Backflip!!
Backflip!! (Japanese: バクテン!!, Hepburn: Bakuten!!) is an original Japanese anime television series that centers on the sport of men's rhythmic gymnastics, following protagonist Shōtarō Futaba as he discovers the discipline during his final summer of middle school and pursues it at Sōshūkan Private High School (also known as Ao High).[1] Produced by the animation studio Zexcs, the 12-episode series aired on Fuji Television's Noitamina programming block from April 9 to June 24, 2021, directed by Seishirō Nagaya and Toshimasa Kuroyanagi.[2] It depicts Futaba's journey from a baseball benchwarmer to a dedicated gymnast, highlighting his encounters with eccentric teammates, intense training, and competitions that test bonds and personal growth.[3] The anime emphasizes the underrepresented world of boys' rhythmic gymnastics in Japan, showcasing dynamic performances with ball, ribbon, hoop, and clubs, while weaving in elements of drama, comedy, and sports tournament arcs.[4] A sequel film, Backflip!! The Movie, was released in Japanese theaters on July 2, 2022, extending the story with new challenges for the team, and later streamed internationally on Crunchyroll starting May 11, 2023. The series received praise for its fluid animation of gymnastics sequences and its portrayal of male friendships and athletic passion.[5][6]Overview
Premise
Shōtarō Futaba, a third-year middle school student and baseball player, becomes captivated by men's rhythmic gymnastics after witnessing a national competition during his team's tournament. Inspired by the performers' grace and athleticism, he attempts and successfully executes his first backflip, igniting his passion for the sport. Determined to pursue it seriously, Futaba enrolls at Sōshūkan High School in Miyagi Prefecture, known for its established all-boys rhythmic gymnastics club, and joins as a novice member.[7] The series centers on the club's efforts to rebuild and strengthen as a team, recruiting new members to form a complete six-person group for national competitions. Futaba's journey traces his evolution from an inexperienced enthusiast to a dedicated athlete, navigating intense training regimens, personal challenges, and the development of camaraderie among teammates. Rivalries with other schools heighten the stakes, fostering growth through competition and mutual support.[7][8] In the narrative, rhythmic gymnastics for the boys involves both individual and group routines performed on a floor mat, emphasizing synchronized choreography that blends ballet-like dance, acrobatic elements such as flips and balances, and tumbling, all set to music to showcase artistic expression and technical precision. The anime's stylized portrayal focuses on freehand performances without apparatuses, drawing from the Japanese tradition of men's rhythmic gymnastics while highlighting discipline, creativity, and teamwork.[8][9]Setting
The primary setting of Backflip!! is Iwanuma City in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, a coastal area significantly affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[10][11] The choice of this location ties into the broader "Zutto Ōen Project 2011 + 10..." initiative, which commemorates the disaster's tenth anniversary while promoting regional recovery and tourism in Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima prefectures through anime productions.[11][12] Collaborations between the production and Iwanuma City, including promotional visuals featuring local landmarks like JR Iwanuma Station and the Abukuma River Bridge, underscore the series' role in revitalizing community interest in the region.[13][14] At the heart of the story is the fictional Sōshūkan High School (also called Ao High School), a private institution in Iwanuma that emphasizes athletic programs, particularly its competitive men's rhythmic gymnastics club.[15] This rural school environment contrasts with urban rival institutions, such as the more resourced Hakumei University Affiliated High School, highlighting themes of perseverance in less centralized areas.[5] The school's training facilities and surroundings evoke a sense of communal rebuilding, reflecting Miyagi's post-disaster emphasis on youth sports as a pathway to resilience and local pride.[16] The series also embeds the cultural context of men's rhythmic gymnastics, a niche Japanese-originated sport that combines acrobatics, tumbling, and synchronized routines, often underrepresented compared to women's versions.[9] Backflip!! contributes to its growing visibility in Japan, aligning with local Miyagi initiatives like the "ONE GYMNASTICS FESTA 2021 feat. アニメ バクテン!!" event in the prefecture, which uses the anime to attract participants and audiences to youth gymnastics programs.[17] Through depictions of dedicated club practices and regional competitions, the setting reinforces themes of community solidarity and cultural preservation amid recovery efforts.[16]Characters
