Judge rules slapping girl in the face did not constitute promoting violence towards women.
Captain Tsubasa
Japan’s most popular symbol of the beautiful game continues with his newfound love of gambling.
Bringing the over-the-top soccer moves of Captain Tsubasa to a live stage seems like a crazy idea, but it’s the kind of crazy Ebina has built a career on.
It’s been four years since the famous football club set foot on Japanese soil, and soccer manga creator Yoichi Takahashi commemorated their visit with a special piece of artwork.
The World Cup is underway and Japan’s city streets are full of excitable-looking young people wearing blue soccer jerseys (sorry Dad, I mean “football shirts”). If you’re looking for somewhere in Tokyo to watch the game that’s a bit different – somewhere, for example, that’s got soccer-manga merchandise, weird themed food, and blue drinks that aren’t just beer with blue food-colouring in them – we’ve got just the place for you! When the staff at our Japanese sister site heard that a pop-up Captain Tsubasa Cafe was opening in Tokyo’s Ueno district, they couldn’t resist heading down there to take a look!
Captain Tsubasa, for the uninitiated, is a soccer manga (sometimes called Flash Kicker in English) created by Yōichi Takahashi in 1981. As is typical with popular Japanese manga series, Tsubasa and his team have since spread their wings into anime, video games, spin-off merch… and now this sports bar!
The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is almost upon us, folks! And if you’re a manga fan, just pick your poison to get properly revved up: the first volume of the Captain Tsubasa remix has been available since May in convenience stores all over Japan, Volume 1 of the new series Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun just came out, and then there is the comic’s upcoming exhibition in Tokyo.
As if that weren’t enough, the Japan Professional Football League (J. League for short) has been collaborating with the über-influential soccer manga on a project called “Dream Shoot”. In it, as the name suggests, J. League players take on the challenge of bringing to life the dynamic and often over-the-top soccer moves featured in the long-running comic.
So today, we bring to you Part Three of the collaboration, in which three athletes from the Cerezo Ōsaka team reenact the “Twin Shoot”. Read on to view all three awesome videos, as well as to learn a little more about the manga series and its exhibition (because let’s face it, Flash Kicker, as it’s known in the U.S., never made it big here unlike the rest of the world). Even for a soccer newb like me, the “Dream Shoots” are a sight to behold!
In Japan, the manga series Captain Tsubasa was a veritable bible for young aspiring soccer players now active today. Practically every J. League player on the pitch today was reading the series or watching the anime during the ’80s.
This wasn’t just limited to Japan though; the popularity of the soccer-themed comic had spread around the world touching the hearts of young athletes everywhere. Professional soccer player Lionel Messi professed his love for the story, as did Andres Iniesta, Francesco Totti… The list goes on and on.
Among these many pros, German forward Lukas Podolski recently found himself in the loving cyber-embrace of Japan after posting a picture of his new shin guards complete with image of Captain Tsubasa‘s Kojiro Hyuga.
Tokyo police released a statement earlier this week asking the public for any information they may have regarding an incident that occurred on June 15 at approximately 9:20 a.m. wherein a man called out to a child playing in a local park.
As it transpires, though, all the man is believed to have said to the boy was, “You’ll never play for your country doing it like that!” leaving netizens wondering exactly why there should be any cause for concern.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater curry has a photo that looks deceptive but it’s a star performer
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Small Hokkaido bookshop’s unique service is getting business from all over Japan
This Osaka shrine is a hidden gem that includes a giant, roaring lion’s head
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
How much money do you need for a studio apartment in downtown Tokyo?
Moving to Tokyo? Real estate agent picks five best neighborhoods for single residents
Hotel guest who boiled crabs in room’s kettle angry to have to pay for damages
Weekly
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat- Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
- Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Monthly
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection- Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
How much money do you need for a studio apartment in downtown Tokyo?
Moving to Tokyo? Real estate agent picks five best neighborhoods for single residents
Hotel guest who boiled crabs in room’s kettle angry to have to pay for damages
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
New Japanese bowl-shaped donburi rice cooker cooks rice and toppings at the same time
Alcohol Made with Fermented Wasps Gives New Meaning to the Phrase “Get Your Buzz On”
Secret onsen hot spring is a hidden gem in Tokyo
Smallest hotel room in Tokyo? This cheap stay for two will turn friends into lovers
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
-
