the cult manga draws to a close after 43 years!
Introduction
After an incredible 43-year run, the iconic manga "Olive et Tom" (known in Japan as "Captain Tsubasa") is about to blow its final whistle. The series, which first appeared in 1981, has had a profound impact on the world of manga and soccer, establishing itself as a cross-generational cultural reference.
Since its first appearance in the Japanese weekly "Shonen Jump", "Olive et Tom" has transcended borders, becoming a source of inspiration and a worldwide phenomenon. It's not just a manga about soccer; it's a saga that has shaped the dreams and aspirations of millions of young people around the globe, including in France, where its influence is particularly notable. Its impact extends far beyond the illustrated pages into the real world, where it has inspired generations of footballers, including legends such as Zidane and Mbappé.
The author, Yoichi Takahashi, has not only created a captivating work, but has also given life to unforgettable characters, such as Tsubasa Ozora, embodying passion and sportsmanship. The manga has seen several sequels and adaptations, including a recent reboot available on Crunchyroll, testifying to its enduring popularity and evolution over the years.
However, in January 2024, Yoichi Takahashi announced the conclusion of this epic saga. This farewell to the field of "Olive and Tom" is a memorable moment for the world of manga and sport. As creator, Takahashi has made a difficult decision, but this ending marks not only the conclusion of an era, but also the celebration of an exceptional cultural and sporting heritage.
This introduction sets the scene for a deep dive into the history, influence and legacy of "Olive et Tom", a manga that not only defined a genre but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and on soccer pitches the world over.
History and Popularity of the Manga "Olive et Tom" (Captain Tsubasa)
The story of "Olive et Tom" begins with the young Olivier Atton (Tsubasa Ozora in VO), a soccer fan who dreams of becoming the best player in the world. The manga, created by Yoichi Takahashi in 1981, was prepublished in "Weekly Shōnen Jump" and met with dazzling success, compiled in 37 volumes. Its popularity gave rise to various anime adaptations and spin-off series, including "Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002" and "Captain Tsubasa" broadcast between 2018 and 2019, which were widely shown in France and other French-speaking countries.
The story follows Olivier's adventures, from his early days with his school team, the Newpie, to his international exploits. Characters such as Thomas Price (Genzō Wakabayashi) and Ben Becker (Tarō Misaki) enrich this epic, each bringing their own dynamic to the story. The series is known for its dramatic matches and exaggerated soccer techniques, which capture the imagination of readers and viewers alike.
The creation of the "Olive et Tom" manga was inspired by the 1978 Football World Cup, which sparked Yoichi Takahashi's interest in the sport. At the time, soccer was not as popular in Japan, and the manga played a crucial role in popularizing the sport in the country. The author combined his love of drawing and his new-found interest in soccer to create a work that transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries, becoming a worldwide phenomenon.
"Olive et Tom" has made a significant contribution to manga culture and the soccer craze, not only in Japan but worldwide. The series has been a catalyst for growing Japanese interest in soccer, and its global reach has inspired many fans and professional players. The impact of "Olive et Tom" on popular culture is undeniable, the series being considered a classic of sports manga.
In conclusion, "Olive et Tom" is not just the story of a boy and his love of soccer, it's also a saga that has marked the history of manga and sport, uniting generations of fans across the globe and leaving a lasting cultural legacy.
Yoichi Takahashi: The Creator Inspired by the Sport of the Round Ball
Born in Tokyo in 1960, Yoichi Takahashi, the visionary mangaka behind "Olive and Tom", revolutionized not only sports manga, but also exerted a marked influence on sport itself. As a child, Takahashi was an avid fan of drawing and baseball. However, it was the 1978 Football World Cup that sparked his interest in the sport of football, changing the course of his creative career.
Takahashi's decision to focus on the sport of soccer rather than baseball, which was very popular in Japan at the time, was prompted by the immense popularity of soccer in Europe and around the world. He saw it as a blank canvas for manga, a sport that offered almost infinite narrative freedom and drawing possibilities compared to baseball.
His work on "Olive et Tom" began in 1981 and lasted eight years in the manga anthology "Weekly Shonen Jump". The series has seen numerous sequels and adaptations, including "Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002" and the "Hungry Heart: Wild Striker" series, reflecting Takahashi's continuing passion for soccer.
The manga not only popularized soccer in Japan, but also inspired generations of world-famous players, including Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, and Alessandro Del Piero. Takahashi also created a female character, Kaede, in support of Japan's national women's soccer team, contributing in her own way to the team's victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2011.
The simplicity and freedom of soccer, the variety of strategies and the importance of teamwork are aspects that fascinated Takahashi. These elements are clearly reflected in "Olive et Tom", where characters like Olivier Atton and Thomas Price represent the fighting spirit and perseverance of the sport.
