In this commemorative year, marking 40 years since its serialization began in Weekly Shonen Jump, the main characters from the hit manga 'Captain Tsubasa' are now available as palm-sized figures. We conducted an email interview with the original author, Yoichi Takahashi.

Tsubasa Ozora, an elementary school student who moves to Nankatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture, has a fateful encounter at a soccer field with Genzo Wakabayashi, a genius goalkeeper. Impressed by Wakabayashi's skill in stopping balls from various sports against middle schoolers, Tsubasa decides to challenge him to a soccer match. Under the watchful eye of the mysterious Roberto Hongo, the first showdown between these two boys, who would later lead Japanese soccer, begins...

'Captain Tsubasa,' by Yoichi Takahashi, which began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1981, is a landmark work that reignited interest in soccer in Japan, a sport that had long been in decline since the national team won a bronze medal at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

Their earnest dedication to soccer and growth through battles with rivals inspired courage and emotion in readers, expanding the number of soccer players. Its popularity extended beyond Japan, with the anime broadcast in various countries influencing even active international star players who have publicly acknowledged its impact. Although the original serialization ended with the 'Captain Tsubasa: World Youth Arc' in '88, a sequel, 'Captain Tsubasa: World Youth Saga,' began with the launch of Japan's first professional soccer league, 'J.League,' in '93.

Following this, the series continued with 'Captain Tsubasa: ROAD TO 2002,' 'Captain Tsubasa: GOLDEN-23,' 'Captain Tsubasa: Fierce Battle Abroad - The Italian Dream,' and 'Captain Tsubasa: Fierce Battle Abroad - In La Liga,' seemingly in response to real-world events like the Japanese national team's first appearance in the World Cup in '98, the success of Japanese players in overseas teams, and the co-hosting of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Currently, 'Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun' is being serialized. From 2018 to 2019, a new anime adaptation set in the modern era, focusing on the elementary and middle school arcs, was also broadcast. To this day, it continues to inspire dreams and hope in young boys and girls aspiring to become players who will shine on the world stage.

To commemorate the release of the 'UDF Captain Tsubasa' figures, which evoke the excitement of the early serialization, we conducted an email interview with Yoichi Takahashi, focusing primarily on questions about the figures.

—Congratulations on the 40th anniversary of 'Captain Tsubasa.' First, could you tell us about the toys (dolls, plastic models, games, etc.) you enjoyed as a child?

TakahashiI don't recall collecting things very enthusiastically, but I think I had some vinyl Ultraman figures. I preferred building plastic models to collecting.

—You were originally a baseball fan and interested in sports in general. Did you collect merchandise related to sports players?

TakahashiAs a child, I think I collected professional baseball player cards that came with snacks (Note 1).
(Note 1) In 1973, Calbee Confectionery (now Calbee) released "Calbee Snack Pro Baseball," which included professional baseball player cards as a bonus. Lucky cards could be exchanged for a special cardholder.

—'Captain Tsubasa' began serialization in 1981. What was the happiest memory and the most difficult challenge from the early days of serialization?

TakahashiIt was very difficult to convey how enjoyable soccer was, as it wasn't yet a popular sport in Japan at the time. However, the fact that it was accepted was also a source of happiness.

—Many 'Captain Tsubasa' related goods have been produced over the years. Do you remember what the first three-dimensional merchandise was?

TakahashiI don't remember, but I suspect it might have been small rubber figures.

—Are there any 'Captain Tsubasa' characters that you personally wished had been made into figures?

TakahashiThe foreign characters (Note 2). I found it difficult to imagine how they would be reproduced, which made me anticipate them even more.
(Note 2) Examples include "The German Young Emperor" Karl Heinz Schneider from the World Youth Arc, and "The Jewel of Argentina" Juan Diaz.

—In Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, your hometown, nine bronze statues of 'Captain Tsubasa' characters have been erected at locations including the public Nankatsu High School and in the "Yotsugi area" and "Tateishi area," under your supervision. Could you share your feelings when you were approached with this idea?

TakahashiI was simply happy to have statues erected in the local area where I grew up.

