Movie
Description
Ken Wakashimazu is a central figure in the anime Captain Tsubasa: Sekai Daikessen!! Jr. World Cup, recognized as one of the most talented and athletic goalkeepers in Japan. His approach to football is highly distinctive, as he seamlessly integrates techniques from his lifelong training in karate into his role as a shot-stopper, earning him the nickname the "Karate Keeper."
Wakashimazu was born as the youngest son of a karate dojo family, and he first played soccer as a forward for the Meiwa FC elementary school team. However, a severe car accident while rescuing a dog left him with a broken shoulder and leg, sidelining him for an extended period. He made a dramatic return to the pitch during a critical semi-final match, entering as a substitute to save a penalty kick. Following this recovery, he was moved to the goalkeeper position, where he flourished. His rivalry with fellow goalkeeper Genzo Wakabayashi began in earnest during the national elementary school final against Nankatsu. Eventually, Wakashimazu followed his close friend and ace striker Kojiro Hyuga to the powerful Toho Academy, where they became formidable partners.
Personality-wise, Wakashimazu is typically portrayed as a reserved and stoic individual who is more focused on action than words. On the field, he is fierce and aggressive, but off it, he remains calm and polite. His personality is marked by a strong sense of pride and an unwavering determination to succeed. This is particularly evident in his relationship with his father, who wanted him to inherit the family dojo. Wakashimazu made a pact that he would give up soccer forever if his Toho team could not win the national tournament, a challenge that only intensified his competitive drive. A significant character flaw is his occasional conceitedness, especially concerning his perceived worth as a player, which has led to clashes with coaches and rivals alike.
His primary motivation stems from a desire to be recognized as Japan’s number one goalkeeper. This creates an intense and persistent professional rivalry with Genzo Wakabayashi, the nation's other elite keeper who plays professionally in Germany. Wakashimazu is deeply loyal to his friends, most notably Kojiro Hyuga and teammate Takeshi Sawada. His friendship with Hyuga is particularly profound, to the point where he was willing to forgo his dream of playing soccer and leave the national team before Hyuga personally convinced him to return. His relationship with his mentor, coach Kozo Kira, and later with national coach Mikami, is also crucial to his development.
In the Jr. World Cup and subsequent international tournaments, Wakashimazu's role is defined by both heroic triumphs and physical sacrifices. He was initially named the starting goalkeeper for the Japanese national team. However, during a warm-up match against the powerful Hamburg club, which featured both his rival Wakabayashi and the German ace Karl-Heinz Schneider, he suffered a serious arm injury that would plague him throughout the tournament. Despite this pain, he delivered a legendary performance in the semi-final against France. Playing through his injury, he held the line and ultimately saved a decisive penalty kick, sacrificing his own health to secure Japan's place in the final. This event highlighted his immense willpower and dedication to the team.
Throughout the series, Wakashimazu undergoes notable development. He initially views himself in direct competition with Wakabayashi and reacts negatively when coaches favor the more experienced overseas keeper. This pride once led him to quit the national team in a dispute over the starting position. However, after playing professionally in the J-League for Yokohama F. Marinos and Nagoya Grampus, he matures. He eventually accepts his role as the second goalkeeper, acknowledging Wakabayashi's superior defensive abilities while developing his own aggressive, sweeper-keeper style to provide the team with a different tactical option. Later in the story, he even showcases his versatility by returning to his roots as a forward, using his athleticism and heading ability to score goals in the Golden-23 arc.
Wakashimazu’s abilities are spectacular and unique, blending raw athleticism with martial arts precision. His trademark saves include the Sankaku Geri, where he kicks the goalpost to gain instant momentum and dive to the opposite corner, and the Shuto Defense, a karate chop used to deflect powerful shots. He also utilizes the Seiken Defense, a strong punch to knock the ball to safety. His agility is exceptional, allowing him to execute saves like the Tobi Yoko Geri, a backspin kick to clear the ball, and the Wakadoryu Sho Jodan Geri, a super high kick. His reflexes and command of his penalty area are top-tier, allowing him to intercept crosses and anticipate shots with precision. He is also an excellent thrower, capable of starting fast counter-attacks, and possesses a powerful Bullet Shot, a remnant of his early days as a striker.
