The Gymnastics Samurai
| Company type | Animated series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Entertainment |
| Founded | October 2020 |
| Founder | MAPPA |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Anime television series |
| Website | taisou-zamurai |
The Gymnastics Samurai (体操ザムライ, Taisō Zamurai) is a Japanese animated series focused on the sport of gymnastics. Created by MAPPA, the script was penned by Shigeru Murakoshi and direction was led by Hisatoshi Shimizu. Kasumi Fukagawa provided the character designs, while the soundtrack was composed by Masaru Yokoyama. This anime was broadcast from October through December 2020 on TV Asahi's NUMAnimation programming segment.
For audiences outside Japan, Funimation secured the licensing rights, with Medialink handling distribution in South and Southeast Asian territories.
Plot
Taking place in 2002, the story follows the Japanese men's gymnastics squad during a challenging period. Jotaro Aragaki, a 29-year-old ex-Olympian who has yet to claim a gold medal, contemplates retirement after sustaining a shoulder injury. His coach, Noriyuki Amakusa, recommends that he step away from competition. While reflecting on this decision, Jotaro visits Edo Wonderland accompanied by his daughter Rei, where they encounter Leo—a foreigner disguised as a ninja—who later follows them home. At a press event where Jotaro plans to announce his retirement, he surprises everyone by deciding to continue his gymnastics career.
Characters
- Jotaro Aragaki is a gymnast known as "The Samurai" representing Yotsuba Sports. After experiencing a decline in performance, he initially considers ending his career but ultimately chooses to persist during a televised interview.
- Leonardo, dubbed "The Ninja," is a former ballet performer who befriends Jotaro and his daughter Rei following their meeting at Edo Wonderland. He is pursued by mysterious individuals connected to his ballet past.
- Tetsuo, aged 17 and nicknamed "The Bandana Prince," is an up-and-coming gymnast who challenges Jotaro following his decision to remain active in the sport.
- Noriyuki Amakusa serves as Jotaro’s long-term coach and close confidant.
- Rei Aragaki is Jotaro’s mature fourth-grade daughter who manages household affairs during his absences.
- Mari is Jotaro’s mother and Rei’s grandmother, residing with them.
- Tomoyo Aragaki was Jotaro’s wife and Rei’s mother; she was a former actress who passed away prior to the events of the series.
- Bigbird is the family’s South American pet bird capable of understanding and speaking basic Japanese, originally gifted to Rei by Mari.
- Tomoki is a gymnast and junior colleague of Jotaro at Yotsuba Sports.
- Ayu works as a bartender for Mari and is characterized by her ganguro fashion style.
- Naohiko, nicknamed "Tecchan," coaches Tetsuo.
- Atsushi specializes in pommel horse routines.
- Shige is distinguished for his exceptional upper body strength in gymnastics.
- Hiro studies at Shirando University and has achieved victories at both the All Japan Championships and NHK Cup due to his refined technique.
- Ryū is an Olympic gymnast from China whose abilities exceed those of Tetsuo.
- Kitty is a Chinese gymnast who admires Tomoyo Aragaki, Jotaro’s late spouse.
- Britney is an acupuncturist responsible for treating Jotaro’s shoulder injury.