| |
|---|---|
| Ryoma Echizen | |
| Kanji |
越前 リョーマ |
| Rōmaji |
Echizen Ryoma |
| Nicknames |
Prince of Tennis |
| Gender |
Male |
| Age |
12 |
| Height |
151 cm |
| Weight |
50 kg |
| Birthday |
December 24 |
| Horoscope |
Capricorn |
| Eyesight (Unaided) |
1.5 (both eyes) |
| Blood Type |
O |
| Family |
Nanjirō Echizen (Father) |
| Junior High |
Seigaku (1st Year) |
| Class |
1-2 |
| Seat |
4 |
| Club Position |
Regular |
| Elementary School |
Los Angeles Saint Youth Elementary School [1] |
| Japan U-17 Camp |
Court 2 (Former) |
| Dominant Arm |
Left |
| Play Style |
All Rounder |
| Racquet(s) |
Yonex Bridgestone (Dynabeam Grandea)Cite error: Invalid |
| Manga Debut |
Genius 1 |
| Anime Debut |
Episode 1 (The Prince of Tennis) |
| Movies |
Atobe's Gift |
| Voice Actor | |
Ryoma Echizen (越前 リョーマ, Echizen Ryōma) is a first year student at Seishun Academy, which he attends immediately after his arrival in Japan after formerly residing in the United States.
| “ | Mada Mada Dane | ” |
— Ryoma Echizen
| ||
Background
Although only a first year in middle school, Ryoma had already earned notoriety through winning four consecutive titles in the American Junior Tennis tournaments – all in a little over a year. Due to his nearly invincible tennis play, Ryoma has earned the label 'prodigy' by the age of twelve. His good looks and confidence make him highly popular with ladies, although he seems not to notice, having his focus exclusively on tennis. He is the main protagonist of the series.
Appearance
Ryoma as a kid
He is a twelve year old tennis prodigy. He has green tinted black hair. His eyes are brown, but hazel in the anime. He is always seen wearing a white cap.
In the New Prince of Tennis series, he is always seen wearing a band-aid on his nose. Underneath it is a small injury which he got when he was training in the mountains.
Personality
He does not go easy on himself and pushes himself more, rather than letting himself rest. He is specifically a singles player, though he did try doubles once with teammate Momoshiro Takeshi. After seeing how bad he was at doubles, Coach Ryūzaki usually placed him in the S3 (Singles 3) or S2 (Singles 2) position. When captain Tezuka Kunimitsu goes away for rehabilitation for his arm, Ryoma and teammate Fuji Shūsuke take turns for the S1 (Singles 1) position. In the Nationals, Ryoma often found himself placed in the S1 position nearly every match.
Ryoma has a habit of forgetting people that he finds insignificant or met for a brief moment. The first person he forgets is Sakuno which saddens her. Another person he forgets is Sasabe and his father. He also forgot Sengoku as they met just briefly. Whether he does this on purpose is as of yet unknown.
His catchphrase (and favorite phrase) in the Japanese anime is "Mada Mada Dane", literally meaning "No, not yet" or "Not good enough", although the literal translation in Japanese is "You still have lots more to work on". In the American version, it is translated as "You still have a ways to go".
In the Prince of Tennis movie Tennis no Ōjisama - Futari no Samurai, Ryoma supposedly has an older brother named Ryōga Echizen, but the latter is later revealed to simply be a child that Nanjirō took in a few years ago. In the manga, it was confirmed Ryoga is Ryoma's half-brother.
Ryoma can be quite arrogant at times, but is usually able to back up his statements with his tennis skills. He is usually distrustful of other tennis players, and often provokes his opponent before a match. In the beginning of the series, Ryoma is not taken seriously by the other students at his school, especially at the Seishun Tennis Club. It is only after he beats two of Seishun's regulars (Kaoru Kaidō and Sadaharu Inui) that he gains respect from fellow club members. He is also unafraid almost to the point of recklessness, but rarely gets angry or out of control. In the TeniPuri family chibi episodes, Ryoma is the eldest son of the family and always creates all sorts of troubles. In other chibi episodes, he is mostly shown very skilled.
At the beginning of the series, all of Ryoma's tennis skills are a copy of his father's. With the help of his team captain, Kunimitsu Tezuka, Ryoma realizes his need to develop his own style of tennis if he intends to reach his goal and defeat his father.
With each match, it becomes apparent that Ryoma not only brings his potential to the front, but that he is constantly reaching a new point in the state of self-actualization – especially so during crucial points in a match. Although he views each opponent as a stepping stone of advancement, Tezuka soon becomes the wall that Ryoma has set up for himself in order to achieve actual greatness.
Although Ryoma has a rather tunneled vision as to whom he considers a rival (his father, Tezuka, and Fuji), there are many that view the first year as just that. One of the more notable examples of this in the anime is Kevin Smith, the son of the tennis coach George Smith, who was defeated by Nanjiro Echizen fifteen years ago in defense of George's pupil Rinko Takeuchi, who becomes Ryoma's mother. Kevin appears later in the series in the "friendly" match between the U.S.A West Coast Region and the Japan Kanto Region. Kevin became obsessed with wanting to play Ryoma because of their pasts, whereas in the beginning Ryoma regarded Kevin's threats with a rather unconcerned attitude until he saw him play against Yamabuki's Jin Akutsu in the streets. Tezuka was unimpressed with Ryoma's attitude toward the matches, and as a result, Ryoma is forced to earn his place as a reserve player.
Ryoma also cares much about his family cat Karupin. Once, Karupin follows Ryoma to school after he accidentally packs its toy into his bag. After he discovers the fact, he frantically searches for his cat around the district.[2] Also, Karupin had followed Ryoma to the US Open tournament by sneaking into Ryoma's bag.
He has many girl fans that are so obsessed with him. He currently doesn't show any interest in girls because of his dedication toward tennis. Occasionally, he has been seen dismissing them. Although his apathetic nature, he does show Sakuno his genuine concern. In the anime, he has saved her from time to time. In the manga (Chapter 306), he threw a tennis ball at a thief for making the prepared food she made drop onto the floor.
He defeated everyone that he battled except against his captain, Tezuka. It should be noted that while he inherited his father's tennis skills and cockiness, his way of thinking seems to be more similar to his mother as he is shown to be quite serious, studious, and silent when possible. He finally defeats Tezuka and then returns to America for the US Open.
Revealed in the manga, Ryoma did worship and adore Ryoga as Ryoga teased but Ryoma denied. They celebrated Halloween together, collected oranges together, and got into trouble together. This showed they were extremely close. When Ryoma witnessed Ryoga get into a car and leave him, Ryoma was devastated that he could not stop screaming out for Ryoga. This devastation could be the reason why Ryoma does not recognise Ryoga or because they have been separated for too long.
History
Districts
Ryoma plays doubles with Momoshiro Takeshi in the match against Gyokorin. Halfway through the match, they get frustrated with each other and they split apart to plays as singles in a doubles match, winning 6-2. Ryuzaki was not amused, however, as they both ended up kneeling on the floor. They were both banned for 1 and 2 matches respectively.
At the finals, Ryoma was placed in Singles 2 against Fudomine's ace, Ibu Shinji. He won the first game easily with his Twist Serve; Shinji, in turn, revealed a smiliar serve called the Kick Serve. Ryoma was able to return it by switching to his dominant left hand. As the match went on, Shinji began using his Spot technique to paralyze Ryoma's hand and gain the upper hand. When Ryoma tried to twist his body more to hit the ball, he lost his grip on his racket, causing it to break against the net's pole, rebounding off, hitting his left eye, and damaging his eye muscle, causing extensive bleeding. Ryoma insisted on finishing the match, so Ryuzaki used a medical technique to stop the bleeding for fifteen minutes, and Tezuka gave Echizen ten to finish the match. Ryoma found a way to counter Shinji's Spot by using Nitoryu, and won the last point by using a Twist Spin Smash, winning 6-3.
Sometime after, Tezuka, deeply troubled on how Ryoma's style is just a carbon copy of his father's, plays a secret match with him at the tennis court under the railway. Tezuka utterly defeats Echizen, he encourages him to come up with his own style of tennis and to become the pillar support of Seigaku.
Prefecturals
Ryoma made it swiftly through the prefectural tournament, with the exception of being late for the St. Rudolph match in the quarter finals. He played in Singles 3, beating Yuuta Fuji 6-4. It was during this match that he invented Drive B, his first original signature shot. He also utilized the Super Rising, but it was not perfected.
In the semi-finals, Ryoma did not get to play as Ginka forfeited because of a "stomach ache" (they were afraid of Seigaku's regulars).
In the finals, against Yamabuki, he played in Singles 2, beating Yamabuki's Jin Akutsu 6-4, leading his team to the Kanto tournament. It was in this stage that Ryoma perfected the Super Rising and invented a new shot, Drive A. It was here that Ryoma had his revenge (Akutsu had come to Seigaku and served rocks at Ryoma, cutting his face).
Kantō Regionals
Ryoma goes to the Kanto Regional Tournament with Seigaku as the No.2 seed this year since they had just been victors at the Tokyo Prefecturals. In the first round, against Hyotei Gakuen, Ryoma was placed as a substitute. But since both teams had two wins each and the Single's 3 game between Kawamura and Kabaji was a No Game (due to both players injuring themselves), there was a special rule created to get the subs to play each other to decide who wins. Ryoma's opponent was Hiyoshi Wakashi, Hyotei's second year ace. He had already beaten Choutarou Ootori in singles, and now, or so he thought, would defeat Ryoma. But three Twist Serves and a Zero-Shiki Drop from Ryoma quelled his thoughts. Although Hiyoshi was able to win two games from Ryoma after switching to his Enbu style tennis, Ryoma eventually won the match with a score of 6-2.
In the manga, Ryoma beats the Midoriyama 2nd year. However, in the anime, Seigaku plays against Josei Shounan. Their coach, Aoi Hanamura, tries to recruit Echizen to her team, but Ryoma refuses. Ryoma plays in Singles 2 against Shinjou Reiji during the Quarterfinals of the Kanto Regional Tournament. Shinjou first uses the Mirage, but Ryoma sees through it. After that, when Ryoma insults Hanamura's coaching, Shinjou gets angry and uses Deep Impulse to try and take the match. Ryoma is not fazed by the brutal style and counters it, winning the game 6-4.
In the manga, Ryoma is placed in Singles 2 and does not play as Seigaku defeats Rokkaku during the Semifinals in straight sets. However, in the anime, Ryoma is placed in Singles 3 against Rokkaku captain Aoi Kentaro. He briefly falls victim to Aoi's pace in the game, since Aoi is capable of incredible control over the ball regardless of how he seems to hit it. The match continues long into the late afternoon that the referee decides they would finish the match the next day. The next day, Ryoma overcomes Aoi's with a faster Drive B, and defeats Aoi 6-4.
Ryoma and Seigaku prepare for the Finals against reigning champions Rikkai Daigaku Fuzoku.
