What the hell is going on here?
Yes, yes, I know: it is a heavy metal cover of the Space Cruiser Yamato theme song, by the novelty Japanese pop band Animetal. I have seen SCY, both in its original form and as the hacked-up American version known as Star Blazers. I have gotten drunk at college and chanted “USE THE WAVE MOTION GUN!” at the television screen along with my friends… and sometimes while even watching the show. I have watched the movie that later got revised into the second season, while my then-girlfriend read a translation from a printed out script. I am no otaku, but I am at least operating from a position with some basic knowledge.
All that being said: what the hell is going on, here? What kind of lunatic lets anybody handle a katana blade with ungloved hands?