The upcoming TV anime adaptation of Tatsurō Suga’s “The Catcher in the Ballpark!” manga continues to expand its cast, adding two new members to its roster of voice actors. Hiroki Tōchi and Rika Tachibana have been announced as the voices of Kojiro and Yuki Takino, respectively.
A Baseball Power Couple Joins the Lineup
The latest additions to the cast bring a unique dynamic to the series, as Tōchi and Tachibana will be portraying a married couple deeply intertwined with the world of baseball. This casting choice adds another layer of authenticity to the anime, which aims to capture the spirit and camaraderie of the ballpark.
- Hiroki Tōchi will voice Kojiro, a veteran player who has achieved the impressive feat of hitting 200 home runs throughout his career.
- Rika Tachibana will play Yuki Takino, Kojiro’s wife and a former announcer who now enjoys watching games from the stands.
The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the anime made the announcement, showcasing the character designs for Kojiro and Yuki.
Art Imitates Life: A Personal Connection
Adding a charming layer to the casting news, Rika Tachibana shares a personal connection with her character. In 2019, Tachibana married Kenya Wakatsuki, a catcher for the Orix Buffaloes baseball team. This real-life experience is likely to bring an added depth and understanding to her portrayal of Yuki, a baseball player’s wife.
Synopsis: More Than Just a Game
“The Catcher in the Ballpark!” isn’t just about baseball; it’s a romantic comedy that explores the human connections forged within the lively atmosphere of a professional baseball stadium. The story revolves around:
- Murata, an ordinary office worker who finds solace and escape at the ballpark.
- Ruriko, a seemingly cold but secretly kind-hearted gyaru (a Japanese fashion subculture) who sells beer at the stadium.
As Murata becomes Ruriko’s first regular customer, their relationship unfolds amidst the backdrop of cheering crowds, exciting games, and the everyday dramas of those who work and play at the stadium. The anime promises to be full of laughs and tears, celebrating the love of baseball and the bonds that unite people.
Meet the Characters
Here’s a breakdown of the main characters and their voice actors:
- Ruriko: Voiced by Fairouz Ai, known for her roles as Jolyne Cujoh in “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean” and Power in “Chainsaw Man”.
- Murata: Voiced by Satoshi Inomata.
- Aona: Voiced by Ikumi Hasegawa.
- Omatsu: Voiced by Satoshi Tanaka.
- Nakaizumi: Voiced by Yōji Ueda.
- Natsuno Yamada: Voiced by Ayumi Mano.
- Kokoro: Voiced by Momoko Seto.
- Ryuichi Igarashi: Voiced by Jin Urayama, a veteran stadium security guard with years of experience.
- Takimoto: Voiced by Chiharu Sawashiro, a new stadium security guard who likes baseball but dislikes his job and Igarashi.
- Kojiro: Voiced by Hiroki Tōchi, a veteran player with 200 career home runs.
- Yuki Takino: Voiced by Rika Tachibana, Kojiro’s wife and former announcer.
Production Team
The anime adaptation is being brought to life by a talented team:
- Director: Junichi Kitamura (known for “Fluffy Paradise”).
- Series Composition: Shigeru Murakoshi (“The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse”).
- Character Designer: Fumio Iida.
- Music: MONACA (“NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a”).
- Animation Studio: EMT Squared (known for “Fluffy Paradise” and “Drug Store in Another World: The Slow Life of a Cheat Pharmacist”).
Hiroki Tōchi: A Voice Acting Veteran
Hiroki Tōchi is a highly respected voice actor with an extensive list of credits in anime, video games, and live-action dubbing. Some of his notable roles include:
- Abel Nightroad in “Trinity Blood”.
- Baldroy in “Black Butler”.
- Kokopelli in “Bokurano”.
- Tesshin Kataoka in “Ace of Diamond”.
- Cross Marian in “D.Gray-man”.
- Panther Lily in “Fairy Tail”.
- Kugo Ginjo in “Bleach”.
- Lasse Aeon in “Mobile Suit Gundam 00”.
- Dean Winchester in the Japanese dub of “Supernatural”.
- Chris Redfield in “Resident Evil” (video game series).
- Nathan Drake in “Uncharted” (video game series).
Tōchi’s versatility and experience make him a perfect fit for the role of Kojiro, a seasoned baseball player with a wealth of experience.
Rika Tachibana: From Idols to Announcers
Rika Tachibana is a voice actress, singer, and model. She is known for her roles in:
- Sae Kobayakawa in “The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls”.
- Reiko Arisugawa in “Shomin Sample”.
- Noa Akizuki in “Liar, Liar”.
- Karyl in “Princess Connect! Re:Dive”.
Her experience in portraying diverse characters, combined with her personal connection to the world of baseball, will undoubtedly bring a unique charm and authenticity to her portrayal of Yuki.
Manga Origins
“The Catcher in the Ballpark!” began as a manga series written and illustrated by Tatsurō Suga. It started serialization in Kodansha’s Morning magazine in September 2020. As of November 2024, the manga has been compiled into 15 tankōbon volumes. The manga follows Murata, an office worker, who meets Ruriko, a beer vendor who looks like a gyaru. He becomes her first regular customer. Ruriko acts cold towards Murata, but she has an innocent personality that comes out when he is out of sight.
Anticipated Premiere
“The Catcher in the Ballpark!” anime is scheduled to premiere in 2025. Fans can look forward to a heartwarming and hilarious series that celebrates the love of baseball and the unexpected connections that can be found in the most ordinary of places. The addition of Hiroki Tōchi and Rika Tachibana to the cast further solidifies the anime’s potential to be a memorable and engaging adaptation of Tatsurō Suga’s beloved manga.
