Detailed review and evaluation of The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Arc

The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Arc - Behind the Scenes of the Hot Battles and Emotions

"The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Arc" is a special edition of the anime series based on the popular manga by Takeshi Konomi, and was released in 13 episodes from 2006 to 2007. This OVA depicts the tennis club of Seishun Gakuen Junior High School (commonly known as Seigaku) ​​taking on the national tournament, and is a work that brings out the charm of the original to the fullest. Here, we will explain in detail the details of the OVA, the background to its production, the charm of the characters, and recommended points for viewers.

Story and development

The National Tournament arc begins with the story after Seigaku defeats Rikkaidai Affiliated High School in the Kanto Tournament. With the start of the national tournament, Seigaku will once again face off against a strong school. Their first opponent will be the winner of the match between Rokkaku Junior High School and Higa Junior High School. Higa Junior High School overwhelms Rokkaku Junior High School with their unique tennis style that incorporates Okinawan martial arts, standing in Seigaku's way. Meanwhile, Echizen Ryoma, who has returned from the US Open, appears, and Seigaku's battle begins in earnest.

In each episode, the members of Seigaku face different opponents, each making use of their own individuality and tennis style, aiming to win the national championship. Of particular note are Tezuka Kunimitsu's return to official matches, Ryoma's growth, and scenes where Seigaku's teamwork is put to the test. Although each episode is short at just 23 minutes, the tense game developments and character growth draw viewers in.

Production background and staff

This OVA was directed by Tada Shunsuke under the supervision of the original author Konomi Takeshi. Animation was handled by MSC, with Production IG participating as a production partner. Character design was handled by Ishii Meiji, chief animator Irie Kenji, art director Kawai Ken, cinematography Hirano Ryuji, color design by Akama Misako and Tsumori Yuko, editing by Nunochi Yumiko and Nojiri Yukiko, music by Watanabe Cher, and sound direction by Hiramitsu Takuya. This team of staff worked together to faithfully recreate the worldview of the original work while bringing out new charms that are unique to the OVA.

The production of the OVA was long-awaited by fans of the original work. In particular, by depicting the setting of the national tournament, it was possible to depict in detail how the members of Seigaku grow and compete against the strongest schools in the country. In addition, the OVA format was also praised for being able to carefully depict the detailed match scenes and character emotions that could not be fully depicted in the TV series.

Character Appeal

Each member of Seishun Academy has their own unique personality, and their passion and efforts for tennis are depicted. In particular, the main character, Echizen Ryoma, returns from the US Open and shows even more growth. His genius tennis sense and overwhelming technique captivate the audience. In addition, each character's charm stands out, such as Tezuka Kunimitsu's leadership, Oishi Shuichiro's gentle personality, Fuji Shusuke's elegant play, Inui Sadaharu's data-oriented strategy, Kikumaru Eiji's acrobatic play, Kawamura Takashi's power play, Momoshiro Takeshi's super shots, and Kaido Kaoru's hard-working attitude.

The characters from schools other than Seigaku are also fascinating. The unique characters from each school, such as the charisma of Keigo Atobe from Hyoutei Academy, the power of Seiichi Yukimura as a child of God from Rikkaidai Affiliated High School, and the cool-headed playing style of Eishiro Kite from Higa Junior High School, add excitement to the story. The national tournament where these characters intersect provides viewers with a lot of excitement and emotion.

Music and theme song

The music for the OVA was written by Watanabe Cher, and brings out the tension and emotion that matches each scene. The background music for the match scenes in particular has the power to draw the viewer in. The theme songs are also an important element in enhancing the appeal of the OVA. The opening theme, "Flower -Sakuranka-", is sung by GIGS, and its powerful melody and lyrics symbolize Seigaku's battles. The ending theme, "Hello & Goodbye", is sung by Kondo Kaoru, and its gentle melody conveys the growth and farewell of Seigaku's members, leaving a strong impression.

Recommendation points for viewers

"The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Arc" is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like tennis and sports anime. In particular, the following points are the reasons for the recommendation.

• Tense match scenes : The match scenes depicted in each episode not only show tennis techniques and strategies, but also depict the characters' psychological states in detail, drawing viewers in.
• Character Growth : The process of how the members of Seigaku grow and compete against the strong schools in the national tournament is carefully depicted. The growth of Ryoma and Tezuka in particular is impressive.
• Unique characters : Not only the characters from Seigaku but also the characters from other schools are unique and attractive. The national tournament where each character intersects provides viewers with a lot of excitement and emotion.
• Music and Themes : Cher Watanabe's music and Kaoru Kondo's theme songs and GIGS's music add to the appeal of the OVA. The background music during the match scenes in particular has the power to draw the viewer in.

Related works and the appeal of the series as a whole

"The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Arc" occupies an important position in the entire series. This OVA, an animated version of the original National Tournament Arc, depicts the members of Seigaku Academy as they strive to win the national championship, and can be considered the climax of the series. In addition, related works such as "The New Prince of Tennis" and "The Prince of Tennis: Two Samurai The First Game" were released after the OVA, so you can enjoy the entire series.

The appeal of the entire series is the depiction of youth and friendship, as well as effort and growth, through the sport of tennis. The process of how the members of Seigaku grow and compete against strong schools in the national tournament is carefully depicted. In addition, each character's personality and tennis style stand out, providing viewers with a lot of excitement and emotion. The Prince of Tennis series, which combines these elements, is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like tennis and sports anime.

Conclusion

"The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Arc" is a work that brings out the charm of the original work to the fullest, carefully depicting how the members of Seigaku grow and compete against strong schools in the national tournament. It is full of many charms, such as tense match scenes, character growth, unique characters, music and theme songs. This work is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like tennis and sports anime. Please watch this OVA and enjoy the exciting stage and the heated battles as the members of Seigaku aim to win the national championship.