Cartoonist's World Cup draw
If only Captain Tsubasa had been playing … but Hongkongers can still see manga star in action
The soccer manga artist whose work has spilled over into the real world - inspiring players like Spain's Fernando Torres to take up the sport - was in Hong Kong yesterday, bemoaning Japan and South Korea's early exit from the World Cup.
It's been 33 years since Yoichi Takahashi started the Captain Tsubasa series, following its star Tsubasa Ozora from primary school to professional football - he was last seen playing for Barcelona, no less.
During that time, football in Asia has also been on the rise, with its players appearing in top leagues around the world. Japan and South Korea both qualified for this year's World Cup in Brazil - but joined teams like England, Spain and Italy in going out during the initial group stage. Takahashi, however, thinks victory for an Asian country in a future World Cup is not far off.
"A small change can make a big difference in a soccer match," said Takahashi. "Technically they are getting close and have a chance."
Of the remaining teams this year, his bet is on Brazil emerging the ultimate victor, given its home advantage and talent.
The 54-year-old Japanese cartoonist was in the city for an exhibition of his drawings at Hysan Place, Causeway Bay, that runs until Wednesday. Its hard to miss - just look for the five-metre high statues of Tsubasa and other characters.