Introduction
Linkai!: A Story of Passionate Racing and Youth
Hello everyone!
Calling all cycling enthusiasts and fans of passionate youth stories! A must-watch anime is set to premiere in April 2024!
Introducing Linkai!
Set in the glamorous world of Keirin, the story follows Izumi Ito, a young woman who has been fascinated by bicycles since childhood and dreams of becoming a professional Keirin racer.
Witness Izumi’s journey as she:
- Endures rigorous training
- Overcomes fierce competition
- Races towards glory
This anime goes beyond the excitement of racing and delves into:
- Izumi’s personal growth
- The deep bonds of friendship between the unique characters
- The struggles and triumphs of being a Keirin athlete
This captivating story is sure to resonate with audiences, offering a glimpse into Japanese culture and values.
Highlights:
- Breathtaking racing scenes
- Unforgettable characters
- A heartwarming tale of youth
- An authentic portrayal of Japanese Keirin culture
Perfect for:
- Cycling enthusiasts
- Fans of passionate stories
- Those interested in Japanese culture
Broadcast Information:
- Premiere: April 2024
- TV Tokyo: Tuesdays, 1:30 AM
- BS TV Tokyo: Fridays, 12:00 AM
- AT-X: Mondays, 9:00 PM
Official Links:
- Official Website: https://rinkai-pj.com/
- Official X: https://twitter.com/rinkai_pj
Let’s Cheer Together!
Linkai! is a brand-new anime that is about to embark on its journey.
We invite you to join us in supporting this exciting series!
Stay tuned for the premiere in April 2024!
description of works
“RINKAI!” is an original character content project themed around women’s bicycle racing, offered by MIXI.
It aims to promote the charm of bicycle racing and invigorate bicycle racing tracks nationwide by creating characters based on female bicycle racers who consider various tracks across the country as their home tracks.
The catchphrase is “Struggle, to the future!” Starting from April 2024, a TV anime is scheduled to be broadcast,
and a comic adaptation titled “RINKAI! Azalea” is set to begin serialization in “Manga BANG!” (Amazia) and other outlets.
Decades after the discontinuation of women’s bicycle racing, which saw its curtains close just 15 years into the Showa period, it has been revived as the “RINKAI LEAGUE.”
This revival serves as the setting for the story, depicting the endeavors of female bicycle racers.
Synopsis.
The world of “Women’s Keirin” is heating up with the emergence of star players who perform on an international stage.
Amidst this excitement, a high school girl who loves cycling, “Izumi Itou,” decides to join the fray in the “RINKAI LEAGUE,” where the pinnacle of female racers compete.
Her journey into the world of competitive cycling, filled with genuine hardship and fierce competition, signifies a period of growth for her and her friends, as well as an encounter with her destined rival, the talented “Nana Hiratsuka.”
This story unfolds the passionate race of life set against the backdrop of women’s Keirin, showcasing the trials and tribulations faced by those who simply started with a love for cycling.
Introducing the main characters
Izumi Itō (伊藤 泉, Itō Izumi)
The daughter of the owner of an onseninn establishment, together with her older sister Atsumi they are known as the “On-Sen Sisters”.
A cycling enthusiast, she became an athlete without having any previous experience in the sport.
Nana Hiratsuka (平塚 ナナ, Hiratsuka Nana)
Born to a Japanese mother and a French father, himself also a cyclist, she achieved entrance to a cycling training institute in the first ever special selection for female athletes, all the while completing school education ahead of schedule.
Miko Yahiko (弥彦 巫子, Yahiko Miko)
Previously the center of a former local idol group which ended up disbanding due to certain internal issues, she set out to become a cyclist who would be able to earn a living with her own strength alone.
Sachi Nagoya (那古屋 紗智, Nagoya Sachi)
The only daughter of a renowned zaibatsu family of the Tōkai region, after being raised in a sheltered and overly affective way by her parents, she decided to become a cyclist in order to become independent from her family.
Kinusa Takamatsu (高松 絹早, Takamatsu Kinusa)
Capable both in sports and in the academic field, after graduating from school she found a job at a major firm. Not feeling fulfilled with it, however, she switched through different occupations, from office worker to yoga instructor, until finally becoming a cyclist.
