Animation x Paralympic: Who Is Your Hero? Specials

Join us as we explore the world of para-sports with help from Japan's top animators. We'll take you behind the scenes and introduce you to some of the athletes as they gear up for the Paralympics. Welcome to the thrilling world of para-sports. In this series we'll bring you a collection of short films from Japan's top animators that give unique insights into the sports, and show what makes them so exciting to watch. Our first episode is all about football 5-a-side (blind football). The anime for this installment comes from legendary manga creator Takahashi Yoichi, of "Captain Tsubasa" fame. We'll also introduce you to one of Japan's top players, who's now in training for the Paralympics.

Join us as we go deep into the exciting world of para-sports. In this series we're bringing you a series of short films from Japan's top animators that give colorful insights into the sports, and show what makes them so fun to watch. For our second episode, we're taking a closer look at para-athletics. We have a short film about an inspiring young runner. And we'll speak with a sprinter and long-jumper about her aspirations for the Paralympics.

Welcome to the exciting world of para-sports! In this series, we bring you short films by Japan's most popular animators. Our third episode takes a look at wheelchair tennis. Kunieda Shingo is one of the world's top players, known for his amazing chair work and backhand. But he's never faced a manga hero! He takes on the main character of the popular series "Baby Steps." Kunieda also joins the show remotely to talk about his goals for the upcoming Paralympics.

Ani x Para World explores the exciting world of para-sports with the help of Japan's top animators! In our fourth episode, the heroes from the popular manga series "KochiKame" try their hand at goalball. We talk to the production team behind the anime about the challenges of depicting the sport's unique intensity. We're also joined by a member of the Japanese women's national team, who tells us how the squad is preparing for this summer's Paralympics.

Ani x Para World brings you a unique look at the exciting world of para-sports through the lens of Japan's top animators. Our fifth episode focuses on wheelchair rugby. Japan national team captain Ike Yukinobu had to overcome unimaginable tragedy to become a world champion. We follow his story, with help from the legendary manga creator Chiba Tetsuya, and learn about what makes the sport known in some countries as "murderball" so intense.

Ani x Para World explores the exciting world of para-sports through short films by Japan's top animators. Our sixth episode turns the spotlight on visually impaired judo. Popular manga creator Kawai Katsutoshi conducted extensive research while writing the story, meeting with athletes and even trying the sport for himself. The result is a stirring tale of a girl who loses her eyesight but finds hope in judo. In the studio, we talk to a visually impaired husband-and-wife judoka team about preparing for the Paralympics.

Ani x Para World brings you an animated look at the exciting world of para-sports. Episode 7 turns the spotlight on para cycling. Watanabe Wataru, creator of the popular manga series "Yowamushi Pedal," highlights the inclusive appeal of the sport, with the help of Japanese Paralympian Kawamoto Shota. We also speak to Kawamoto in the studio about his preparations for the Tokyo Games and his goals for the summer.

Ani x Para World explores the world of para-sports with the help of Japan's top animators. In episode 8, popular manga creator Seo Kouji brings the drama and comedy of teen romance to the world of para badminton and tells the heartwarming story of 2 childhood friends who can't quite put their feelings for each other into words. We also speak to rising star Satomi Sarina about how she has stayed focused during the pandemic and what her goals are for the Tokyo Games.

Welcome to Ani x Para World! Our program highlights the unique attractions of para-sports, with the help of Japan's top animators. Episode 9 takes a look at boccia, sometimes referred to as "curling on the ground." This inclusive sport can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or experience. Today's anime shows how para-sports can bring people together, and help us overcome any difference. In the studio, we're joined remotely by a Japanese national boccia team player who has his sights set on gold at this summer's Tokyo Paralympics.

Ani x Para World brings you a unique, animated look into the world of para-sports. Episode 10 turns the spotlight on visually impaired marathon. Japanese Paralympian Michishita Misato is one of the biggest stars in the sport and has set numerous world records. But she couldn't do it without her trusted guide runner. We talk to the duo about their deep friendship and how they keep pushing each other to new heights. The anime is a collaboration with "Mashirohi," a popular manga series about the sport.

Welcome to Ani x Para World! In this series, Japan's top animators help us explore the exciting world of para-sports. Episode 11 takes a look at wheelchair basketball. We follow producers working with the long-running manga series "DEAR BOYS" as they learn more about the unique skills and techniques needed to play the sport. We're also joined in studio by Chokai Renshi, a member of the Japanese national team, who tells us about his preparations for the Tokyo Paralympics.

Ani x Para World takes a look at the exciting world of para-sports with the help of Japan's top animators. Episode 12 focuses on para table tennis. It features an anime adaptation of "TEAM OF TWO HEARTS," a popular novel about the friendship between 2 young table tennis players. We also talk to Japanese national team player Iwabuchi Koyo about the unique style of play he has adopted to overcome a physical impairment.