A thorough review of the New Prince of Tennis OVA! What is its appeal?

A thorough review of the New Prince of Tennis OVA! What is its appeal?

The New Prince of Tennis OVA: A story of new challenges and growth in tennis

The New Prince of Tennis OVA is an anime based on the popular manga The New Prince of Tennis by Takeshi Konomi, and was released on April 20, 2012. It contains a total of seven episodes in OVA format, each about 25 minutes long. As a sequel to the Prince of Tennis series, this work depicts a deeper story and character growth. Below, we will introduce the detailed content, characters, staff, and appeal of this OVA in detail.

Overview

The New Prince of Tennis OVA begins with Ryoma Echizen and other junior high school students from Seishun Gakuen being invited to a training camp for the U-17 (Under Seventeen) Japan national team. The camp is a rigorous training ground for those aiming to become the best tennis players in the world, where they experience new challenges and grow. The OVA begins the night before the camp, and each episode is told from the perspective of a different character.

story

The first episode of the OVA, "The Night Before the Invitation," depicts the night before the Seishun Gakuen Junior High School tennis club members are invited to the U-17 Japan National Team training camp. Ryoma and the other members are both excited and anxious about the training camp, but they are determined to test their strength. This episode delves deeply into the personalities and backgrounds of each character, and includes many important scenes that serve as catalysts for their growth.

In the following episodes, the characters will face their challenges and grow through rigorous training and matches at the training camp. There are plenty of highlights to look forward to, especially Ryoma's showdown with Tezuka and the fight with Atobe Keigo of Hyoutei Academy. New characters will also appear in the OVA, and through their interactions with them, the existing characters will gain new perspectives.

character

Many of the original characters make an appearance in the "New Prince of Tennis OVA." Below, we will introduce the main characters and their characteristics.

Junior high school students

Seishun Gakuen Junior High School

  • Ryoma Echizen (1st year) : A genius tennis player who has won the US Junior Championships four times in a row. With his overwhelming technique and tennis sense, he takes on strong opponents no matter the adversity.
  • Kunimitsu Tezuka (3rd year) : Captain of the tennis club. A nationally known player, he leads the club with rational behavior.
  • Shuichiro Oishi (3rd year) : Vice-captain of the tennis club. He supports the cool Tezuka with his gentle personality, and his doubles with Kikumaru are highly accomplished.
  • Shusuke Fuji (3rd year) : A genius who hides a demon behind his elegant smile. He has excellent technique and a brilliant counter move.
  • Sadaharu Inui (3rd year) : The best information gatherer in the tennis club. A data-oriented theorist, he is highly trusted by the club members.
  • Eiji Kikumaru (3rd year) : A sensitive tennis player who excels at acrobatic play that allows him to move freely around the court.
  • Kawamura Takashi (3rd year) : He is usually a gentle person, but when he picks up a racket he switches into "combat mode" and power tennis is his weapon.
  • Takeshi Momoshiro (2nd year) : His weapon is a super shot that makes use of his strong spring. He is in a rival relationship with Kaido, but he also has a caring side for his juniors.
  • Kaoru Kaido (2nd year) : A hard worker who uses the "Snake" return shot, which is hit at an acute angle. He is in a rival relationship with Momoshiro.

Hyoutei Academy Junior High School

  • Keigo Atobe (3rd year) : Captain of the tennis club. He leads 200 members with his charisma and ability. He has a wide range of skills and the ability to take control of a match.
  • Oshitari Yuji (3rd year) : Hyoutei's most genius. He speaks in Kansai dialect, has a poker face, and is a tricky character who doesn't show his emotions even during matches.
  • Ryo Shishido (3rd year) : A tough guy who works hard and paves his own way in any situation. He returns to the regular lineup with an indomitable spirit at Hyoutei, where losers are discarded.
  • Takehito Mukohito (3rd year) : He is good at acrobatic play that makes full use of his jumping power and flexible physical ability. Mr. Acrobatic is fascinated by the aesthetics of flight.
  • Jiro Akutagawa (3rd year) : He is a player who plays at his own pace in the meritocracy of Hyoutei. By playing against superior players, his dormant powers are awakened.
  • Kabaji Takahiro (2nd year) : Always expressionless and silent. He is absolutely obedient to Atobe's orders, and his obedience is the backbone of his strength.
  • Chotaro Otori (2nd year) : He is good at squad serves, taking advantage of his height. Although he may seem quiet at first glance, he has a strong fighting spirit and ambition.
  • Hiyoshi Waka (2nd year) : A young warrior with a strong desire to improve who will lead the next Hyotei. He has his own unique form that incorporates the forms of ancient martial arts.