Ai Kumamoto (熊本 愛, Kumamoto Ai)
A sports multi-talent with an innate leader character, she began cycling competitions since the second year of high school, dominating the whole national scene with her prowess.
Tsutsuji Kurume (久留米 美虹, Kurume Tsutsuji)
A gold medalist at worldwide competitions and current title holder. Despite not starting as an elite athlete, she changed radically after going through a certain moment of her life, rising all at once to the top position.
style and theme
The style of “RINKAI!” can be categorized as a youth sports drama, featuring stories of growth, friendship, competition, and self-discovery among its characters.
It centers around the unique sport of keirin cycling, highlighting the challenges and adversities faced by the protagonists and their peers, as well as the experiences and growth they gain through overcoming these obstacles.
The narrative delves into the intense battles between racers and the aspects of victory and defeat in sports, while also exploring the importance of teamwork and personal mental development.
The themes include the pursuit of dreams, the bonds between friends, and the significance of challenging one’s limits.
“RINKAI!” is not just a series about sports; it portrays the trials faced in various aspects of life and the strength and courage to overcome them.
Through these narratives, it aims to convey positive messages and inspire viewers and readers, making it more than just a story about cycling competitions.
The highlights of “RINKAI!”
The highlights of “RINKAI!” include:
- Character Growth: The development of the protagonist, Izumi Itou, and her high school friends into keirin cyclists is deeply moving. Their passion for their dreams and courage to face challenges inspire emotions.
- Intense Racing Scenes: The racing scenes set in the high-speed sport of keirin are thrilling, with meticulously calculated strategies and intense physical confrontations adding to the excitement.
- Rich Human Drama: The story delves into the complex emotions between competition and friendship, as well as the bonds with family and comrades, offering universal themes that transcend the world of keirin.
- Beautiful Animation and Music: High-quality animation and emotionally stirring music immerse viewers deeply into the story’s world.
- Settings Based on Real-life Velodromes: The story’s setting in velodromes across the country adds realism and regional charm to the narrative.
- Encounters with Destined Rivals: The protagonist’s encounters and confrontations with her destined rival bring tension and drama to the story.
“RINKAI!” captivates with the brilliance of youth portrayed through sports, surrounded by warm stories of the people involved.
Staff and Cast
RINKAI! Cast & Staff
Cast
- Izumi Itou: Umino Kawamura
- Nana Hiratsuka: Azusa Aoi
- Miko Yahiko: Reina Hasegawa
- Sachi Nagokuya: Saika Kitamori
- Yunoha Takamatsu: Riho Sugiyama
- Ai Kumamoto: Minami Hinata
- Miki Kurume: Riko Sasaki
Staff
- Director: Takaki Ishiyama
- Series Composition: Hideki Shirane
- Character Design: Hiromi Ono
- Sound Director: Ryo Tanaka
- Art Director: Hitoshi Higashigaki
- Color Design: Haruko Nobori
- Director of Photography: Yuko Kamahara
- CG Director: Yuichi Goto
- Editor: Megumi Uchida
- Music: Shuuichirou Fukuhiro, Nobuhiro Ueda, Mana Hirano
- Music Production: Lantis
- Animation Production: TMS Entertainment / Studio No. 6
- Animation Production Cooperation: Maru Graphics Factory
Broadcast Information
- From April 9, 2024 (Tuesday), every Tuesday at 23:30~ Simultaneous terrestrial broadcast and prior distribution
- U-NEXT
- All-you-can-eat anime
- From April 13, 2024 (Sat), every Saturday from 00:00
- ABEMA
- dAnime Store
- DMM TV
- FOD
- Hulu
- J:COM STREAM
- Lemino
- milplus all-you-can-watch pack Prime
- Prime Video
- TELASA
- Bandai Channel
- Nico Nico Channel
- From Tuesday, April 16, 2024, every Tuesday at 23:00~.
- Nico Nico Live Broadcast
- From Thursday, April 18, 2024, every Thursday at 12:00~.
- Floating Video
Conclusion
So, what do you think?
Linkai! is an anime that combines passionate racing with a heartwarming story of youth.
With its unique characters, captivating depiction of the Keirin world, and inspiring tale of growth, Linkai! is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
The anime premieres in April 2024. Let’s join forces and show our support for Linkai!
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