained dedicated to the mission and mentored the crew, especially Susumu Kodai, whom he saw as a surrogate for his lost son. He expressed remorse for his role in the death of Kodai’s brother and personally authorized Kodai’s promotion to head of the tactics division.
In the events of Odyssey of the Celestial Ark, Okita was shown in his quarters discussing music with Lieutenant Susumu Kodai. Their conversation turned to Kodai’s late brother, illustrating Okita’s enduring influence and emotional ties to the crew. When the Gatlantis forces launched a surprise attack, Okita was not on the bridge, and Kodai assumed command in the absence of senior officers.
After returning to Earth, Okita succumbed to his illness just as the Yamato approached the planet. However, he was later revived through emergency surgery and recuperation by a special medical team assembled on orders from the Earth Defense Force Director. This recovery was due to a misdiagnosis by Dr. Sado, who had declared him dead without exhaustive medical examination. Okita eventually resumed command, preparing the Yamato for relaunch and reassuring the crew about his condition.
Okita’s legacy lived on through the Yamato crew, particularly Susumu Kodai, who became the battleship’s third captain. His leadership and resolve in confronting personal loss and terminal illness continued to inspire those under his command.