A thorough review of "Yowamushi Pedal"

*This article contains promotional material.

basic information

・Title: Yowamushi Pedal
・Author: Wataru Watanabe
・Publisher: Akita Shoten
Genre: Sports, Youth
・Number of volumes: 97
・Animation and film adaptation: Already adapted into animation, film, and stage play

"Yowamushi Pedal" is a hugely popular Japanese sports manga by Wataru Watanabe, a long-running series that has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion since 2008. It has over 97 volumes and has been adapted into anime, stage plays, and even a live-action film, garnering fans across generations. The story is about the coming-of-age of an anime-loving otaku boy, Sakamichi Onoda, who joins the cycling club and races with his friends with the aim of competing in the Inter-High School Championships. While the story centers around the niche sport of road racing, the passionate depictions and dramatic elements make it a masterpiece that will warm anyone's heart.

Synopsis

The protagonist, Sakamichi Onoda, is an anime otaku boy who has been commuting 90km round trip from his home to Akihabara on his mamachari bicycle since he was in the third grade of elementary school. Though he had little experience in sports, his experiences gave him incredible endurance and climbing ability. When he meets Shunsuke Imaizumi and Shokichi Naruko, members of the cycling club, his talent begins to blossom.
The story is set mainly in the Inter-High School Championships, where the teammates from Sohoku High School cooperate to face off against powerful athletes from rival schools. Readers will be deeply moved by the way the teammates give their all to win and keep running, believing in their teammates.

The charm of the characters

The greatest appeal of "Yowamushi Pedal" is its unique characters.

• Onoda Slope: The main character is a born otaku, but with his caring heart for his teammates and indomitable spirit, he strives to reach the top. His song "Koi no Hime Hime Pettanko" can sometimes be the key to victory. When other players hear this song, they start to get impatient, but when they see Onoda's smile, they lose their fighting spirit. Onoda Sakamichi is a character who is earnest and straightforward.
• Shunsuke Imaizumi: A rival and friend who is calm and collected and theoretical, but gradually shows his passion. At first, he thinks of Onoda as a "who is this guy?", but after they join the same cycling club, they become rivals and compete with each other. He is a good character who is talented and works hard.
• Naruko Shokichi: A flashy sprinter. She cheers up the team with her Kansai dialect and leads and supports the team with her enthusiasm. There have been many times when she couldn't break through a wall without Naruko.
• Yusuke Makishima: "Maki-chan" has a unique dancing form. He cares about his juniors and is like a mentor to Sakamichi. He is one of a kind. His rivalry with Todo is heartwarming.
• Rival school characters such as Toudou Jinpachi, Manami Sangaku, and Midosuji ShoThe players who stand in the way of the main characters also have strong personalities, making the story even more dramatic.

Imagery and atmosphere

Watanabe Wataru's illustrations are dynamic, emphasizing momentum and passion. In particular, the depiction of the speed, sweat, and facial expressions during the race creates a sense of realism. Not only does he faithfully recreate real-life cycling, but he also exquisitely depicts the psychological battles between the characters and exaggerated expressions, giving the manga both the power and entertainment value of a sports manga.

Memorable scenes

• The scene where Sakamichi runs up the hill while humming the "Hime Hime Song" is a memorable scene that is both unexpected and moving. When he hears this song, he's not only a total otaku, but also goes full throttle on his bike. And Onoda's cadence keeps increasing, as if it's the background music that guarantees victory. No one can stop Onoda Sakamichi's song and his bike.
• The moment when they give their all for their teammates at the Inter-High. It's impossible to watch without tears as each athlete "runs for someone." Sohoku's soulful run is a must-see. Each character puts their feelings into their pedals as they race through the heated battle.
• The insane running of rival Midosuji Sho and the unity of Sohoku that stands against him. This contrast highlights the theme of the entire work. Anyone who has seen the work will understand that just hearing the name Midosuji makes you think, "That's scary." His tenacity is genuine, and he is more serious than anyone when it comes to cycling, determined to win no matter what. He may be crazy, but he is more committed to cycling than anyone else, and without him, the work is full of charm that makes you think it might not be as interesting as it is. This battle is a must-see.

Recommended for:

• People who like sports manga
• Those who want to read a story about working hard with friends
• Anyone interested in cycling or wanting to learn about a new sport
• People whose passionate friendships and rivalry resonate with them

Similar works

• "Slam Dunk": A youth ensemble drama set in the world of basketball.
• "Haikyu!!": A masterpiece that depicts the bonds between teammates through volleyball.
• "Baby Steps": A work that depicts tennis with realistic strategy.
  Like these works, Yowamushi Pedal shares themes of hard work and bonds, but its unique setting of road racing gives it a unique appeal.

Q&A

Q: Can I enjoy it even if I don't know anything about cycling?
A: Yes. Although there are technical terms, they are explained naturally within the story, so even beginners can feel at ease.

Q: Which do you recommend, anime or manga?
A: Both are recommended, but the manga offers deeper psychological depictions, while the anime doubles the impact of the racing scenes. It's best to enjoy them together.

Q: Isn't it difficult to follow a long story?
A: It's certainly a long-running series, but the drama unfolds at each stage, so you get a sense of accomplishment every time you finish reading about one tournament.

summary

"Yowamushi Pedal" goes beyond the boundaries of a simple sports manga; it is a masterpiece filled with friendship, hard work, and youth. Using the familiar yet profound sport of cycling as its subject, the story depicts character growth and human drama. Readers will be able to relive the tension and excitement of the races while also feeling the preciousness of riding with friends. As one of the pinnacles of sports manga, this is a work that many people should definitely experience.

Purchase Link

Other works by the author

• "Yowamushi Pedal SPARE BIKE": A spin-off story of characters not depicted in the main story.
• "Majimoji Rurumo": An unusual comedy about magical girls.

Additional Information

In fact, the administrator, Moo, is from Nagasaki Prefecture, and the author, Watanabe Wataru, is also from Nagasaki Prefecture.
Nagasaki Prefecture has original manholes, which are pilgrimage spots where you can meet characters from Yowamushi Pedal. I had fun visiting a few of them myself (lol).
Pilgrimage: https://www.city.nagasaki.lg.jp/page/54935.html

There is also a restaurant with character uniforms on display, which I think will be even more enjoyable for those who enjoyed the series. The Turkish rice was very delicious.
Restaurant: Himawari-tei