Introduction
“Wanna Be the Strongest in the World” (Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku Naritai!) is a Japanese manga series that shows the tough world of pro wrestling through a pop idol who becomes a wrestler. ESE wrote it, and Kiyohito Natsuki drew the pictures. In 2013, Arms Corporation turned it into an anime. The story looks at the ups and downs of women’s pro wrestling. It mixes sports drama with a focus on growing as a person, being determined, and trying to be strong. In this blog, we’ll look closely at “Wanna Be the Strongest in the World.” We’ll talk about its story, people in it main ideas, and how it changed sports anime.
Story of Wanna Be the Strongest in the World
The story centers on Sakura Hagiwara, who belongs to Sweet Diva, a well-known idol group. Her life changes when she encounters a rival wrestler, which pushes her into the professional wrestling scene. What starts as a dare soon becomes a personal quest for Sakura. She makes up her mind to take wrestling , with the goal to become the world’s strongest wrestler.
Sakura’s path involves hard training tough matches, and a constant drive to get better. As she moves from the showy idol world to the harsh reality of wrestling, she runs into many roadblocks, both physical and mental. The story shows not just how much the sport demands from the body, but also looks at how competition affects the mind, shapes who you are, and drives you to find your worth.
Throughout the show, many doubt Sakura’s aim to prove she’s a real wrestler. But her drive to make it in a field where men rule challenges what people expect and shows how much grit it takes to beat the odds.
Main Characters
- Sakura Hagiwara: The main character and part of the idol group Sweet Diva. Her shift from idol to wrestler forms the core of the story showing how she develops as both a performer and an athlete.
- Elena Miyazawa: Sakura’s closest friend and fellow idol, who at first finds it hard to get why Sakura chose this path but in time becomes one of her strongest cheerleaders.
- Rio Kazama: A pro wrestler who starts off as Sakura’s opponent. Her tough approach pushes Sakura to reach her full potential, and she ends up playing a key role in guiding Sakura.
- Misaki Toyoda: A wrestling champion who embodies the toughness and commitment Sakura wants to achieve. Her ring performance inspires Sakura and sets a target for her to reach.
- Moe Fukuoka: Another wrestler who, despite her small size, turns out to be a tough opponent. Her grit and abilities test Sakura in ways she didn’t expect.
Background Information
- Creator and Studio:
- Author: ESE.
- Artist: Kiyohito Natsuki.
- Anime Studio: Arms Corporation, which has worked on many action and ecchi anime shows.
- Source Material: The manga “Wanna Be the Strongest in the World” started in 2011 and ended in 2013. The TV version aired from October to December 2013.
- Release Dates:
- Manga: 2011–2013.
- Anime Premiere: October 6, 2013.
- Episodes: The anime has 12 episodes. Each episode focuses on Sakura’s growth in the wrestling world.
- Genre: Sports Drama Ecchi.
Themes of Wanna Be the Strongest in the World
Here’s my attempt at rephrasing the content:
- Perseverance and Grit: The show highlights how important it is to keep going when things get tough. Sakura’s path from singing on stage to fighting in the ring is full of hurdles that push her to stay strong and not give up.
- Identity and Transformation: Becoming a wrestler instead of an idol represents a deeper look into who you are and what you’re worth. Sakura’s fight to be taken in her new job shows the bigger idea of finding what you love and what you’re meant to do.
- Female Empowerment: The show questions old ideas about what men and women should do by showing women in the tough world of pro wrestling. It paints a picture of the strength and toughness needed to do well in a sport where men rule.
- The Price of Achievement: “Wanna Be the Strongest in the World” also looks into what it takes to reach the top. Sakura’s path shows the physical and mental costs of chasing a dream.
Visuals and Animation
- Art Style: The anime’s art style combines action-packed scenes with sexy elements typical of the ecchi genre. The characters look detailed during wrestling scenes, which show the sport’s intensity .
- Setting and Atmosphere: The wrestling arenas look grand and intense capturing the feel of high-stakes matches. The stark difference between the flashy idol world and the tough reality of wrestling adds layers to the story.
- Animation Quality: The wrestling matches have smooth movements and impactful moments, which ramp up the tension and drama of the fights. The animation shows the physical and emotional aspects of each match.
Sound and Music
- Opening and Ending Themes: Kyoko Narumi’s “Beautiful Dreamer” kicks off the show with an upbeat and inspiring feel. This opening song creates the mood for what’s to come. Sweet Diva’s “Fan Fanfare!!!” wraps up each episode. This ending tune highlights the idol part of the story and drives home the idea of not giving up.
- Background Music: Masaru Yokoyama composed the soundtrack. It adds to the series with music ranging from high-energy, action-filled tracks to heartfelt thoughtful ones. The tunes make watching more enjoyable during big wrestling scenes.
- Voice Acting: The Japanese voice actors give great performances. Ayana Taketatsu stands out as Sakura Hagiwara. She brings to life the main character’s shift from pop star to wrestler.
Review
“Wanna Be the Strongest in the World” mixes sports drama with character-focused storytelling. The show has an influence on viewers through its fan service, but it also gives a deep look into women’s pro wrestling. Sakura’s story inspires showing how important it is to stay determined, bounce back, and chase your true passion. The series does a good job balancing hard-hitting action with times where characters grow making it a gripping watch for people who like sports anime.
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