At the request of his father, tennis prodigy Ryouma Echizen has returned from America and is ready to take the Japanese tennis scene by storm. Aiming to become the best tennis player in the country, he enrolls in Seishun Academy—home to one of the best middle school tennis teams in Japan.
After Ryouma catches the captain's eye, he finds himself playing for a spot on the starting lineup in the intra-school ranking matches despite only being a freshman. Due to his age, the rest of the Seishun Boys' Tennis Team are initially reluctant to accept him, but his skill and determination convinces them to let him in.
Armed with their new "super rookie," Seishun sets out to claim a spot in the National Tournament, hoping to take the coveted title for themselves. In order to do so, the team must qualify by playing through the Tokyo Prefectural and Kanto Regionals. Yet, the road ahead of them is shared by a plethora of strong schools, each playing tennis in unique ways for their own reasons. Ryouma and his teammates must learn to cooperate if they want to become the champions they aspire to be.
Review: Tennis No Oujisama – A Smashing Success of Sports Anime
Synopsis
“Tennis No Oujisama”, also famously known as “The Prince of Tennis”, is an adrenaline-pumping sports anime that has successfully served beyond the usual shōjo or shōnen anime shows. The series focuses on the world of competitive high school tennis, shedding light on the dazzling dynamics of the game and its deep-seated team spirit. Ryoma Echizen, our hero and titular ‘Prince of Tennis,’ is a tennis prodigy who already carries the weight of being the son of a legendary tennis player.
Ryoma joins Seishun Academy’s tennis team, home to other skilled athletes, each with their unique style and abilities. Ryoma’s journey is our main thread, but we also witness diverse, explosive personalities clashing, rivalry blobs, and forged friendships all amidst the thunderous applause of high-intensity tennis matches. Each episode unravels a new challenge, a new rival, and an enhanced persona of Ryoma, the titular Prince of Tennis.
Review
The Court Is Set!
Tennis no Oujisama scores big with the diverse representation of characters; from the laid back, sandwich-obsessed Takeshi Momoshiro to the seemingly shy but powerful Shusuke Fuji. There is no dearth of intriguing and appealing personalities that you can’t help but root for!
Serving an Ace!
The animation quality of this series compliments the high-octane tennis matches perfectly. The creators deserve a pat on their backs for portraying the intensity of the matches and the intricacies of the game accurately. Further making your pulse race are the strategic discussions during the matches and the top-notch voice acting that makes the experience immersive.
It’s Not Just About Tennis!
However, Tennis no Oujisama isn’t just about swinging rackets. It delves deeper into the struggle of young athletes, the ruthlessness of sports politics, and the intense pressure of high expectations. There’s a potent influx of emotions, rising above the courts and seeping into the lives of the characters. This delivery of depth is what sets this sports anime apart!
The Verdict
Although lengthy at 178 episodes, Tennis No Oujisama never loses its momentum. Each episode leaves you craving for more, making it worth every second of your time. Be it the engaging storylines or the heartening team spirit – Tennis no Oujisama is slamming ace after ace with its exhilarating execution and fluid storytelling. Perfect fodder for fans who enjoy sports, camaraderie, and overcoming personal obstacles, this anime is unmissable!
So, should you rent, buy, or stream Tennis No Oujisama? My suggestion would be whichever route you take, make it your mission to get on this thrilling tennis match! Whether you’re a die-hard anime fan or a newbie to the genre, Tennis no Oujisama is a smashing entry to add to your watchlist!
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