OVA
Description
Yattaran holds the dual roles of first mate and chief engineer aboard the starship *Arcadia* across multiple Captain Harlock narratives. His distinctive appearance features a stocky build, glasses, and a bandanna emblazoned with a skull and crossbones, typically worn with practical attire like jeans and boots.
His personality balances a dual nature. During routine operations, he often appears relaxed, deeply absorbed in constructing intricate ship models, sometimes to the point of neglecting meals or hygiene. Yet, he transforms into a figure of intense loyalty and courage when the crew faces existential threats, displaying profound dedication to Captain Harlock that includes a willingness to sacrifice his own life. Generally easygoing and viewing the crew as family, he reacts strongly to betrayals or perceived failures, though he remains open to reconciliation should circumstances shift.
As an engineer, Yattaran possesses exceptional technical expertise in starship systems and maintenance. He stands as one of the foremost authorities on the *Arcadia*'s complex structure, surpassed only by its original designer, Tochiro Oyama. This deep understanding allows him to navigate and repair the vessel efficiently, often guiding others through its systems during emergencies. Beyond engineering, he proves a capable combatant, proficient in piloting the *Arcadia* and operating its weaponry during space battles. Some adaptations feature him employing specialized powered armor for close-quarters combat, wielding an axe as his primary weapon. His mathematical aptitude and analytical skills are occasionally highlighted, such as when his structural analysis proves vital.
His background includes a long-standing association with crewmates like Doctor Zero, dating back to their elementary school years. While most narratives leave his recruitment to the *Arcadia* unspecified, he later participates in recruiting new members like Yama, assessing their skills and compatibility. His consistent model-building hobby reflects a deep fascination with vessels and occasionally yields practical applications during missions.
Within the 2013 film continuity, Yattaran's role expands during the conflict against the Gaia Sanction. He initially supports Yama's infiltration, impressed by the recruit's gunnery skills. Following Yama's betrayal, which results in the crew's imprisonment and death sentence, Yattaran becomes distrustful. However, upon witnessing evidence that Earth remains habitable—contrary to Gaia Sanction propaganda—and influenced by crewmate Kei Yuki's advocacy, he assists in freeing the *Arcadia* and disseminating the truth. He participates in defensive actions against boarding parties and endures injury during a major battle, later awakening to find Yama assuming command.
In the OVA *The Endless Odyssey*, Yattaran's loyalty is tested during imprisonment and a death sentence on a prison planet. While details of his specific actions are limited, the *Arcadia*'s efforts to liberate him and others underscore his valued position within the crew. The character draws inspiration from real-life manga artist Kaoru Shintani, Leiji Matsumoto's assistant, who built models for reference during the original series' development.
His personality balances a dual nature. During routine operations, he often appears relaxed, deeply absorbed in constructing intricate ship models, sometimes to the point of neglecting meals or hygiene. Yet, he transforms into a figure of intense loyalty and courage when the crew faces existential threats, displaying profound dedication to Captain Harlock that includes a willingness to sacrifice his own life. Generally easygoing and viewing the crew as family, he reacts strongly to betrayals or perceived failures, though he remains open to reconciliation should circumstances shift.
As an engineer, Yattaran possesses exceptional technical expertise in starship systems and maintenance. He stands as one of the foremost authorities on the *Arcadia*'s complex structure, surpassed only by its original designer, Tochiro Oyama. This deep understanding allows him to navigate and repair the vessel efficiently, often guiding others through its systems during emergencies. Beyond engineering, he proves a capable combatant, proficient in piloting the *Arcadia* and operating its weaponry during space battles. Some adaptations feature him employing specialized powered armor for close-quarters combat, wielding an axe as his primary weapon. His mathematical aptitude and analytical skills are occasionally highlighted, such as when his structural analysis proves vital.
His background includes a long-standing association with crewmates like Doctor Zero, dating back to their elementary school years. While most narratives leave his recruitment to the *Arcadia* unspecified, he later participates in recruiting new members like Yama, assessing their skills and compatibility. His consistent model-building hobby reflects a deep fascination with vessels and occasionally yields practical applications during missions.
Within the 2013 film continuity, Yattaran's role expands during the conflict against the Gaia Sanction. He initially supports Yama's infiltration, impressed by the recruit's gunnery skills. Following Yama's betrayal, which results in the crew's imprisonment and death sentence, Yattaran becomes distrustful. However, upon witnessing evidence that Earth remains habitable—contrary to Gaia Sanction propaganda—and influenced by crewmate Kei Yuki's advocacy, he assists in freeing the *Arcadia* and disseminating the truth. He participates in defensive actions against boarding parties and endures injury during a major battle, later awakening to find Yama assuming command.
In the OVA *The Endless Odyssey*, Yattaran's loyalty is tested during imprisonment and a death sentence on a prison planet. While details of his specific actions are limited, the *Arcadia*'s efforts to liberate him and others underscore his valued position within the crew. The character draws inspiration from real-life manga artist Kaoru Shintani, Leiji Matsumoto's assistant, who built models for reference during the original series' development.