The manga series "Captain Tsubasa" (Author: Yoichi Takahashi, 63) concluded its serialization with the release of "Captain Tsubasa Magazine vol.20" on the 4th, bringing an end to a series that has been serialized since 1981, spanning 43 years. The reason for ending the manga serialization is attributed to the decline in physical strength and changes in the author Mr. Takahashi's writing environment, making it difficult to continue drawing manga. Mr. Takahashi commented, "I am retiring as a manga artist, but I still enjoy drawing and thinking of stories, so I intend to continue doing those."

Although the manga serialization has ended, the story will move to the web and continue this summer on the "Captain Tsubasa WORLD" website in a weekly serialization using pencil-drawn 'storyboards'. This decision comes from Mr. Takahashi, who stated that fully illustrating the remaining story concepts would take over 40 years. By continuing production in storyboard form without ink or tones, the writing pace is expected to increase, allowing the continuation of the story to be delivered to fans more rapidly. Mr. Takahashi had previously disclosed, upon announcing the end of the manga serialization in January, that despite maintaining good health without major illnesses, aging over 60 has brought about presbyopia and dizziness, showing signs of physical decline compared to his days of weekly serialization in "Weekly Shonen Jump" and "Weekly Young Jump".

"Captain Tsubasa," the debut manga of Mr. Takahashi, is a story about the soccer prodigy Tsubasa Ozora, his teammates, and rivals, portraying their growth. Its refreshing story, unique characters, and powerful techniques that many wanted to emulate became hugely popular, influencing many professional soccer players worldwide.

The series began as a one-shot in "Weekly Shonen Jump" in April 1980, started serialization in the same magazine in March 1981, covering Tsubasa's elementary and junior youth days, and has since moved through various series following Tsubasa's growth. The global cumulative circulation of the comics has exceeded 90 million copies, leading to TV anime adaptations and games.

Author Yoichi Takahashi was born on July 28, 1960, in Katsushika, Tokyo. His debut, a one-shot "Captain Tsubasa," was published in "Weekly Shonen Jump" after being selected in the 10th Monthly Fresh☆Jump Award, becoming a milestone in soccer manga.

Full Comment from Yoichi Takahashi:

"Thank you always for supporting 'Captain Tsubasa.' Now that I have finished drawing the final episode of the serialization, I feel relieved to have completed everything, and I am looking forward to a life without 'deadlines.'

I am retiring from manga, but I still love drawing and thinking up stories, so I will continue doing those. It might feel like semi-retirement, but I plan to keep up my creative activities.

The future of 'Captain Tsubasa' will be uploaded one episode at a time in 'storyboard' format on the newly launched 'Captain Tsubasa WORLD' website. Although it will not have ink or tones, this method will allow me to write faster and deliver the story to you more quickly.

Without the 'deadlines,' 'set page counts,' and 'set manuscript sizes' associated with magazine publication, I believe I can deliver entertainment to you all in a more freely expressive manner.

Looking back, the origin of my manga started when I was in upper elementary school, drawing my own original manga on blank notebooks with a pencil, showing them around to my brother, neighbors, and school friends. That was the starting point of my career as a manga artist. Now, I am starting the same thing again, a manga serialization with pencil drawings. If it fails, then so be it, but for now, I am going to try! That's my genuine feeling at the moment.

The story of 'Captain Tsubasa' is not over yet! That is a fact. Just as before, I hope for your continued support for 'Captain Tsubasa.'"