—In 2019, Medicom Toy released "BE@RBRICK" figures designed with Tsubasa Ozora, Genzo Wakabayashi, and Kojiro Hyuga, in a bear-shaped block style (all sold out). Could you share your thoughts on them again?

TakahashiI felt they were distinctive and eye-catching, with a strong presence.

© Yoichi Takahashi / Shueisha, 2018 Captain Tsubasa Production Committee
BE@RBRICK TM & © 2001-2021 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

—Medicom Toy and Gransurt will be releasing a series of 'Captain Tsubasa' figures. Are there any specific characters or scenes from 'Captain Tsubasa' that you would personally like to see made into figures?

TakahashiThe foreign players, the Twin Shot (Note 3), the Sky Lab Hurricane (Note 4), and the latest High-Speed Tornado Sky Alpha (Note 5).
(Note 3) A shot created by kicking the ball simultaneously, imparting spin. It was born by chance when Tsubasa and Misaki moved to take a shot at the same time.
(Note 4) A special move by the Tachibana brothers, involving two players jumping high into the air by stepping on the soles of one player's feet, who is lying on their back, to perform a shot.
(Note 5) Appearing in the currently serialized 'Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun,' this is a combined technique where Misaki's volley and Tsubasa's overhead kick are executed with the Arrow Shot (a shot that increases power by bending the leg like a bow).

—What are your thoughts on the future prospects of the 'Captain Tsubasa' series?

TakahashiI don't have a clear vision for the future beyond this; I want to focus on completing the current Olympic arc (Note 6) that I'm drawing.
(Note 6) Refers to 'Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun' (currently 15 volumes published), serialized in 'Grand Jump Special - Captain Tsubasa Magazine.' It tells the story of Tsubasa, who led Barcelona to a league championship, aiming to win the Madrid Olympics with the U-23 Japan national team.

—Finally, could you tell us the source of your perpetual youthfulness?

TakahashiI believe it's from playing sports like padel (Note 7), footgolf (Note 8), and softball.
(Note 7) A racket sport originating in Spain, combining elements of tennis and squash. The court is about half the size of a tennis court, and it is played only in doubles.
(Note 8) A sport where players kick a soccer ball, competing to get it into a hole on the course in as few kicks as possible, similar to golf.

UDF Captain Tsubasa
The anime 'Captain Tsubasa' is finally joining the UDF lineup. Six characters are available: Tsubasa Ozora, Taro Misaki, Genzo Wakabayashi, Kojiro Hyuga, Ken Wakashima, and Hikaru Matsuyama.

UDF Captain Tsubasa Tsubasa Ozora
The protagonist of this series, possessing genius soccer talent and exceptional skills despite being an elementary school student. His motto is 'The ball is my friend.'

UDF Captain Tsubasa Taro Misaki
A transfer student to Nankatsu Elementary School, possessing skills comparable to Tsubasa. They are known as the 'Golden Duo.'

UDF Captain Tsubasa Genzo Wakabayashi
The genius goalkeeper of the Shutetsu Elementary soccer team. His motto is 'I stop all shots from outside the penalty area.'

UDF Captain Tsubasa Kojiro Hyuga
The ace striker for Meiwa FC. His motto is 'Soccer without losing,' and he plays offensively to win.

UDF Captain Tsubasa Ken Wakashima
A goalkeeper belonging to the strong Meiwa FC. Unlike Wakabayashi, he excels at 'offensive defense,' actively participating in attacks depending on the game situation.

UDF Captain Tsubasa Hikaru Matsuyama
Captain of the Furano Elementary School soccer team. A hard worker who leads his team with a strong spirit forged through training in the harsh cold.

Prototype Production｜PERFECT-STUDIO
Size｜Approximately 55-95mm in height each
Price｜¥1,430 each (tax included)
Release Date｜Scheduled for release in October 2021
Distributor｜Gransurt Co., Ltd.
※The photos are of a sample under supervision. The actual product may differ.
© Yoichi Takahashi / Shueisha, 2018 Captain Tsubasa Production Committee