Review and impressions of "The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Semifinal"

Detailed review and recommendation of The Prince of Tennis Original Video Animation National Tournament Semifinal

overview

The Prince of Tennis Original Video Animation National Tournament Edition Semifinal is the second installment in the OVA series based on the popular manga The Prince of Tennis by Takeshi Konomi. A total of six episodes were released between June 22, 2007 and January 25, 2008. The series follows the tennis club of Seishun Gakuen Junior High School (Seigaku) ​​as they compete in the semifinals of the national tournament. It was directed by Tada Shunsuke, animated by MSC and Production IG, and produced by The Prince of Tennis Project.

story

Seigaku advances to the semi-finals of the national tournament, where their next opponent will be the winner of the match between Shitenhoji and Fudomine. In the match between Shitenhoji and Fudomine, a fateful battle between Chitose Senri and Tachibana Tanpei, once known as the "two strongest in Kyushu," unfolds, with Chitose demonstrating one of her "states of selflessness," the "peak of brilliant genius." In the semi-final between Seigaku and Shitenhoji, Fuji Shusuke, who appeared in singles 3, faces Shitenhoji's captain, Shiraishi Kuranosuke, and struggles despite being pushed into a corner by Shiraishi's perfect tennis. Through this match, the members of Seigaku grow individually and deepen their bonds.

character

The main characters of this work are Ryoma Echizen, Kunimitsu Tezuka, Shuichiro Oishi, Shusuke Fuji, Sadaharu Inui, Eiji Kikumaru, Takashi Kawamura, Takeshi Momoshiro, Kaoru Kaido, Satoshi Horio, etc. from Seigaku. Each of them has a unique tennis style and character, and they grow through the matches. In addition, Kuranosuke Shiraishi, Senri Chitose, Koharu Konjiki, Yuji Ichiji, Kenya Oshitari, Gin Ishida, Hikaru Zaizen, Kintaro Toyama, etc. from Shitenhoji also play important roles. Tanpei Tachibana, Akira Kamio, Shinji Ibuki from Fudomine also add depth to the story.

Production Staff

The film was directed by Shunsuke Tada, character designed by Meiji Ishii, chief animator Kenji Irie, art director Toru Minatani, director of photography Ryuji Hirano, color design by Misako Akama and Yuko Tsumori, editors Yumiko Nunochi and Yukiko Nojiri, music by Cher Watanabe, sound director Takuya Hiramitsu, and produced by Tomoko Takahashi. Animation was handled by MSC and Production IG, production by NAS, and production by The Prince of Tennis Project (NAS, Production IG, Bandai Visual, Marvelous Entertainment, TV Tokyo, Shueisha).

Ratings and Recommendations

"The Prince of Tennis Original Video Animation National Tournament Edition Semifinal" maximizes the appeal of the original work while also creating the depth and tension that only an OVA can provide. In particular, the match between Shitenhoji and Fudomine and the semi-final between Seigaku and Shitenhoji portray the individuality and growth of the characters, and the story development draws the viewer in. In addition, the tennis match scenes are realistic and dynamic, making it enjoyable for not only tennis fans but also anime fans.

The voice actors for the characters are also impressive, including Junko Minagawa, Ryutaro Okiayu, Takayuki Kondo, Kenjiro Tsuda, Yuki Kaida, Hiroki Takahashi, Sei Kawamoto, Kohei Kiyasu, Masaya Onosaka, and Shizuka Onokodaira, whose performances bring out the individuality of each character. The music, by Cher Watanabe, effectively conveys the tension of the match and the emotions of the characters.

This is a must-watch for fans of The Prince of Tennis, and takes advantage of the OVA format to provide a deep story and character development. It is also recommended for fans of tennis and sports anime. You will be especially moved and excited to see how the members of Seigaku compete and grow in the national tournament.

