{"id":531,"date":"2026-07-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.boundless-art.com\/?p=531"},"modified":"2026-07-14T15:20:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T06:20:19","slug":"report-more-than-winning-or-losing-the-future-drawn-by-captain-tsubasas-yoichi-takahashi-x-yoichiro-kakitani","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.boundless-art.com\/?p=531","title":{"rendered":"[REPORT] More Than Winning or Losing \u2014 The Future Drawn by Captain Tsubasa’s Yoichi Takahashi \u00d7 Yoichiro Kakitani"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since its serialization began in 1981, Captain Tsubasa<\/em> has been translated and broadcast in over 100 countries worldwide. Its history has run almost parallel to the history of Japanese football itself. The generation that grew up alongside the birth of the J.League \u2014 kids who once mimicked “Tsubasa-kun’s” moves on the pitch \u2014 are now grown, playing for the national team or working as commentators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in 2026, that story is finally setting off on a journey around the world in a brand-new form: art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain Tsubasa One World One Team Art Exhibition 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ahead of the project, a special talk session, “Football \u00d7 Art,” was held at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku “Harakado.”<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To mark this project \u2014 which kicks off in San Francisco before traveling on to New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Europe \u2014 we sat down with manga artist Yoichi Takahashi, former Japan national team player Yoichiro Kakitani, and Yusuke Tokuhashi, CEO of GAAAT Inc., the company behind the project. Three generations who’ve all walked alongside “Tsubasa-kun” came together to talk about football, art, and everything in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where It All Began \u2014 When IP Meets Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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No.003 Tsubasa & Misaki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Could you tell us how this project came about?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tokuhashi:<\/strong> At GAAAT, our whole business is about combining IP with art to create new form of art. In that spirit, we launched a project to bring Captain Tsubasa<\/em> to the world in the form of art. The newly created pieces for this exhibition are limited to just 11 editions worldwide \u2014 once they’re gone, that’s it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Takahashi, how does it feel having an art exhibition built around your work in this way?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takahashi:<\/strong> I’m truly honored that this work was chosen. Captain Tsubasa<\/em> has readers all over the world, and I’d be thrilled if it could reach them in this new form \u2014 as art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain Tsubasa Was Always by My Side<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Former Japan national team player Yoichiro Kakitani. During his playing days, his fantastic style of play rivaled that of the series’ protagonist, Tsubasa Ozora, captivating audiences.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Kakitani, what has <\/strong>Captain Tsubasa<\/em><\/strong> meant to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kakitani:<\/strong> I always loved acrobatic plays and overhead kicks. But it wasn’t really that I was “trying to be like Tsubasa” \u2014 it was more that the plays I loved happened to be the same ones packed into Captain Tsubasa<\/em>. Honestly, as a kid I practically claimed the name “Tsubasa” as my own (laughs). That’s how close the series felt to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scenes from the gallery exhibition at Harajuku’s “Harakado”<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Are there any characters that have stuck with you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kakitani:<\/strong> Tsubasa, of course \u2014 but characters like Misaki matter just as much. Tsubasa could never have become “Tsubasa” on his own. During my playing career, I always played alongside Shinji Kagawa and Takashi Inui, and those two felt a lot like that kind of presence to me. There were times I thought, “I wish I’d had a Misaki of my own.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having teammates is what makes individual stories come alive. Tsubasa became Tsubasa precisely because he wasn’t alone \u2014 and honestly, that’s something I envy a little. It’s the part that stayed with me most: “That’s the kind of player I wanted to be.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Era When Football and Manga Pushed Each Other Forward<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When Captain Tsubasa began serialization in 1981, the J.League didn’t even exist yet. The series helped ignite Japan’s football boom and has gone on to be loved not just in Japan, but around the world.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Back when you started drawing this series, people said the plays in the manga went beyond what was possible in real life. How does it feel now that today’s players are actually pulling off those moves?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takahashi:<\/strong> It really makes me happy. When I was drawing, I always thought, “I want to see a play like this” \u2014 and now, every time a real player pulls off something close to that, it gets picked up and celebrated. Every time, I think, “Yes \u2014 this is what I wanted to see.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kakitani:<\/strong> During training, there was always this feeling of “Sensei drew it, so we have to try it” (laughs). I really don’t think Takahashi-sensei ever drew anything truly impossible. Inside his head, he’s the greatest fantasista<\/em> of all \u2014 and players try their best to live up to that imagination. Getting told “that was just like Tsubasa” became its own kind of motivation. Honestly, there were times I wanted to pull off plays even Takahashi-sensei hadn’t drawn (laughs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2026 World Cup \u2014 What Do You Hope to See from Japan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Left: Yoichiro Kakitani \/ Right: Yusuke Tokuhashi, CEO of GAAAT Inc.