Sōshūkan High School
Sōshūkan High School, also known as Ao High, is the primary setting for the protagonist's rhythmic gymnastics journey, where the boys' club serves as a hub for aspiring athletes blending enthusiasm with rigorous training.[18] The core team features first-year Shōtarō Futaba, an honest and earnest newcomer inspired by Ao High's performance at the nationals, who joins as a novice but demonstrates rapid growth through his natural flexibility and prior experiences in sports like swimming, soccer, and baseball; he specializes in dynamic, expressive routines that energize the group. Voiced by Shimba Tsuchiya, Futaba's motivation stems from awe at the sport's artistry, driving his quick adaptation despite initial shyness.[18][19][3] Complementing him is fellow first-year Ryōya Misato, the team's young ace and a former junior champion known for his stoic, reserved demeanor that keeps others at a distance, yet he is perceptive and dedicated to gymnastics, often serving as a strict mentor to novices like Futaba. Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa, Misato's backstory includes an early start in the sport and a past injury that adds caution to his technical precision.[18][3] The upperclassmen provide leadership and stability, starting with third-year captain Masamune Shichigahama, a passionate and devoted figure whose strong commitment to the club manifests in proactive guidance, though his teaching style can be vague; voiced by Daisuke Ono, he specializes in freehand exercises and shares childhood ties with teammates that foster deep bonds.[18][20][3] His peers include vice-captain Keisuke Tsukidate, a kind and level-headed all-rounder who balances the team's intensity with gentle support, voiced by Takashi Kondō, and third-year Nagayoshi Onagawa, the bubbly mood-maker who boosts morale through cheerfulness and teasing nicknames while excelling in balance and flexibility, voiced by Hiro Shimono.[18][21][22][3] Second-year Kōtarō Watari, with an intimidating exterior from piercings and a short-tempered vibe, is caring and approachable with juniors, specializing in handstand holds; voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya, his enthusiasm and cooking skills contribute to team cohesion.[18][23][3] The club's dynamics thrive on members' diverse backgrounds, such as family-run businesses like ramen shops, shrines, and fish markets, alongside returnees from other sports or those drawn from casual inspirations, which spark internal challenges like balancing personal hesitations with collective growth during formation and training sessions. These varied traits— from Misato's cool precision to Onagawa's levity—cultivate mutual support, enabling the team to evolve through shared ambitions and occasional rivalries with schools like Hakumei University Affiliated High School. The team is supported by manager Asao Kurikoma, a second-year student voiced by Ayane Sakura, who handles logistics and uses her tech skills for 3D modeling of routines.[18][15][3]Hakumei University Affiliated High School
Hakumei University Affiliated High School, commonly referred to as Shiro High School, is a private institution in Aomori Prefecture closely affiliated with Hakumei University, which supports its athletic programs through superior facilities and expert guidance. The school's boys' rhythmic gymnastics team stands as a national powerhouse, characterized by its highly disciplined training methods that emphasize technical precision, physical conditioning, and strategic teamwork honed over years of competitive experience at regional and national levels. This elite status positions the team as a formidable benchmark for emerging rivals, showcasing advanced routines that integrate power, flexibility, and synchronization to dominate competitions.