Rikkaidai Junior High School

  • Seiichi Yukimura (3rd year) : Captain of the tennis club. The nobleman of the tennis court who leads the ever-victorious Rikkai tennis club. A talented player known as the "son of God."
  • Genichiro Sanada (3rd year) : Vice-captain of the tennis club. A strict iron man who does not tolerate compromise or defeat. He keeps the club in order while Yukimura is away.
  • Renji Yanagi (3rd year) : A calm and collected data man. As Rikkai's strategist, he is the backbone of the club, supporting it from a distance.
  • Masaharu Niou (3rd year) : A trickster on the court who confuses his opponents with his versatile and unpredictable play.
  • Hiroshi Yagyu (3rd year) : He may appear cool at first glance, but he is a passionate person with a strong obsession for victory. He is a gentleman who is kind and considerate towards his opponents.
  • Jackal Kuwahara (3rd year) : His wide defensive range allows him to pick up any ball. He is called the man with four lungs and has physical abilities that are out of the ordinary for a Japanese person.
  • Akaya Kirihara (2nd year) : A belligerent character who has a humorous side but is ruthless towards opponents. His specialty is the knuckle serve.

Higa Junior High School

  • Eishiro Kite (3rd year) : Captain of the tennis club. He is feared as a "killer" due to his ruthless and cold-hearted playing style, but inside he is bursting with hot passion.
  • Yujiro Kai (3rd year) : A master of versatile tricks. He is moody, but when he gets into "serious mode" it is very difficult to control his excitement.
  • Hirakoba Rin (3rd year) : Cheerful Okinawan temperament and gorgeous play. Hates being tied down, and has pride and passion for being true to herself.
  • Hiroshi Chinen (3rd year) : He doesn't show his emotions and speaks very little. He gives off an eerie sense of fear that makes it difficult for others to read his mind.
  • Tanishi Hui (3rd year) : A powerful player who can kill with one hit. He is short-tempered and belligerent. He shouts intimidatingly and knocks his opponents flying with his power.

Shitenhoji Junior High School

  • Kuranosuke Shiraishi (3rd year) : Captain of the tennis club. He leads Shitenhoji, a team of outstanding talents. His play, which has mastered the basics, is called the Bible.
  • Senri Senri (3rd year) : She is dedicated to tennis and her own "potential". She is good at "absolute predictions".
  • Kin'iro Koharu (3rd year) : With an IQ of 200, she has the spirit of an entertainer and can work out all the steps to victory. She adheres to the spirit of "making people laugh is the winner."
  • Yuji Ichiji (3rd year) : He pairs up with Koharu and is devoted to her even in his private life. He copies not only his opponent's techniques, but also their voices and gestures, causing chaos.
  • Kenya Oshitari (3rd year) : A speedster from Naniwa who can catch up with any ball with his high speed movements. He is the cousin of Yuji Oshitari of Hyoutei.
  • Gin Ishida (3rd year) : A seeker of the way who uses his overwhelming power to seal it. He is called "master" because of his manner of beginning and ending with a bow.
  • Hikaru Zaizen (2nd year) : A talented guy who won a regular spot at Shitenhoji as a 2nd year student. He is not intimidated by his seniors and is a light-hearted guy.
  • Kintaro Toyama (1st year) : His play style reflects his innocent personality. His small body contains incredible strength, explosiveness, and endurance.

Fudomine Junior High School

  • Kippei Tachibana (3rd year) : Captain of the tennis club. He exudes an "aura of a beast" and plays aggressive tennis. He was once a national player known as the "Kyushu Two Wings."
  • Akira Kamio (2nd year) : Nicknamed the Speed ​​Ace. A hard worker who never neglects training to make the most of his natural speed.
  • Shinji Ibuki (2nd year) : He has a cool playing style but a burning passion in his heart. He uses his keen observation skills to hit his opponents' weaknesses.