In the anime, when the match is delayed for a week due to rain, Ryoma plays a secret match against the "emperor" Genichirou Sanada and loses. Ryoma feels inadequate from the loss, but Yamabuki's retired Akustu helps Ryoma find his spark again. Ryoma and the rest of the Seigaku members go to a training camp where they trained vigorously- meeting Yamato Yudai, the captain of Seigaku during the current 3rd years' 1st year, and the person who asked Tezuka to become Seigaku's Pillar of Support. Ryoma and Yamato get stranded together but they speak for a long time, with Yamato giving him words of encouragement and good advice. Later, the Seigaku regulars played practice matches against Hyotei Gakuen, who was staying in an Atobe Cottage nearby and was invited by Coach Ryuzaki. Ryoma played against Atobe, drawing the match 6-6 due to the no-tiebreak rule. After the match, Ryoma worked with Oishi to develop the Cyclone Smash.
In the Kanto Finals, Seigaku surprised Rikidai by winning Singles 3 and 2 after losing both doubles matches. It is up to Ryoma, who played against Sanada. The matches for the anime and manga differ.
In the manga, Ryoma consciously activates Muga no Kyochi from the start and Sanada follows with "Fu Rin Ka Zan." Throughout the match Ryoma uses several techniques from other players including Kirihara's Knuckle Serve, Akutsu's flexible tennis, Yuuta's Twist Spin Shot, Momoshiro's Dunk Smash, Tezuka's Zero Shiki Drop Shot, Shinji's Spot, Sanada's "Fu Rin Ka Zan," Kawamura's Two-handed Hadōkyū, and Akazawa's Illusion Shot. By activating Myuga no Kyochi, Ryoma expends an abnormally large amount of energy so that his body can surpass its limits and Sanada easily gets the score to 5-3. After Ryoma survives a triple match point, Sanada activates Muga no Kyochi to counter Ryoma's. It is then that Ryoma develops his COOL Drive, which he uses to make a comeback and win. Ryoma wins the match 7-5.
In the anime, Sanada takes the first few games with his Invisible Swing. Ryoma soon gets used to the speed of the Swing and decides to unleash his Cyclone Smash; when his eyes get tired, Ryoma plays with his eyes closed and equalizes the match score. Sanada then unleashes his fury and starts utilizing the Invisible Serve, which is now much faster, and gets score to match point. Echizen then begins to attack using the Samurai's Eye (a state similar to Muga No Kyouchi) to use his former opponents moves including Yuuta's Twist Spin Shot, Shinji's Spot, Shinjou's Deep Impulse, Wakashi's Enbu tennis, and Akutsu's flexible tennis. Ryoma wins the match 7-5, winning the championships for Seigaku and taking the team to Nationals.
Regional Select Invitationals Camp
In the anime, when America decides move the date of the Goodwill games versus Japan to an earlier date, a week-long camp was held for all the Japanese teams to compete for the spot. Ryoma was placed in Ryuzaki's team, with everyone feeling that he would earn a spot on the roster. When Ryuzaki collapsed from exhaustion, Tezuka took some time out of rehab as the group's coach. During the camp, Tezuka saw that Ryoma's attitude had grown more arrogant following his win against Sanada. Thus, when it came to choosing the players to represent Japan, Tezuka chose to have Ryoma as the reserve player, but kept in secret to see if he would change. When Ryoma sees America's Kevin Smith– who had been wanting to challenge him – defeat Yamabuki's Jin Akutsu using his destructive tennis form, Ryoma had a change of heart and begged Tezuka to be on the team; Tezuka revealed Ryoma's spot, making him the third member of Seigaku to compete (along with Fuji and Kikumaru).
Regional Select Invitationals
Although Rikkaidai's Akaya Kirihara played Smith in the final match, Kirihara injured himself, and the "special rule" was invoked to have Ryoma finish the match, which resulted in his victory (7-6) and a new found friendship with Smith.
Nationals
In the manga, Ryoma goes with his team to the Nationals. He was never chosen as a wildcard to attend the U.S. Open.
In the anime, he is chosen as a wildcard for the U.S. Open and goes to it, eventually beating Lleyton Hewitt in the finals. He comes back in the OVA, and although he says he wouldn't participate with Seigaku, vice captain Shūichiro Oishi goads him into a match to take over his spot as a regular, which Ryoma does. Everyone later found Oishi did this because his wrist injury from before the Kanto Finals was acting up again.
Round 1
Seigaku's first round's matches start with Higa Middle School. Ryoma faces Tanishi Kei in Singles 3. Right before the match Ryoma provokes Tanishi when he asks if the larger player should be going on a diet. He further provokes Tanishi into grabbing and lifting him up by the front of his shirt when he warns the Higa player to watch out for the diet's rebound weight.
Ryoma starts the match by continuously using Drive C, which everyone believes to be his COOL Drive. He later reveals that is a misunderstanding as his COOL Drive has twice the spin of Drive Cs. However, Tanishi's Big Bang serve allows him to win all of his service games while Ryoma manages to win all of his, forcing a tiebreak.
It is there that Ryoma manages a return ace against Tanishi's Big Bang serve, who was not aware of his own weakness. Ryoma had not let on the fact that the serve had been weakening in power as during the second half of the match he pretended to have the racquet be blown from his hand. At match point Ryoma uses his Drive A and quickly follows up with Drive B after its return. He finally reveals the true COOL Drive after Drive B is returned, Tanishi attempts to return it before it can land. However, when the ball hits Tanishi's raquet the amazing spin he puts on it forces the ball to hit Tanishi's face with great force. The match ends with the COOL Drive knocking the larger boy down to the ground, and Ryoma taking the first win for Seigaku.
Quarterfinals
Seigaku's next opponent was their old nemesis, Hyotei Gakuen. Ryoma was placed in Singles 1, as Tezuka had played in Singles 2 against Kabaji Munehiro. Both teams get two matches a piece, and Ryoma's opponent was Atobe Keigo, and very soon he proved a tough nut to crack, as Muga no Kyouchi did not work on such a high level player who could handle most techniques like Atobe. Atobe took the first 4 games with his World of Ice but Ryoma countered it with his "Samurai Zone", forcing the ball towards him. The game gradually turned into a tiebreak. They both went all out, and soon the score was 117-117. Both players had collapsed to exhaustion. Atobe stood up first, but in the last 12 seconds of the service time, Ryoma manages to stand up and hit 2 twist serves, winning the game 7-6. After that, Ryoma jumped over the net to shave Atobe's hair (from a bet they placed earlier), but Atobe shaved his own hair despite Taki Haginosuke's objections.
Nationals Semifinals
One Shot game Ryoma vs. Kintaro
Seigaku's semifinals was against Shitenhoji Middle School. With a 3 wins and 1 loss, Seigaku wins the match with Shintenhji and moves on to the finals. Although Ryoma couldn't play a real match against Kintarō and the match between Seigaku and Shitenhōji had concluded, Ryoma and Tooyama Kintarō play a special one ball match. In spite of it being only for one point, they both go all out for over 40 minutes. In the end, the ball is split in half, causing it to end in a draw. Though it is hinted by Fuji that Ryoma may have unlocked Teni Muhō No Kiwami (Pinnacle of Perfection) in this match; Nanjiroh, who was listening through the radio, believes otherwise.
Nationals Finals
During the National Tournament Finals, Seigaku's finals was against reigning Rikkaidai Junior High School who with the return of their captain, expected an easy win and nothing less. Ryoma is matched up against Rikkai Dai's captain, Yukimura Seiichi, in the Singles 1 slot; the winner of which will result in their team winning the tournament since both teams have two wins.
Before his match with Yukimura Seiichi, Ryoma had amnesia, but luckily due to his teammates' and other teams' help by stalling their games and helping him "re-learn" tennis, he eventually overcomes his amnesia right before his match. Ryoma starts off strong and uses three of his signature techniques, but Yukimura returns them all without having to move from the baseline. In response, Ryoma activates Muga no Kyōchi and uses five consecutive copied techniques, but once again, Yukimura returns them all without much effort. Ryoma then reveals that he has opened Hyakku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami, but it is only after Yukimura wins three straight games that Ryoma is able to use Hyaku Ren to its fullest, going on to win a point. Right after, he reveals that he has also opened Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami. However, he breaks his own prediction by hitting the ball out of the court, and just when his nose begins to bleed, Yukimura decides to show his true strength.
As they play, Yukimura informs him that he is losing his senses, which becomes a reality as Ryoma has already lost his sense of touch, followed by his sight. Though Ryoma continues to hit the ball through his hearing, he eventually loses that as well. Despite losing all his senses, Ryoma attempts to continue playing. As he realizes what tennis means to him, he activates Muga no Kyōchi's final door, Teni Muhō No Kiwami(Pinnacle of Perfection).
Teni Muhō No Kiwami (Pinnacle of Perfection)
Using Teni Muhō, Ryoma continues to get consecutive service aces as well as return aces from Yukimura's serve, and eventually catches up to Yukimura, and then takes the lead by winning five games in a row. However, just when Ryoma needed one more game to win, Yukimura begins to adjust to Ryoma's playing style, and is thus able to return Ryoma's hits. Ryoma then uses his Samurai Drive, splitting the ball in half, and though Yukimura is able to return it, Ryoma is able to smash both halves into Yukimura's side of the court, winning the match 6-4.
It is also unknown why, but three days after the finals on August 26, Ryoma leaves Japan for America.
Prior to U-17 Camp
Osaka
The two Super Rookies in Osaka.
In the OVA Another Story's "Prince of Naniwa" Part 1 and 2, the Seigaku tennis club minus Ryoma, travels to Osaka to have a joint training session with Shitenhoji's tennis club during the summer after the National Tournament. Ryoma is shown to be in New York noticing his adopted brother practicing tennis on a wall with a ball filled with hard rocks. Ryoma is interested and is seen walking towards his brother. Some time later, he is seen arriving in an airport in Japan, most likely Kansai International Airport because Ryoma is next shown meeting Tooyama Kintaro in Osaka. They have a 'match' after Kintaro tells Ryoma that the loser will be treating the winner with takoyaki- their match actually being a rally of a ball through the city of Osaka wildly going over rivers and bridges.
Ryoma and Kintaro are rallying a ball through on an overpass when Oishi, Kikumaru, and Kawamura notice Ryoma and are surprised that he is in Osaka. Ryoma and Kintaro's rally is stopped when Kikumaru catches Ryoma's returned ball with his hand. When the 3rd year regulars plus Coach Ryuzaki and Kintaro question Ryoma back at the inn at night as to why he was in Osaka, Ryoma replies that he just wants to eat some real takoyaki. While some of the 3rd years suggest that they tell Momoshiro and Kaidoh that Ryoma is in Osaka, Tezuka replies that if they told the two 2nd years the news, they would never realize what they had to realize.