[18] The team is captained by third-year Tōru Takase, voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi, whose commanding presence and detail-oriented leadership inspire a culture of relentless pursuit of excellence, often pressuring opponents with displays of synchronized group performances that highlight the team's cohesive strength. The vice-captain is third-year Yōjirō Mutsu, voiced by Kenichi Suzumura, known for his polite demeanor but strict enforcement of discipline. Other key members include first-year Mashiro Tsukiyuki, voiced by Ayumu Murase, a cheerful junior champion and direct rival to Futaba, and second-year Hideo Ōminato, voiced by Tomokazu Sugita, obsessed with details in routines. These figures embody the school's tradition of nurturing national-level athletes through intensive regimens.[18][3] In the narrative, the Hakumei team functions as a pivotal rival to Sōshūkan High School, driving the protagonists' development by representing the pinnacle of competitive rhythmic gymnastics; specific matchups, such as those between Futaba and Tsukiyuki in high-difficulty routines, underscore the intense external challenges that foster growth and resilience among the underdogs. Their national-level pedigree and unyielding discipline not only elevate the stakes of inter-school encounters but also illustrate the broader demands of elite athleticism in the sport.[18]Other characters
Shusaku Shida serves as the advisor and coach for Sōshūkan High School's boys' rhythmic gymnastics team, playing a pivotal role in promoting the sport among male students by emphasizing enjoyment and personal growth over mere competition.[24] A native of Kanagawa Prefecture, Shida is depicted as cheery and altruistic, often motivating his team through positive reinforcement and drawing inspiration from his wife's wisdom to guide members like Masamune Shichigahama during challenging times.[25] His background includes a commitment to fostering a supportive environment, which helps the team overcome initial hurdles in their training and performances. Voiced by Takahiro Sakurai.[26][3] Shūji Mabuchi is the coach of the rival Hakumei University Affiliated High School's boys' rhythmic gymnastics team, bringing a contrasting strict and passionate approach that adds competitive tension to the narrative.[27] Hailing from Aomori Prefecture, Mabuchi's intense training methods challenge the protagonists indirectly, serving as a benchmark for discipline while highlighting the diversity in coaching styles within boys' rhythmic gymnastics.[25] As an old friend of Shida, he provides occasional insights into the broader gymnastics community, contributing to the story's exploration of rivalry and mutual respect. Voiced by Kenichirō Matsuda.[25][3] Ayumi Futaba, the younger sister of Sōshūkan student Shōtarō Futaba, offers essential emotional support from her home in Miyagi Prefecture, where she attends her second year of junior high school.[28] Spoiled yet affectionate, Ayumi maintains a close sibling bond with Shōtarō, frequently encouraging him through phone calls and visits that remind him of family roots amid the pressures of high school gymnastics. Voiced by Reina Ueda.[29] Her presence underscores the personal stakes for Shōtarō, providing a grounding influence that bolsters his resilience.[25] Shōtarō's parents, Mimori and Yoshitaka Futaba, further exemplify familial backing by managing the family sasa kamaboko business and offering subtle guidance drawn from their own experiences. Voiced by Mirei Kumagai and Shinya Takahashi, respectively.[3] Mimori's homemade gyoza become a symbol of comfort for Ayumi and, by extension, motivate Shōtarō during homesick moments, while Yoshitaka's steady presence reinforces themes of perseverance inherited from middle school influences.[29] Together, the Futaba family provides the emotional foundation that enables Shōtarō to pursue gymnastics without isolation.[28] Beyond immediate coaches and family, minor figures such as national competition judges appear sporadically to evaluate performances, ensuring fair play and highlighting technical standards in boys' rhythmic gymnastics without overshadowing the core teams. These officials contribute to the world-building by representing the structured competitive landscape, occasionally offering constructive feedback that influences training adjustments for peripheral rivals from secondary schools.[5]Production
Development