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is right around the corner. What do you hope for from the Japan national team, Mr. Kakitani?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kakitani:<\/strong> I want to let go of thinking like “let’s just get through the group stage” or “making it to the quarterfinals would be great.” If the players themselves are saying “we’re going to win it all,” then we as supporters need to be ready to share that same view and picture the best possible outcome with them. The players aren’t the only ones in this fight. All we can do is believe in the 26 chosen players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Takahashi, is there a player you’re keeping an eye on?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takahashi:<\/strong> Kaishu Sano. He’s really coming into his own right now, and I think he’s having a huge impact. There’s a sense that this team could really hinge on him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do the two of you most want to see throughout the tournament?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kakitani:<\/strong> Within those 90 minutes, there are countless moments that move you regardless of the score. Beating a defender with a brilliant piece of skill doesn’t put a point on the board \u2014 but that moment still moves you. People say that in today’s era of highly organized football, there are fewer and fewer players who can break out of the script like that. That’s exactly why I want to see players like France’s Sh\u00e9rki, who’ll try a piece of skill or a rabona<\/em> mid-match. If this tournament has moments where a standout individual really shines, that’s what I’m looking forward to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takahashi:<\/strong> Football has trends, just like fashion. Once organized football becomes the standard, a new style emerges to break it down \u2014 and I think we’ll see that cycle play out again at this World Cup. A standout individual player could come along and shift the tide once more. I’d love to see that kind of new, different football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Message of World Peace, Captured in a Single Piece<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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No.005 Exhibition-exclusive artwork<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Takahashi, could you tell us about the thoughts behind this newly created piece?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takahashi:<\/strong> The theme this time is “world peace.” With war happening in various parts of the world right now, I’ve had this persistent feeling of just… not wanting that. World peace has always been one of the themes running through the Tsubasa<\/em> story. This time, I wanted to put that feeling into a single illustration \u2014 a wish for people all over the world to get along. On the pitch, of course, everyone gives their all to beat the opponent \u2014 but once the match ends, players can recognize and respect each other. I wanted to capture that beautiful moment that’s unique to sport. I did wonder if I should have drawn more than 11 people, but football is a sport played by 11 \u2014 and this piece is also limited to 11 editions worldwide. So I settled on 11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Kakitani, what did you feel when you saw the finished piece?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kakitani:<\/strong> The dove in the top left is so cute (laughs). But seriously \u2014 “world peace” is such a huge concept. Words alone often don’t get it across. But just looking at this piece, you feel that sentiment. For us, as football players, the pitch is a place where race and borders don’t matter \u2014 you just get completely absorbed in the game. This piece somehow captures that feeling in a single image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Tension of a Single Image \u2014 Manga vs. the “Frozen Moment”<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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During the talk session, Takahashi signed the artwork by hand.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With manga, turning the page creates a sense of motion and energy. Capturing that in a single still image must come with its own challenges. Could you tell us about how you approach that, and what you envision for your future art activities?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takahashi:<\/strong> In manga, the movement of a play can unfold across a sequence of pages \u2014 there’s a flow to ride along with. But with a single image, everything has to be condensed into one moment. So the real challenge is choosing exactly which moment to capture \u2014 that choice becomes everything. Every detail, from composition to facial expression, has to be pushed as far as it can go. With regular manga, I’m always thinking about the flow before and after a scene, so in a way, you can ride that momentum. But a “frozen image” like this doesn’t have that luxury \u2014 which makes it more tense. I approached it wanting to obsess over every detail and land on a single image I could be truly satisfied with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manga’s Journey into the World as “Art”<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Starting in San Francisco in June 2026, the “Captain Tsubasa One World One Team Art Exhibition 2026” will tour 11 cities worldwide over roughly a year, culminating in a finale in Tokyo in January 2027.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How does it feel to have your manga travel the world as works of art?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takahashi:<\/strong> Manga has historically been looked down on a bit, even within the world of art. But I’ve poured my heart and soul into this work, day after day \u2014 and now it’s being recognized as art and presented to the world. Touring exhibitions around the globe has always been one of my dreams, so as a manga artist, this means a great deal to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this project, the pieces I normally paint in watercolor have been processed using a special technique called MCA (Metal Canvas Art), built up in multiple layers. The texture and depth come through almost like an oil painting, and the durability has been carefully engineered too. It’s a completely different format from ordinary prints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across Eras and Borders, Out into the World<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Scenes from the gallery exhibition at Harajuku’s “Harakado”<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is there a particular message or feeling you want this exhibition to convey?