Animation x Paralympic: Who Is Your Hero? Season 1, Episode 19: Universal Relay

Football 5-a-side

5-a-side football episode featuring the Japan national team facing world champions Brazil. The story was directed by Yoichi Takahashi, the creator of the popular manga and animation series "Captain Tsubasa".

5 min

Para Athletics

This is the second project of the special series that depict the world of Para-sport in collaboration with popular artists of animation as well as manga. This time, its focus is on Para Athletics. This is an original story on a sprint runner who challenges Paralympics, written by popular manga-comic artist, Eisaku Kubonouchi.

5 min

Wheelchair Tennis

This is the third project of the special animation series that depict the world of Para-sport. This time, its focus is on wheelchair tennis, and a special collaboration with "Baby Steps," popular TV anime series. Japanese top player Shingo Kunieda is featured, playing a match with Eiichiro Maruo, the main character of "Baby Steps."

5 min

Goalball

The episode features the popular anime "KochiKame." Unconventional cop Ryo-san and other familiar characters play against Japan's national goalball team. Ryo-san and his team play blindfolded - a major challenge. Through the slapstick comedy, this episode takes you deep into the world of goalball.

5 min

Wheelchair Rugby

The fierce, fast-paced world of Wheelchair Rugby comes alive in the 5th installment of an animated series about Para-sports. Manga megastar Tetsuya Chiba of "Ashita no Joe" fame created characters.

5 min

Vision Impaired Judo

This episode features vision impaired judo. The story centers on a girl who gave up judo after losing her eyesight, but renewed her love of the sport by discovering its essence - mutual prosperity for self and others - through vision impaired judo.

5 min

Para Cycling

Real-life para athlete Shota Kawamoto, who pedals with a single leg, competes in a road race with Sakamichi Onoda, the main character of "Yowamushi Pedal."

5 min

Para Badminton

Para badminton is roughly divided into wheelchair and standing, and this episode features wheelchair badminton.

5 min

Boccia

Boccia is a precision ball sport where you throw your ball as close as you can to the target - a white ball, which requires careful strategy and control. The characters from "Hotaru's Way" also appear in the anime.

5 min

Vision Impaired Marathon

The story follows a female runner who lost her sight in an accident and the guide runner who appeared in "Mashirohi." The pair bounce opinions off each other to grow as a team.

5 min

Wheelchair Basketball

In collaboration with a basketball manga "DEAR BOYS" by Hiroki Yagami, it portrays the world of Wheelchair Basketball, one of the most popular Para Sports with its overwhelming sense of speed and precise gamesmanship. Mori Yoshiki, the protagonist of "DEAR BOYS ACT4" meets a girl who plays wheelchair basketball, and the 2 start inspiring each other.

5 min

Para Table Tennis

The story follows 2 protagonists, Daichi and Jun, facing Para Table Tennis player Iwabuchi Koyo in a practice match. Daichi and Jun try to go easy on Koyo at the beginning, but something unexpected happens

5 min

Para Alpine Skiing

This anime portrays Para Alpine Skiing, one of the fastest sports where players take on a challenge in the world of ultimate speed. Our protagonist, Momo, who has just started her life in a wheelchair, falls in love with Alpine Skiing. However, the more advanced she becomes with the sport, the more fear of severe falls she has to face.

5 min

Para Snowboard

In collaboration with Shimamoto Kazuhiko, a leading artist of hot-blooded sports manga, it portrays the world of Snowboard Cross, an event where multiple riders race simultaneously down the snow field. The protagonist Mayama Kei, who is based on real-life pro snowboarder Okamoto Keiji, injures his leg in an accident and turns to Para Sports.

5 min

Sitting Volleyball

5 min

Para Canoe

5 min

Para Archery

5 min

Goal Ball

5 min

Episode 20