Later on, after Momoshiro and Kaidoh realize that they needed to work with the 1st and 2nd years of Seigaku as a team, they decide to hold their delayed training matches with Shitenhoji. Just when Ishida Gin hits a 108th degree Hadoukyu to Mizuno and Arai, Ryoma shows up and returns the ball, surprising everyone who thought Ryoma was in New York. Momoshiro and Kaidoh ask Ryoma why he was in Japan, and Ryoma tells them because he was worried about his senpais, much to the two 2nd year's dismay. Ryoma and Kintaro end up playing a match, the result unknown.
After the training session ends, the Seigaku tennis club heads back to Tokyo on a train from Osaka. Inui Sadaharu says that Ryoma was on an airplane back to New York already.
In the ending credits, Ryoma is seen in a cab in New York, only to see Ryoga outside the window. Ryoma opens the cab door and smiles seeing Ryoga and the song ends with Ryoma on a street tennis court serving a ball, most likely to his brother.
New York
Ryoma arrives back to New York and is walking down crowded streets while carrying his tennis bag. After a while, he makes a turn towards a more isolated area but then he is suddenly stopped by a group of five young individuals in the middle of the road. They stare at him at first with serious expressions, but then four of them jump in smiling and greats him with "Cheers!", revealing that they were Ryoma's friends from New York.
Ryoma, Ken and the others head towards a tennis court downtown occupied by high school students. Ryoma easily defeats them all and clears the court for him and his friends (revealed in a flashback). After playing for a little bit, everyone except for Ken takes a break and Ryoma hears about the problem they are having with the high schoolers including one named Jack. Ken becomes angry that they are relying on Ryoma for help saying it was their problem, not Ryoma's. Ken storms off the courts, leaving Ryoma and the rest of the gang staring at Ken.
Ryoma finding Ken practicing tennis in an alley.
Later on, Ryoma finds Ken practicing tennis against a wall in an alleyway. He invites Ken to a practice match, and speaks about how Ken lacks power. Ryoma is able to blow Ken's racket away countless times until Ken finally returns one of Ryoma's shots- but it is out of bound. Ryoma smiles but says Ken still has a long way to go.
The two practice until sunset and Ryoma presents Ken, who is laying on the ground from exhaustion a can of a grape beverage. He wishes Ken good luck in his match tomorrow and leaves.
The next day, Ryoma is seen about to purchase a can of grape juice in a deli when he overhears two high schoolers talk about Jack and his friend about to have a violent match against some kids downtown. They mention how it was "cute" in a malicious tone, drawing Ryoma's attention. He immediatly rushes out without his drink, surprising the cashier.
Ryoma and Ken playing doubles against Jack and his partner.
At the courts, Ken's and his doubles partner- their unnamed friend with the yellow headband, were both scratched up from the match and on the floor while Jack and his doubles partner were taunting them and asking about "the good Japanese player" who cleared the court yesterday. Ken says that "Ryoma won't be coming" but Ryoma arrives to the court downtown just in time to stop Jack's ball from hitting an already beat up Ken. Ryoma proceeds to playing against Jack and his partner but receives help from Ken too when Ryoma could not reach the ball. Together, Ken and Ryoma defeat the Jack and his doubles partner while their friends cheer on. Ryoma stares at defeated Jack, who is now on the ground sweating and breathing hard, and says "Hey, this is real tennis. Mada mada dane." Ken then asks Ryoma why he came and Ryoma replies with a smile: "because we are friends." Ken looks away but says "thank you" reluctantly, causing the entire group of friends to start laughing.
Ryoma's invitation to the U-17 camp that he received while in New York.
Jack stands up and curses Ryoma silently. He serves a ball aiming at Ryoma, who is unaware that Jack was trying to hurt him. Ken notices the serve and screams out Ryoma's name, running towards his friend in attempt to block the ball but is not fast enough. However, a flash of yellow (representing a ball moving at a very fast pace) decends from above- it both knocks away the ball Jack aimed at Ryoma's way and lands to the ground just as a Twist Serve but then shots towards Jack's face, knocking Jack out. Ryoma, surprised at the serve, looks up and sees a green-haired, black-hooded man with a blue racket standing on the roof of a building staring down at Ryoma. His savior turns out to be his older brother, Echizen Ryoga, but we do not know if Ryoma realized it was his brother though they were both staring at each other. Ryoga walks away and a man then runs towards Ryoma saying that there is an important letter from Japan for him. Ryoma opens the letter and is shocked at the content being an invitation to the U-17 Camp.
Ryoma's friends wave him goodbye as he is seen running to an unseen location. Ken cheers Ryoma on quietly, calling him "Samurai." The location Ryoma was running towards is later revealed to be to Grand Central Terminal where Ryoma stops and takes a sip of the grape beverage (parallel to the start of The New Prince of Tennis' episode 1).
In the post credit scenes, Ryoma arrives at Seigaku's tennis courts and bumps into the freshman trio, who tells Ryoma that Coach Ryuzaki and the regulars have already left for the camp. Ryoma turns away to leave, but then turns back and stares at Horio asking him for a "favor" with a smile.
U-17 Camp
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Ryoma heads to the U-17 Camp after his return from New York. The U-17 Camp is Held in Japan where an "All Star Team" is being formed, containing the 50 best tennis players from the entire country. All of Seigaku were invited including all of the other Middle School's tennis players.
At the U-17 Camp, Ryoma learns that there are still more powerful School players out there, and strives to become even stronger to defeat the likes of Tokugawa Kazuya, Tanegashima Shuuji and several other powerful High Schoolers.
Irire introducing himself to Ryoma.
All middle schoolers were able to attain a ball that the helicopter dropped where the conditions were, those uable to obtain a ball must leave the camp. Ryoma was the last to collect a ball, arriving later that the rest.
Ryoma then challenges Junichi Sasabe to a game; however, he is then challenged by Matsudaira Chikao, who Ryoma utterly defeats with ease, instantly causing Matsudaira to forfeit due to injuries. After several Middle Schoolers crush several High Schoolers, Irie Kanata, Oni Juujirou, and Tokugawa Kazuya arrive to stop the matches, warning them that the players they just defeated are nowhere near the level that they themselves are at.
Ryoma and Kintaro crushing some High Schoolers.
Echizen is then involved in the Tie-Break style elimination games in which a every middle school must play a quick tie-break to determine who stays at the camp and who is sent home.
Horio and a few other 1st years sneak into the U-17 Camp, with Horio carrying Ryoma's belongings, revealed to be the "favor" Ryoma asks Horio to do in the New Prince of Tennis OVA 1. Horio calls Ryoma a "slave driver" because of this favor he was asked to do.
Ryoma pairs up with Minami Kentarou, and he heads to the toilet just before the game. However, at the toilet, he meets Inui Sadaharu struggling in a cubicle due to a failed Inui Juice, and then fellow super rookie Kintarou Tooyama. The two decide to take a self-tour of the camp.
Ryoma and Kintaro decide to tour the camp and ignore their tie-break games thus making them forfeit and lose them. The two of them bump into several High Schoolers from lower courts along the way and ask for the location of Court 1. However, the High Schoolers are infuriated that kids are attempting to challenge courts they are powerless against, so they challenge the 2 rookies.
Tokugawa and Oni being challenged by the Super Rookies.
Ryoma and Kintaro annihalate many opponents consecutively as a pair until they notice Court 1. They are stunned to find Tokugawa Kazuya and Oni Juujiro rallying with 5 balls at once and decide to challenge them respectively. After Kintaro loses to Oni and Ryoma loses to Tokugawa, the two of them are met by the Coach Saito, who takes them to meet the other middle schoolers who lost their tie-break matches. He tells them to climb the cliff by the camp if they want the chance to stay in the camp. Echizen and the 27 other middle schoolers complete this task and end up meeting the High Schoolers who were unable to attain a ball from the helicopter as well as Coach Nyuudou.
Mountain Climbing
Coach Saito with the Super Rookies.
Ryoma and the 26 other middle schoolers take part in the drunken coach's weird tasks such as digging an enormous hole just for the Coach to urinate in, a jog through the forest, and a 'Special Mission' for himself, Kenya, and Kei.
The 26 middle schoolers against the High Schoolers on the mountain cliff and Survive being chased by eagles within a time limit. Eventually, he and Tooyama avoid all the Eagles and decide to have a match on the top of the mountain by the camp to decide who is the best and use conkers as tennis balls.
Ryoma defending himself during the eagle hunt.
While playing, 5 Eagles capture Ryoma and Kintaro hits conkers at the eagle to free him. Kintaro then hits 5 conkers to Ryoma and once the eagle drops him, and he hits the 5 conkers at the 5 eagles. Suddenly realizing their fast improvement in now being able to hit 5 balls at once like Oni and Tokugawa. The Drunken Coach notices this, and tells them they are still a long way from Tokugawa and Oni who can actually hit up to 10 at once. Ryoma asks the coach arrogantly to teach him how, to which the Coach furiously hits him across the face. In retaliation Ryoma gets up and serves a conker past the Coach's face on purpose stunning the Drunken Coach. To this, the Coach ends the exercise.
Kenya and Ryoma dancing their way through the lasers.
Later on, Ryoma is lying down on the grass staring at the sky and is interrupted by Sanada Genichiro, as Ryoma tells the latter to go away, Sanada says to that the 27 middle schoolers are going to steal the Coach's sake. This angers the Coach to the point he decides they should all go back to the camp and start a revolution.
In the anime, Ryoma is approached by Yamato who comes to visit him on the mountain with an invitation to watch the 3rd VS. 5th Court Shuffle Match between Tezuka and himself. Surprisingly, Ryoma recognizes Yamato, though Yamato has changed his physical appearence. Ryoma goes through the day with Coach Nyudo's training with heavy lead filled rackets, but is asked to leave by the Coach because his mind was elsewhere. Ryoma sneaks back into the main camp unnoticed and watches the match between the two captains of Seigaku. When Tezuka unlocks Tenimuh (Pinnacle of Perfection), the last door behind Muga no Kyōchi, Ryoma is seen still watching on, amazed at his captain. After Tezuka's win, Ryoma tells Yamato that he was glad he came to watch.
Team Shuffle
Ryoma in his Black Jersey Brigade U-17 Camp Uniform.
Immediately fter the Court Shuffle ended, the 27 middle schoolers returned to camp, claiming the 2nd Court. It is unknown which of the 27 middle schoolers, but they were able to crush the 2nd Court which angers other High Schoolers. They quickly handle the High Schoolers, who were throwing balls at them after showing their new abilities (Kenya ran so quickly behind them they did not even notice, Sanada's black aura, etc.) and Court 1's Shūji Tanegashima welcomes the middle schoolers back. The Coaches then announce they are accepted as the new 2nd Court.
In the anime, the Losers arrive back at the camp and meet the 2nd Court and challenge them for the position, they end up annihalating the 2nd Court except for Court Leader Migihashi Itarou who Ryoma challenges personally.
