Ao Ashi #1

Ao Ashi, written and illustrated by Yugo Kobayashi, debuted in Shogakukan's Weekly Big Comic Spirits in 2015. The series was developed as a sophisticated take on the sports manga genre, focusing on the tactical and intellectual evolution of Ashito Aoi, a young soccer player from a rural town who earns a spot in a prestigious youth academy. Kobayashi aimed to move beyond the traditional 'supernatural ability' tropes of the genre, opting instead for a grounded, research-heavy portrayal of modern football tactics, playmaking, and the intense psychological pressure of becoming a professional athlete.

The first volume serves as an introduction to Ashito’s raw talent and his difficult transition into the structured, high-stakes world of the Tokyo City Esperion youth team. Upon its release, the manga was well-received for its detailed depictions of gameplay and its nuanced character writing. It eventually gained significant critical acclaim, winning the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category in 2020, and it is frequently cited by readers and critics as one of the most accurate and engaging depictions of soccer in contemporary manga.