Kickoff to the Galaxy!! A thorough review of the special ~Explaining the fierce Predator vs. Amarillo match~

A comprehensive review and recommendation of "Galaxy Kickoff!! Special ~Fierce Battle! Predator vs. Amarillo~"

1. Overview of the Work

"Ginga e Kickoff!! Special ~Fierce Battle! Predator vs. Amarillo~" is a TV special anime based on the novels "Galaxy World Cup" and "Wind Dandelion Galaxy World Cup Girls" by Kawabata Hiroto. It was broadcast on NHK General TV and BS Premium from January 15th to 19th, 2013. This special depicts the story of Momoyama Predators, the team of the main character Ota Sho and his friends, facing off against Shin Tokyo FC Amarillo.

2. Story

The story of this work revolves around a match between Momoyama Predators, the team that Sho Ota belongs to, and Shintokyo FC Amarillo. Sho loves soccer, but the team is in a state of disintegration and is unable to practice or play. However, his "tactical eye" and "ability to see things from afar" gradually blossom and become the key to leading the team to victory. Amarillo, on the other hand, is a powerful team led by Akira Kageura, the winner of the national tournament last year and known as the "Emperor of Amarillo." Through this confrontation, the growth of each character and the team's unity are depicted, and a moving story unfolds.

3. Characters

Each character in this work has their own unique personality and is an important element in adding excitement to the story. Below are the main characters.

Momoyama Predator

• Sho Ota : The protagonist of this work. He loves soccer and has a tenacious personality that never gives up until the end. Although his skills are low, he develops his "tactical eye" and "ability to see things from a deep perspective."
• Erika Takato: A girl who transferred from Kansai. She has excellent soccer skills and is nicknamed "Speedster." She has a competitive personality and is troubled by gender barriers.
• Kota Furuya : The eldest of the three Furuya brothers. He is quiet but has a strong competitive spirit and is obsessed with shooting as a forward. He is fascinated by Hanajima's mid-range shots and asks him to coach him.
• Ryuji Furuya : The second son of the three Furuya brothers. A theorist and strategist, he wants to perfect his father's soccer theory in his own way.
• Ouzou Furuya : The third son of the three Furuya brothers. He has a laid-back personality and has a keen tactical eye, and was quick to notice Sho's abilities.
• Reika Saionji : A chubby girl with a quiet personality. She joined the team to lose weight and showed her natural talent.
• Takuma Aoto Gonzales : A forward for Kawahara International Heavenly. He is a skilled technician with excellent ball control.
• Tagi Sugiyama : Former goalkeeper for Kawahara International Heavenly. He left the team because his skills could not keep up with his height during his growth period, but was invited by Aoto to join Predator.
• Taro Uematsu : Leader of the Three U. Plays as a forward.
• Yuto Ukishima : One of the "Three U's." He is skilled in any position as a defender.
• Kei Uchimura : One of the "Three U's." He is a shy player who plays as a midfielder.
• Kinzo Momoyama : Representative of Momoyama Predator. He runs a real estate business and dreams of producing professional athletes.
• Masaru Hanashima : Former forward for the Chiba Thunderbolts. After retiring due to injury, he coached a junior team, but was persuaded by Sho's enthusiasm to return to coaching.

Other characters

• Misaki Shimizu : A professional soccer player who belongs to the women's professional team "Shin Tokyo FC Rosa". After being removed from the national team due to injury, she met Sho and the others while practicing for rehabilitation.
• Kyoko : Hanajima's girlfriend. A badminton player, she has a bright and cheerful personality and looks after the team.
• Haruka Ota : Sho's mother. She runs the yakiniku restaurant "Donmai" and keeps a kind eye on Sho.
• Oota Suzu: Sho's younger sister. Although she has a cheeky attitude, she supports Sho.
• Akira Kageura : A sixth-grade student who belongs to Shintokyo FC Amarillo. He was the champion of the national tournament the previous year and is called the "Emperor of Amarillo."
• Suguro : Captain of Tsubakimori SC. He has a bully-like disposition and a strong competitive spirit, and uses a tactic called the "Suguro Special."
• Furuya Rin: The father of the three Furuya brothers. A mathematician, he is trying to unravel the essence of soccer.

4. Production Staff

Many talented staff members are involved in the production of this work. The director is Uda Konosuke, the series composition is Yamada Takashi, and the script is by Yamada Takashi, Hirano Yasushi, Tsuchiya Rikei, and Yamashita Kenichi. The character design and chief animation director is Watanabe Hajime, the music is by James Shimoji, and the sound director is Izawa Motoi. The animation production is by TYO Animations, and the production and copyright are handled by NHK, NHK Enterprises, and NAS.

5. Broadcast information

"Galaxy Kickoff!! Special ~Fierce Battle! Predator vs. Amarillo~" was broadcast from January 15th to January 19th, 2013. Specifically, it was broadcast on NHK General TV at 9:30 am on Saturday, January 19th, 2013, and on BS Premium at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, January 15th, 2013.

6. Theme songs and music

The theme songs for this work are "Across my world" by knotlamp for the opening theme, and "Rain and Rain" and "Life is Wahaha!" by Fudanjuku for the ending theme. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

7. Ratings and Recommendations

"Galaxy Kickoff!! Special - Fierce Battle! Predator vs. Amarillo" is a work that depicts the brilliance of youth, friendship, and the importance of hard work through the sport of soccer. In particular, the story of the protagonist, Sho Ota, growing up is moving and inspires many viewers. In addition, the exploits of the unique characters and the team's unity are also highlights.

The appeal of this work can be summed up in the following points:

• A moving story : The story depicts Ota Sho's growth and the team's unity, and is sure to move viewers.
• Unique characters : Each character is unique and plays an important role in adding excitement to the story.
• Realistic soccer depiction : Under the supervision of the J.League, realistic soccer depictions are provided, making it a must-see for soccer fans.
• Beautiful Animation : Beautiful animation by TYO Animations really complements the story.
• Emotional Music : Music by knotlamp and Fudanjuku really sets the tone for the story.

This work is recommended not only for soccer fans, but also for those who like youth dramas and moving stories. In particular, it is a must-see for those who like works that depict the growth of players through team sports and the bonds between teammates. It is also recommended for watching with the family, as it is enjoyable for both children and adults.

8. Related Works

"Ginga e Kickoff!!" is the original series that this work is based on, and you can enjoy the story in even more depth. By reading the original novels "Ginga no World Cup" and "Kaze no Dandelion Ginga no World Cup Girls" together, you can get a better understanding of the characters' backgrounds and the details of the story.

9. Summary

"Galaxy Kickoff!! Special - Fierce Battle! Predator vs. Amarillo" is a wonderful work that depicts the excitement of soccer and youth. This work, which combines the growth of unique characters, team unity, realistic soccer depictions, beautiful animation and music, will surely impress many viewers. Please watch it once and experience the excitement.