All of the middle schoolers engage in a pillowfight and then it is announced that the 1st Stringers will return to the camp soon.
U-17 Camp Revolution
Echizen and the other middle schoolers are at the main courts awaiting the results of the matches between the 1st Stringers and their challengers and welcome the return of the Top 10. Ryoma is standing with Sanada behind Tanegashima and asks why only 9 players have arrived despite the fact they were awaiting the Top 10. This is when Tanegashima reveals to the middle schoolers that he is in fact the No.2 and changes his ordinary jersey for the 1st Stringers signature red jersey and goes to line-up along with the rest of the Top 10.
Unlike the rest of the camp, Echizen Ryoma remains unsurprised at the upset news that lower half of the 1st Stringers (No. 11-20) had been quickly defeated and replaced by Middle Schoolers (with the exception of No. 20, who Irie defeated). Ryoma along with other middle schoolers then challenge the Top 10 which greatly angers No.1 Byoudouin Houou who warns them to quieten down, striking fear into all of the middle schoolers. No.7 Kimijima decides to create a rota including the middle schoolers.
Ryoma after dodging Byoudouin's sudden shots.
Later on, Tokugawa calls him out for a training session, to see Ryoma's improvement since they played each other. To Tokugawa's surprise, Ryoma could now confidently rally with 10 balls at a time like he could. Tokugawa then tells him about how his dream is to defeat Byoudouin after he lost to Byoudouin last year and that Byoudouin effortlessly crushed his spirit.
After finishing their long training, now exhausted and in no condition to play, Byoudouin Houou arrives as they are packing away and aims a violent serve at Echizen. Luckily for Echizen Tokugawa dives in front to take the blow, however it stuns him and sends him back. He fires again which they both dodge and Byoudouin's serve ends up making a crater in the wall. Byoudouin is still unsatisfied after not being able to hit Ryoma and aims at him again, however just as the ball is about to reach Ryoma's face, Ryoma is rescued by a mysterious hood 1st Stringer in a red jersey just in time who effortlessly returns Byoudouin'd serve.
The mysterious person chuckles, tosses an orange up and says 'Long time no see, Chibisuke,' while removing his hood revealing himself as No. 4 Echizen Ryoga. Ryoma, who was shocked, replied to Ryoga asking him who he was, only to have Ryoga reply 'Wait now, don't tell me you have forgetten your older brother?"
Genius 10 Challenge
Ryoma is later seen during the start of the U-17 Top 10 Representatives VS. Middle Schoolers Player Shuffle, giving a glance at his older brother. Ryoma watches the first match of where Atobe and Niou face off with High School Doubles Specialists No.10 Mori Juzaburo and No. 09 Ochi Tsukimitsu. When Sanada mentions how strong the team of Atobe and Niou (as Tezuka) is, Ryoma replies saying that even though Niou can pretend to be Tezuka through his Illusion, he is not the real thing.
Ryoma is later shown to be watching the match between Kite/Marui against Kimijima/Atsukyo. He and Sanada notice Ryoga leaving to go to the bathroom. Ryoma then stands to also "go to the bathroom". Sanada, knowing what Ryoma really intends to do, tells him to not go all out before his match.
Ryoga actually makes his way to the restrooms, making Ryoma question his motives, since Ryoma believed that Ryoga wished to play an unofficial match with him. Ryoga notes that there is "someone who wants to play" Ryoma more than him, and Jin Akutsu makes an appearance.
Once it is obvious that Akutsu has no interest in becoming an All Japan Representative and that he only wants to play Ryoma for revenge, Ryoma declines. Ryoga plays with Akutsu instead, with Ryoma watching nearby. After a while, Ryoga uses Hōō Byōdōin's techique to hit the ball with incredible force. The ball has shockwaves powerful enough to wreck the wall of the building behind Akutsu, and likely would have sent him hurling as Byoudouin managed to do to Tokugawa, but Ryoma pushes Akutsu aside to take Ryoga's shot. However, Ryoma is unable to fully return it, and his racket falls out of his hand. The Echizen brothers engage in a stand-off, about to start a match with one another, when Sanada appears and berates them for their foolishness.
When Sanada leaves with Akutsu, Ryoma asks Ryoga to teach him how to hit "that shot" he used. During training in how to hit the Super Sweet Spot, Ryoga teases Ryoma about the past saying Ryoma used to worship Ryoga and stuck to him like glue. After completing the lesson to hit the Super Sweet Spot, both Echizen's return to the proper court for their match against each other.
Ryoga and Ryoma are rallying with 15 balls. Ryoga hears a sound from the other court and comments on how Tokugawa blocked Byoudouin's Glowing Shot the previous night, saying that playing this soon would be dangerous, but also that he thinks Tokugawa is level-headed enough not to do so. Ryoma remembers Tokugawa's words about how badly he wants to defeat Byoudouin and rushes to the main court. Tokugawa is coughing blood.
Byoudouin explains that his (Destructive) Glowing Shot from the previous night injured Tokugawa and that it reduced the time Black Hole could be used. Byoudouin recognizes Tokugawa as a threat and confirms that Tokugawa has indeed become too strong. Oni and Irie are angry with/disappointed in Tokugawa for risking an injury for Ryoma's sake, which Tokugawa justifies by saying that he couldn't let Ryoma's talent go to waste. Tokugawa collapses just as Ryoma arrives. Ryoma challenges Byoudouin.
Ryoma essentially challenges Byoudouin and Byoudouin says he'll take care of him once he's through with Tokugawa. Ryoma responds "I'd like to see you try". Tokugawa begs Ryoma not to but in because he still wants to defeat Byoudouin on his own. The match resumes on Tokugawa's match point. Byoudouin serves and even though he's now unconscious again, Tokugawa manages to return it.
Byoudouin decides it's time to end Tokugawa once and for all and hits a GS at him. Ryoma recollects about how this is happening because Tokugawa saved him and is about to step in. Atobe stops him and tells him to remember what happened to Kabaji and that if he interferes, he'll get booted from the camp. Ryoma, replies "That's fine with me". Ryoma steps in and returns Byoudouin's GS with his own even larger GS and it grazes Byoudouin's face and makes a hole in the wall behind him.
Byoudouin notices the cut on his face and then looks up to see a Samurai standing behind Ryoma and freaks out. Ryoma tells him "Don't underestimate tennis". Oni and Irie talk about the shot and say: Irie: "Oni..Just now wasn't that..." Oni: "Yeah". Referee comes on the speaker and boots Ryoma from the camp.
Ryoma cooly begins to leave the camp, but is halted by Byoudouin, who hits a ball to knock over a water tower close by. Byoudouin is slightly disappointed when Ryoma remains unscathed by the fallen water tower and taunts Ryoma that there will not be a second chance to play him again.
On his way home, Ryoma is upset about never playing Byoudouin. When getting off of the train, he runs into Sakuno, and asks her if she would hang out with him for a while. During their date, Sakuno notices Ryoma isn't his usual self and reveals that she went to get fortunes in hopes that he would become a Japan representative. After seeing all of her "Worst Luck" fortunes, he is surprised by her "Best Luck" fortune, which was the last one she picked. Cheered up by Sakuno's persistence, Ryoma thanks her before going home.
Ryoma arrives back home, to his father's surprise, and goes to practice in their home tennis court. He is surprised by his brother, who also left the camp. Ryoga, having given up his #4 spot in the First String, offerred to Ryoma that if he wanted to play Byoudouin, they could participate in the U-17 World Cup as American representatives. Though it is not shown, it is revealed Ryoma accepted the offer.
Back at the camp, it is revealed despite Ryoma being booted, he was still picked by the head coach to participate in the U-17 World Cup. However, at this point, Ryoma and Ryoga arrived in America and met up with members of the U-17 American team.
Notable Matches
Akaya Kirihara (manga version)
Ryomas and Akaya Kirihara of Rikkai Daigaku Fuzoku meet prior to the Kantō Regional finals and decide to have an unofficial match. While Ryoma starts out well, Kirihara's Red Eyes form becomes too much for him. However, when losing 4-0, Ryoma unconsciously taps into the State of Self Actualization for the first time. He goes into a trance and wins six consecutive games, defeating Kirihara, but then falls unconscious. When he awakes and is later questioned by Sanada, he is unaware of his victory. Yet he got scared of red eyes and the next day everyone has red eyes, making him faint three times.
Genichirou Sanada (manga version)
Ryoma starts out the match by going into the State of Self Actualization right away. He manages to win the first game by using a blitz of techniques, but loses control of the game when fatigue sets in. While Ryoma manages to keep steady and return Sanada's Fuu, Sanada merely responds by using Ka.
With all hope seeming lost, Ryoma manages to gain a burst of energy and begins fighting back. Sanada is undaunted, but Ryoma manages to catch up and take the lead. Sanada goes into the State of Self Actualization himself, determined to end the match, but Ryoma manages to win by debuting his Cool Drive.
Genichirou Sanada (anime version)
In the final match for the Kantō Regional Finals, Ryoma and Sanada begin the deciding match. Sanada begins by using the Invisible Swing, which Ryoma cannot return, resulting in Sanada taking the first three games. Ryoma's eyes then adjust to the speed of the ball and is finally able to return it. He debuts his Cyclone Smash, which wins him the next two games. However, the fatigue caused by following the Sanada's Invisible Swing proves too much for his eyes, so he closes his eyes. To everyone's surprise, Ryoma returns the balls with his eyes closed, and wins the next game. Frustrated, Sanada unveils his Invisible Serve, which is even faster than his Invisible Swing, thus Ryoma has to open his eyes again. Nearly exhausted, Ryoma loses the following games, with the score favoring Sanada at 5 games to 3. During Sanada's match point, Ryoma receives encouragement from several other players, and quickly returns the Invisible Serve with a return ace. It is then that Ryoma uses his Samurai's Eye, and begins to use the techniques that his opponents' have previously used against him. With that, and constant use of powerful Cyclone Smashes, Ryoma wins with 7 games to 5.
Kei Tanishi
The two play in the Singles 3 match during Seigaku's match with Higa Middle School at the start of the Nationals. Ryoma uses Drive Cs which everyone believes to be his COOL drive, but he reveals that his COOL drive has twice the spin of Drive Cs. However, Tanishi's Big Bang Serve allows him to win all of his service games, while Ryoma manages to win all of his, forcing a tiebreak.
It is there that Ryoma manages to return the Big Bang Serve. Ryoma had not let on to the fact that the serve had been weakening in power as the games progressed; as such, Tanishi was unaware of his own weakness, allowing Ryoma to get a return ace. Finally showing the true COOL drive, Tanishi attempts to return it before it can land, however when the ball hits Tanishi's raquet the amazing spin he puts on it forces the ball to greatly hit Tanishi's face. Ryoma takes the first win for Seigaku.
