Uoto, the legendary mangaka behind Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, has already made a significant impact with his historical and philosophical storytelling. But something that perhaps isn’t as well known to fans is that Orb is but one of the many gems of Uoto’s work, and that 2025 will see us have another of his masterpieces in the form of an anime.
Guess what? His sports manga Hyakuemu is being adapted into an anime movie! It’s going to explore serious things like human ambition, competition, and identity. While Orb captivated audiences with its intellectual depth and historical themes, Hyakuemu demonstrates Uoto’s ability to spin serious stories, even in something as straightforward as sports.
So, with the awesome director Kenji Iwaisawa (you know, the guy behind On-Gaku: Our Sound) in charge and a killer crew featuring folks from Frieren and One Punch Man, Hyakuemu is looking like it’s gonna be a really cool visual and storytelling ride. But seriously, what makes Uoto’s way of telling stories so flexible, and how does he manage to blend genres like a pro? Let’s break it down together.
Hyakuemu: The upcoming adaptation you shouldn’t miss
According to Crunchyroll, Hyakuemu follows Togashi, a young prodigy in track and field, who dominates every 100-meter race. However, his perspective shifts when he meets Komiya, a determined but unskilled transfer student. Their dynamic picks up from mentorship to rivalry as they push each other to be better.
At first glance, this story may seem like a traditional sports narrative, but Uoto turns it around in a way that makes it completely one-of-a-kind. The emphasis on inner struggles, psychological development, and what competition is all about makes it something much deeper than a track-and-field story.
The upcoming anime adaptation will be animated under Iwaisawa’s direction using a blend of 2D animation and rotoscoping to achieve a semi-realistic atmosphere. This method is in line with Uoto’s realistic narrative style, where raw feelings and inner turmoil are the priorities. While talking about this upcoming movie, Iwaisawa told Variety,
I think the look in ‘Hyakuemu’ is closer to my own style. I’m quite conscious of the visuals/aesthetics. I think character design is extremely important. Character design is the first thing the audience will see, so I’m very careful about things like the balance of the characters’ proportions. Also, rather than the so-called orthodox visuals of Japanese anime, it’s more like live-action, or somewhere in between.
The production team, which also includes character designer Keisuke Kojima (Frieren, One Punch Man) and art director Keikankun Yamaguchi, suggests that the film will find a well-coordinated balance between elaborate character facial expressions and dynamic race scenes.
With studios like Rock’n Roll Mountain leading the animation and powerhouse companies such as Pony Canyon and Asmik Ace backing the production, Hyakuemu‘s got everything it takes to be a highlight of the anime lineup for 2025.
Thematic parallels: Uoto’s signature depth in different genres
Uoto is a great storyteller no matter what genre he’s using. Whether he’s delving into history with Orb or dipping into the sporting world with Hyakuemu, his stories always manage to tap into ideas like intellectual pursuit, human perseverance, and the struggle for identity.
In Orb, Uoto explores humanity’s quest for knowledge, following 15th-century scientists who risked their lives to challenge the status quo. The heroes fight not just for scientific discovery but for freedom of thought. This boundary-challenging theme is also found in Hyakuemu, where the heroes seek to surpass their body and mind limits, questioning what victory is all about.
Both the anime adaptations also share central relationships that lead their protagonists toward self-discovery. Just as Raphael in Orb challenges his own understanding of the world through debates and mentorships, Togashi in Hyakuemu finds meaning in competition with Komiya.
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Another recurring theme in Uoto’s work is the theme of defying limitations, whether societal, traditional, or self-imposed. In Orb, the characters battle against religious dogma and scientific oppression, while in Hyakuemu, Togashi and Komiya fight against their own physical constraints and societal norms. This universal theme makes Uoto’s stories resonate with a wide audience, regardless of the setting.
Therefore, as anime fans, we should not overlook this upcoming gem. Hyakuemu is poised to deliver an unforgettable narrative about determination, rivalry, and self-discovery, elements that make Uoto’s work stand out across all genres. With this adaptation, the anime world will once again witness the creative genius of Uoto in a brand-new light.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is currently available to watch on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
