We had the opportunity to conduct an email interview with legendary manga artist Yoichi Takahashi, the creative force behind the iconic football manga and anime series “Captain Tsubasa.” As Konami unveils the second volume of their eFootball × Captain Tsubasa collaboration, Takahashi shares his thoughts on bringing his beloved characters to the digital football pitch and the enduring legacy of his work.

The Collaboration Journey – From Manga to eFootball

When asked about how the collaboration with eFootball came about, Takahashi revealed that Konami approached him with the proposal. “We are happy that people can enjoy Captain Tsubasa in a way other than through manga,” he shared, expressing enthusiasm for this new medium through which fans can experience his creation. For Takahashi, the most important aspect of bringing Captain Tsubasa characters into eFootball was preserving “the world view of the work.” He hopes that through this collaboration, players will embrace the core message of his manga: “helping each other and never giving up on your dreams.”

This isn’t Takahashi’s first foray into the gaming world—he mentioned a previous collaboration with Power Soccer. When asked about potential future collaborations or integrating his characters into other Konami games, he remained open and positive, stating “I would be happy if I receive such a proposal.” Takahashi views the eFootball collaboration as “a good thing to have more ways to access the piece of work,” suggesting that digital platforms can serve as gateways for new generations to discover Captain Tsubasa.

The collaboration has brought special edition cards illustrated by Takahashi himself, featuring football stars like Neymar Jr. and Lionel Messi. When asked which player he’d like to draw next for eFootball, Takahashi mentioned Luis Suárez, who appears in the eFootball trailer. “He also appears in the eFootball trailer, so the player I’d like to draw is Suarez,” he explained.

The Creative Process and Football Beyond Borders

Reflecting on the longevity of his series, Takahashi attributed its continued success to the characters themselves: “The characters seem to be saying ‘draw us more, let us play an active role,’ and they are lively in the works.”

When questioned about what makes the series resonate with people of all ages, Takahashi offered a simple yet profound answer: “I think it’s because the characters love soccer and work hard at it.” This authentic passion for the sport shines through in his favorite scenes to draw—”vigorous play scenes” that capture the energy and excitement of football.

Takahashi’s creative decisions were deliberate and thoughtful. He chose a cheerful protagonist in Tsubasa because he “wanted to emphasize that they were enjoying themselves, rather than being forced to do things.” The decision to make Tsubasa a midfielder was strategic: “As for the positions, I changed them so that they could work hard in both offence and defence.”As a keen observer of global football, Takahashi expressed delight at seeing more Asian players succeeding in European leagues: “The number of Asian players active in Europe has increased considerably, and I am delighted to see the level of football improving.”

When asked about his favorite football league and club, Takahashi named La Liga and FC Barcelona, though he mentioned there’s no particular player he’s currently following closely. His passion for the sport extends beyond national boundaries, as evidenced by his message to fans across Asia: “I hope you will continue to love Captain Tsubasa.”

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Interestingly, Takahashi remains humble about his creation’s massive influence, stating: “I’m just continuing to do what I like, so I don’t really think about it.” This understated approach belies the enormous impact Captain Tsubasa has had on both football culture and generations of fans.

His observations about cultural differences in manga appreciation are particularly insightful: “Japan tends to value tradition, and I often feel that the manga genre is not yet being properly evaluated, but in the West, I feel that things that are simply interesting are being properly evaluated.” When asked about his legacy and the future of Captain Tsubasa across different mediums, Takahashi expressed a simple but heartfelt wish: “I hope that lots of people around the world enjoy it.” This sentiment reflects his broader vision for the series, emphasizing accessibility and enjoyment over commercial success.

His collaboration with eFootball demonstrates this commitment to reaching new audiences. Through unique Epic cross-over cards that pair iconic Captain Tsubasa characters with legendary football attackers, Takahashi’s creation continues to bridge the gap between manga and real-world football, introducing new generations to his timeless story of determination, friendship, and the beautiful game.

“I hope lots of people will enjoy it,” Takahashi said about seeing his characters in eFootball, a statement that encapsulates his approach to sharing Captain Tsubasa with the world—whether through manga, anime, or digital platforms.