Keigo Atobe
During the National quarterfinals, Ryoma and Keigo Atobe face off in Singles 1, with their respective teams tied at 2-2. Atobe uses his new Tannhauser Serve to gain the upper hand. Ryoma attempts to take the lead by using the State of Self Actualization, but Atobe is still able to keep up, and debuts his new ability, the World of Ice, which allows him to exploit all of Ryoma's blind spots and win four consecutive games.[3]
Ryoma then manages to break out by copying what people believe to be the Tezuka Zone, though it is actually him copying his father's Zone; a technique that he learned through his experience in playing against a superior opponent [Nanjiro]. This allows him to catch up and force a tiebreak game. With the score tied at 117 each, both players collapse. Atobe gets up first and manages to walk over to receive the serve, but Ryoma manages to muster the strength to do the Twist Serve. Atobe is unable to return it, for he has already lost consciousness, and Ryoma manages to win 119-117, putting Seigaku in the semifinals.[3]
Kintarō Toyama
Although the match between Seigaku and Shitenhōji had concluded, Ryoma and Kintarō Tooyama play a special one ball match. In spite of it being only for one point, they both go all out for over 40 minutes. In the end, the ball is split in half, causing it to end in a draw. Though it is hinted by Fuji that Ryoma may have unlocked Teni Muhō No Kiwami (Pinnacle of Perfection) in this match, Nanjiro, who was listening through the radio, believes otherwise.
Seiichi Yukimura
During the National Tournament Finals, Ryoma is matched up against Rikkai Dai's captain, Seiichi Yukimura, in the Singles 1 slot; the winner of which will result in their team winning the tournament since both teams have two wins.
Before his match with Seiichi Yukimura, Ryoma had amnesia, but luckily due to his teammates' and other teams' help by stalling their games and helping him "re-learn" tennis, he eventually overcomes his amnesia right before his match. Ryoma starts off strong and uses three of his signature techniques, but Yukimura returns them all without having to move from the baseline. In response, Ryoma activates Muga no Kyōchi and uses five consecutive copied techniques, but once again, Yukimura returns them all without much effort. Ryoma then reveals that he has opened Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami, but it is only after Yukimura wins three straight games that Ryoma is able to use Hyaku Ren to its fullest, going on to win a point. Right after, he reveals that he has also opened Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami. However, he breaks his own prediction by hitting the ball out of the court, and just when his nose begins to bleed, Yukimura decides to show his true strength. As they play, Yukimura informs him that he is losing his senses, which becomes a reality as Ryoma has already lost his sense of touch, followed by his sight. Though Ryoma continues to hit the ball through his hearing, he eventually loses that as well.
Despite losing all his senses, Ryoma attempts to continue playing. As he realizes what tennis means to him, he activates Muga no Kyōchi's final door, Teni Muhō No Kiwami (Pinnacle of Perfection). Using Teni Muhō, Ryoma continues to get consecutive service aces as well as return aces from Yukimura's serve, and eventually catches up to Yukimura, and then takes the lead by winning five games in a row. However, just when Ryoma needed one more game to win, Yukimura begins to adjust to Ryoma's playing style, and is thus able to return Ryoma's hits. Ryoma then uses his Samurai Drive, splitting the ball in half, and though Yukimura is able to return it, Ryoma is able to smash both halves into Yukimura's side of the court, winning the match 6-4 (anime).
Tennis Record
2008-2009 Official Middle School Tournament
| Tournament | Round | School | Position | Partner | Opponent(s) | Score |
| 2008 Tokyo District | Quarterfinals | Gyokurin | Doubles 2 | Momoshiro Takeshi | Izumi/Fukawa | Won (6-2) |
| 2008 Tokyo District | Semi-Finals | Mizu no Fuchi | Reserve Player | None | None | None |
| 2008 Tokyo District | Finals | Fudomine Middle School | Singles 2 | None | Ibu Shinji | Won (6-3) |
| 2008 Tokyo Prefecturals | Round 3 | Kamata | Singles 2 | None | Maekawa | Won (6-0) |
| 2008 Tokyo Prefecturals | Round 4 | Akiyama 3rd | Singles 3 | None | Nihonmatsu | Won (6-0) |
| 2008 Tokyo Prefecturals | Quarterfinals | St. Rudolph | Singles 3 | None | Fuji Yūta | Won (NOTE-1) |
| 2008 Tokyo Prefectual | Finals | Yamabuki Middle School | Singles 2 | None | Akutsu Jin | Won (6-4) |
| 2008 Kantō Regionals | Round 1 | Hyōtei Academy | Reserve Player | None | Hiyoshi Wakashi | Won (6-2) |
| 2008 Kantō Regionals (NOTE-2) | Quarterfinals | Midoriyama | Singles 3 | None | Kiraku Yasuyuki | Won (6-1) |
| 2008 Kantō Regionals (NOTE-2) | Quarterfinals | Jōsei Shōnan | Singles 2 | None | Reijii Shinjou | Won (6-4) |
| 2008 Kantō Regionals | Semi-Finals | Rokkaku Middle School | Singles 3 (NOTE-3) | None | Aoi Kentarō | Won (6-4) |
| 2008 Kantō Regionals | Finals | Rikkai Daigaku Fuzoku | Singles 1 | None | Sanada Genichirō | Won (7-5) |
| 2008 Nationals | Round 2 | Higa Middle School | Singles 3 | None | Tanishi Kei | Won (7-6) (8-6) |
| 2008 Nationals | Quarterfinals | Hyōtei Academy | Singles 1 | None | Atobe Keigo | Won (7-6) (119-117) |
| 2008 Nationals | Semi-Finals | Shitenhōji | Singles 1 | None | Tōyama Kintarō | None (NOTE-4) |
| 2008 Nationals | Finals | Rikkai Daigaku Fuzoku | Singles 1 | None | Yukimura Seiichi | Won (6-4) |
- NOTE-1 In the manga, Ryoma won with the score of 6-3, while in the anime, Ryoma won with the score of 6-4.
- NOTE-2 The match against Midoriyama only took place in the manga, while Jōsei Shōnan's match existed only in the anime.
- NOTE-3 In the manga, Kaidō Kaoru took his place for Singles 3, so Ryoma never played against Rokkaku in the manga.
- NOTE-4 Although Seigaku already won with 3 wins and 1 loss, due to Kintarō's (very annoying yet heartful?) request, a 1-point match that lasted for 40 minutes was allowed, with the tennis ball splitting in half and each half landing on each side of the court, settling the unofficial match as a tie.
Seigaku Ranking Matches
| Day | Block | Opponent | Score |
| 4/2008 | Block D | Inui Sadaharu | Won (7-5) |
| 4/2008 | Block D | Kaidō Kaoru | Won (6-4) |
| 4/2008 | Block D | Nishi Hideto | Won (6-0) |
| 4/2008 | Block D | Ikeda Masaya | Won (6-0) |
| 4/2008 | Block D | Fushimi Ayata | Won (6-0) |
| 6/2008 | Block D | Oishi Shūichirō | Won (6-3) |
| 6/2008 | Block D | Kuwahara Naoya | Won (6-0) |
| 6/2008 | Block D | Mikami Kōji | Won (6-0) |
| 6/2008 | Block D | Ikeda Masaya | Won (6-0) |
| 6/2008 | Block D | Tsuda Shūshi | Won (6-0) |
Unofficial Matches
| Day | Location | Type of Match | Opponent | Score |
| 4/2008 | Kakinokizawa Garden Tennis Club | Singles Match | Sasabe (Kitakō Kōkō Captain) | Win (6-2) |
| 4/2008 | Seigaku | Singles Match | Momoshiro Takeshi | 1-0 |
| 4/2008 | Seigaku | Singles Match | Arai Masashi | Interrupted (Unknown) |
| 4/2008 | Kachiro's father's tennis club | Singles Match | Sasabe Sr. | Won (6-0) |
| 4/2008 | Street Tennis Courts with Momoshiro | Doubles Match | Izumi/Fukawa | Lost (0-1) |
| 5/2008 | Near a Train Station | Singles Match | Tezuka Kunimitsu | Lost (Unknown) |
| 5/2008 | Echizen's house | Singles Match | Echizen Nanjirō | Lost (Unknown) |
| 5/2008 | Echizen's house | Singles Match | Momoshiro Takeshi | Unknown |
| 5/2008 | Tokyo Prefectuals | Singles Match | Koyanagi | Won (Unknown) |
| 5/2008 | Seigaku | Singles Match | Fuji Shūsuke | Interrupted (3-4) |
| 5/2008 | Ginka Middle School | Singles Match | Suzuki Yasaharu | Won (Unknown) |
| 5/2008 | Ginka Middle School | Singles Match | Tashiro | Won (Unknown) |
| 5/2008 | Ginka Middle School | Singles Match | Dōmoto Gōki | Won (Unknown) |
| 5/2008 | Ginka Middle School | Singles Match | Fukushi Michiru | Won (Unknown) |
| 7/2008 | A tennis club in the Kanagawa prefecture (Manga only) | Singles Match | Kirihara Akaya | Win (6-4) |
| 8/2008 | Rokkaku Middle School Tennis Club (Manga only) | Singles Match | Aoi Kentarō | Unknown |
| 8/2008 | Seigaku (OVA only) | Singles Match | Oishi Shuichiro | Won (6-0) |
| 8/2008 | Echizen's house | Singles Match | Echizen Nanjirō | Lost (Unknown) |
| 8/2008 | Nationals (See above for more information) | Singles Match | Tōyama Kintarō | Draw (0-0) |
| 8/2008 | Tennis Court close to the Nationals | Singles Match | Momoshiro Takeshi | Unknown |
| 8/2008 | Tennis Court close to the Nationals | Singles Match | Ibu Shinji | Unknown |
| 8/2008 | Tennis Court close to the Nationals | Singles Match | Fuji Yūta | Won (6-4) |
| 8/2008 | Tennis Court close to the Nationals | Singles Match | Akutsu Jin | Won |
| 8/2008 | Tennis Court close to the Nationals | Singles Match | Kiraku Yasuyuki/Aoi Kentarō (NOTE-1) | Unknown |
| 8/2008 | Tennis Court close to the Nationals | Singles Match | Hiyoshi Wakashi | Unknown |
| 8/2008 | Tennis Court close to the Nationals | Singles Match | Tanishi Kei | Unknown |
| 8/2008 | Tennis Court close to the Nationals | Singles Match | Atobe Keigo | Unknown |
| 8/2008 | Tennis Court close to the Nationals | Singles Match | Sanada Genichirō | Unknown |
- NOTE-1 Since Kiraku was not featured in the anime, the anime replaced him with Aoi Kentaro, who played against Ryoma officially only in the anime.
U-17 Camp Results
| Type of Match | Partner | Opponent | Score |
| Unofficial Match | None | Matsudaira Chikao | Won (Unknown) |
| Tiebreaker-Style Elimination Match | None | Minami Kentarō | Lost (Forfeit) NOTE-1 |
| Unofficial Match | None | Tokugawa Kazuya | Lost (Unkown) |
| Unoffical Match | None | Tooyama Kintarou | Interrupted |
- NOTE-1 Ryoma never returned from his bathroom break and got preoccupied playing against Tokugawa, so he was unable to make it to the tiebreaker match in time.
