ANI x PARA: Anata no Hero wa Dare desu ka

Youichi Takahashi illustrates blind soccer through sound-based pitch visualization and super plays

Youichi Takahashi, known for Captain Tsubasa, explores the appeal of blind soccer by depicting how players utilize sound to generate 360-degree images of the pitch. The narrative follows Japan national team members as they train rigorously with the goal of participating in the Paralympic Games. To test their skills, the team competes against the Brazilian squad, which currently holds the top position globally. The story examines whether their refined extrasensory perception and spectacular maneuvers can overcome the challenge posed by the world's best players.

Wheelchair-bound girl finds motivation to run after encountering a boy and the wind by the river.

A young woman sits alone in her wheelchair beside a river, lost in thought. Her desire to run is sparked by a significant encounter with a boy and the wind on that specific day. This moment sets her journey in motion, transforming her from a passive observer into an active athlete. The narrative, created by manga artist Eisaku Kubonouchi, author of "Tsurumoku Dokushin-ryou," explores this personal evolution. The story focuses on her internal shift and the external events that drive her toward athletic participation, highlighting the pivotal role of chance meetings and natural elements in her life change.

Eiichirou Maruo faces wheelchair tennis legend Shingo Kunieda in a special anime crossover match

A renowned wheelchair tennis player makes a guest appearance in the popular sports anime Baby Steps. The protagonist, Eiichirou Maruo, competes against the top professional athlete Shingo Kunieda. Eiichirou utilizes his characteristic analytical abilities and precise shots to launch an attack. The narrative explores how Kunieda responds and demonstrates his world-class expertise during this encounter. This unique matchup highlights the collaboration between animation and para-sports. As the heroine Natsu Takasaki observes the action, this special one-off game begins, showcasing the intersection of fictional tennis and real-world athletic excellence in a distinct crossover event.

Ryou-san and Police Officers Play Goalball Against Japan National Team

The project collaborates with Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari-kouen-mae Hashutsujo. Ryou-san, an unconventional police officer, participates in goalball, a sport designed for visually impaired players. Ryoutsu and his police box members, along with staff from Katsushika Police Station, are assigned to guard the stadium hosting the games. They arrive to watch a preview of the event. The Japan national goalball team is practicing nearby. Ryoutsu and his friends challenge the national team to a match. Ryoutsu employs various tricks in an attempt to secure victory against the skilled opponents.

Wheelchair Rugby characters face intense battles and personal struggles

This episode explores the sport of wheelchair rugby, also referred to as murderball due to its aggressive nature. The narrative follows characters created by Tetsuya Chiba, a renowned sports manga artist, as they engage in fierce competition. Riku Uesugi and Yuuma Himura were previously teammates on the same rugby squad. Their lives changed drastically after a car accident involving Riku, which left both him and Yuuma requiring wheelchairs. Following the crash, Riku experienced deep despair until he found wheelchair rugby as a new path. The story highlights themes of failure, triumph, friendship, and rivalry within this demanding athletic discipline.

A high school judoka regains her passion for the sport after losing her sight to illness.

Hikaru is a senior high school student who loves judo. But one day, she realizes that something is wrong with her eyes. She had lost most of her vision due to an illness. She is overwhelmed with sadness... Words spoken by a master of a "dojo" (judo facility) rekindled Hikaru's feeling for judo… Manga artist Katsutoshi Kawai, who created "Obi wo gyutto ne!," a popular judo-themed manga known for realistic depictions, took a close look at Paralympic judo! It is a story of a young woman who faces ordeals and matures as an athlete and as a person. (Source: NHK)

Para-cycling

Kouji Seo's manga Para Badminton focuses on wheelchair badminton

Kouji Seo, the manga artist recognized for romantic comedies like Fuuka, created this work. Para badminton is generally categorized into two main divisions: wheelchair and standing classes. This specific episode concentrates on the wheelchair badminton division. The information regarding the sport's structure and the episode's focus is sourced from NHK World.

Anime adaptation of Boccia sport showcasing inclusive Para-Sports gameplay and strategy

This ninth entry in the Para-Sports anime series features the story of Boccia, written by Satoru Hiura, creator of "Hotaru's Way." The narrative highlights Boccia, a precision ball sport where players aim to place their ball closest to a white target, requiring careful strategy and control. The series emphasizes the sport's inclusivity, noting that individuals with severe impairments like cerebral palsy, along with children and seniors, can participate together. Characters from "Hotaru's Way" also appear in this production. The title music is composed by singer and songwriter Mao Abe.

Vision Impaired Marathon anime series explores Para-Sports charm through collaboration with Mashirohi

This tenth installment of the Para-Sports anime project collaborates with the graphic novel Mashirohi by Masahito Kagawa and Sho Wakasa. The narrative centers on a female runner who lost her sight in an accident and her guide runner from Mashirohi. They compete in the Vision Impaired Marathon, a team sport where the runner and companion hold a rope called kizuna. The pair exchange opinions to develop their teamwork. The title music is performed by LiSA. This story highlights the unique dynamics of the sport and the growing bond between the athletes as they face challenges together in their training and races.

Wheelchair Basketball anime series highlights speed and precision in Paralympic sports

This eleventh installment of the Paralympic sports anime project collaborates with Hiroki Yagami's manga DEAR BOYS to depict the fast-paced world of wheelchair basketball. The narrative follows Mori Yoshiki, the protagonist of DEAR BOYS ACT4, as he encounters a female athlete who plays the sport. The two characters begin to inspire one another through their interactions. The program features the theme song Not Today, which was composed by Daichi Miura specifically for this series based on the dynamics of the game. This production aims to showcase the charm and technical skill inherent in this popular Paralympic discipline.

Para Table Tennis