About the Japanese Manga “Slam Dunk”

© Takehiko Inoue / Shueisha
Source: INOUE TAKEHIKO ON THE WEB (https://itplanning.co.jp/)

What is “Slam Dunk”?

“Slam Dunk” is a Japanese manga series themed around basketball, created by Takehiko Inoue. It was serialized in Shueisha’s “Weekly Shonen Jump” from 1990 to 1996. A total of 31 tankobon volumes have been published, with the series achieving a cumulative worldwide circulation of over 170 million copies.

The story is set in the Shonan area of Kanagawa Prefecture and follows the passionate story of the members of the high school basketball team, the “Shohoku High School Basketball Team“. The backdrop is early 1990s Japan.

“Slam Dunk” not only significantly boosted the popularity of basketball within Japan but also offered excitement and inspiration to readers worldwide. The growth story of the protagonist, Hanamichi Sakuragi, and his fierce battles with rivals have particularly resonated with many fans.

Media Adaptations

“Slam Dunk” has been adapted into various media, including anime, movies, and games.

• Anime: Aired on the TV Asahi network from 1993 to 1996, with a total of 101 episodes produced.
• Theatrical Anime: Multiple films have been produced, with the latest being the new animated movie “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK” released in December 2022.
• Games: Adapted into games for various platforms, including Super Famicom and Game Boy.

Story and Characters

Plot Summary

The story of “Slam Dunk” follows the journey of delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi as he discovers and grows in the sport of basketball. Sakuragi, who had been rejected by 50 girls during his middle school years, initially hated basketball in high school. However, after meeting a girl named Haruko Akagi, he joins the basketball team.

Sakuragi starts as a complete novice, unaware of the rules of basketball, but quickly grows due to his natural athleticism and effort. The Shohoku High School Basketball Team strengthens their bonds and improves through numerous matches against rival schools. Particularly memorable for many fans is the climactic match against Sannoh Industry High School during the inter-high tournament.

Main Characters

• Hanamichi Sakuragi: The protagonist, a first-year high school student and basketball novice. Driven by his athletic abilities and feelings for Haruko, he quickly becomes passionate about basketball and rapidly improves.
• Kaede Rukawa: Sakuragi’s rival and Shohoku High’s super rookie. Although cool and reticent, his passion for basketball is unmatched.
• Takenori Akagi: The captain of Shohoku High’s basketball team. He serves as the team’s moral backbone, watching over both Sakuragi and Rukawa.
• Hisashi Mitsui: A former ace shooter of the basketball team. After quitting basketball once, he regains his passion and returns to the team.
• Ryota Miyagi: A small but quick point guard. He plays a crucial role as the team’s playmaker.

Iconic Scenes and Quotes

“Slam Dunk” is filled with numerous iconic scenes and quotes. For example, the scene where Sakuragi scores the winning point despite being injured during the match against Sannoh Industry High School in the inter-high tournament is unforgettable for many fans. Additionally, Mitsui’s line “I want to play basketball…” and Coach Anzai’s words “If you give up, that’s the end of the game” are widely recognized as emblematic quotes from the series.

Overseas Popularity of Slam Dunk

“Slam Dunk” has surpassed 170 million copies in total worldwide circulation, gaining immense popularity not only in Japan but also globally, particularly in South Korea and Taiwan. In South Korea, the setting of the story was adapted for the local audience, with place names and character names rewritten in Korean. In the United States, it was published by Viz Media and has garnered a substantial fan base.

Pilgrimage to Slam Dunk Locations

Many fans visit various locations in the Shonan area of Kanagawa Prefecture, which serves as the setting for “Slam Dunk”. Here are some representative spots:

Kamakura-Kokomae Station Railroad Crossing

Famous as the railroad crossing where Hanamichi waits in the anime’s opening scene.
Address: 1 Chome-1 Koshigoe, Kamakura, Kanagawa

Kamakura Seaside Park Sakanoshita Area

Depicted on the cover of the second volume of the new re-edited edition. It appears in a scene where Rukawa rides his road bike.
Address: 25-4 Sakanoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa

Kugenuma Beach

The location where Hanamichi and Rukawa encounter each other after the inter-high tournament.
Address: Kugenuma Beach, Fujisawa, Kanagawa

Akibadai Cultural Gymnasium

The venue for the match between Shohoku and the reigning champions, Kainan. It remains a sports facility that hosts events today.
Address: 2000-1 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa

Hiratsuka General Gymnasium

The gymnasium where Shohoku and Ryonan face off in the Kanagawa Prefecture finals league. The scenes from the series are realistically recreated here.
Address: 1-1-1 Nakahara, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa

Visiting these spots allows fans to experience the world of “Slam Dunk” firsthand. However, it is important to respect local residents and public facilities when visiting.

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