Playing Style and Techniques
Ryoma is an all-rounder, otherwise known as an all-court player, meaning he has aspects of every tennis style; he can use techniques from different tennis styles with many special shots and abilities, depending on his current needs. One of Ryoma's greatest talents is his ability to learn new techniques after only seeing them performed a few times. His dominant hand is his left hand, but he is ambidextrous, able to use his right hand when he needs to. He also has an amazing amount of stamina and does not sweat as much as the other players.
His tennis sense is extraordinary, as he is able to hit tricky shots such as drop shots and volleys without losing his cool, while having amazing control; Ryoma was able to aim for a cord ball when using a smash and was shown to return cord balls with cord balls in the manga. Along with fellow Seigaku regular Kikumaru Eiji, Ryoma is known to have an exceptional talent for seeing moving objects. Ryoma has always been noted to keep his cool in tense situations, as noted by Rikkai vice-captain Sanada Genichiro and Higa Chuu member Tanishi Kei. He is skilled at analyzing an opponent's techniques and can usually find a way to counter them, while being able to copy them at times for himself, as shown in many of his matches.
During the crucial points in a match, he seems to be able to increase his speed and the velocity of his shots, making others mistake him as playing at a higher pace and tension as usual, but in reality, that is his best tension. This, along with his one-footed split step, is noted to be the ability of the top pros as well as being natural for people. However, these were actually ingrained into him by his father when he was a kid through special training.
Serves
- Twist Serve (ツイストサーブ)
A serve Ryoma typically performs with his right hand, though it needs to be hit with the opponent's dominant hand. The twist serve is Ryoma's most notable shot. It is meant to shoot towards the opponent's face, making it difficult to return. He can perform it with his left hand when he is facing left-handed opponents. He claims that he does this so he can hit the opponent in the face with the ball.
- In the English dubbed version of Prince of Tennis, the twist serve is referred to as the kick serve, which is similar to the twist serve, but is considered to be less powerful and easier to perform than the twist serve. It may be countered by the super rising, stepping to the side to avoid it, or but dodging it and returning it as a smash, though slightly weaker.
Ryoma uses uses Kirihara Akaya's Knuckle Serve when he activates Muga no Kyōchi while playing against Sanada in the Kantō regionals. Ryoma grips the ball with his knuckles before tossing the ball in the air and hitting it, creating an unusual spin. The move is ineffective against Sanada, so it is uncertain if Ryoma was aiming to hit him in a particular place.
Ryoma about to perform the Magnum serve.
A serve directly copied from Matsudaira Chikao during Ryoma's and Matsudaira's match at the U-17 camp, the stance of the serve is irregular due to the nondominant foot being stretched far back with the dominant foot firmly planted on the ground with its knee bent. However, after throwing the ball up into the air to serve it, the body jumps forward to hit the ball, resulting in a fast serve.
Smashes
- Twist Smash (ツイストスマッシュ, tsuisuto sumasshu)
The Twist Serve in the form of a smash, the ball changes direction after it hits the ground exactly like a twist serve would. He uses this shot to win his game against Ibu Shinji from Fudomine Junior High, and against Fuji, although the Higuma Otoshi was able to flawlessly return it.
- COOL Drive (COOLドライブ, COOL doraibu)
A powerful smash with a huge spin that makes the ball roll instead of bouncing up. It is similar to Fuji's Tsubame Gaeshi, but the COOL Drive uses an enormous sidespin instead of underspin. It can be used as a forehand or backhand shot. In the manga, Ryoma uses this shot for the first time to defeat Sanada Genichirō. In the anime, he does not use it until the Nationals, where he uses it against Tanishi Kei of Higa Chuu; Ryoma smashes the ball into his opponent's racquet where the ball then spins towards Kei's face. So far, Yukimura was the only person who had returned this shot (from the baseline), although Tokugawa may have been able to return this (or simply did not let Ryoma use it at all after the instance Ryoma was shown to use it) since Ryoma lost his match against him the first time.
Originally his teammate Momoshiro Takeshi's specialty, Ryoma uses a Dunk Smash to counter one of Sanada's lobs while using Muga no Kyōchi. Ryoma uses this by using his momentum from running to jump and lean forward while smashing, giving the ball more power and speed than a regular smash.
A high-level two-part smash that knocks away the opponent's racket with the first hit, and scores with the second smash, Ryoma was able to use this against Atobe, the one who invented it himself, when outside of Muga no Kyōchi. In the OVA, Ryoma was in Muga no Kyōchi to use this technique, while in the manga, it was stated by Fuji that he was no longer in Muga no Kyōchi before he used this technique.
A fake smash where Ryoma jumps and appears to smash, but suddenly, while he is still in the air, he makes a 360 turn and hits a drop shot. He seems to have visually learned this technique when he saw Kisarasu Atsushi of St. Rudolph use it, and in the anime, can also hit a lob form of this fake smash.
Drive Volleys
- Drive B (ドライブB, doraibu B)
Ryoma using Drive B.
A topspin drive volley with two consecutive bounce arcs, the shape of which form the eponymous 'B'. Ryoma usually slides up near the net and then jumps to perform the Drive B. However, during his match against Aoi Kentarō, Ryoma also uses a Drive B when he is still sliding on the ground. He then uses the force made by the ball to go even faster. Though it grants him more speed, this version lacks the regular Drive B height; due to the topsin, it curves towards the ground instead of going out. It may be defeated by direct smash.
This is Ryoma's first original shot (as opposed to moves he copies from other players), and is first used in his match against Fuji Yūta. Besides the twist serve, it probably is his most notable shot, In the English dub, it has been renamed Drive V.
- Drive A (ドライブA, doraibu A)
A topspin drive volley hit towards the face at point blank range. Ryoma first uses this shot during his match against Yamabuki's Akutsu Jin. Can be defeated by dodge and return.
- Drive C (ドライブC, doraibu C)
A shot similar to the COOL drive with only half the spin. It is first used by Ryoma in the Nationals against Higa Chuu's Tanishi Kei . Upon hitting the ground, it spins rapidly before curving across the court floor without bouncing.
- Drive D (ドライブD, doraibu D)
A drive that follows up a returned Drive B, it has half the spin of the Drive B, but the speed of the return is enough to get the ball past most players. May also be returned with direct smash.
Samurai Drive (サムライドライブ, Samurai Doraibu)
A (backhand) technique where Ryoma hits a powerful return toward the rope that is between the net and the pole. Because of the tremendous force, the rope slices the ball in half, resulting in both pieces going in different directions. In the manga, the force of this shot is strong enough to loosen the net itself, while in the OVA, the ball simply gets cut through without even harming the net.
It was first seen during his one-point match against Kintarō Tōyama, but only the outcome of the ball was shown, not the technique itself. Ryoma first shows how the technique is done during his match against Yukimura Seiichi, which is also when its name is revealed.
Other Techniques
- Snake (Buggy Whip Shot)
A forehand or backhand shot that has an offset topspin that causes it to curve to the corners of the court, making the opponent run around and lose stamina, Ryoma first finds out about this technique from an article on a pro. Later, after he sees Kaidō perform a variation of it, known as Snake, he realizes that Snake is the Buggy Whip Shot and manages to copy it, although he said that it is quite difficult to perform with a short reach.
- One-Footed Split Step (片足スプリットステップ, kata ashi supuritto suteppu)
A split step involving landing only one foot. This difference allows Ryoma to increase his speed and cover the court more effectively. In the English dub, it has been renamed as "Ryoma Split Step", although Kirihara Akaya can use this technique as well.
- Nitōryū (二刀流|lit. Two Sword Style)
The name given to Ryoma's ambidexterity because he can play with either hand. It is a technique inherited from his father, Nanjirō Echizen. During a match, Ryoma can switch his racket to either hand, making it easier for him to return a ball, especially when his dominant hand is unable to quickly reach it.
- Super Rising (超ライジング)
One of the common shots used by most characters, Super Rising is a half volley where the returner hits the ball they are returning just as it is bouncing up in order to give the opponent less time to react. Ryoma first sees this shot during his match against Yūta Fuji using it against him, and uses it himself to try to return Yuta's Twist Spin Shot. However, it was imperfect until the match against Akutsu Jin.
- Zero-Shiki Drop (零式ドロップショット)
In the reserve match against Hiyoshi Wakashi, Ryoma shows the ability to use Tezuka's famed drop shot, which is a heavy backspin drop shot that drops after passing 1 foot of the net, then after it lands on the ground, rolls back to the net instead of bouncing. However, due to Ryoma's stance (his racket 30 cm off from his normal stance), it was too obvious and Inui stated that it will not work the second time. However, he was able to use it in perfect form against Sanada in the manga, but it was thanks to the Muga no Kyōchi. While he has only performed the Zero-Shiki Drop Shot with his right hand in the anime, he hits it with his dominant hand in the manga when playing Sanada.
In order to put up a fight against Sanada, Ryoma uses Fuji Yuuta's Twist Spin Shot to prevent Sanada from predicting his tennis by switching styles often through Muga no Kyōchi (or Samurai's Eye in the anime). He puts an enormous spin on the ball to greatly propel the ball upwards upon bouncing.
While using Muga no Kyōchi, Ryoma is able to use Yanagi Renji's Kamitachi, a high-speed slice shot. He uses it an attempt to break Atobe's World of Ice during the National Quaterfinals.
Since Ibu Shinji once used Spot against him, Ryoma is able to use Spot on Sanada while using Muga no Kyōchi. For a while, Ryoma alternates between topspines and slices to cause Sanada's arm to grow increasingly numb until his arm freezes up and he loses his grip on his racket.
Fū Rin Ka Zan
- Thanks to Muga no Kyōchi, Ryoma is able to mimick the sword-drawing technique in order to use an incredibly fast swing to hit the ball. When Sanada later uses Fire (Ka), Ryoma demonstrates that he is able to use Fū to counter the powerful shot due to Fū's nature. Ryoma manages this by using his One-Footed Split Step to jump backwards to give himself time to swing.
- Fire (Ka)
- Thanks to Muga no Kyōchi, Ryoma is able to mimick Sanada's Fire (Ka). He uses this as a smash in an attempt to break through Atobe's play during the National Quarterfinals.
Two-Handed Hadoukyū (両手波動球)
While using Muga no Kyōchi against Sanada, Ryoma is able to copy Kawamura's Two-Handed Hadoukyū. By gripping his racket with two hands instead of one, Ryoma lessens the strain on his wrist, and hits a powerful shot to score a point off Sanada's serve.
Blur Ball
Originally Yoshirō Akazawa's technique, Ryoma is able to mimick it while using Muga no Kyōchi against Sanada. By hitting the ball with the top of his racket, Ryoma creates vibrations that makes the ball appear as if it has multiplied to those who has an extraordinary vision.
