Ace o Nerae!
Encyclopedia
is a sports shōjo manga by Sumika Yamamoto
begun in 1972 and serialized in Margaret. Hugely successful, it was adapted into a TV anime
series in 1973 by Tokyo Movie Shinsha
with the Madhouse
animation studio (its first major production), and was originally aired on MBS
.
Another TV anime, a movie retelling of the first series, and two OAV
s followed in the 1970s and 1980s. More recently, a live-action drama
series aired in 2004. The original TV anime has been distributed in Europe, with the titles Jenny la tennista or "Jenny, the Tennis Player" (Italian), Jeu, Set et Match, or "Game, Set and Match" (French), and Raqueta de oro or "Golden Racket" (Spanish).
girl who struggles to become good at tennis
. Hiromi starts playing tennis in her high school, Nishiko, because she is fascinated by an older girl, Reika Ryūzaki, who is the best player in the team and is nicknamed because of her grace on the tennis court. The team gets a new coach, Jin Munakata, who sees potential in her and trains her to become a great tennis player. Hiromi struggles to overcome her mental weakness. Nishiko is modeled after Urawanishi High School, from which the author graduated.
Later on, she falls in love with another tennis player, Takayuki Tōdō, but Coach Munakata tells her not to get too involved, and that it is better to forget him in order to become a better player. Hiromi suffers over this, and many times she loses her confidence in her playing abilities, but with the support of her coach and her many friends she overcomes her anxiety. By training herself to become a better player, Hiromi grows into a mentally stronger person. Hiromi's enthusiasm and love for tennis, and the support from people around her, helps her to become one of the best players in the world.
(anime, both TV series & movie), Yuko Mizutani
(OVA's), Aya Ueto
(drama) Masako Ikeda
(anime, both TV series & movie), Yoshiko Sakakibara
(OVA's), Rio Matsumoto
(drama) Kōji Nakata (anime, 1st TV series), Nachi Nozawa
(anime, 2nd TV series, movies, OVA's), Masaaki Uchino (drama) Katsuji Mori
(anime, both TV series & movies), Kazuhiko Inoue
(OVA's), Hisashi Yoshizawa (drama)
ese drama
series by TV Asahi
. The theme song of the show was "Ai no Tame ni" by Aya Ueto
who also starred in the leading role. It was broadcast weekly at 21:00 on Thursdays.
Super Famicom
video game for girls, based on the manga of the same name. It was developed by Nippon Telenet and released on December 22, 1993. The main character has to win the love of an older student by winning in a tennis tournament. The object in the game is to beat the opponents while trying not to get distracted by the early 3D
rotational graphics (aka Mode 7
). There is even a practice mode for younger girls who wish to brush up on their tennis
skills before taking on the real competition.
Sumika Yamamoto
is a Japanese manga artist known for her manga series Ace o Nerae!.-Biography:Sumika Yamamoto is a shōjo manga artist born on June 17, 1949. She debuted as a manga artist in 1971 with "Sono Hitokoto ga ienakute" in Shuukan Margaret before achieving success with "Ace o Nerae"...
begun in 1972 and serialized in Margaret. Hugely successful, it was adapted into a TV anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
series in 1973 by Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Tokyo Movie Shinsha
, formerly known as , is a Japanese animation studio, founded on October 1946. One of the oldest and most prominent anime studios in Japan, it has also produced numerous animated series airing in other countries such as France, the United States, and Italy. The company currently uses "TMS...
with the Madhouse
Madhouse (company)
is a Japanese animation studio, founded in 1972 by ex–Mushi Pro animators including Masao Maruyama, Osamu Dezaki, Rintaro, and Yoshiaki Kawajiri. It has created and helped to produce many well known shows, starting with TV anime series Ace o Nerae! in 1973, and including western favourites Ninja...
animation studio (its first major production), and was originally aired on MBS
Mainichi Broadcasting System
is a broadcasting station in Osaka, Japan, affiliated with Japan Radio Network , National Radio Network , Japan News Network and TBS Network, serving in the Kansai region. MBS is also one of the major stockholders of Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings, Inc...
.
Another TV anime, a movie retelling of the first series, and two OAV
Original video animation
, abbreviated as media , are animated films and series made specially for release in home-video formats. The term originated in relation to Japanese animation...
s followed in the 1970s and 1980s. More recently, a live-action drama
Japanese television drama
, also called , are a staple of Japanese television and are broadcast daily. All major TV networks in Japan produce a variety of drama series including murder romance, comedy, detective stories, horror, and many others...
series aired in 2004. The original TV anime has been distributed in Europe, with the titles Jenny la tennista or "Jenny, the Tennis Player" (Italian), Jeu, Set et Match, or "Game, Set and Match" (French), and Raqueta de oro or "Golden Racket" (Spanish).