St. Rudolph Junior High School

  • Mizuki Hajime (3rd year) : Leads the team as both player and manager. Develops scenario tennis by collecting and analyzing data.
  • Fuji Yuta (2nd year) : He is good at twist spin shots. He continues to grow through strong mental strength and hard work. He is the younger brother of Fuji Shusuke from Seigaku.

Yamabuki Junior High School

  • Kiyosumi Sengoku (3rd year) : He is a genius with his dynamic vision and skillful game making. He is known as "Lucky Sengoku" for his strong luck.
  • Jin Akutsu (3rd year) : A beast-like player with a fighting instinct. A once-in-a-decade talent in the tennis world with incredible physical abilities.
  • Kentaro Minami (3rd year) : He plays steadily and faithfully to the basics, without losing his pace. He toyed with opponents with precise sign plays.
  • Masami Higashikata (3rd year) : Her weapons are ball control and sharp serves. She is called "plain" because of her low presence.

Rokkaku Junior High School

  • Harukaze Kuroba (3rd year) : He has an honest and refreshing personality and is like an older brother to Rokkaku Junior High School. He is good at power tennis, making the most of his high athletic ability and tall stature.
  • Hikaru Amane (2nd year) : Uses a long racket made specially for him by Ojii. He has a strong physique and uses his power to defeat opponents with aggressive play.

Nagoya Seitoku Junior High School

  • Liliadent Kuratoza (1st year) : After losing at the national tournament, he stayed in Japan and became a naturalized citizen to improve his skills. His specialty is the Southern Cross, which uses his power to pin his opponent to the fence.

Makinofuji Academy

  • Kadowaki Satoru (3rd year) : Plays a style of tennis he calls "super tennis."

Saint Icarus

  • Richard Sakata (3rd year) : Plays speed tennis, making use of his speed.

Threesome

  • Satoshi Horio (first year) : A member of the Seigaku tennis club. He has a playful and humorous personality. He is asked by Ryoma to deliver a mysterious package to the training camp.
  • Dan Taichi (first year) : Member of the Yamabuki Junior High School tennis club. He has an honest and hardworking personality. He comes to the training camp to deliver a charm to his admired senior, Akutsu.
  • Shiita Urayama (first year) : A member of the Rikkai Tennis Club. He has a distinctive way of speaking, and ends his sentences with "yansu." He comes to the training camp to see the seniors who were selected for the national team.

high school student

  • Tokugawa Kazuya (2nd year) : A talented player who is on the top court at the U-17 Japan National Team training camp. He adheres to a completely meritocratic approach.
  • Kanata Irie (2nd year) : Court No. 3. He is calm and gentle, and is kind to the junior high school students, but he has a mysterious air about him.
  • Onijiro Oni (3rd year) : He belongs to Court No. 5. He is feared as the "watchdog of hell" because he keeps defeating lower-ranked players. He is full of manliness and is loved by the other players.
  • Yamato Yudai (2nd year) : Court 3. Former captain of Aoyama Gakuin. He will face Tezuka, the current captain of Aoyama Gakuin, in the shuffle match singles 2 on Court 5.

coach

  • Yukio Kurobe : Strategic coach for the U-17 Japan national team. He analyzes the players in detail and provides guidance from a theoretical perspective. He is in charge of the training camp during the absence of the head coach.
  • Saito Itaru : Mental coach for the U-17 Japan national team. He puts the players through tough challenges to strengthen their mentality. He is easygoing and gives the impression of being a bit absent-minded.
  • Ryuji Tsuge : Circuit coach for the U-17 Japan national team. He imposes rigorous training on the players to improve their physical strength.

staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "The New Prince of Tennis OVA." The main staff members are introduced below.

  • Original author : Takeshi Konomi (serialized in Shueisha's Jump SQ.)
  • Director : Hideyo Yamamoto
  • Series Composition : Mitsutaka Hirota
  • Character design : Meiji Ishii
  • Sound Director : Takuya Hiramitsu
  • Music : Watanabe Cher
  • Produced by : NAS
  • Animation production : Production IG, MSC
  • Production : New Prince of Tennis Project

cast

The voice actors for the OVA are also impressive, and their performances bring out the individuality of each character. The main cast is introduced below.

