Leiji Matsumoto Masterpieces to Air for 4 Weeks Straight on BS12 Twelvi’s “Nichiyou Anime Gekijou”! Celebrating 5 Years with Classic Anime Films
Every Sunday at 7 PM, the nationwide free broadcast channel BS12 Twelvi hosts “Nichiyou Anime Gekijou” (Sunday Anime Theater), a special program dedicated to animated feature films and extended anime works. As a grand celebration of “Nichiyou Anime Gekijou”‘s 5th anniversary, October 2025 will feature a spectacular four-week consecutive broadcast of iconic works by the legendary Matsumoto Leiji, including the beloved Gekijouban Ginga Tetsudou 999.
Gekijouban Ginga Tetsudou 999 (Theatrical Edition Galaxy Express 999)
Kicking off the special on October 5th is Gekijouban Ginga Tetsudou 999, the first theatrical feature film in the Ginga Tetsudou 999 series. This animated masterpiece sparked an immense boom in the SF anime genre, captivating audiences far and wide. The story is set in an era where the wealthy can obtain mechanical bodies, following the young boy Hoshino Tetsurou, whose mother was tragically murdered by the Kikai Hakushaku (Count Mechanical). Tetsurou embarks on a perilous journey aboard the Galaxy Express 999, aiming for a distant planet where he hopes to receive a free mechanical body.
This film is renowned as a classic, with Matsumoto Leiji himself handling the planning, original story, and composition, Rin Tarou directing, and Komatsubara Kazuo serving as animation director. The question remains: what destiny awaits Tetsurou as he travels with the enigmatic beauty Maetel aboard the Galaxy Express 999, all in pursuit of a planet that promises a free mechanical body?
Sayonara Ginga Tetsudou 999 Andromeda Shuuchakueki (Adieu Galaxy Express 999: Last Stop Andromeda)
Following on October 12th is Sayonara Ginga Tetsudou 999 Andromeda Shuuchakueki, the second theatrical feature film and a direct sequel to Gekijouban Ginga Tetsudou 999. This installment promises to unravel all the mysteries surrounding the grand universe of Ginga Tetsudou 999 and the countless enigmas tied to the 999, revealing their full scope and truth. What will become of Maetel and Tetsurou?
It’s often said that the first film, despite its record-breaking success, was merely a prologue, as this sequel delves into themes that are even weightier and profoundly deeper. Every aspect—from animation techniques and direction to visual and auditory effects—surpasses its predecessor, making it an extraordinary cinematic achievement.
Waga Seishun no Arcadia (Arcadia of My Youth)
Scheduled for October 19th is Waga Seishun no Arcadia, a captivating tale that depicts the young Harlock, burning with love and justice, traversing the boundless cosmos alongside his colossal spaceship, the Arcadia. Original creator Matsumoto Leiji poured his entire passion into this work, considering it the culmination of his Harlock series. This definitive Harlock adventure unfurls across the screen with a dramatic storyline and magnificent mecha, filling every frame with thrilling action.
Many mysteries surrounding Harlock are finally unveiled: why he lost an eye, who gave him his black cape, and why he became a pirate. The film also introduces Harlock’s beloved for the first time and chronicles his fateful encounters with Tochiro and Emeraldas. This super-animated epic was brought to life by a stellar staff and cast, notably featuring the legendary Ishihara Yuujirou among its voice actors.
1000-nen Joou (Queen Millennia)
Concluding the special on October 26th is 1000-nen Joou, a mystery-romance filled with shock and emotion, based on Matsumoto Leiji’s original work. This is the theatrical version of the anime Shin Taketori Monogatari 1000-nen Joou (which can be translated as “The New Tale of the Bamboo Cutter: Queen Millennia”), expanding the legend to encompass global beauties like Cleopatra, Himiko, and Yang Guifei. The intricate mechanics battling across the vast reaches of space are a hallmark of Matsumoto Leiji’s unique world.
The year is 1999, and Earth plunges into chaos as the distant planet La Metal approaches, predicted to collide in just 180 days. Yukino Yayoi, the heroine who is secretly the 1000-nen Joou, works as a school teacher while also assisting at the Tsukuba Tenmondai (Tsukuba Astronomical Observatory). Alarmed by the movements of her home planet, La Metal, she tries to uncover the truth. However, without knowing anything, Yayoi is suddenly declared to be replaced by a new 1000-nen Joou, which throws her into a turbulent spiral of fate.
Broadcast Schedule Summary
The BS12 Twelvi “Nichiyou Anime Gekijou” Leiji Matsumoto special will air as follows:
- October 5th: Gekijouban Ginga Tetsudou 999
- October 12th: Sayonara Ginga Tetsudou 999 Andromeda Shuuchakueki
- October 19th: Waga Seishun no Arcadia
- October 26th: 1000-nen Joou
For more details, please visit the official website.
Gekijouban Ginga Tetsudou 999 & Sayonara Ginga Tetsudou 999 Andromeda Shuuchakueki (C) Matsumoto Leiji／Reijisha・Toei Animation
Waga Seishun no Arcadia (C) Matsumoto Leiji・Tokyu Agency・Toei
1000-nen Joou (C) Matsumoto Leiji・Reijisha／Fuji Television Network・Toei
By Nakase Koutarou
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