Review of "Eleven Red Blood": A touching soccer anime full of blood and tears

"The Red-Blooded Eleven": A passionate story of soccer and youth

■Overview of the work

"Eleven Red-Blooded Vanguard" is a TV anime series that aired on Nippon Television from 1970 to 1971. It is based on a manga by Kajiwara Ikki, and aired for a total of 52 episodes from April 13, 1970 to April 5, 1971. Each episode was 30 minutes long, and it captivated many viewers as a sports anime. It was produced by Tokyo Television Animation, and the director was Yamada Ken in the early stages and Okasako Nobuhiro from the middle period onwards. Copyright belongs to Kajiwara Ikki, Sonoda Mitsuyoshi, NTV, Tokyo Television Animation, and Nippon Television.

■ Story

Shingo Tamai, who entered Shinsei High School in Saitama Prefecture, was known as a problem child, but had a passion for soccer. He met former Japanese national team player Tenpei Matsuki, who was invited to Shinsei High School as a coach, and established a soccer club under his guidance. However, Shingo rebelled against Matsuki's strict instruction, so he formed a second soccer club and challenged Matsuki's soccer club. Although he was completely defeated in a match that followed the official rules, Shingo was impressed by Matsuki's passion for soccer and his coaching skills, and decided to take soccer seriously. Shingo grew up with his killer submarine shot as a weapon, and grew into a world-class player who competed against Brazil Junior as a central player in the Japan Junior League.

■Explanation

"Red-Blooded Eleven" was broadcast about 20 years before the birth of the J-League, and is known as a sports anime that sparked a soccer boom among young boys. The setting of the work is the prestigious Minami-Urawa High School (formerly Urawa Municipal Minami High School), and the main character, Tamai Shingo, is modeled after Nagai Yoshikazu (formerly of Furukawa Electric). The production of the anime was a big effort, with interviews conducted at Yomiuri Soccer Club (now Tokyo Verdy) and a special program "Eve Festival" featuring the original author aired one week before the broadcast. From episode 40 onwards, the title was changed to "Soccer Guys Red-Blooded Eleven" and an original story was created about a match between Japan Junior, the team Tamai belongs to, and Brazil Junior.

■Cast

• Shingo Tamai: Ryoichi Tanaka
• Matsuki Tenpei: Ichiro Murakoshi
• Yosuke Ohira: Shingo Kanemoto
• Jun Misugi: Osamu Ichikawa
• Ken Santos: Koji Nakata
• Narrator: Goro Naya (episodes 1 to 18)

■ Main staff

• Planning: Kensuke Fujii
• Original author: Ikki Kajiwara
• Publication: Weekly Shonen King
• Record: Elm Records
• Art director: Masahiro Ioka, Hajime Numai and others
• General Director: Ken Yamada (early period), Nobuhiro Okasako (mid-period and later)
• Producers: Hiroo Mishima, Nobuyuki Takahashi, Masao Ikeda
• Production manager: Yasuhiko Saga
• Photo by: Takashi Wakabayashi
• Director of photography: Masami Moriizumi
• Edited by Tomoaki Tsurubuchi
• Audio Production: Kinzo Azusa
• Effects: Takayoshi Ohira, Shigeru Miyashita
• Supported by: Yomiuri Soccer Club, Yomiuri Land
• Theme song
  • OP "Eleven of Red Blood"
  • Lyricist: Ikki Kajiwara
  • Composer: Yasuo Osawa
  • Sung by: Formates
  • Ending Theme: "My Friend Shingo Tamai"
  • Lyricist: Ikki Kajiwara
  • Composer: Yasuo Osawa
  • Sung by: Formates

■ Main Characters

• Shingo Tamai: A high school student who is a problem child aiming to become the leader of the gang, but is a passionate person at heart. Under the guidance of his coach, Matsuki, his talent blossoms and he grows into a world-class player, mastering killer shots such as the submarine shot that sinks in front of the goalkeeper and the U-turn shot that splits the ball into two.
• Tenpei Matsuki: A genius goalkeeper who was called the "Goal Tiger" during his active career. A former member of the Japanese national soccer team and a bronze medalist at the Mexico Olympics. He is invited to a new high school where he teaches Shingo and his friends friendship and teamwork, and helps bring the soccer club to the national level.
• Yosuke Ohira: A big guy who speaks in Kansai dialect. He is a third-year student and is the leader of the gang, but he becomes acquainted with Tamai when he aims for the position. He joins the soccer club with Tamai and grows up.
• Jun Misugi: Captain of the Asakaze High School soccer team. He has a cool and intelligent personality, the polar opposite of Shingo. He is a formidable opponent who tormented Shinsei High School with his screw shot, which sends the ball spinning wildly and sends the keeper flying, and his razor-sharp dribbling.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: Gather around this ball!
• Episode 2: Rebel Kick
• Episode 3: The Wolves' Challenge
• Episode 4: Bloody Battle
• Episode 5: The Storm Ball
• Episode 6: I am the sun
• Episode 7: The Deadly Drop Kick
• Episode 8: Duel in the Sunset
• Episode 9: What's my goal?
• Episode 10: Rival Jun Misugi appears
• Episode 11: The Left Back's Tears
• Episode 12: I'll shoot!
• Episode 13: Training to reach the goal
• Episode 14: Don't shoot!
• Episode 15: Who is the hero?
• Episode 16: Forbidden Submarine Shoot
• Episode 17: Fire-breathing rocket shot
• Episode 18: The Burning Magic Ball
• Episode 19: A Wounded Rival
• Episode 20: Submarine in the Sky
• Episode 21: The Disappearance of Jun Misugi
• Episode 22: The Submarine Returns
• Episode 23: Fork Shoot Gojuro Yamagata
• Episode 24: Watch Me! My Submarine Shot
• Episode 25: Defeat Jun Misugi!
• Episode 26: Roar! Submarine Shoot
• Episode 27: The Phantom Goalkeeper, Tsuyoshi Ueoka
• Episode 28: Blindfolded Diving Catch
• Episode 29: The Ironclad Goal
• Episode 30: The Soccer Demon Brothers
• Episode 31: Air Spin Kick
• Episode 32: Karate's Hayato Taki
• Episode 33: Wind-Cutting Cross Attack
• Episode 34: Father's Secret
• Episode 35: The Demon Brothers Kamioka Come!
• Episode 36: The Tornado Shot of Determination
• Episode 37: Demon Ueoka's 10 consecutive wins!!
• Episode 38: A Challenge from the Demon Brothers
• Episode 39: Congratulations on the shot
• Episode 40: The Brazilian Black Panther
• Episode 41: The world's top scorer, Beret, is here!
• Episode 42: Black Panther's Killer Shot
• Episode 43: The Golden Right Leg
• Episode 44: Demon Coach Yaejima
• Episode 45: Roaring Black Jaguar
• Episode 46: The Right Leg Returns
• Episode 47: Jungle Killers
• Episode 48: Ken Santos' Mother
• Episode 49: The Soccer Twins
• Episode 50: Burn! Sun Eleven
• Episode 51: Roar! Hayabusa Shoot
• Episode 52: A pitch that challenges the world

