Keijo (manga)
| Company type | Manga and anime series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | July 24, 2013 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Manga, anime |
, also referred to as Hip Whip Girl, is a Japanese manga series created by . It was published in Shogakukan's Weekly Shōnen Sunday from July 2013 through April 2017, compiled into 18 volumes. The narrative follows a gymnast who participates in a fictional women-only contact sport where competitors rely solely on their breasts and buttocks to tackle adversaries. The anime adaptation, produced by Xebec, was broadcast from October to December 2016.
Plot
Set in an alternate world, the female-exclusive gambling sport known as keijo rises to widespread popularity in Japan. Competitions occur in stadiums featuring swimming pools, where players stand atop floating circular platforms called "lands." The objective is to force opponents into the water using only their breasts or buttocks. This sport captivates millions of spectators and offers substantial prize money, attracting athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds. After finishing high school, talented gymnast Nozomi Kaminashi joins keijo, driven by her modest upbringing and aspiration for wealth.
Characters
- An energetic and athletic gymnast determined to become the wealthiest competitor. She employs the "Infighter" fighting style, with her signature technique being the "Vacuum Butt Cannon," capable of launching opponents away. Nozomi quickly learns from defeats and adjusts her tactics accordingly. She has long dark blue hair tied with a white ribbon and dark blue eyes.
- A former judo champion recognized for her speed, she fights using the "Outfighter" style. Although serious in nature, she is supportive of her teammates. Initially, Sayaka's father disapproved of her transition from judo but eventually came to accept it. She features short white hair adorned with a blue ribbon and dark blue eyes.
- A reserved strategist hailing from Hiroshima who possesses a unique skill called "Scanning Hand," allowing her to replicate opponents' techniques through touch. Her approach is categorized as "Counter." Kazane has brown eyes and wears her hair in a ponytail.
- A clumsy girl from the countryside aiming to gain popularity to rejuvenate her hometown. She utilizes her soft body to absorb and reflect attacks. Non has red eyes and red hair styled in pigtails.
- Ranked Elite Class 3, she is a prodigy with a carefree personality. Her "Infighter" style focuses on restraining opponents. She has short light purple hair and matching eyes.
- Holding Elite Class Rank 1 and openly lesbian, Mio employs the forbidden "Breast Hypnosis" technique to immobilize adversaries. She uses the "Infighter" style and has long blonde hair paired with light blue eyes.
- Elite Class Rank 2 and a former swimmer known for exceptional speed and lung capacity. Rin’s trademark move is the "Butt Gatling." Nicknamed "Rinrin," she fights as an "Outfighter" with short blue hair and blue eyes.
- The primary instructor of the West region, specializing in training methods such as hip tosses and morning exercises. Renowned for her remarkable speed, she has brown hair tied back in a ponytail.
- A former prize queen dubbed the "Alluring Siren" who now serves as Nozomi’s mentor. She was the first to recognize Nozomi’s potential with the "Vacuum Butt Cannon" technique. Previously owning the UTMs before Nozomi advanced to the elite class preparing for the East–West War, she maintains a rivalry with the head trainer from the East.
- A Western coach who appears visually impaired but possesses exceptional coaching skills. She has long blonde hair.
- Elite Class Rank 4 hailing from a family of keijo players; naturally athletic yet initially indifferent toward the sport. She employs back attacks combined with vibration sensing to predict opponents’ moves. Her fighting style is classified as "Infighter." Kotone listens to homosexual stories during matches, which distracts opposing players. She has short blue hair and blue eyes.
Manga
Created and illustrated by , Keijo!!!!!!!! was published in Shogakukan's shōnen manga periodical Weekly Shōnen Sunday from July 24, 2013, until April 26, 2017. The publisher compiled the chapters into eighteen volumes, which were released between November 18, 2013, and July 18, 2017.
Anime
An adaptation into an anime television series by Xebec was revealed in February 2016. Hideya Takahashi served as director, with scriptwriting by Takao Kato, music composition by Hayato Matsuo, and character designs created by Keiya Nakano. The series broadcast spanned from October 6 to December 22, 2016. The opening song, "Dream × Scramble!", was performed by Airi, while the ending theme, "Fantas/Hip Girlfriends!", featured vocals from Lynn, M.A.O, Kaede Hondo, and Saori Ōnishi. The anime was distributed across six Blu-ray and DVD sets, each containing an original video animation episode.
International streaming rights were held by Crunchyroll and Funimation, with Funimation producing an English-language dub. After Sony's acquisition of Crunchyroll, the English dub transitioned to Crunchyroll's platform. In the Asia-Pacific market, licensing was managed by Medialink.
Other media
The video game Dead or Alive Xtreme 3 collaborated with Keijo!!!!!!!! for a promotional event that included in-game swimsuits modeled after the series' designs.
Reception
In November 2016, Crunchyroll ranked Keijo!!!!!!!! as the most-watched anime in the United States, topping viewership in nine states and trailing only behind Yuri on Ice and Drifters. In 2017, enthusiasts in Portugal began developing a real-world Keijo sport league, modifying the original rules and incorporating protective equipment to improve safety and authenticity. A demonstration video showcased the gameplay concept, with ongoing efforts to attract players and secure facilities.