This section opens with the original American release theme from “Star Blazers”. This show is responsible for the beginning of my Ninjamurai nature. Star Trek, nah.Star Wars, not so much.STAR FORCE! Oh yeah baby!

Danger lurking everywhere,but we know we’ve got to dareEvil men with evil schemes,they can’t destroy all our dreams.Through all the fire and the smoke,We will never give up hope,We will keep peace alive,With our Star Blazers!  

Now, this is actually a show called 宇宙戦艦ヤマと or Space Battleship Yamato. It was and still is a very popular show in Japan with oh, let’s see, 5 TV series, 7 Movies and at least 4 separate manga. Whoa.Here is Isao Sasaki singing the original version. I really love it and it certainly didn’t hurt that every time my karaoke club met for about 2 years this was the song we all sang at the end of the night.For a taste of why this show stays with me always, have a look at this video. It is a great use of 10 minutes of your time. The music and scenes here convey the depth and breadth of one of the best animes to ever be made. It is one of the greatest. Jump to 6:55 and watch to the end to see why a kid like me would want to be in the Star Force. The song you hear during this passage is a classic and has been played for Kings, Queens and Emperors, its name is “Rebirth” and was written by the great Hiroshi Miyagawa.As I said previously, this show really shaped my thinking and is one of the prime reasons I am a Superman type rather than a Batman or Wolverine type. I believe in justice. I believe the strong must protect the weak. I long for Camelot and Arthurian court. I carry a sword and shield in my heart.I can’t say it any better:

When the cold dark waves on the shores breakI am around you, found youA gold sword fires and night expiresA long night surrounding youA gold shield glistens and your breath quickensI stand close by over you  

Though not from Yamato, the lyrics of that song “Alchemy of Love” sum up the Star Force and why I am, in my heart, a member of that group of valiant heroes. Silly. Maybe, but considering how many today only think of themselves or their money or ally with evil can you really say it is not a good thing.

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