Backflip!! was conceived as an original anime project by studio Zexcs to promote men's rhythmic gymnastics, a niche sport in Japan that combines elements of artistic and trampoline gymnastics. The series draws inspiration from real-life Japanese competitions, particularly those involving regional youth programs in Miyagi Prefecture, where the story is set in the city of Iwanuma.[9][11] Development began in 2017 with an initial memo outlining the core theme of fostering cooperation amid individualism, tying into broader recovery efforts following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. As part of the "Zutto Oen Project 2011 + 10," commemorating the disaster's 10th anniversary, the anime aimed to highlight local promotion in the Tohoku region. The project was formally announced in November 2020 by Fuji TV's Noitamina block.[30][9][11][31] A key decision was selecting men's rhythmic gymnastics as the central sport to distinguish the series from more conventional anime genres like volleyball or soccer, allowing exploration of themes such as synchronicity and teamwork unique to group performances. Director Toshimasa Kuroyanagi oversaw the early conceptualization, ensuring the narrative captured the sport's artistic and athletic demands.[30][11] The production team faced challenges in researching authentic gymnastics routines, given the scarcity of reference materials on men's rhythmic gymnastics. Efforts included interviews with high school athletes, consultations with experts like supervisor Fumiaki Mitsuda, and collaborations with real teams such as Aomori Yamada High School to replicate genuine performances. Balancing technical accuracy with broad audience appeal was another hurdle, addressed by focusing on relatable high school dynamics and emotional growth to attract viewers beyond sports enthusiasts.[30][12]Staff and animation
The television series Backflip!! was chiefly directed by Seishirō Nagaya, who oversaw the overall production, while Toshimasa Kuroyanagi handled episode direction for multiple installments, including key rhythmic gymnastics scenes.[3] The series composition and scripting were led by Toshizō Nemoto, with additional script contributions from Kuroyanagi.[3] Original character designs were created by Robico, known for her work on My Little Monster, and adapted for animation by Yuka Shibata, who also served as chief animation director alongside Eri Murota, Aya Nakanishi, and Mitsuru Chiba.[32][3] The music was composed by Yūki Hayashi, a frequent collaborator on sports anime such as Haikyu!!, with additional composition by Kanako Hara.[3][9] The voice cast featured prominent Japanese actors for the main characters, bringing distinct energy to the ensemble. Shōtarō Futaba was voiced by Shimba Tsuchiya, Ryōya Misato by Kaito Ishikawa, Masamune Shichigahama by Daisuke Ono, Nagayoshi Onagawa by Hiro Shimono, Kōtarō Watari by Hiroshi Kamiya, and Keisuke Tsukidate by Takashi Kondō.[3] Supporting roles included Shūichi Mabuchi voiced by Kenichirō Matsuda and Tōru Takase by Katsuyuki Konishi, enhancing the team's interpersonal dynamics.[3][33] Produced by studio Zexcs, the animation emphasized fluid and realistic depictions of men's rhythmic gymnastics through a hybrid approach integrating 2D hand-drawn elements with 3D CG models.[8] Motion capture technology was employed for the gymnastics sequences, supervised by Junichi Higuchi and Sawami Takahashi from Toei Zukun Lab, providing accurate reference data to capture the precision and dynamism of performances across all episodes.[3] This technique, developed over a five-year pre-production period starting in 2016, allowed for seamless transitions between character acting in 2D and complex group routines in 3D, with smart camerawork and motifs like bird feathers underscoring the sport's grace and intensity.[34] The art style prioritized expressive lines and vibrant colors to highlight emotional peaks during competitions, contributing to the series' immersive visual language.[34]Media
Television series
The television series adaptation of Backflip!! is an original anime produced by Zexcs, which aired on Fuji Television's Noitamina programming block from April 9, 2021, to June 25, 2021.[32] It consists of 12 episodes, each approximately 22 minutes in length, broadcast weekly on Fridays at 00:55 JST.[32][3] The series follows a standard television anime format, featuring self-contained episodes that advance the narrative of the Sōshūkan High School rhythmic gymnastics team, with brief references to key developments such as training montages and competitions. Internationally, it was licensed by Crunchyroll for simulcast streaming outside Japan, available with English subtitles and in additional languages including Spanish, French, and German.[35][3] In Japan, home media releases include Blu-ray Disc Box sets distributed by Aniplex, with Volume 1 covering episodes 1–4 released on June 30, 2021,[36] and subsequent volumes following; limited editions feature bonus content such as color booklets and DVDs with extras.[3]Theatrical film
