By Yayoi Kawatoko / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
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Classic anime Renaissance: Nostalgic characters winning over new generation of fans
Soccer prodigy Tsubasa Ozora, charming android fighter Cutie Honey, yokai monster hero Kitaro and the famous father from “Tensai Bakabon” (The Genius Bakabon) — these main characters from classic anime adaptations are back on TV with some contemporary twists.
These new anime adaptations are targeting not only old fans but also younger generations, putting the characters in modern settings or modifying their designs.
The latest anime adaptation of “Captain Tsubasa” has started on the TV Tokyo network and other stations, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup in Russia. The work shows Tsubasa developing his career by competing against rivals such as Genzo Wakabayashi and Kojiro Hyuga, and is considered a “bible” for members of the Japanese national team today and young players around the world
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The protagonist eventually grew up and competed overseas, but the latest anime adaptation — the fourth for the manga — goes back to its starting point, using the latest technology to re-create the story told when the original started its serialization in 1981.
“With soccer in a fresh spotlight this year [for the World Cup], we thought that we’d have to show children the very beginning of the story once again, to promote Tsubasa to global audiences,” said Keita Kodama, an official of Shueisha Inc.’s copyright management business division who planned the latest anime adaptation. This belief was shared by Yoichi Takahashi, the creator of the manga, according to Kodama. (233 words)
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