Blue Lock: Additional Time! The appeal and evaluation of the short anime

Blue Lock Additional Time: The new appeal of soccer anime

"Blue Lock: Additional Time" is a short anime series that was distributed on the EMOTION Label Channel YouTube channel from October 9, 2022 to March 19, 2023. The series is based on the original work "Blue Lock" by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and consists of 23 two-minute episodes. Animation was handled by Point Pictures and produced by the "Blue Lock" Production Committee.

story

"Blue Lock Additional Time" is set in the "Blue Lock" project launched by the Japan Football Union to develop the world's best striker. The project brings together 300 high school forwards, with the aim of creating a striker who will revolutionize Japanese soccer at the expense of 299 soccer lives. The story follows the protagonist Kiyoshi Seiichi and other young players as they grow through rigorous training and competition.

Cast and characters

Many fascinating characters appear in this series. The protagonist, Kiyoyoichi, is voiced by Nozomi Urawa, and is an unknown high school forward who joins Blue Lock to make his dream come true. In addition, characters with unique personalities such as Hakuraku Kaito (voice: Tsubasa Kaito), Kunigami Rensuke (voice: Yuki Ono), and Sengiri Hyouma (voice: Souma Saito) add excitement to the story. In addition, important supporting characters such as Director Jinpachi Egoro (voice: Hiroshi Kamiya) and Henri Teikori (voice: Eri Yukimura), who supports the project, also appear.

Details of the main characters are as follows:

• Yoichi Isagi : 16 years old, Team Z, ranked 299th. An unknown high school forward who dreams of becoming the ace striker for the Japanese national team.
• Meguru Bachira : 17 years old, Team Z, ranked 290th. A laid-back player with unique sensibility and excellent dribbling skills.
• Kunigami Rensuke : 16 years old, Team Z, ranked 291st. A fine young man full of sportsmanship and manliness, his weapons are his strong physique and left-footed mid-range shots.
• Chigiri Hyoma: 16 years old, Team Z, ranked 292nd. A beautiful boy with androgynous features, he keeps his weapon a secret.
• Wataru Kuon : 18 years old, Team Z, ranked 293rd. A commander with high jumping ability and strategic planning skills.
• Raichi Jingo : 17 years old, Team Z, ranked 294th. A player known for his aggressive personality and brilliant shooting technique.
• Yudai Imamura : 18 years old, Team Z, ranked 295th. He is a playboy and loves women, but he uses his speed and technique to run around the field.
• Gin Gagamaru : 17 years old, Team Z, ranked 296th. A wild child with incredible physical strength, he excels at unconventional movements and hand-to-hand combat.
• Asahi Naruhaya: 15 years old, Team Z, ranked 297th. He is the mood maker of the team, and as the eldest of six siblings, he struggles to continue playing soccer.
• Iemon Okuhito: 18 years old, Team Z, ranked 298th. An all-rounder who is adept at any position.
• Igarashi Gurimu : 17 years old, Team Z, ranked 300th. A self-proclaimed joker whose weapon is his "never give up spirit," he joins Blue Lock because he doesn't want to take over the temple.
• Ryosuke Kira: 17 years old, Team Z, ranked 289th. The ace striker of Matsukaze Kurou High School, he is a talented player who is called the treasure of the Japanese soccer world.
• Ego Jinpachi: The sharp-tongued coach who holds full authority over the Blue Lock Project, he imposes rigorous training in order to produce the world's best striker.
• Teieri Anri : A new employee of the Japan Football Union, he appoints Eiko as the coach for the Blue Lock Project and compiles information on each player.
• Barou Shouei: 18 years old, Team X, ranked 250th. The undisputed champion who leads Team X, he has a strong physique and unparalleled shooting technique.
• Niko Ikki : 15 years old, Team Y, ranked 255th. A smart player with an excellent ability to observe the entire field.
• Junichi Wanima: 18 years old, Team W, ranked 233rd. The older twin brother, his distinctive eyebrows and exaggerated facial expressions are his trademarks.
• Keisuke Wanima : 18 years old, Team W, ranked 232nd. The younger twin brother, he excels at team play, being able to communicate perfectly with his older brother.
• Seishiro Nagi : 17 years old, Team V, ranked 221st. Although he has only been playing soccer for half a year, he is a genius forward with extraordinary talent, and uses his natural physical ability and trapping ability as his weapons.
• Mikage Reo: 17 years old, Team V, ranked 222nd. A skilled offensive and defensive player, he is the heir to a wealthy family who invited Nagi to start playing soccer.
• Zantetsu Tsurugi : 17 years old, Team V, ranked 223rd. His explosive acceleration and left-footed shots are his weapons, and he has an intellectual vibe with his trademark glasses.
• Itoshi Rin : 16 years old, ranked 1st. A top player in Blue Lock, he is an ultra-egoist with high scoring ability and insight.
• Jubei Aryu : 18 years old, ranked 2nd. A narcissist who uses his jumping power and reach, which are extraordinary for a Japanese person, as his weapons, and who values ​​his own unique values, "fashion."
• Tokimitsu Aoshi : 17 years old, ranked 3rd. A soccer geek with an extremely negative mindset, but with incredible physical strength and stamina.
• Sae Itoshi : 18 years old. A member of the youth team of the prestigious Spanish club team "Les Halles", she is a player who was selected as one of the new generation world 11, and is interested in Blue Lock.
• Shido Ryusei: Ranked 111th. A super offensive striker with an extraordinary passion for soccer that allows him to "explode."
• Karasu Tabito : Ranked 69th. A tricky character who controls the sense of distance between himself and his opponent with his sharp observational skills and exquisite handwork.
• Otoya Eita : Ranked 33rd. A descendant of ninjas, he uses his high agility and running ability as his weapons.
• Yukimiya Kenyu : Ranked 23rd. A gentle and smiling young man, he works as a model in addition to playing soccer.
• Julien Loki : A 17-year-old rising star in the French league, he is a French national team player whose weapons are his lightning speed and dribbling.
• Leonardo Luna : A striker for the Spanish club team Les Halles, he is known for his speedy play and sharp tongue.

