Table of Contents
- Captain Tsubasa in Europe and South America
- Power of Captain Tsubasa in the Middle East
- Captain Tsubasa NFT Project: Ball is Our Friend
- Upcoming New Captain Tsubasa Blockchain Game
- Works Cited
Captain Tsubasa is not just an ordinary anime; it's a global sensation. Being broadcasted in over 50 countries, and with manga sales exceeding 90 million, it has influenced many fans including soccer stars. The original creator of Captain Tsubasa, Youichi Takahashi, started the soccer boom in Japan. The manga was first appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1980. The anime was then created and aired internationally, promoting not only Japan’s pop culture but also spreading the wishes for world peace. Unfortunately, the series will end in April 2024, but its legacy will continue as long as fans cherish the story. In this article, we discuss the manga's global impact and introduce a new NFT project related to Captain Tsubasa.
The cumulative total of the manga series' volumes has exceeded 90 million copies worldwide, and the anime is currently being broadcast in over 50 countries around the world.
Captain Tsubasa in Europe and South America
Europe and South America are known for advanced soccer nations and their prowess. Captain Tsubasa has been an inspiration for global soccer legends like Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane, Alessandro Del Piero, and Fernando Torres, among others. In the player's interview, they commented that they grew up watching anime and reading manga, which is full of unique moves and dramatic soccer actions (Iwamoto 2024). This inspired them to replicate those moves in real life.
There are deep connections between Captain Tsubasa and world-famous top players. The manga portrays a deep love for soccer and additionally shows how passionate the portrayal of sports can be through the unique special moves of the character. These top soccer players are fantasists, who adore the world fans with their spectacular plays. It was the idea derived from the special moves depicted in the manga Captain Tsubasa. They must imitate these cool movements in the manga when they were a child. Captain Tsubasa is the cultural phenomenon that encouraged exciting and skillful play in soccer games.
Numerous world-class soccer players, including Messi, have commented that they were influenced by "Captain Tsubasa."
Power of Captain Tsubasa in the Middle East
In some Middle Eastern countries, civil wars have displaced many people and turned civilians into war victims. During these unfortunate conflicts of events, books can serve as a medium to expand the imagination and share knowledge, helping to realize dreams. Manga can also be used as a functioning tool to bring hope to fruition (Sankei 2024). An article by Sankei discussed a Syrian man, Ubadah-san, who devoted his life to translating "Captain Tsubasa" manga into Arabic. He believes in the power of literature, and the manga can inspire children who are currently in struggle, and striving for a better future. He comments, "This is precisely why the power of books is essential". His translation aims to give hope to those facing difficult situations.
With soccer's growing appeal among Iraqi people, broadcasting "Captain Majed," the Arabic version of "Captain Tsubasa" in TV programs will sow dreams and hopes. This could particularly inspire Iraqi children, who are the future of their nation. The Japan anime is expected to foster positive feelings towards the country as well. The Japan Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Animation International Middle East, decided to arrange the Arabic-dubbed version of "Captain Majed" in March 2006, providing the popular soccer anime to the Iraqi Media Network (MOFA 2006). This initiative aims to extend goodwill and inspire youth not only in Iraq but also in neighboring countries such as Iran, Turkey, and Syria. Captain Tsubasa is set to be a beacon of motivation and hope for young people across the Middle East.
The Japanese government is providing the Iraqi government in the Middle East with the broadcasting rights to the anime "Captain Tsubasa" free of charge. It is hoped that the circle of peace will expand through the soccer manga.
Captain Tsubasa NFT Project: Ball is Our Friend
The project, inspired by a scene from “Captain Tsubasa”, where Tsubasa spread the message, “With the power of soccer, we can make world peace,” aims to promote world peace by giving away special balls. Both the NFT holders and children worldwide can receive a special soccer ball, designed and signed by the manga's creator, Yoichi Takahashi. (Official Captain Tsubasa NFT). The goal is to encourage kids to enjoy playing soccer. This initiative has spread joy to friends in 10 countries, and given children the freedom to play and dream.
Please visit for more information about the project from here
Upcoming New Captain Tsubasa Blockchain Game
At the end of January 2024, mobile gaming fans can look forward to new Captain Tsubasa games on iOS and Android.
Please check the details from their official website.
Captain Tsubasa Rivals (Apps iOS and Android)
【期間限定・無料公開中】キャプテン翼のオフィシャルアカウント(Official Account of Captain Tsubasa)
If you are interested, the official account is currently publishing the manga until vol. 7. From here
Works Cited
Iwamoto, Yoshihiro. “A Soccer Hero Adored around the World.” Nippon.com, 18 Oct. 2011, www.nippon.com/en/views/b00103/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024.
“MOFA: Provision of TV Program “Captain Majed” to Iraq.” Mofa.go.jp, 2024, www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2006/3/0302.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024.
NFT, Official Captain Tsubasa. “Captain Tsubasa” the Ball Is Our Friend NFT Project, Delivering Soccer Balls to Children in 10….” Medium, 6 Dec. 2023, medium.com/@TsubasaNFT/captain-tsubasa-the-ball-is-our-friend-nft-project-delivering-soccer-balls-to-children-in-10-9f7e4d3f2a46. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024.
SANKEI DIGITAL. “シリア人男性「キャプテン翼」アラビア語に翻訳（2/2ページ）.” 産経ニュース, 29 Dec. 2018, www.sankei.com/article/20181229-HH7KPBJYU5MT7A54TMLN3TFSZQ/2/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2024.
