Ping Pong
Ping Pong is set to debut on April 10th, 2014 and while the noitaminA block of shows that were getting their presentation today largely focused on the future, they also provided a new piece for this series. We’ve mostly had the character introduction spots since the show was announced back in January, but now we have a new 90 second spot that shows off more of the animation outside of the game play, some new intensity with the game play and a good nod towards the score for the series as well.
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.
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.