With Muga no Kyōchi, Ryoma is seen copying Hiyoshi Wakashi's style of martial arts tennis during his match against Atobe at the National Quarterfinals.
The method Nanjirou uses in putting a specific spin on each ball that he hits, causing the ball to automatically return to him. Ryoma uses an incomplete version to break out of Atobe's World of Ice technique. However, it is stated in the manga that Ryoma learned this technique instinctively from playing against his father's completed version of the Samurai Zone every day. This is also the one technique that Muga no Kyōchi cannot copy.
- Muga no Kyōchi (無我の境地, Muga no Kyōchi, trans. State of Self Actualization)
A state in which the user naturally intakes all techniques he sees and can perfectly copy them. Ryoma enters this for the first time in an unofficial match against Kirihara Akaya, and controls it for the first time in his match against Sanada Genichirō (both occurrences take place in the manga). However, its weakness is that the ability to copy the opponent comes from the body, not the brain, and as a result, wears out one's body out further than usual since most techniques are beyond what a person can execute.
- The Samurai's Eye (侍の目, Samurai no Me) is the anime equivalent of Muga no Kyōchi. It gives Ryoma a very dynamic play style because he is able to switch between many other player's techniques.
Muga no Kyōchi has three doors:
- Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami (Pinnacle of Hard Work)
Ryoma using the Pinnacle of Hard Work.
He unlocked this when Muga no Kyōchi is useless against Rikkai Dai's Captain Yukimura Seiichi in the National Finals. Ryoma can use Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami to focus all his energy into different parts of his body, increasing the capabilities of that body part. This technique allows for return shots to be doubled in both power and spin.
- Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami (Pinnacle of Great Wisdom)
He unlocked this when Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami didn't work during his match against Rikkai Dai's Captain Yukimura Seiichi in the National Finals. With Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami, Ryoma is capable of predicting the number of shots he needs to win a point.
- Ten’i Muhō No Kiwami (Pinnacle of Perfection)
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Ryoma using Flawless Unity Pinnacle of Perfection
This is the ultimate door and final door of Muga no Kyōchi. In this state, Ryoma's hair and eyes begin to shine very brightly along with most of his hair spiking upwards. Ryoma then uses Ten'i Muhō No Kiwami to hit the ball at a speed that cannot be seen, unless one reviews it on a video monitor. The theory behind the Teni Muhō No Kiwami, according to Inui, is that it can focus all of his energy into every part of his body, like a full-potential version of Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami.
Ryoma was able to access Ten'i Muhou no Kiwami for the first time against Yukimura Seiichi during the Nationals Final. After being driven fiercely into a corner by Yukimura and left helpless and almost certain to receive a crushing defeat at 4-0 down, as during the match Ryoma loses all his senses, Ryoma attempts to continue playing against all odds whilst according to Yukimura any normal person would have given up ages ago. As he realizes what tennis means to him, he activates Muga no Kyōchi's final door, Teni Muhō No Kiwami (Pinnacle of Perfection).
Ryoma using Pinnacle of Perfection.
According to Nanjirō, however, there was no such thing as Teni Muhō to begin with. It was simply the feeling that one has when they first enjoy playing tennis. However, when people become too absorbed in winning and losing in tennis, they eventually forget that feeling.
Anime Only Techniques
- Twist Serve Tornado (ツイストサーブトルネード) "A Day on Suvival Mountain OVA only"
Twist Serve Tornado
The Twist Serve curves to the face in an abnormal way. In the OVA, Ryoma tried to use the twist serve in a slanted court, which resulted in the bounce of the serve being too weak and making it easy to return. Ryoma then adjusted his grip to make the twist serve bounce as it would normally in a court, and when used in a regular court, it became an irregular bounce.
After Ryoma is pushed into activating Samurai's Eye (similar to Muga no Kyōch), Ryoma demonstrates that he is able to use Shinjou Reiji's Deep Impulse. Ryoma mimicks Shinjou's stance while he does it and is able to hit a powerful shot as a return. It does not appear to injure Sanada, though Ryoma is not shown actually hitting the ball with this technique.
- Cyclone Smash (サイクロンスマッシュ, saikuron sumasshu)
An extraordinarily powerful smash done by jumping high into the air, and twisting, then untwisting, the body back onto the ball. It is first shown while battling Oishi, before the Kantō finals. He later perfects the move while playing Rikkai Dai's Vice Captain Sanada. This technique seems to be derived from Sanada's "Ka," as the form and power is very similar.
- Stuttered Step (スタッタードステップ)
Ryoma rapidly approaches the net but staggers his stride when he reaches the service line, allowing him to stop quickly and return volleys with more control. Ryoma develops this while facing Jōsei Shōnan's Shinjō Reiji to counter his Deep Impulse before it accelerates.
- Dragon Cyclone Smash (Animated Movie Only)
A move where Ryoma returns the ball at a high speed, creating a cyclone around him, which he then uses as a diversion as he hits his return.
Bio-Magnetism (Animated Movie Only)
This shot accumulates a large amount of air in his ball before he hits it and the air is released from the ball. The force of the air is powerful enough to knock his opponents off their feet. Ryoma learns this shot while playing Keith in order to counter the Bio-Magnetism shots Keith aims at the ceiling in efforts to crush him under the pressure of the air released in this technique.
U-17 Stats[4]
Speed - 4: He is able to create speed from his spring like body. His national level speed is a point of pride that he uses to battle on equal footing with others.
Power - 3: In proportion to his physique and stature, he has power. His issue is to grow his body to keep up with his techniques.
Stamina - 4: It's amazing how long he is able to hold out despite his increased breathing. With his ability to keep composed in a drawn out full set, it's hard to believe he's only a 1st year
Mental - 5: Facing both disadvantage and adveristy as if they were nothing, he has a tenacious mental will. I only want him to be able to resist getting provoked better.
Technique - 5: He is able to handle professional level techniques. One of his weapons is his ability to mimic an opponent's techniques just from seeing them.
Kurobe Memo: In spite of having so many things already to this degree of perfection, I have an ominous feeling that there is still plenty of room for growth. I would really like him to continue his physical growth without destroying the great balance he already has.
Personal Information[1]
- Foot Size: 24 cm
- Hobby: Bathing, Trying new hot spring bath salts in his bath, Taking a bath with bath powder from the nation's most famous hot springs
- His father's occupation is helping to run the temple nearby
- Uses allowance on: Fanta/Ponta
- Favorite Motto: "All or nothing."
- Favorite Subject: Science
- Best Subject: English
- Worst Subject: Japanese, Science Experiments
- Favorite Food: Grilled Fish, Chawan Mushi, Ebi Senbei (Plum - Kimchi flavored), egg sandwiches and Japanese food.
- Committee: Library
- Often visited place in school: Under the school's big tree
- Favorite Color: Silver (although he is always seen wearing a red shirt and a red racket.)
- Favorite types of movies: Any Hollywood films
- Favorite type of books: Monthly Pro Tennis
- Favorite type of music: J-pop
- Favorite Type: A girl who looks good in a ponytail
- Favorite date spot: Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade
- On his ‘want’ list: Nintendo DS [1], Nintendo 3 DS [4]
- Daily Routine: Playing with Karupin
- Doesn't like/bad at doing: Waking up early, dusting the temple
- Other specialty besides tennis: Becoming attached to animals for some reason
- Catchphrase: Mada Mada Dane (lit. translation: "You still have lots more to work on", VIZ translation: "You have a ways to go")
- Variations:
- Mada mada sune (or mada mada desune): used when addressing someone in higher respect.
- Mada mada ssuyo
- Variations:
- He is often called "chibi" or "baby" due to his height
- Ryoma is frequently seen drinking Fanta (Ponta in the anime).
Daily School Life[1]
- 06:30 - His older female cousin wakes him up
- 06:45 - While half asleep, eats breakfast and leaves for school
- 07:30 - Is late for morning practice. Runs 30 laps around the grounds
- 08:40 - First Period: Mathematics (half asleep)
- 09:40 - Second Period: English; Grammar (half asleep)
- 11:00 - Third Period: Physical Education: Horizontal bar
- 12:00 - Fourth Period: Geography; Small Test
- 12:50 - Lunch break: After eating his bento, goes to the store to buy bread
- 13:10 - Since it can't be helped, he goes to buy milk and drinks it
- 13:20 - Fifth Period: Science 1; Physics (dozes off because his stomach's full)
- 14:20 - Sixth Period: Japanese; Classical Literature (thinks of volley ideas)
- 15:20 - Library Committee (doesn't hear what someone tells him)
- 16:00 - Club Activites: Does nothing but volley practice
- 17:30 - Makes a detour to the CD shop with Momoshiro, returns home
- Dinner, takes a bath (his bathing salts are from Beppu Onsen)
- 18:30 - Rallies with his father
- 22:30 - Listens to music while playing with Karupin
- 23:00 - Falls asleep while playing games on his futon
Note form Kachirou: I'm envious that his English is so good even though he's always sleeping. Ryoma-kun's pronunciation is even better than the teacher's.
Note form Inui: According to my data, he still hasn't had enough milk. What Echizen needs first is to let his bones grow.
Ryoma's Tennis Bag Content [5]
- Doubles for Beginners
This is the guidebook he bought when he had to play doubles with Momoshiro. Who knew he still kept it on him. - Notebook
This is his math notebook for class. He forgot to take it out of his bag, so he ended up bringing it with him. - Karupin's photos
Photos of his beloved cat Karupin. He denies that he was the one who put them in his bag... - Planner
Ryoma, who is guilty of always being late, has emergency contact numbers written in this planner that he always brings with him. - Pen case
This is the pen case he always uses at school. It seems to always be in his bag. - Game Boy Advance
He uses this hand-held game system to pass off the time. It's been said that he got this as a graduation gift. - Rice cracker
It's the best luxury in life to drink Fanta/Ponta while eating rice crackers after club activities!!
Relationships
Nanjiro Echizen
Nanjiro is often seen rallying against Ryoma. He is also often seen taking advantage of his son and tricking Ryoma to do some things he does not want to do even if it is against Ryoma's will. Despite the unusual parent relationships Nanjiro is Ryoma's tennis mentor - Ryoma has been training under his father since the very beginning (he has been introduced to tennis at the very young age of 2 years old). He has become Ryoma's rival and has trained Ryoma until his match against Yukimura Seiichi in the Nationals. He often says that Ryoma is 'mada mada daze', and that he had a lot further to go. It was revealed in an anime episode that Nanjiro had suddenly retired to train 'his new rival', meaning he had quit to focus on Ryoma's upbringing.
He seems to have a detached way of raising Ryoma, often choosing to watch over him from afar rather than directly interfering with his life. This was demonstrated when he left the amnesiac Ryoma alone, believing that he could overcome his amnesia by himself. He will only step in when it requires Ryoma to train with him or when Ryoma is in danger.
