Ping Pong
While we got a look at the “Smile” character of the show a few weeks ago, the noitaminA block is bringing out a new piece to look at for the upcoming series Ping Pong that will be a part of the noitaminA block this spring. The second character preview teaser has been released that introduces us to the character of China. The character is being played by Yosei Bun with this being his first role in an anime series.
The show is based on the manga that ran for five volumes between 1996 and 1997. The original manga came from Taiyou Matsumoto, which spawned a 2002 live action film as well, and now Tatsunoko Productions will be bringing this to anime form in the spring with Masaaki Yuasa directing it. The January announcement came with a thirty second promotional video to give folks a feel for the new seinen sports series. Ping Pong is set to debut on April 10th, 2014.
Plot concept: Makoto Tsukimoto (nicknamed Smile) is a quiet high-schooler who’s been friends with the loud and energetic Yukata Hoshino (nicknamed Peco) since childhood. They’re both in the local table tennis club and both have a natural talent for it, although Smile’s personality always enables him from winning against Peco. The club teacher however notices Smile’s talent and tries to make him gain some sportive tenacity.