Tsubaza Ozora is back in action on the field! Captain Tsubasa (キャプテン翼) has returned to the television screens with a much more faithful adaption. As for any longtime fan returning to watch the new adaptation, comparing the modern resemblance of 2018 with the manga from 1981, what’s different? How truthfully faithful is the modern adaptation to the original manga? Find out below!
SPOILERS AHEAD!!
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 1
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 2
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 3
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 4
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 5
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 6
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 7
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 8
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 9
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 10
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 11
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 12
■ Captain Tsubasa EP 13
▍A Familiar Scene Is Replaced
Right away at the beginning of the first episode, there’s a huge difference in a once familiar setting as Tokyo is showcased and a modern building is shown instead of the rural neighborhood that Tsubasa’s family once inhabited in the manga. With this switch in setting, one could see the reasoning of switching from a rural Japanese neighborhood to the modern inner city of Tokyo, Japan.
▍10 Years Later…
In the manga, the indication of “10 years later” is shown through a single panel in the manga, while in the anime, an entirely new scene is added to showcase the context of Tsubasa’s father’s job as a marine captain. Being away most of the time due to his work at sea, Tsubasa is raised mostly by his mother. This is indicated by his father showing Tsubasa off to his co-worker in his soccer uniform and how he’s unable to be there for their arrival at their new home in Nankatsu.
▍Tsubasa Dribbling Montage
As excited as Tsubasa is for exploring the new city, one can catch a glimpse of him showing off his skills as he makes his way around. Dodging obstacles, outrunning joggers, and making his way through a crowded market while dribbling his soccer ball before making a quick stop to catch a glimpse of his new school, Nankatsu Elementary.
▍Goalkeeper Wakabayashi’s Montage
As Tsubasa continues exploring the city, he comes across a soccer field that’s inhabited by both the Nankatsu and Shutetsu team quarreling on about who gets ownership of the field. A challenge is set up by Wakabayashi. If any team can score a single goal against him, Nankatsu can keep the field. In both the manga and anime, Wakabayashi is showcased successfully blocking a rugby ball, handball, and a baseball. Here, there are five additional blocks by Wakabayashi which are shown off as a tennis ball, a basketball, a hockey puck, a volleyball, and even a javelin!! WHOA! Wakabayashi really is an all-star goalkeeper!
▍Tsubasa’s Handwritten Message
As Ryo and Tsubasa stand on top of the hill overlooking the city. Tsubasa asks Ryo where Wakabayashi’s house is located at. In the manga, Tsubasa quickly writes a message with a marker and immediately kicks the ball towards Wakabayashi’s mansion. In the anime, Tsubasa shows off some of his skills by kicking the soccer ball straight up in the air and catching it with ease as it heads straight back down, before asking Ryo for the location of Wakabayashi’s house. Once confirmed, he walks over to a small wooden shrine and uses one of the markers to write his message to Wakabayashi on his soccer ball.
▍Ryo and Tsubasa’s Ice Cream Break
In this scene that’s not depicted in the manga, Ryo and Tsubasa share a popsicle while Ryo encourages Tsubasa on defeating Wakabayashi. A very short scene but very light hearted and it’s a small break before the big climax of the ending approaches!
▍Uniform Changes
One of the most interesting changes regarding both Tsubasa and Wakabayashi are their uniforms! For any hardcore nostalgic fans, can you spot the difference? Wakabayashi’s famous “Adidas” logo has been replaced with the letter “W” and while the letter “T” has made an appearance on Tsubasa’s uniform. I wonder what the significance of these letters could mean, hmmm?
GOAL!!! That’s it for episode one of Captain Tsubasa! Apart from a few additional scenes, it has stayed faithful to the manga so far. Who knows? Maybe there will a tremendous change in episode two. Let the nostalgia flow through your veins and prepare for the next episode Captain Tsubasa Episode Two: It’s Flying!
READ MORE:
• Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team Character Guide
• 3D football simulation game Captain Tsubasa Zero announced for mobile
