Akakichi no Eleven [Episodes 1-52]

Red-Blooded Passion: Why Akakichi no Eleven Still Kicks Hard After 50 Years

Let’s cut to the chase—Akakichi no Eleven isn’t your average soccer anime. This 1970s classic from Tokyo TV Douga (the team behind early sports gems) is like if your high school PE coach turned into a drill sergeant with a soccer ball, and honestly? It’s wild in the best way. Over 52 episodes, it dives into Shinsei High’s chaotic soccer scene, where the sport feels less like a game and more like a street brawl with cleats. And yeah, fans are still geeking out about it half a century later—here’s why it’s worth your time.

First off, let’s talk about the chaos. The show’s premise is simple but unapologetic: Shinsei’s soccer team is a mess, and their new coach, Teppei Matsuki, is a straight-up sadist. Not “tough love” sadist—we’re talking making players run until they collapse, screaming at them like they’re in boot camp, and treating losses like personal failures. Fans on MyAnimeList can’t get enough of his over-the-top intensity. One user rants, “Matsuki’s training methods are insane—like, why is he making them do 100 laps in the rain? But you know what? It works. You can’t look away.” Another adds, “He’s not a good guy, but he’s the coach this ragtag team needs. No coddling, just ‘win or die trying.’”

Then there’s Shingo Tamai, the show’s rebellious heartthrob. He’s the school’s resident bad boy—leather jacket, attitude, zero interest in following rules—until Matsuki drags him onto the team. Shingo’s arc from “I hate soccer” to “I’d die for this team” is the show’s emotional core, and fans eat it up. “Shingo’s character development is chef’s kiss,” gushes a Reddit user. “He starts as this selfish jerk, but when he finally cares about the team? Chills. You want to punch him and hug him at the same time.” His rivalry-turned-bromance with Ohira, the team’s quiet underdog, is another highlight. “Ohira’s the glue,” a fan notes. “He’s not flashy, but without him, Shingo would still be skipping practice to smoke behind the gym.”

What makes Akakichi stand out, though, is its raw, unfiltered energy. This isn’t the polished, CGI-filled soccer of modern anime—think Haikyuu!! but with more dirt, sweat, and actual fistfights on the field. The matches are brutal: players tackle each other into mud, argue with refs like their lives depend on it, and celebrate goals like they just won the World Cup. “The action is so visceral,” a MyAnimeList reviewer writes. “You can feel the players’ exhaustion, their anger, their joy. It’s not pretty, but it’s real.” Even the animation, with its retro 70s style—bold lines, bright colors, and that classic “limited movement” charm—adds to the grit. “It’s dated, sure,” a fan admits, “but that’s part of the appeal. It feels like a time capsule of when anime didn’t care about being perfect—it cared about being felt.”

Now, let’s get real: Akakichi isn’t for everyone. The pacing is slow by today’s standards (some episodes drag on with training montages), and the characters can be one-note at first. Matsuki’s abuse might turn off viewers who prefer their coaches with a softer side, and the “sports as war” vibe is intense. But here’s the thing—fans love it because of these flaws. “It’s not trying to be woke or modern,” a user defends. “It’s a product of its time, and that’s okay. It’s about passion, not politics.” Another adds, “Yeah, the training is crazy, but it’s all in service of showing how far these kids will go to prove themselves. That’s relatable, even now.”

The show’s also got heart—in between the screaming and the sweat, there are moments that hit you right in the feels. Like when Shingo finally apologizes to Ohira for being a jerk, or when the team huddles together after a crushing loss, vowing to do better. “Those small, quiet scenes are what make the chaos worth it,” a fan says. “You see that these guys aren’t just teammates—they’re family.” And let’s not forget the music: the opening theme is a rousing, horn-heavy bop that makes you want to grab a ball and run outside. “I still hum it sometimes,” admits a user who watched the show as a kid. “It’s stuck with me for 50 years—that’s how good it is.”

So, should you watch Akakichi no Eleven? If you’re into old-school anime, unapologetic drama, and sports stories that feel like they’re punching you in the chest (in a good way), absolutely. It’s not perfect, but it’s real—raw, messy, and full of that red-blooded passion the title promises. As one fan puts it, “It’s not about winning the game. It’s about winning at life—one kick at a time.”

In a world of polished, safe anime, Akakichi no Eleven is a breath of fresh (if slightly dusty) air. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best stories aren’t the ones that play by the rules—they’re the ones that kick them to the curb and run full speed ahead. So grab some snacks, turn off your phone, and let Shinsei High’s ragtag team take you on a wild ride. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself yelling at the screen by episode 5. Trust me—you won’t regret it.

Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. A chaotic, heartfelt classic that proves passion never goes out of style.

P.S. Pro tip: Watch the first episode’s opening scene—Shingo kicking a ball so hard it breaks a window. That’s the energy you’re signing up for. Enjoy.