Related Titles

"The Prince of Tennis Original Video Animation National Tournament Arc Semifinal" is part of the Prince of Tennis series and can be enjoyed together with the following related works:

• The Prince of Tennis
• New Prince of Tennis
• The Prince of Tennis: Two Samurai The First Game
• A Gift from Atobe: A Tenipuri Festival Dedicated to You
• The Prince of Tennis the Movie: British Tennis Castle Showdown!
• OVA Prince of Tennis National Tournament Edition
• OVA Prince of Tennis National Tournament Final
• The Prince of Tennis ANOTHER STORY ~Messages of the Past and Future 1
• The Prince of Tennis: Another Story - Messages from the Past and Future 2
• The Prince of Tennis ANOTHER STORY II ~Anotoki no Bokura 1
• The Prince of Tennis ANOTHER STORY II ~Anotoki no Bokura 2
• New Prince of Tennis OVA

Theme songs and music

The theme songs for this film are as follows:

• OP1 "The Miracle I Embrace"
• Lyricist: Tatsuya Watanuki
• Composer: Sly
• Arrangement: Sly
• Song: Aozu
• OP2 "Love's Extremely Lame Climax!"
• Lyricist: Yuki Shirai
• Composer: Osamu Masaki
• Arrangement: Osamu Masaki
• Sung by Danchikiritai
• ED1 "Thank you!!"
• Lyricist: Kaoru Kondo
• Composer: SUPER POP MECH@NICS
• Arrangement: SUPER POP MECH@NICS
• Song: Cap and Bottle

Detailed episode commentary

Below is a detailed explanation of each episode.

Episode 1 Shitenpoji vs Fudomine

The match between Shitenhoji and Fudomine is depicted, and the fateful battle between Chitose Senri and Tachibana Tanpei unfolds. Chitose demonstrates one of her "states of selflessness", "the height of brilliance", which changes the outcome of the match. In this episode, the personalities and tennis styles of the members of Shitenhoji and Fudomine are vividly depicted, and the story development is superb, drawing the viewer in.

Episode 2: Roar

The match between Shitenhoji and Fudomine continues, with both team members giving it their all. In particular, Tachibana Tanpei's aggressive tennis, which gives off an "aura of a beast", is impressive, and the tension of the match increases. In this episode, the characters grow and their bonds deepen, leaving viewers moved.

Episode 3: The Terror of Comedy Tennis

The semi-finals between Seigaku and Shitenhoji begin, with Shitenhoji's Konjiki Koharu and Ichiji Yuji playing "comedy tennis." Their unique tennis style confuses the Seigaku members, but the Seigaku members struggle to counter it. This episode is a mix of humor and tension that will entertain viewers.

Episode 4: Aoyama Gakuin's Burden

Even though the members of Seigaku struggle against Shitenhoji's powerful play, they continue to strengthen their bond as a team. In particular, the growth of Horio Satoshi is depicted, and his contribution to the team is moving. This episode highlights the growth and unity of Seigaku's members, leaving viewers in awe.

Episode 5: Two Doors

The match between Seigaku and Shitenhoji reaches its climax, with each member of Seigaku giving it their all. In particular, the match between Shusuke Fuji and Kuranosuke Shiraishi is tense and captivating. This episode is full of beautiful character development and the outcome of the match, leaving viewers in awe.

Episode 6: One Ball Match!

The match between Seigaku and Shitenhoji reaches its climax, with the Seigaku members exerting their last strength. Ryoma Echizen's performance is particularly impressive, and his growth and contribution to the team are moving. In this episode, the growth and deepening of the bonds between the Seigaku members will move the viewers.

Conclusion

"The Prince of Tennis Original Video Animation National Tournament Arc Semifinal" is a work that maximizes the charm of the original work while producing the depth and tension that only an OVA can provide. The story unfolds with the growth and bonds of the characters, the realism and dynamism of the tennis match scenes, and the gorgeous voice actors and music that draw the viewer in. This work is recommended not only for fans of the Prince of Tennis series, but also for those who like tennis and sports anime. Please watch this work and enjoy how the members of Seigaku compete and grow in the national tournament.