Captain Tsubasa 2018: Elementary School Edition Review and Evaluation

The appeal and influence of the 2018 Captain Tsubasa anime series

Captain Tsubasa is an anime series based on the original manga by Yoichi Takahashi, and the 2018 version, the fourth since the first edition in 1981, focuses on the elementary school arc. The series aired on TV Tokyo from April 3, 2018 to April 2, 2019, entertaining audiences for a long period of time with a total of 52 episodes. Animation was produced by David Production, and the director was Toshiyuki Kato.

Story and Characters

The story begins when the talented soccer boy Ozora Tsubasa transfers to Nankatsu Elementary School. Tsubasa develops his soccer skills and grows as he faces off against national rivals such as Wakabayashi Genzo and Hyuga Kojiro. The appeal of this work lies in its refreshing storyline and unique characters. In particular, the individuality of each character stands out, such as Tsubasa's belief that "the ball is my friend" and Wakabayashi's strong will to "stop all shots from outside the penalty area." Also not to be missed are the depth of the human relationships, such as the "golden duo" with Misaki Taro and the master-disciple relationship with Roberto Hongo.

The skills of the characters are also one of the highlights. Viewers are astonished by the appearance of a series of moves that would be impossible in real life, such as Tsubasa's "Drive Shot" and Hyuga's "Falcon Shot." These skills not only teach children the joy of soccer, but also have influenced real soccer players, sparking a "Captain Tsubasa boom" around the world. Many professional soccer players both in Japan and abroad are said to have been inspired by this series.

Animation and Music

The 2018 version of Captain Tsubasa was produced using modern animation technology. In particular, the soccer game scenes have more realistic depictions of the players' movements and the ball's trajectory, making for more visual impact. The character designs were created by Watanabe Hajime, who faithfully reproduced the images of the original work while creating designs that are acceptable to modern viewers.

In terms of music, catchy songs such as the opening theme "Start Dash!" and "Kizudarake no Ai" by Johnny's WEST, and the ending theme "Moete Hero" became a hot topic. In particular, "Moete Hero" entertained viewers with its unique format in which different characters participate in each episode.

Broadcast and evaluation

The 2018 version of "Captain Tsubasa" was broadcast on TV Tokyo every Tuesday from 1:35 a.m., with a total of 52 episodes broadcast in a 30-minute slot. Although this broadcast time was not convenient for children to watch, it reached a large audience through media such as the Internet and DVDs. It was also broadcast overseas and received high praise from soccer fans around the world.

This series has been embraced by new generations as well as existing fans by incorporating new perspectives and direction while firmly retaining the essence of the original work. In particular, the elementary school storyline captured the hearts of many viewers by depicting the growth and friendship of children. The junior high school story also attracted viewers by depicting more advanced soccer techniques and tactics.

Related Works and Their Influence

"Captain Tsubasa" is not only an original manga, but also has many related works. It has been expanded into a wide range of media, including not only anime series, but also movies, games, and even live-action dramas. These works expand the worldview of the original work and play a role in conveying the appeal of "Captain Tsubasa" to many more people.

In particular, the 2018 anime series reaffirmed the influence of the original work. It had a major impact not only on soccer players but also on general audiences, allowing many people to rediscover the joy and dreams of soccer. This series also showed new possibilities for sports anime, and had a major influence on subsequent works.

Recommendations and how to watch

The 2018 version of Captain Tsubasa is recommended not only for soccer fans, but also for people who like sports and youth stories. The elementary school version in particular depicts the growth and friendship of children, making it enjoyable for the whole family. The junior high school version also depicts more advanced soccer techniques and tactics, making it enjoyable for adults who love soccer as well.

As for viewing methods, even after the broadcast on TV Tokyo has ended, you can still watch it on internet streaming services or DVD. In particular, internet streaming services allow you to watch with subtitles, so they are recommended for overseas viewers. Also, with DVDs, you can enjoy the work in more depth, with bonus footage and interviews.

Conclusion

The 2018 version of Captain Tsubasa is a wonderful anime series that firmly retains the appeal of the original work while incorporating new perspectives and direction. It has had a major impact not only on soccer players but also on general audiences, allowing many people to rediscover the joy and dreams of soccer. This series shows new possibilities for sports anime and has had a major influence on subsequent works. Please watch it and experience its charm.