Renowned sculptor and designer Takayuki Takeya has officially been announced as the special effects artist for “Hakunetsu no Ginga Taisen” (The Incandescent Galactic War), the fifth film in the “Yamato yo Towa ni: Rebel 3199” (Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199) series. The announcement, made on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, also included the reveal of some of Takeya’s distinctive designs for the upcoming film, which is slated to open in Japan on February 20, 2026.
Takeya, celebrated for his intricate and organic designs in various tokusatsu and film projects, brings a unique artistic vision to the latest installment of the iconic Space Battleship Yamato franchise.
A Master of Special Effects and Creature Design
Takayuki Takeya, born in Hokkaido in 1963, has built a formidable reputation as a sculptor and concept artist. His work is highly regarded for its skillful sculpting technique and distinctive, often organic, designs. He has contributed to a wide array of projects across film, television, toys, and figurines.
Notable Works and Artistic Style
Takeya’s extensive portfolio includes significant contributions to major Japanese productions. He directed the template production and modeling of ultra-huge figures for films such as Shin Godzilla and Attack on Titan. His expertise extends to creating figure prototypes for popular series like Kamen Rider and Final Fantasy, and he has been involved in the art design of other special effects works like GARO.
Known for his “awe-inspiring sculpting” and an almost incomparable enthusiasm for “bone” structures, Takeya often incorporates parts replicated from real animal bones into his creations, showcasing his mastery of organic mechanical design and creature works. His unique approach promises to add a compelling visual dimension to the Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199 series.
The “Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199” Film Series
“Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199” is the latest project in the ongoing remakes of the classic Space Battleship Yamato anime series. It serves as a sequel to Star Blazers 2205 and is a remake of both the 1980 film Be Forever Yamato and Space Battleship Yamato III. The series is planned for a total of seven films, which will also be released as a 26-episode TV series.
Previous Installments and Release Schedule
The first film in the “Rebel 3199” series, titled “Kuro no Shinryaku” (Dark Invasion), premiered in July 2024. This was followed by the second film, “Sekijitsu no Shutsugeki” (The Assault of the Burning Sun), which opened in November 2024. The third film, “Gunjō no Asteroid” (Ultramarine Asteroid), debuted on April 11, 2025. The fourth installment, “Mizuiro no Sasha” (The Aqua Sasha), opened on October 10, 2025, with its Blu-ray Disc and DVD release scheduled for December 24, 2025.
The upcoming fifth film, “Hakunetsu no Ginga Taisen,” with Takeya’s special effects contributions, is set to continue the epic narrative. Crunchyroll is streaming the anime internationally under the title Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199. The consistent release schedule and the involvement of acclaimed artists like Takayuki Takeya underscore the production’s commitment to delivering a high-quality continuation of the beloved space opera.
