Sports manga has always captivated children, regardless of the era.I believe there are quite a few people who were motivated to actually participate in the sports depicted in the captivating scenes drawn on paper.Perhaps it's because each reader overlays their own "future" onto the world of comics, a world that surely expands with infinite possibilities.Driven by a desire to uncover the secret of its charm, I visited Tsuyoshi Yasuda, the author of the masterpiece "DAYS," which depicts high school soccer.Mr.Yasuda, who is an avid soccer fan, seems to be keeping a close watch on Vissel Kobe's recent performances!

“DAYS” Plot Summary——The protagonist is Tsukushi Tsukamoto, a high school boy with no soccer experience.Upon an encounter that occurred before entering high school, he decides to join the Soccer club at his future school, Seiseki High School.However, Seiseki High School is a prestigious soccer school filled with unique characters.The difference in skill between Tsukushi, who was a complete novice, and those around him was glaringly apparent.Despite everything, Tsukushi continues to run desperately without giving up.The text illustrates the growth of individuals and their hearts, supporting each other through soccer.

Reflecting on the time of the series, Mr.Yasuda shared his thoughts with us.

A Story That Can Captivate You, Even If You’re Not Interested in Soccer

“DAYS”, a youth sports manga, was serialized in the Weekly Shonen Magazine (published by Kodansha) from April 2013 to January 2021.This popular work was turned into a TV anime in 2016, and as of June 2021, the comic book series (42 volumes in total) has surpassed a total circulation of 13 million copies.For the author of “DAYS”, Mr. Yasuda, soccer is a deeply cherished presence, having played it since his childhood.The author discusses how he can convey the excitement of soccer, reflecting on it as a manga artist in his work.

“Soccer is a sport that is very interesting both to play and watch.Therefore, I believed that even if it was turned into a comic, its interesting aspects would undoubtedly be conveyed.But if you think about it calmly, that’s because you know the charm of soccer. As a result of reconsideration, I decided to focus on a story that focuses on people, not on soccer itself.The reason being, there is a difference in the enjoyment of actually playing and the enjoyment of depicting it in a manga.The fun of soccer that I’ve experienced as a player, such as being able to place the trap in a good position, really comes from the accumulation of small improvements.However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it would be interesting if depicted in a manga.The appeal of manga lies in its narrative that can only be depicted through creativity, as well as its character portrayals and human patterns.”By doing so, even those who weren’t interested in soccer should find it easier to empathize.”

By making Tsukushi Tsukamoto, a soccer novice, the protagonist, readers unfamiliar with sports could naturally empathize.

According to one theory, in the world of manga, sports that primarily involve one-on-one setups are said to be more suitable.In other words, it’s difficult to depict a soccer match, which involves a large field and many players, in a comprehensible manner through manga.In that regard, “DAYS”, which produced strong drama and tension by focusing on the characters, brilliantly overcame such adversity, reaching not only sports fans but a large number of people.

“I think I have a strong interest in people myself.I enjoy pondering over things such as what kind of thoughts guide a person’s actions, their upbringing and preferences, and what they are aiming for.Sometimes, I find myself only searching for images of my favorite soccer player (laughs).”

In addition, apart from “DAYS”, Mr.Yasuda has depicted characters full of humanity in numerous works, ranging from his debut work “Over Drive”, which is based on bicycle road racing, to his latest work “Ao no Miburo”, set in the late Edo period in Kyoto, and featuring the Shinsengumi. I definitely recommend reading it if you’re interested.

The colleagues from the Seiseki High School Soccer Club, where Tsukushi belongs.It’s filled with characters brimming with humanity.

The trials and joys of the author resonate with the reader

Mr. Yasuda, who started playing soccer at the age of four.Its history is an impressive 40 years or more.Naturally, one would expect a profound understanding of rules and tactics.I wonder why they deliberately spotlighted those with no experience in soccer.

“Setting the protagonist as athletically challenged, and having them enter a prestigious school despite no soccer experience, was something that happened because I hadn’t thought through the development much further. In a nutshell, it’s momentum (laughs).As a backlash, during the series, it was a continuous struggle to get amateurs to participate in the matches and perform well… While I was drawing, I kept thinking to myself that such a thing is impossible, and I’m definitely better at soccer than Tsukushi.”

Tsukushi, a soccer beginner, continues to grow through persistent effort.

While it depicts developments typical of manga, in fact, behind “DAYS”, there are realities and advanced soccer techniques that would be irresistible if you love soccer.

