Interest
Captain Tsubasa Creator Earns Katsushika City Honorary Citizen Award
posted on by Victor Chaves
On December 27, Captain Tsubasa creator Yōichi Takahashi received the Katsushika City Honorary Citizen Award. Takahashi was given the award for his many contributions to the city through his manga.
Katsushika city officials credit Captain Tsubasa for helping the city grow culturally denser since serialization began in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1981. The city has collaborated with the manga to attract a soccer fans via bus advertisements and literal bronze statues of the titular character set up around the area. The city organized the "Captain Tsubasa Cup, Gotta Win!" campaign during the yearly Junior Soccer Tournament to help bring tourists to the city and keep young men active.
Takahashi, straining to not break down during the award ceremony, stated “I was raised in Katsushika City by my mother, father, and grandfather. Today I'd like to tell my mom I was honored with this award. I'd also like to report this to my dad and grandfather at the family grave.”
Manga artist Osamu Akimoto and director Yoji Yamada attended the ceremony and also assisted in bestowing the award. Takahashi stated he would continue to create works and follow Akimoto and Yamada's example.
When questioned what he will do next, Takahashi answered “My dream now is to work with the Nankatsu Soccer Club in Katsushika and get into the J League. Someday, people of Katsushika, you'll have a J1 soccer cub and a soccer stadium in your city.”
Source: Comic Natalie