Wakashimazu was born as the youngest son of a karate dojo family, and he first played soccer as a forward for the Meiwa FC elementary school team. However, a severe car accident while rescuing a dog left him with a broken shoulder and leg, sidelining him for an extended period. He made a dramatic return to the pitch during a critical semi-final match, entering as a substitute to save a penalty kick. Following this recovery, he was moved to the goalkeeper position, where he flourished. His rivalry with fellow goalkeeper Genzo Wakabayashi began in earnest during the national elementary school final against Nankatsu. Eventually, Wakashimazu followed his close friend and ace striker Kojiro Hyuga to the powerful Toho Academy, where they became formidable partners.
Personality-wise, Wakashimazu is typically portrayed as a reserved and stoic individual who is more focused on action than words. On the field, he is fierce and aggressive, but off it, he remains calm and polite. His personality is marked by a strong sense of pride and an unwavering determination to succeed. This is particularly evident in his relationship with his father, who wanted him to inherit the family dojo. Wakashimazu made a pact that he would give up soccer forever if his Toho team could not win the national tournament, a challenge that only intensified his competitive drive. A significant character flaw is his occasional conceitedness, especially concerning his perceived worth as a player, which has led to clashes with coaches and rivals alike.
His primary motivation stems from a desire to be recognized as Japan’s number one goalkeeper. This creates an intense and persistent professional rivalry with Genzo Wakabayashi, the nation's other elite keeper who plays professionally in Germany. Wakashimazu is deeply loyal to his friends, most notably Kojiro Hyuga and teammate Takeshi Sawada. His friendship with Hyuga is particularly profound, to the point where he was willing to forgo his dream of playing soccer and leave the national team before Hyuga personally convinced him to return. His relationship with his mentor, coach Kozo Kira, and later with national coach Mikami, is also crucial to his development.
In the Jr. World Cup and subsequent international tournaments, Wakashimazu's role is defined by both heroic triumphs and physical sacrifices. He was initially named the starting goalkeeper for the Japanese national team. However, during a warm-up match against the powerful Hamburg club, which featured both his rival Wakabayashi and the German ace Karl-Heinz Schneider, he suffered a serious arm injury that would plague him throughout the tournament. Despite this pain, he delivered a legendary performance in the semi-final against France. Playing through his injury, he held the line and ultimately saved a decisive penalty kick, sacrificing his own health to secure Japan's place in the final. This event highlighted his immense willpower and dedication to the team.
Throughout the series, Wakashimazu undergoes notable development. He initially views himself in direct competition with Wakabayashi and reacts negatively when coaches favor the more experienced overseas keeper. This pride once led him to quit the national team in a dispute over the starting position. However, after playing professionally in the J-League for Yokohama F. Marinos and Nagoya Grampus, he matures. He eventually accepts his role as the second goalkeeper, acknowledging Wakabayashi's superior defensive abilities while developing his own aggressive, sweeper-keeper style to provide the team with a different tactical option. Later in the story, he even showcases his versatility by returning to his roots as a forward, using his athleticism and heading ability to score goals in the Golden-23 arc.
Wakashimazu’s abilities are spectacular and unique, blending raw athleticism with martial arts precision. His trademark saves include the Sankaku Geri, where he kicks the goalpost to gain instant momentum and dive to the opposite corner, and the Shuto Defense, a karate chop used to deflect powerful shots. He also utilizes the Seiken Defense, a strong punch to knock the ball to safety. His agility is exceptional, allowing him to execute saves like the Tobi Yoko Geri, a backspin kick to clear the ball, and the Wakadoryu Sho Jodan Geri, a super high kick. His reflexes and command of his penalty area are top-tier, allowing him to intercept crosses and anticipate shots with precision. He is also an excellent thrower, capable of starting fast counter-attacks, and possesses a powerful Bullet Shot, a remnant of his early days as a striker.