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Eleven Red-Blooded Eagles" continues to be loved by many fans as a monumental achievement in sports anime. Its appeal lies in the story of the protagonist Tamai Shingo's growth, and the drama of friendship, effort, setbacks and recovery depicted through the sport of soccer. In particular, the scene in which Tamai learns his deadly submarine shot under the tutelage of Matsuki Tenpei and goes head-to-head with his rival Misugi Jun left a strong impression on viewers. In addition, the importance of teamwork and the bonds between teammates depicted throughout the series have earned it high praise as a coming-of-age anime.

In terms of the anime production, it has also been praised for its dynamic match scenes that made full use of the technology of the time, and for the way it brought out the individuality of the characters. In particular, the special moves, such as the Submarine Shoot and Screw Shoot, were visually very impactful and became a hot topic among children. In addition, the fusion of the storytelling of the original author, Ikki Kajiwara, and the direction of directors, Ken Yamada and Nobuhiro Okasako, has resulted in the entire work being completed as a consistent and passionate drama.

■Influences and historical background of the work

"Eleven Red-Blooded Men" sparked a soccer boom in Japan in the 1970s. At the time, the J-League did not exist and soccer was considered a minor sport, but the broadcast of this anime made many children interested in soccer. In addition, the setting of the work, Minami-Urawa High School, and the model for the main character, Nagai Yoshikazu, were based on real people and places, which also became a hot topic and gave viewers a sense of familiarity.

Furthermore, at the time of broadcast, the production team's efforts were conveyed to viewers through interviews with Yomiuri Soccer Club (now Tokyo Verdy) and a special program "Eve Festival" featuring the original author, which had the effect of raising expectations for the work. The title change and original story development from episode 40 also gave viewers a fresh surprise, further increasing the popularity of the work.

■Charm of the characters

Each character in "Eleven Red-Blooded Men" is unique and charming. The protagonist, Shingo Tamai, is depicted growing from a troubled child into a soccer player, evoking sympathy from viewers. His passionate personality and the efforts he puts into mastering his deadly submarine shot have given many children hope and dreams. Additionally, Matsuki Tenpei's strictness and kindness as a coach, as well as the story of his past glory and failure, have deeply touched viewers.

His rival, Jun Misugi, is portrayed as a cool, intelligent player with a powerful screw shot and razor-sharp dribbling skills, and the showdown scene with Tamai is one of the highlights of the series. Yosuke Ohira's character as a large man who speaks in Kansai dialect also played an important role in portraying humor and friendship. The drama woven by these characters leaves a strong impression on viewers and enhances the appeal of the series.

■Music and theme songs

The theme song for "Eleven of Red Blood," "Eleven of Red Blood," and the ending theme, "Waga Tomo Tamai Shingo," were both sung by The Formates, with lyrics by the original author, Ikki Kajiwara, and music by Yasuo Osawa. These songs were important elements that heightened the excitement of the drama, and left a strong impression on viewers. The opening theme, "Eleven of Red Blood," in particular, was loved by many fans for its lyrics and melody that symbolized the theme of the work.

■Recommendations and viewing methods

"Eleven Red-Blooded Eagles" is a monumental example of sports anime, and is still loved by many fans today. The drama of youth depicted through the sport of soccer and the story of the characters' growth can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults. Also, by learning about the historical background and influences of the work, you will be able to understand and enjoy it more deeply.

You can watch them by purchasing DVDs or Blu-rays, or by streaming services. Streaming services in particular allow you to watch all episodes of a work at once, making it easier to follow the flow of the story. There is also active information exchange on fan sites and social media, where you can discuss the work and share your thoughts about it, allowing you to enjoy the work even more.

Conclusion

"Eleven Red-Blooded Men" is a monumental sports anime that depicts a passionate story of soccer and youth. The story of the protagonist Tamai Shingo's growth, his confrontation with rivals, and the drama that depicts the importance of teamwork will deeply move viewers. Also, by learning about the historical background and influences of the work, you can understand and enjoy it more deeply. Please watch this work and experience its charm for yourself.