TV-Series
Description
Nanjiro Echizen is a former professional tennis player regarded as a legendary figure in the tennis world, earning the nickname Samurai Nanjiro for his invincible skills during his prime. He is the father of the series protagonist Ryoma Echizen. During his junior high years at Seishun Academy, he was trained by Sumire Ryuzaki, the future coach of the Seigaku tennis club. It was during high school that Ryuzaki discovered his natural talent when he independently created a two-handed playing style known as nitoryu. After leaving Japan to turn professional, Nanjiro remained undefeated and was only one opponent away from winning a Grand Slam title when he unexpectedly retired, choosing to end his career shortly after his son Ryoma was born.
In his later years, Nanjiro serves as a priest at a local temple and often dresses in a traditional Buddhist monk's uniform. His outward personality is cheerful, playful, and occasionally shamelessly perverted, frequently reading adult magazines and teasing women. Beneath this frivolous exterior, however, he possesses deep wisdom and a profound understanding of tennis. He is deeply skilled and unassuming, and he maintains a muscular physique despite being retired for over a decade.
Nanjiro's primary motivation appears to be his love for tennis and his desire to see his son Ryoma grow as a player. He places his hopes on Ryoma, implementing fundamental training before national tournaments and guiding him to master advanced techniques such as Muga no Kyokai and Ten'i Muhou. He often challenges Ryoma with seemingly impossible tasks to push his development, and their father-son relationship is marked by a blend of playful teasing and serious mentorship.
His role in the story is that of a hidden powerhouse and a constant benchmark for Ryoma's growth. While he rarely plays competitively, his presence looms over the series as the ultimate standard of skill. Later in the narrative, he becomes the leader of the Spanish team in the U-17 World Cup arc, indicating his continued influence on the global tennis stage.
Nanjiro's notable abilities are immense. He is an ambidextrous all-rounder who can play entire matches with both eyes closed, relying on his exceptional balance and reflexes. He originated many of Ryoma's signature techniques, including the one-footed split step, the Twist Serve, and the Samurai Zone (also known as Shogyo Mujou), which manipulates ball spin to draw all returns toward him. He also possesses the state of Muga no Kyokuchi, allowing him to replicate any technique he observes. His ultimate technique, Ten'i Muhou no Kyokugen, also called Kinji no Hikari, represents the pure mindset of enjoying tennis and unleashes his full potential while overwhelming opponents. He can also perform powerful shots like Ten'i Muhou and the interception technique Kokon Muso, which can knock the opponent's racket out of their hand.
His key relationships include his wife Rinko Echizen, whom he met and married during his time studying abroad in America, his son Ryoma, and his adopted son Ryoga Echizen. He is also the uncle of Nanako Meino, and his former coach Sumire Ryuzaki continues to hold respect for his abilities. Throughout the series, Nanjiro's character develops from a retired legend who enjoys a quiet life to a pivotal figure who actively guides the next generation, both as a father and as a mentor on an international stage.
In his later years, Nanjiro serves as a priest at a local temple and often dresses in a traditional Buddhist monk's uniform. His outward personality is cheerful, playful, and occasionally shamelessly perverted, frequently reading adult magazines and teasing women. Beneath this frivolous exterior, however, he possesses deep wisdom and a profound understanding of tennis. He is deeply skilled and unassuming, and he maintains a muscular physique despite being retired for over a decade.
Nanjiro's primary motivation appears to be his love for tennis and his desire to see his son Ryoma grow as a player. He places his hopes on Ryoma, implementing fundamental training before national tournaments and guiding him to master advanced techniques such as Muga no Kyokai and Ten'i Muhou. He often challenges Ryoma with seemingly impossible tasks to push his development, and their father-son relationship is marked by a blend of playful teasing and serious mentorship.
His role in the story is that of a hidden powerhouse and a constant benchmark for Ryoma's growth. While he rarely plays competitively, his presence looms over the series as the ultimate standard of skill. Later in the narrative, he becomes the leader of the Spanish team in the U-17 World Cup arc, indicating his continued influence on the global tennis stage.
Nanjiro's notable abilities are immense. He is an ambidextrous all-rounder who can play entire matches with both eyes closed, relying on his exceptional balance and reflexes. He originated many of Ryoma's signature techniques, including the one-footed split step, the Twist Serve, and the Samurai Zone (also known as Shogyo Mujou), which manipulates ball spin to draw all returns toward him. He also possesses the state of Muga no Kyokuchi, allowing him to replicate any technique he observes. His ultimate technique, Ten'i Muhou no Kyokugen, also called Kinji no Hikari, represents the pure mindset of enjoying tennis and unleashes his full potential while overwhelming opponents. He can also perform powerful shots like Ten'i Muhou and the interception technique Kokon Muso, which can knock the opponent's racket out of their hand.
His key relationships include his wife Rinko Echizen, whom he met and married during his time studying abroad in America, his son Ryoma, and his adopted son Ryoga Echizen. He is also the uncle of Nanako Meino, and his former coach Sumire Ryuzaki continues to hold respect for his abilities. Throughout the series, Nanjiro's character develops from a retired legend who enjoys a quiet life to a pivotal figure who actively guides the next generation, both as a father and as a mentor on an international stage.