The Hidden Gem of Soccer Anime

Sports anime have explored a wide range of activities, including running, street racing, and even badminton. Numerous real and fictional sports, popular and obscure alike, have been adapted into manga and anime. Football, also known as soccer, has served as the inspiration for various comics and manga, such as South Africa's Supa-Strikers series, Japan's Captain Tsubasa, and last year's Aoashi. The love for this beloved sport, often referred to as "the beautiful game" by its supporters, is evident in the diverse range of anime it has influenced.

However, amidst discussions about football anime and sports anime in general, there is one title that is often overlooked: Area no Kishi (The Knight in the Area). This series stands out with its unique plot centered around themes of destiny, talent, inheritance, and the legacy of the deceased. The Knight in the Area is an absolute must-watch for any sports anime fan, showcasing a football narrative that is well worth exploring.

Plot

Area no Kishi Suguru vs Brazil

The Knight in the Area series revolves around Kakeru Aizawa, an ardent football enthusiast, and his remarkably gifted older brother, Suguru, who is regarded as one of the top players in Japan's U/15 age category. Previously a forward player, Kakeru steps back from the field due to a traumatic injury, dedicating himself to supporting his brother's aspirations of representing Japan in the World Cup. However, when their childhood friend Seven transfers to their school after a long absence, Kakeru's emotions become complicated as he has feelings for her, knowing that she is interested in Suguru. Moreover, the brothers' relationship is strained. Shortly after Suguru coerces Kakeru to resume playing football, a devastating accident renders Suguru essentially brain-dead, while Kakeru's heart stops functioning. To save Kakeru's life, Suguru's heart is transplanted into him. As Kakeru recovers, he discovers that his body starts imitating Suguru's incredible skills and playing style. Motivated by his brother's memory and talent, Kakeru fully embraces football once again.

Background

Area no Kishi - The Knight in the Area

The Knight in the Area anime is an adaptation of the manga of the same name, created by the author duo Hiroaki Igano and Kaya Tsukiyama. Hiroaki Igano, also known as Shin Kibayashi, is a Japanese novelist and screenwriter. The manga was originally serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine from April 2006 to March 2017, spanning 57 volumes. The anime adaptation, produced by Shin-Ei Animation and directed by Hirofumi Ogura, aired for 37 episodes from January to September 2012. It was simulcast by Crunchyroll in the US, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Character Journey and Progression

Kakeru's internal struggle with the emotional scars left by his devastating knee injury, along with his conflicted aspirations of becoming both a manager and a trainer, rather than just a manager, feel somewhat out of place amidst the generally upbeat atmosphere of The Knight in the Area. However, these weighty elements bring a unique dimension to the typical sports anime experience. The series never shies away from high-stakes drama, as it introduces a surprising plot twist early on, setting the stage for a complex and multifaceted journey for its troubled, traumatized, grief-stricken, and love-stricken protagonist.

As a character, Kakeru must confront his feelings of inferiority towards his brother, as well as endure the mistreatment from his brother's teammates who regard him as the "lesser Aizawa". Additionally, he must grapple with the trauma from his own playing days and the heartbreaking loss of his brother, all of which strengthen Kakeru's determination to make a comeback in the sport and wholeheartedly devote his life to it, just like his brother once did.

Appeal

The Knight of the Area, also known as Area no Kishi, stands out as an anime series for its exceptional portrayal of fluid plays and the accurate depiction of professional footballers' movements. Going beyond the typical sports anime storyline, the series adds an exciting twist in its early stages. While the concept of characters gaining immense power through transplantation is not entirely new in fiction (as seen in characters like Kaneki Ken from Tokyo Ghoul or various Skullgirls characters), The Knight in the Area takes it a step further by incorporating complex themes into its narrative and characters. Alongside the usual call to action to become a professional footballer and represent Japan, this series becomes a thrilling prospect for viewers.

The Knight in the Area narrative has remained largely unadapted, despite the anime series' relatively short run, even six years after its end. In August 2021, the manga for The Knight in the Area had circulated over 13 million copies, reflecting the original manga's decent success. While the animation may not be groundbreaking, with other sports anime showcasing more impressive visuals, The Knight in the Area stands out for its story. It uses the sport as the central tool to explore the protagonist's personal demons, almost serving as a metaphor. This uniqueness sets it apart from other sport anime that focus solely on the protagonist's growth as a player.