Keigo Atobe, the charismatic leader of Hyotei, is set to appear as the solo cover star for an upcoming special edition of the Japanese magazine anan. This feature arrives as the popular anime New Prince of Tennis celebrates its 25th anniversary, coinciding with the launch of the new anime series The Prince of Tennis: U-17 World Cup Final Member Selection Match, which begins broadcasting on September 30.
Atobe’s Solo Magazine Debut
The cover feature showcases the character in a custom black suit, emphasizing a sophisticated aesthetic intended to highlight his status as the captain of the U-17 Japanese representative middle school team. This appearance marks the first time the character has headlined a solo cover for the publication.
Franchise Expansion and Broadcast Details
The release of the magazine issue aligns with the premiere of The Prince of Tennis: U-17 World Cup Final Member Selection Match. The series is scheduled to air on TV Tokyo and affiliated networks, with the first episode set for September 30 at 12:00 a.m. JST (Wednesday, 24:00). The franchise, created by Takeshi Konomi, first debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and has since expanded into a multi-media property encompassing manga, television animation, stage musicals, and films, with total series circulation exceeding 60 million copies.
Special Edition Back Cover and Ensemble Feature
Beyond the solo cover, the special edition features a collaborative back cover highlighting four prominent characters: Ryoma Echizen, Shusuke Fuji, Keigo Atobe, and Yushi Oshitari. The editorial content includes a 15-page spread dedicated to the series, featuring character profiles for 22 middle and high school athletes expected to be focal points in the upcoming tournament arc. The feature also includes interviews with voice actors Junko Minagawa, Yuki Kaida, Junichi Suwabe, and Hidenobu Kiuchi, who discuss their experiences with the series over the past approximately 25 years.
Publication Context
The anan issue (No. 2514) is scheduled for simultaneous release with a regular edition featuring the band Mrs. GREEN APPLE on the cover. While the cover subjects differ between the two versions, the internal editorial content remains identical. The special edition is available for pre-order through major Japanese retail platforms, including Amazon Japan, Rakuten Books, and HMV&BOOKS online.
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