Synopsis
The story is about Hiromi Oka, a high schoolHigh school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
girl who struggles to become good at tennis
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
. Hiromi starts playing tennis in her high school, Nishiko, because she is fascinated by an older girl, Reika Ryūzaki, who is the best player in the team and is nicknamed because of her grace on the tennis court. The team gets a new coach, Jin Munakata, who sees potential in her and trains her to become a great tennis player. Hiromi struggles to overcome her mental weakness. Nishiko is modeled after Urawanishi High School, from which the author graduated.
Later on, she falls in love with another tennis player, Takayuki Tōdō, but Coach Munakata tells her not to get too involved, and that it is better to forget him in order to become a better player. Hiromi suffers over this, and many times she loses her confidence in her playing abilities, but with the support of her coach and her many friends she overcomes her anxiety. By training herself to become a better player, Hiromi grows into a mentally stronger person. Hiromi's enthusiasm and love for tennis, and the support from people around her, helps her to become one of the best players in the world.
Characters
Makoto KōsakaMakoto Kosaka
is a Japanese infielder. He currently plays for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.Makoto Kosaka is well known for his fast running skills -References:*...
(anime, both TV series & movie), Yuko Mizutani
Yuko Mizutani
is a Japanese voice actress working for Production Baobab.-Notable voice roles:*Alfimi, Katana & Byakuya in Super Robot Wars OG Saga: Endless Frontier EXCEED*Andrea Zuckerman in Beverly Hills, 90210*Anri in Bubblegum Crisis*Apple in Zillion...
(OVA's), Aya Ueto
Aya Ueto
is a Japanese actress, singer, model, tarento, and occasional radio personality. Born in Nerima, Tokyo, Ueto was discovered when she participated in the 7th Japan Bishōjo Contest, where she won the special jury prize...
(drama) Masako Ikeda
Masako Ikeda
is a Japanese voice actress most known for the roles of Reika "Ochoufujin" Ryuuzaki in Ace wo Nerae, Nodoka Saotome in Ranma 1/2, Maetel in Galaxy Express 999 and Michiko in Harmagedon...
(anime, both TV series & movie), Yoshiko Sakakibara
Yoshiko Sakakibara
is a Japanese voice actress.-Direct-to-video animation:* 1983 Dallos - Melinda Hurst* 1985 Greed - Mimau* 1985 Area 88 - Yasuda* 1985 Cream Lemon – Rio* 1985 Megazone 23 – Reina* 1985 The Karuizawa Syndrome - Kaoru Matsunuma...
(OVA's), Rio Matsumoto
Rio Matsumoto
Rio Matsumoto is a Japanese actress, model and singer. She has had a prolific career in television drama series since the mid 1990s and since 2003 has also been in several films...
(drama) Kōji Nakata (anime, 1st TV series), Nachi Nozawa
Nachi Nozawa
was a Japanese seiyū, actor, and theatre director from Tokyo. He was affiliated with Office PAC at the time of his death. His real name was...
(anime, 2nd TV series, movies, OVA's), Masaaki Uchino (drama) Katsuji Mori
Katsuji Mori
is a Japanese voice actor often accredited as the Casey Kasem of Japan. He is most known for the roles of Go Mifune , Joe Shimamura/009 , Ken the Eagle , Jouji Minami , and Garma Zabi .- Anime :*Nephrite in Sailor Moon*Seiji Hayami in Cutey Honey*Go Mifune in Mach Go Go Go/Speed Racer is a...
(anime, both TV series & movies), Kazuhiko Inoue
Kazuhiko Inoue
is a veteran voice actor from Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.-Biography:Since his debut in 1973, Kazuhiko Inoue has become one of Japan's most well established voice actors. His early roles from the 1970s include Anthony in Candy Candy, and later as Joe in the 1979 remake of Cyborg 009...
(OVA's), Hisashi Yoshizawa (drama)
- Kyoko Otowa - Yoshiko Ohta (anime, 1st TV series), Kazue KomiyaKazue Komiyais a Japanese voice actress who is affiliated with Theater Echo.-TV anime:*Aim for the Ace! *Ashita no Nadja *Combat Mecha Xabungle *Fullmetal Alchemist *Hiatari Ryōkō!...
(anime, 2nd TV series) - Ranko Midorikawa - Toshiko SawadaToshiko Sawadais a Japanese voice actor who works for Haikyo.-Anime:*Appleseed *Minky Momo *Maison Ikkoku *Minky Momo Tabidachi no Eki *Mobile Suit Gundam...
(anime, 1st TV series), Kazuko YanagaKazuko Yanagais a Japanese voice actress who works for 81 Produce. She is the wife of voice actor Hōchū Ōtsuka.-Anime voice roles:*Ace wo Nerae!/Shin Ace wo Nerae! *Armored Trooper Votoms *Ashita e Attack...
