The Gymnastics Samurai (2020)
A heartfelt sports anime from MAPPA about a veteran gymnast rediscovering his purpose through an unexpected encounter.
The Gymnastics Samurai - Series Information
- Original Title: 体操ザムライ
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 23 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 11
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 11, 2020 (United States - TV-14), October 11, 2020 (Canada - 14+), October 11, 2020 (France - 12), October 11, 2020 (Australia - M), October 11, 2020 (Mexico - B-15), October 11, 2020 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: HTB, tv asahi, Nagoya TV, KBC, ABC TV, NCC, OAB, ABA, Niigata Television Network 21, khb, KFB, HOME, KSB, Kagoshima Broadcasting, Iwate Asahi TV, Akita Asahi Broadcasting, Yamagata Television System, Shizuoka Asahi TV, Asahi Broadcasting Nagano, Hokuriku Asahi Broadcasting, Ehime Asahi TV, Yamaguchi Asahi Broadcasting, Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting, Ryu-Q Asahi Broadcasting
- Alternative Titles: Taisou Zamurai (JP), Гімнастичний самурай (UA), Gymnastics Samurai (FR)
- Production Companies: MAPPA
- Production Countries: Japan
The Gymnastics Samurai - Plot
In the year 2002, the formerly powerful Japanese men's gymnastics team member Jotaro Aragaki is no longer able to compete. Even though he trained strenuously daily, he is asked about retiring by his coach Amakusa. However, a certain encounter alters Aragaki's fate.
The Gymnastics Samurai - Trailer
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The Gymnastics Samurai - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Daisuke Namikawa
- Rina Honnizumi
- Kensho Ono
- Kenyu Horiuchi
- Yuki Kaji
- Atsuko Tanaka
- Kappei Yamaguchi
- Hiroyuki Yoshino
- Natsumi Kawaida
- Nana Mizuki
Writers
- Shigeru Murakoshi
- Akira Kindaichi
- Erika Ando
- Kiyoko Yoshimura
Executive Producers
- Atsushi Higashiyama
- Shingo Kunieda
- Manabu Otsuka
- Masanori Miyake
- Yumiko Miwa
The Gymnastics Samurai - FAQs
Where can you stream The Gymnastics Samurai?
The Gymnastics Samurai is available to stream on Crunchyroll as part of its subscription library. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. Use JustWatch to compare all current viewing options available in your region.
Is The Gymnastics Samurai based on a true story?
The Gymnastics Samurai is an original anime series and not directly based on a true story. However, it draws inspiration from the real-world pressures faced by elite gymnasts, particularly in Japan's competitive artistic gymnastics scene, lending it an authentic and emotionally grounded feel.
What is The Gymnastics Samurai about?
Set in 2002, the series follows Jotaro Aragaki, a once-dominant Japanese gymnast now struggling with declining performance and facing pressure to retire. A mysterious encounter unexpectedly reignites his drive to compete, blending heartfelt family drama with the intensity of elite athletic competition.
Who voices the main characters in The Gymnastics Samurai?
The principal voice cast includes Daisuke Namikawa as protagonist Jotaro Aragaki, Rina Honnizumi as his daughter Rei, Kensho Ono as the enigmatic Leonardo, Kenyu Horiuchi as coach Noriyuki Amakusa, and Yuki Kaji as rival gymnast Tetsuo Minamino.
When did The Gymnastics Samurai first air?
The Gymnastics Samurai premiered on October 11, 2020. It aired across multiple Japanese regional networks including HTB, TV Asahi, and Nagoya TV, among others, before becoming available internationally through streaming platforms.
How many episodes does The Gymnastics Samurai have?
The Gymnastics Samurai consists of 11 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 23 minutes, making the complete series a compact and focused watch that can be comfortably finished in a single weekend.
Who produced The Gymnastics Samurai anime?
The Gymnastics Samurai was produced by MAPPA, the acclaimed Japanese animation studio also known for Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan: The Final Season. The series was written by Shigeru Murakoshi and features music composed by Masaru Yokoyama.
Is The Gymnastics Samurai worth watching for non-sports fans?
Yes. While gymnastics forms the backdrop, the series is equally a warm family drama about resilience, identity, and second chances. Its blend of comedy, heartfelt character moments, and vibrant MAPPA animation makes it accessible and rewarding even for viewers unfamiliar with sports anime.
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