Takahashi was recognized for his contributions, receiving the Katsushika Honorary Citizen Award and visiting FC Barcelona, Tsubasa Ozora's Spanish club in manga. His autobiography reveals a humble and endearing man, aware of his limitations as a cartoonist, but proud of his work and the message he wanted to convey: believe in your dreams.
In short, Yoichi Takahashi is not just the creator of a successful manga; he is an innovator who has combined his passion for drawing and sport to create a cult work, influencing both popular culture and the world of sport.
Influence on Great Football Players
The "Olive and Tom" (Captain Tsubasa) saga, created by Yoichi Takahashi, has had a considerable impact on many professional soccer players around the world. The influence of this cult series extends far beyond the borders of Japan, its country of origin, and onto international soccer fields, inspiring players such as Lionel Messi, Zinédine Zidane, Andrés Iniesta, and Kylian Mbappé.
The "Olive et Tom" phenomenon has notably contributed to the popularization of soccer in Asia, and some renowned players even attribute their desire to become the best in their discipline to this series. Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé, for example, have expressed their affection for the series and the impact it has had on their destinies as footballers. During the World Cup in Qatar, Takahashi was particularly impressed by the performances of Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, players who illustrate the global influence of his creation.
The varied adaptations of "Olive and Tom" over the years, such as "Captain Tsubasa J" or the animated films, have also helped maintain the series' popularity. In 2018, a new adaptation made a triumphant return, captivating a new generation of fans while remaining true to the original spirit of the manga.
The series has even influenced some players to reproduce iconic scenes on soccer pitches, such as the famous "eagle shot", imitated by the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimović. This cross-cultural influence testifies to the power of manga and its significant impact on popular and sporting culture. In 2023, "Olive et Tom" continues to occupy a special place in the hearts of soccer and animation enthusiasts, with an ever-growing audience and a thriving merchandising market.
In short, "Olive et Tom" is not just an animated series for children, it's a source of inspiration for young talent and a significant element in the careers of many professional footballers. The series continues to fascinate fans of all ages, testifying to its lasting impact on soccer and animation culture.
Reasons for the End of the Manga
The end of the manga "Olive et Tom" (Captain Tsubasa) is marked by Yoichi Takahashi's decision to stop publication after 43 years of success. It wasn't an easy decision for him, but he hopes readers will understand. Takahashi mentions that his characters will continue to exist in a different form. He expresses his satisfaction at having been able to popularize soccer through his work, especially in Japan, where soccer was not very well known before the J-League in 1993.
Mystery solved: The true size of the soccer pitch in "Olive et Tom".
The size of the soccer pitch in "Olive and Tom" has long been a subject of curiosity and jest among fans of the series. Finally, the mystery has been solved thanks to scientific calculations made by a Japanese physics student. According to his research, the soccer pitch in "Olive and Tom" is around 18 kilometers long. What's more, he estimated that the players covered 225 kilometers - the equivalent of five marathons - in 90 minutes of play, which would imply that they were running at a speed of 150 km/h.
These figures, though surprising, illustrate the anime's characteristic exaggeration, which has contributed to its charm and popularity. This amusing and impressive revelation shows just how much "Olive & Tom" has captured the imagination of its fans, even leading to mathematical analyses to understand the exaggerated dimensions of the soccer pitch featured in the series.
Conclusion
After 43 years of an extraordinary journey through the world of football, "Olive et Tom" (Captain Tsubasa) has come to an end, leaving behind an indisputable cultural and sporting legacy. This cult series, born of the fertile imagination of Yoichi Takahashi, has transcended the boundaries of manga to become a worldwide source of inspiration, touching the hearts of fans and the cleats of professional players alike.
The series has made a lasting impression with its iconic characters, memorable match scenes and its influence on the popularity of soccer, particularly in regions where the sport was not previously widespread. Players such as Lionel Messi, Zinédine Zidane, Kylian Mbappé, and Antoine Griezmann have all expressed their admiration for "Olive et Tom", testifying to the profound impact the series has had on their passion and careers.
Takahashi's decision to stop the series was not an easy one, but it comes against a backdrop of change and evolution, both personal and in the manga industry. His characters, however, will live on in the collective imagination and in other forms of media, perpetuating the flame of "Olive and Tom".
The curiosity aroused by details such as the exaggerated size of the soccer pitch, calculated at 18 kilometers, shows the extent to which "Olive et Tom" has captured the imagination of viewers and brought a touch of humor and unrealism to a sporting setting. It also underlines the unique nature of the manga and its creative approach to presenting sport.
In conclusion, "Olive et Tom" will remain an essential reference in the history of manga and sport, having helped shape the love of soccer across several generations. Its end marks not only the conclusion of an era, but also the celebration of a work that brilliantly combined passion, imagination and sport. For fans the world over, this series will forever remain a symbol of perseverance, dreams and inspiration.
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