Main Staff

Many staff members were involved in the production of "Blue Rock Additional Time." The original story was written by Kinjo Muneyuki and Nomura Yusuke, and the producers were Arisawa Ryoya, Furukawa Shin, and Mori Yuki. Storyboards, direction, and editing were done by Kuda Yuta, and graphic design was done by Maruo Ako and Mitsumoto Mai. Kobe Ryosuke was in charge of backgrounds, Mori Maki was in charge of photography, and Takahashi Makoto was in charge of the production desk. The sound director was Gobumi Yuki, sound effects by Ueno Tsuyoshi, recording adjustments by Yamaki Daiki and Shiiba Hikaru, the sound studio was VICTOR STUDIO 501studio, and sound production was done by Bit Groove Promotion. Collaborating on the project were Kawakubo Shintaro, Tsuchiya Moe, Iwamura Kango, Wakita Kohei (Weekly Shonen Magazine Editorial Department), Hirano Tsuyoshi, and Nakamura Airi (Eight Bit), with animation by Point Pictures and production by the "Blue Lock" Production Committee (Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, Bandai Namco Music Live, TV Asahi, Crunchyroll, BANDAI SPIRITS, Eight Bit, Toys Factory).

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• #1 Kiyoshi's Dream (2022/10/09)
• #2 Lost in Prison (2022/10/16)
• #3 "Blue Prison" daily schedule (2022/10/23)
• #4 Blue Rock Meals (2022/10/30)
• #5 Introducing Blue Lock's supplies! (2022/11/06)
• #6 Traitor (2022/11/13)
• #7 Ojou's hairstyle (2022/11/20)
• #8 Uninvited Wife Reo (2022/11/27)
• #9 Team Z Impersonation King Championship Part ① (2022/12/04)
• #10 Team Z Impersonation King Championship Part 2 (2022/12/11)
• #11 Second Selection Rock Paper Scissors (2022/12/18)
• #12 Big Brother Talks! (2022/12/25)
• #13 The secret story behind the formation of the TOP3 teams (2023/01/08)
• #14 TOP3 and Hachiraku (2023/01/15)
• #15 A girl in love? Reo (2023/01/22)
• #16 Maid Cafe King Barou (2023/01/29)
• #17 Each trio (2023/02/05)
• #18 Teikora Henri's BLUELOCK Diary! (2023/02/12)
• #19 Latecomers (2023/02/19)
• #20 Nagi's School Life (2023/02/26)
• #21 Each trio, part 2 (2023/03/05)
• #22 Ants' Selfish Showdown (2023/03/12)
• #23 Bad Chemical Reactions (2023/03/19)

Related Titles

"Blue Lock Additional Time" is related to the first season of the original "Blue Lock" manga. The original was serialized in Kodansha's "Weekly Shonen Magazine" and won the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the Shonen category. This short anime series lives up to fans' expectations by digging deeper into the world of the original manga and depicting the daily lives and backstories of the characters.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Blue Lock: Additional Time" is highly recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for people interested in soccer and sports anime. Although the episodes are short, lasting only two minutes, the characters' personalities and growth are well-drawn, and the series has the power to draw viewers in. Another appealing point is that each episode has a wide range of themes, providing laughs and emotions.

In particular, episodes depicting the daily lives and behind-the-scenes stories of Team Z members not only complement the original storyline, but also provide an opportunity to understand the characters from a new perspective. For example, the charm of each character is further enhanced, such as Kiyoyo's dream, Hakuraku's unique sensibility, and Kunigami Rensuke's sportsmanship.

The show also has a strong focus on sound and graphic design, making it a visually and aurally enjoyable production. In particular, the background music and sound effects in each episode are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of each scene, enriching the viewing experience.

Additionally, the series is available for free on YouTube, making it easy to access. You can easily enjoy it even during your busy daily life, and you can easily immerse yourself in the world of soccer anime.

Overall, "Blue Lock: Additional Time" is a great work that brings out new appeal in soccer anime and provides viewers with a fresh experience. It is highly recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for people who are interested in soccer anime and sports anime. Please watch this short anime series and enjoy the world of Blue Lock even more deeply.