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kakitani:<\/strong> I think Captain Tsubasa<\/em> is always somewhere in the background as kids fall in love with football. The names of the moves, the special skills each character has \u2014 as adults, you start to realize, “wait, some of that’s actually possible” (laughs). But as a kid, you’re just purely amazed and want to try it yourself. I want to keep passing that world of Captain Tsubasa<\/em> on to kids \u2014 showing them, “this move exists, this world exists.” I’d be thrilled if even one more “Tsubasa-kun” type of player comes out of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takahashi:<\/strong> Captain Tsubasa<\/em> has always been manga \u2014 meaning art and story together, as one. I’m really happy that this time, that combination is colliding with football and art and being sent out into the world. I hope people don’t just see these as illustrations, but feel the story of Captain Tsubasa<\/em> itself through the art. I really hope this message reaches people all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now just around the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thirty-five years since the J.League’s founding in 1991, Japan’s dream of winning the World Cup has been blocked by the wall of the Round of 16 \u2014 four times. Can SAMURAI BLUE, hailed as their strongest squad ever, finally break through that wall and see a new horizon?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Winning the World Cup… for Japan, that might be a dream that never comes true… but we… we…”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the hope that Tsubasa’s dream becomes reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain Tsubasa ONE WORLD ONE TEAM Art Exhibition 2026<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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Project Overview<\/strong> Kicking off with two cities in the United States, this exhibition will tour a planned 11 cities worldwide. Alongside newly created works by Yoichi Takahashi, the show will feature pieces reimagining the world of Captain Tsubasa<\/em> as MCA (Metal Canvas Art), along with related merchandise. Details on venues, dates, sales formats, purchase conditions, and VIP access for each city will be announced on the official landing page as they’re confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Francisco Exhibition<\/strong>
Dates: Saturday, June 13 \u2013 Sunday, June 21, 2026
Venue: GCS Agency Address: 236 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Hours: 12:00 PM \u2013 6:00 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New York Exhibition<\/strong>
Dates: Sunday, July 19 \u2013 Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Venue: Jutta Gallery Address: 104 Charlton St #1E, New York, NY 10014, United States
Hours: 12:00 PM \u2013 6:00 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For details on sales formats and purchase conditions, please see the official page:<\/em> https:\/\/gallery.gaaat.com\/en-us\/pages\/captain_tsubasa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Planned Locations<\/strong> (venues and details to be announced)
Note: Dates and locations below are tentative and may change depending on global circumstances.<\/em> Singapore: August 2026
Hong Kong: September 2026
Berlin: October 2026
Milan: October 2026
Paris: November 2026
Barcelona: December 2026
Taipei: December 2026
Dubai: December 2026
Tokyo: January 2027<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Featured Works (Selection)<\/strong>
The exhibition features 17 works in total, No.001\u2013No.016 plus a Commission Work.
Featured below: No.001 \/ No.002 \/ No.003 \/ No.005<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No.001 \u2014 Captain Tsubasa<\/strong> (1 of 1 worldwide)
Sale: Web auction in New York (planned)
Edition: 1 (Unique, original work)
Size: 1,470 (H) \u00d7 1,180 (W) mm<\/p>\n\n\n

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No.002 \u2014 Tsubasa Overhead Kick<\/strong>
Price: \u00a5990,000
Worldwide Limited Edition: 11
Size: 1,064 (H) \u00d7 763 (W) mm<\/p>\n\n\n

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No.003 \u2014 Tsubasa & Misaki<\/strong>
Price: \u00a5990,000
Worldwide Limited Edition: 11
Size: 1,064 (H) \u00d7 763 (W) mm<\/p>\n\n\n

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No.005 \u2014 Exhibition-exclusive artwork<\/strong>
Price: \u00a54,950,000
Worldwide Limited Edition: 11
Size: 763 (H) \u00d7 1,064 (W) mm<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Prices, specifications, and sales formats are current as of this writing and may be subject to change depending on venue and availability.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is GAAAT’s Original Art Technology, “Metal Canvas Art (MCA)”?<\/strong>
Metal Canvas Art (MCA) is a new art experience proposed by GAAAT. Each piece is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans, combining the weight and beauty unique to metal with a striking sense of depth that creates an immersive viewing experience. The material is also highly durable, resistant to sunlight and humidity, so its beauty can be enjoyed for years to come. Using a specialized data-processing technique that divides digital artwork into 32 layers, MCA achieves remarkably fine detail in texture, depth, and color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About GAAAT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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GAAAT is an art brand that uses the power of art and technology to expand how IP content is expressed and experienced into a new dimension. Through original technology and creative vision, we expand the depth of worldbuilding and emotion into spatial, experiential form \u2014 redefining the power of IP as art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Web: https:\/\/gaaat.com<\/a>
GAAAT Gallery (EC): https:\/\/gallery.gaaat.com<\/a>
Instagram: https:\/\/instagram.com\/gaaat_art<\/a>
X: https:\/\/x.com\/gaaat_art<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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