(anime, 2nd TV series & movie), Eiko Yamada (OVA's), Ayana Sakai (drama) - Yū Ozaki - Michihiro IkemizuMichihiro Ikemizuis a Japanese voice actor from Kanagawa Prefecture and a graduate of Waseda University who works for Aoni Production.Among his other roles, he has performed the characters Onsen-Mark , Isao Ohta and Kinnikuman Super Phoenix .-TV anime:*Ashita no Joe 2 *Attacker You!...
(anime, 1st TV series), Junji Toyota (anime, 2nd TV series & movie), Hideyuki UmezuHideyuki Umezuis a Japanese voice actor and member of 81 Produce.-Anime:* Bakugan Battle Brawlers * Blood+ * Bonobono * Death Note * Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood...
(OVA's), Yuma IshigakiYuma Ishigakiis a Japanese actor.-Movies:*Lovers' Kiss *Azumi *Battle Royale 2 *Azumi 2 *Thirteen Assassins -TV drama:* Asakusa Fukumaru Ryokan 2 * Hanazakari no Kimitachi e * Natsu Kumo Agare...
(drama) - Takashi Chiba - Osamu Ichikawa (anime, 1st TV series), Kazuyuki SogabeKazuyuki SogabeKazuyuki Sogabe was a Japanese voice actor born in Chiba Prefecture. Sogabe retired from voice acting on December 31, 2000 when he felt a weakness in his own voice. After his retirement, many of his current roles went to voice actors Tetsu Inada and Ryotaro Okiayu. Kazuyuki, however, was active in...
(anime, 2nd TV series & movie), Kenyū Horiuchi (OVA's), Shuji KashiwabaraShuji Kashiwabarais a Japanese actor. He is the younger brother of Takashi Kashiwabara, who is an actor as well.-Selected filmography:-External links:...
(drama) - Tomoyo - Kotono MitsuishiKotono Mitsuishiis a prolific Japanese voice actor from Tokyo. As a young girl, Mitsuishi lived in Nagareyama, Chiba. Mitsuishi graduated from high school in 1986, and entered the Katsuta Voice Actor's Academy. While attending the academy, she began working part time as an elevator girl in the Sunshine 60 building...
(anime) - Maki Aikawa - Masako SugayaMasako Sugayais a female Japanese voice actress who has worked primarily in anime.- Television :* Perman , Ganko* Under Sea Boy Marine , Kurikuri* Umeboshi Denka , Umeboshi-Queen* Attack No...
(anime), Ayaka Morita (drama) - Houriki Saiko - Becky (drama)
Drama version
Ēsu o Nerae! was adapted into a 2004 JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese drama
Japanese television drama
, also called , are a staple of Japanese television and are broadcast daily. All major TV networks in Japan produce a variety of drama series including murder romance, comedy, detective stories, horror, and many others...
series by TV Asahi
TV Asahi
, also known as EX and , is a Japanese television network headquartered in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The company writes its name in lower-case letters, tv asahi, in its logo and public-image materials. The company also owns All-Nippon News Network....
. The theme song of the show was "Ai no Tame ni" by Aya Ueto
Aya Ueto
is a Japanese actress, singer, model, tarento, and occasional radio personality. Born in Nerima, Tokyo, Ueto was discovered when she participated in the 7th Japan Bishōjo Contest, where she won the special jury prize...
who also starred in the leading role. It was broadcast weekly at 21:00 on Thursdays.
TV series staff
- Producers - Motohiro Matsumoto, Shizuo Sekiguchi
- Screenwriter - Akiyo Takikawa
- Music - Norihito Sumitomo
- Tennis supervisor - Shuzou Matsuoka
Video game
is a story-driven tennisTennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
Super Famicom
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
video game for girls, based on the manga of the same name. It was developed by Nippon Telenet and released on December 22, 1993. The main character has to win the love of an older student by winning in a tennis tournament. The object in the game is to beat the opponents while trying not to get distracted by the early 3D
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...
rotational graphics (aka Mode 7
Mode 7
Mode 7 is a graphics mode on the Super NES video game console that allows a background layer to be rotated and scaled on a scanline-by-scanline basis to create many different effects. The most famous of these effects this can create is the application of a perspective effect on a background layer...
). There is even a practice mode for younger girls who wish to brush up on their tennis
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
skills before taking on the real competition.
External links
- Official Shueisha Ace o Nerae! manga website
- Official TV Asahi Ace o Nerae! television drama website
- Anime Video Games Review
- Ace o Nerae! at superfamicom.org
- エースをねらえ! / Ace o Nerae! at super-famicom.jp