“The setting of “DAYS” is high school soccer, but there are several scenes that were inspired by the motions of top-class players who participate in the European Soccer Champions League. Like Van Persie’s heading shot and Ibrahimovic’s trap,” in such a way, it’s as if something incredible is happening inside my head (laughs).Furthermore, during the serialization of “DAYS”, it was a time when the concept of “transition” (switching between offense and defense) in soccer was visualized and widely disseminated, providing a more theoretical perspective on the sport.The way of thinking was completely different from what I had been taught when I was a boy, and it felt very refreshing. I remember vividly illustrating the evolution of soccer.”

In addition to the game scenes developed around the state-of-the-art soccer style of the time, the appearance of unique individuals centered around star players called “Jukketsu” only increases the anticipation of turning the page.By the way, the team that Mr.Yasuda empathized with the most in the story is the Seiseki High School where the protagonist attends.The team that was fun to draw was said to be the powerhouse representative of Nara Prefecture, Ryouzan High School.

The battle of Ryousan High School is one of the highlights of this work.The “passion” of Mr.Yasuda himself is conveyed through his brush.

“In ‘DAYS’, my favorite character is Atsushi Kimishita from Seiseki High School, who wears the number 10. Although I’m the one who drew it, at first, I thought the character seemed somewhat effeminate and uncool.But, with each passing round, I find myself thinking, ‘Was it always like this?’The impression has drastically changed more than I had anticipated when I started drawing.When it comes to real-life soccer players, there might be a strong tendency to favor star players who can perform in ways we ourselves cannot.Robert Baggio, Del Piero, Lionel Messi.If they are Japanese, it’s Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma. We can’t leave out Yuya Osako of Vissel Kobe. I think there aren’t many players in Japan who can handle anything as much as they can, and they might be one of the best strikers in history.Vissel Kobe has an interesting style as well. I feel like the pressure is applied from a relatively high position, the short counter after stealing the ball, the amount of movement in both defense and offense, and the quality of play and the motivation of the players are all generally very high.”

Mr. Yasuda says that the best way to deepen one’s interest in both real-life soccer and soccer in manga is by finding a favorite player or team.How about starting with looking for your favorite, and then giving sports a try?

With each passing moment, the charm of the character named Kimishita Atsushi deepened.

What Matters is How to Create an Interesting Experience

Both watching sports and sports manga have their own power to captivate people’s hearts.However, merely having a vague sense of soccer does not allow one to truly appreciate its charm. Mr.Yasuda is experiencing this firsthand.

“Previously, when FC Barcelona had a match in Japan, I took my daughter to the stadium.I believe that if you watch the best plays, you will surely become interested in soccer.This operation ended in failure, but there were insights gained from it.For her, who doesn’t know about soccer, just watching FC Barcelona matches won’t lead to an interesting experience.I should have created more exciting events and memories for you than anything else.I believe that the same things will be necessary in the future for even more people to become interested in soccer.Increase the number of entry points to pique interest, and focus on how to provide an interesting experience.If manga and anime are playing a part in that, it’s a great honor, isn’t it?Thus, for those who become interested, soccer becomes a lifelong sport, enriching their lives. I believe that soccer, a sport with a wide international reach, holds immense potential.”

There must be many readers for whom this work has become the ‘gateway to developing an interest in (Soccer)’.

There is a path I believe in precisely because I love soccer.On the other hand, there are paths that I want to change precisely because I love them.

“Generally speaking, whether it’s enhancing facilities or inviting global superstars, measures to expand reach can be costly.There is inevitably a limit to how far a team can go by just working hard together. So, it would be ideal if the government and local authorities started allocating budgets for soccer. I feel that as we increase opportunities for people to connect through sports, a better future is being created.”

Options for sports experience, manga.Some people gain courage from reading sports manga, while others may feel inspired to actually visit a stadium.There may be people who are inspired by manga to become professional athletes, or those who aspire to be manga artists like Mr. Yasuda.No matter which path you take, there’s no need to worry.The thrill of sports continues to reside where you aspire to be.

Read “DAYS” on ‘Rakuten Kobo‘!

After reading Mr. Yasuda’s interview, fans who thought about reading it again are recommended to binge-read at the e-book store ‘Rakuten Kobo‘.Numerous iconic scenes remain ever-vibrant, never fading with time.

TEXT: Keisuke Honda
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)