Eiga Bakuten!! (lit. "Backflip!! The Movie"), the theatrical film adaptation of Backflip!!, premiered in Japanese theaters on July 2, 2022, under the direction of Toshimasa Kuroyanagi and with a runtime of 90 minutes.[37][38][39] The film continues directly from the television series, depicting the aftermath of the Sōshūkan High School Rhythmic Gymnastics Club's performance at the national competition. It centers on the protagonists' personal development, as they navigate emotional reflections, evolving relationships, and emerging aspirations beyond the immediate competitive pressures of the event.[38][39] Produced by studio ZEXCS, the movie retained key staff from the anime series, including director Toshimasa Kuroyanagi, series composition by Toshizo Nemoto, character designs by Yuka Shibata, and music by Yuki Hayashi. Notable enhancements for the theatrical release included more elaborate animation in the rhythmic gymnastics sequences, featuring extended routines with heightened fluidity and visual depth to capitalize on the larger screen format.[40] As a standalone production, the film resolves unresolved elements from the TV series through an original storyline, emphasizing closure and forward momentum for the characters without relying on episodic structure.[37]Episode list
The television series Backflip!! aired 12 episodes weekly from April 9 to June 25, 2021, on Fuji Television's Noitamina programming block in Japan.[3]| No. | English title | Japanese title | Original air date | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I Want to Backflip! | Bakuten Shitai! (バク転したい！) | April 9, 2021 | Toshimasa Kuroyanagi | After a life-changing encounter with men's rhythmic gymnastics, Shōtarō Futaba joins the team at Sōshūkan High School and meets a collection of colorful characters.[41] |
| 2 | I Want to Soar With You | Issho ni Tobitai! (一緒に跳びたい！) | April 16, 2021 | Seishirō Nagaya | Shōtarō moves into the dorm with the other members of the men's rhythmic gymnastics team but must pass a test to participate in their six-man routine.[42] |
| 3 | I Want to Camp! | Gasshuku Shitai! (合宿したい！) | April 23, 2021 | Yoshiyuki Fujiwara | The team prepares for a training camp with rival Hakumei University Affiliated High School, where Shōtarō encounters new challenges during practice.[43] |
| 4 | We're All Rivals! | Rival Nanda! (ライバルなんだ！) | April 30, 2021 | Miwa Sasaki | The Sōshūkan team observes a performance by their rivals, prompting reflections on competition and teamwork under Coach Shidai's guidance.[43] |
| 5 | I Want to Hide! | Kakuretai! (隠れたい！) | May 7, 2021 | Hayato Sakai | Shōtarō struggles with self-doubt during team activities and seeks ways to overcome his insecurities within the group dynamic. |
| 6 | Enjoy! | Tanoshinde! (楽しんで！) | May 14, 2021 | Seishirō Nagaya, Tetsuya Endō | The team focuses on finding joy in their training routines amid the pressures of upcoming competitions. |
| 7 | We'll Make a Promise! | Yakusoku Shimasu! (約束します！) | May 21, 2021 | Ryōji Masuyama | Bonds within the team strengthen as members make commitments to support each other in their gymnastic pursuits. |
| 8 | I'll Look After You! | Osewa Shimasu! (お世話します！) | May 28, 2021 | Kuniyasu Nishina | Senior members take on mentoring roles to help newer teammates adjust to the demands of rhythmic gymnastics. |
| 9 | Be Needy! | Amaete yo! (甘えてよ！) | June 4, 2021 | Yoshiyuki Fujiwara | The episode explores the importance of relying on teammates during intense practice sessions. |
| 10 | I Can't Stand It! | Gaman Dekinai! (我慢できない！) | June 11, 2021 | Miwa Sasaki | Frustrations build as the team pushes their limits in preparation for major events. |
| 11 | Give It Your All, Fight Hard | Zenryoku de, Omoikiri! (全力で、思い切り！) | June 18, 2021 | Seishirō Nagaya | The Sōshūkan team rallies with full effort and determination ahead of a key tournament. |
| 12 | Tomorrow, Too! | Ashita mo! (明日も！) | June 25, 2021 | Kuniyasu Nishina, Toshimasa Kuroyanagi | Reflections on growth and future aspirations conclude the team's journey in the season.[44] |