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NYPD Band Plays Yamato Anime Theme at Macy's Parade (Updated)

The New York Police Department Marching Band performed the title theme song from the classic space opera anime Space Battleship Yamato during the 84th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. Weather anchor Al Roker announced the song selection during NBC's live television coverage of the event.

The 53.5-foot-tall (16.3-meter-tall) Pikachu balloon from the Pokémon game and anime franchise made its 10th anniversary appearance this year as well. Joining Pikachu and its Poké Ball were miniature floats of Reshiram and Zekrom, two new Legendary Pokémon in the latest games in the franchise, Pokémon Black and White.

Making their debut were 40-foot-long (about 10-meter-long) balloons of Kaikai and Kiki, the mascot characters of modern artist Takashi Murakami's studio. Kaikai is a childlike character in a rabbit costume, while Kiki is a companion with three eyes and sharp fangs. The duo have appeared in several anime shorts.

The 45-foot-long (14-meter-long) "Super Cute Hello Kitty" balloon returned this year to mark Sanrio's 50th anniversary. Costumed heroes from Power Rangers Samurai, next year's entry in the long-running live-action special-effects franchise, escorted the 14-foot-wide (4.3-meter-long) Planet Earth Balloon.

The Mach 5 car from the Speed Racer (Mach Go Go Go) anime franchise rode through the parade last year.

Thanks to James Moore for the news tip.

Update: The Consulate General of Japan in New York posted a video of the NYPD Marching Band's performance of the same Space Battleship Yamato theme song at Japan Day in New York City's Central Park on June 6. Thanks, yamiangie.