  • Ryoma Echizen : Junko Minagawa
  • Kunimitsu Tezuka : Ryotaro Okiayu
  • Shuichiro Oishi : Takayuki Kondo
  • Shusuke Fuji : Yuki Kaida
  • Sadaharu Inui : Kenjiro Tsuda
  • Eiji Kikumaru : Hiroki Takahashi
  • Takashi Kawamura : Sei Kawamoto
  • Takeshi Momoshiro : Masaya Onosaka
  • Kaoru Kaido : Kohei Kiyasu
  • Kazuya Tokugawa : Daisuke Ono
  • Kanata Irie : Yuuki Aiba
  • Oni Jujiro : Daichi Endo
  • Yukio Kurobe : Kaiji Soyo
  • Itaru Saito : Mitsuru Miyamoto
  • Ryuji Tsuge : Kenichiro Matsuda
  • Satoshi Horio : Tree Noriyoshi Yamazaki
  • Dan Taichi : Yumiko Kobayashi
  • Shiita Urayama : Asato Takase
  • Keigo Atobe : Junichi Suwabe
  • Yuji Oshitari : Hidenobu Kiuchi
  • Ryo Shishido : Toshiyuki Kusuda
  • Chotaro Otori : Daisuke Namikawa
  • Seiichi Yukimura : Sachiko Nagai
  • Genichiro Sanada : Daisuke Kusunoki
  • Hiroshi Yagyu : Eisuke Tsuda
  • Akaya Kirihara : Shoutarou Morikubo
  • Eishiro Kite : Tarusuke Araki
  • Kuranosuke Shiraishi : Yoshimasa Hosoya
  • Golden Koharu : Rei Naito
  • Kintaro Toyama : Yu Sugimoto
  • Jin Akutsu : Nozomu Sasaki
  • Akira Kamio : Chihiro Suzuki
  • Mt. Mukohi : Soichiro Hoshi
  • Masaharu Niou : Hiroo Masuda
  • Hiyoshi Waka : Masami Iwasaki

Theme songs and music

The theme songs of OVAs are also an important element in enhancing the appeal of the works. Below we will introduce the theme songs and their details.

OP1

  • "To Our Future"
  • Lyricist: Natsuno Seriko
  • Composer: Yoshiki Kawamura
  • Arrangement: Aoi Yoshitake
  • Vocals: Norimasa Fujisawa

ED1

  • "ENJOY"
  • Lyrics: Aoi Kato, UZA
  • Composer: Rie
  • Arrangement: Yasutaka Mizushima
  • Sung by: Amikyu Danji (a new unit consisting of Ryoma Echizen, Kunimitsu Tezuka, Bunta Marui, Akaya Kirihara, Kenya Oshitari, and Kintaro Toyama)

Related Titles

"The New Prince of Tennis OVA" is part of the Prince of Tennis series and has deep ties to the following related works:

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

Ratings and Recommendations

"The New Prince of Tennis OVA" is a work that draws out the charm of the original work to the fullest while depicting a new story and character growth. Because it is an OVA format, the story unfolds from a different perspective in each episode, providing viewers with fresh surprises and excitement. In particular, the setting of the U-17 Japan national team training camp is the perfect place to depict the characters' growth in more depth, and it has been praised for depicting not only their tennis skills but also their mental growth.

The voice acting by the all-star cast is also superb, bringing out the individuality of each character more vividly. The theme song is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and has the power to capture the hearts of viewers.

This OVA is recommended not only for fans of the Prince of Tennis series, but also for those who like sports anime and youth stories. It is a must-see, especially for those who can relate to themes such as character growth, friendship, and hard work. Furthermore, because it is in OVA format, the story unfolds from a different perspective in each episode, so you will discover something new no matter how many times you watch it.

"The New Prince of Tennis OVA" is a new chapter in the Prince of Tennis series and is loved by many viewers. We hope you will enjoy the story of the characters' challenges and growth through this work.

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