Nanako Meino
Nanako is Ryoma's cousin who is often seen looking after Ryoma when his mom is not around. Which side of his family she is from is unknown. She has become like an older sister to Ryoma, and has come to treat him like a younger brother. Despite being older than him, she addresses him politely as 'Ryoma-san'.
Karupin
Ryoma's himalayan cat which he deeply cares about more than anything (beside tennis). He is always playing with him and sleeping together. He and Karupin care about each other. In a fanbook, Ryoma mentioned that he liked cats because of their whimsical nature and the fact that their meowing calmed him down. Karupin has the tendency to follow Ryoma around, even to America by slipping into his tennis bag.
Ryoga Echizen
Ryoma's older half-brother. Their relationship as brothers is quite unknown but in Futari no Samurai, Ryoga often calls Ryoma weak when they play tennis when they were young. He currently sees Ryoma as his rival and tells him to dream higher at the end of the film. He is shown to care for Ryoma and has saved Ryoma from attacks. Ryoga has mentioned that Ryoma used to worship him when they were kids. He also mentioned that Ryoma used to call him 'nii-san' and stuck to him like glue. Ryoma vehemently denied it, though the blush on his face implied otherwise.
The Seigaku Regulars
Ryoma has a good friendship with his fellow regulars, and deeply respects them even when he tends to provoke them. The other regulars also care about Ryoma since he is the youngest among the regulars. When he is always late for tennis practice and gets into trouble before or in the middle of the match they are still there for him and ready to cheer him on to victory. Out of all of them, he is closest to Takeshi Momoshiro whom he often hangs out and makes trouble with.
Kintarou Tooyama
Ryoma and Kintarou often argue over tennis and outside of it. Ryoma is usually annoyed by Kintaro's high energy, but Kintarou sees Ryoma as a rival. The two don't get along, but they both share some common things like challenging players who are stronger than themselves. They also have a poor sense of teamwork which Ryoma agrees to (during the Mountain training). Kintarou does show he cares about Ryoma. He always demands to have a match with Ryoma and calls him 'Koshimae' as an alternate way of reading his last name. Ryoma is often exhausted by Kintarou's loud and brash personality and wishes to be left alone. Of course, Kintarou never complies.
Kazuya Tokugawa
Ryoma and Kazuya seem to share a rivalry similar to what Ryoma and Tezuka have during their time in Seigaku. Kazuya seems to make Ryoma aim higher than his current skill level. Kazuya takes on the role of Ryoma's mentor at the U-17 camp. It was stated in the New Prince of Tennis Fanbook 10.5 that Tokugawa had always wanted a younger brother and therefore took a liking to Ryoma. However, since his favorite Ryoma became more attentive to Echizen Ryoga, a burning sense of rivalry with Ryoga had developed.
Sakuno Ryuzaki
Sakuno is the first person to have met Ryoma in both the anime and manga and has grown to admire him. She is inspired by Ryoma's tennis and decides to take up tennis herself. She and her best friend Tomoka Osakada both go to his matches to cheer for him. Ryoma is unaware of Sakuno's feelings for him, though he is shown to have protected her from bullies at times (mostly unknowingly).
Trivia
Character Trivia
- Ryoma and Kenya Oshitari are apparently flexible enough to perform axe kicks (Anime Only). [6]
- Ryoma has only ever played volleyball once, although he has been shown playing in the anime multiple times. The only time he has played volleyball was during the Oji's Beach Volleyball Tournament, which was held during the joint training camp with Rokkaku Chuu. [7]
- Ryoma had never played Old Maid prior to the first night of the Rokkaku and Seigaku joint training camp.
- Ryoma puts bathing salts into his bath. He did the same thing even in America.
- Ryoma's second best sport is soccer. [8]
- He asked his mother to send him pictures of Karupin to his cell phone daily.[4]
- He immediately made friends with a dog that happened to live near the camp.[4]
- Ryoma gave Tezuka the idea and inspiration for the creation of the Tezuka Phantom.
Other Trivia
- Ryoma came joint first with Fuji in the 1st New Prince of Tennis popularity poll.
- In the manga, he is shown wearing Fila shoes, cap, wristband and shirt, although in the anime, the Fila logo is censored out and the "F" sign on Ryoma's hat, which represents Fila, it is replaced with an "R" instead, to symbolize his first letter of his name, Ryoma.
- In the U-17 Camp, Ryoma is almost never seen without Kintaro.
- Ryoma makes a cameo appearance in chapter 136 of Satou Yousuke's, Onidere manga.
- Throughout the (original series) entire run, in both the anime and manga, Ryoma has lost matches to less than five people.
Words for the Two[1]
- Ibu: I get angry when Echizen get's fussed over. On top of that, Yukimura's "Yips" is my "Spot".
- Oni: That white hat and that headband, both middle school students look like they'll bring lots of amusement. Come at me!
- Kintarō: Koshimae and Rikkai's general both make me shiver hard! I was super right to choose tennis!
- Krauser: Samurai, harakiri is impressive! I am happy I learned a lot about Japan from the two of you.
Note: Harakiri means ritual suicide - Saitō: I am deeply interested in their mental make-up. Let me draw out new limits for you
- Shiraishi: There's no mistake that those two are at the top of the middle school world. Both of them have their overflowing aura.
- Sengoku: Echizen-kun who cut the ball in half with his "Samurai Drive" was impressive, but Yukimura-kun surprised me when he returned that point.
- Tokugawa: Being at the top of the middle school tennis world is merely like being a frog in the well* after all. The fate of the frog is to drown in the ocean.
- Fukushi: Don't think lightly of the underclassmen*. Next year, Ginka will be Tokyo's representative! ...before that, can I use the restroom?
- Fuji: Echizen and Yukimura both showed me new heights. The scenery from the top...I would like to see that too.
- Aoi: I enjoy tennis so much, yet I haven't achieved "Tenimuhou no Kiwami." Is it because my hair's short?
- Akutsu: I'm grateful you remained undefeated, brat. This will make it even more enjoyable when I crush you.
- Atobe: History has always existed for change. The history created by the prince will be repainted by me, the king!
- Arai: The strength of his tennis and his hierarchical relationships in the club are really something else! You should greet me, your sempai, properly, Echizen!
- Ikeda: You conquered the ball can...next time, want to challenge the eyedrops bottle? The entrance fee is only 1000 yen!
- Gin: It seems like Echizen-kun's father knows the best waterfall for training. Please instruct me next time.
- Izumi: Don't ever come to the street tennis courts again, Echizen. Because our time on the courts would disappear... (Izumi)
- Inui: Fufufu...Echizen. Until you drink all of the juice I created, I cannot recognize you as the pillar of Seigaku.
- Nanjirō: Mada mada daze, Ryoma. There's more to enjoy in the world. Check it out with your own eyes!
- Ōishi: He kept me in suspense in the beginning, but I'm truly glad that you came during my last year in middle school, Echizen.
- Oshitari: I got into bragging about Echizen with Kenya...but he truly became one tough guy.
- Kaidō: "Boomerang" and "Tornado Snake", I'll definitely smash them into your court, Echizen!
- Kachirō: Father said he'd like you to come to our tennis school again. He said that it would be good advertisement...
- Katsuo: Ryoma-kun is the pride of us first years, and we look up to him. I'll work hard in order to at least catch up to him a little!
- Kawamura: Echizen gave me confidence and courage. After I take over the sushi shop, I'll show off my skill and treat you to a feast!
- Kikumaru: Ochibi! As a reward for doing your best, I'll treat you to a Chocolate Parfait Super Deluxe!
- Kiraku: Our fathers have nothing to do with us. In our next battle, I'll show you I can win, Echizen Ryoma!
- Kenya: Just like Yuushi said, you're a really remarkable guy. But even so, our Kin-chan doesn't lose to you!
- Zaizen: You must have chosen to be a library committee member to read all the comedy works you want, Echizen. Well, I have the same reason.
- Sakuno: No matter where Ryoma-kun is in the world, as long as I play tennis, we'll definitely meet again...
- Sasabe: Echizen, you sure looked after me! What, which Sasabe am I? It doesn't matter which one I am!!
- Tanishi: I lost last time, but I'll show you the true terror of Higa in this training camp! Haide*, Higa Chuu!
- Dan: Echizen-kun showed me that even if his body is small, he can play tennis. One day, I will catch up too!
- Chitose: To think that "Tenimuhou no Kiwami" is the heart that enjoys tennis...it's like "the bluebird of happiness"
- Tezuka: In order to make you the pillar of Seigaku, there is one last thing to be done. I will be waiting for you at the courts under the overpass, Echizen.
- Niō: Thanks to Echizen, I was able to gather plenty of data on Yukimura. I look forward to using that with my "Illusion".
- Hayashi: Thanks to Echizen's existence, us second years completely lost our reputation. Momo, won't you win against him...
- Hiyoshi: Hey, Chibisuke. Next year Hyoutei will defeat you and conquer Nationals. I'll show you my gekokujou!
- Fukawa: If it's doubles, I still feel I could probably win against you. Come again to the street tennis courts with Momoshiro.
- Horio: Echizen has become pretty strong. The advice he got from me, someone with two years of tennis experience, was helpful after all!
- Momoshiro: I'm really glad that I play tennis, Echizen. Because we were able to form the best memories together!
- Yūta: Echizen and Aniki are existences that show me the top...but Aniki is stronger than Echizen.
- Ryūzaki-sensei: You are Nanjiro's son after all. Let me see, I'll end up looking after your child too.
Quotes
- "Mada mada dane."
- "You still have lots more to work on."
- "There are some... who play tricks because they're weak."
- (To Sakuno) "You bend your knees too much. And don't flip your wrist like that. You opened your shoulders too wide. And your hair's too long. You should cut it."
- "But you know what? It feels better to beat someone at their own game."
- "Tennis is tennis. All you have to do is chase and hit the ball."
- (To Nanako) "It's so easy that I might make a stupid mistake."
- (To Ibu) "I'm sorry, but I don't feel like losing before the Nationals. Of course, we won't lose at the Nationals either!" ("Warui kedo, zenkoku made makeru kinain de. Zenkoku demo makenai kedo!")
- "People aren't data alone."
- "To complete... that would mean that's the end, right?"
- "It's fun tearing apart a perfect 'masterpiece."
- "Don't be in such a rush. The ball isn't going to run."
- (To Nanjirou) "Dad, I want to be stronger, much stronger, much much more stronger!"
- (To Akutsu) "You shouldn't take tennis so lightly." ("ammari tennis wo namenai ho ga i yo"[?])
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Pair Puri Volume 5
- ↑ Karupin's Adventure
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Deathmatch - King vs Prince
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 The New Prince of Tennis Fanbook Volume 10.5
- ↑ Prince of Tennis Fanbook Volume 10.5
- ↑ Special Mission
- ↑ Genius 238
- ↑ The Prince of Tennis Fanbook Volume 20.5
Gallery
