A Soccer Hero Adored Around the World

Takahashi Yōichi Born in Tokyo in 1960. Made his debut as a manga artist with a single-episode manga, “Captain Tsubasa,” which appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1980. Started a series of the same title in the magazine in 1981. The animated version, launched in 1983, touched off a soccer boom and a surge in the number of young players in Japan. The anime went on to be aired internationally, winning the hearts of fans worldwide and even having an impact on foreign viewers who would go on to be soccer greats. The series continues to depict the growth of the protagonist, Tsubasa.

Takahashi, front row center, pays a pep rally visit to the Japanese women’s national soccer team on July 17, 2011, the day before the World Cup final. Holding the left corner of the flag is captain Sawa Homare, MVP and top scorer of the tournament. (Photo: World Soccer King/Chiba Itaru)

Takahashi is active in efforts to support recovery from the disaster of March 11, 2011. He donated to a charity auction the original of an illustration that he drew for the cover of a charity book, fetching a high price. (Photo: We’ll Never Walk Alone, From One Co.) © Takahashi Yōichi/Shūeisha

After numerous series, Tsubasa still continues his journey of growth. The latest installment is volume five of Captain Tsubasa kaigai gekitō hen: En La Liga [Captain Tsubasa’s Tough Overseas Play: In La Liga] (Shūeisha). © Takahashi Yōichi/Shūeisha