Shintarō Mugiwara, the acclaimed manga artist best known for his work on the baseball spin-off series “Dorabase,” is back in the spotlight. While details of a completely new baseball manga are still emerging, recent events suggest Mugiwara’s continued passion and involvement in the world of baseball manga.
A Legacy in Baseball Manga
Mugiwara cemented his name in the manga world with “Dorabase,” a spin-off of the beloved “Doraemon” series. “Dorabase,” subtitled “Doraemon Super Baseball Gaiden,” takes place in 22nd-century Tokyo and centers around Kuroemon, a cat robot similar to Doraemon, who captains the Edogawa Doras baseball team.
The series chronicles the Doras’ journey as they strive to become a top-tier amateur baseball team, navigating challenges and rivalries along the way. What sets “Dorabase” apart is its integration of Doraemon’s signature gadgets, allowing teams to use three designated secret tools per game, adding a unique and futuristic twist to the sport.
Serialized in “Monthly CoroCoro Comic” from September 2000 to October 2011, “Dorabase” captivated young readers with its blend of sportsmanship, humor, and futuristic elements. The manga’s popularity extended beyond Japan, with international releases in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
A Dream Come True: Inspiring Baseball Players
In January 2025, Lotte Marines players Toshiya Sato and Koshiro Wada appeared on TOKYO FM’s “Manga Kingdom Presents: The World is Made of Manga!,” where they cited “Dorabase” as their favorite baseball manga. Mugiwara, who happened to be listening to the broadcast, was so moved that he offered to draw the two players as a gift.
This led to a heartwarming meeting at Zozo Marine Stadium in March 2025, where Mugiwara presented Sato and Wada with hand-drawn illustrations. Mugiwara expressed his joy at seeing his work inspire professional baseball players, stating, “My dream was for someone to read the baseball manga I drew and become a professional baseball player, so I felt like one of my dreams had come true”.
Sato and Wada were equally thrilled, praising the intricate details and personal touch of Mugiwara’s artwork. This event highlights the lasting impact of “Dorabase” and Mugiwara’s ability to connect with audiences through his storytelling.
Other Works and Influences
Beyond “Dorabase,” Mugiwara has contributed to various other manga projects, showcasing his versatility as an artist. These include:
Fishing Spirits: A manga adaptation of the popular arcade and home video game “Tsuri Spirits,” featuring a young protagonist who catches giant fish.
Baseball Star Metman: A sports manga about a boy named Sora who discovers a mysterious helmet and starts playing baseball.
Doraemon Story ~The Back of Mr. Fujiko F. Fujio~: A biographical manga told from Mugiwara’s perspective as an assistant to Fujiko F. Fujio, the creator of “Doraemon”.
Mugiwara’s diverse portfolio demonstrates his ability to tackle different genres and themes, while his experience as Fujiko F. Fujio’s assistant has undoubtedly shaped his artistic style and storytelling approach.
What’s Next for Mugiwara?
While there’s no official confirmation of a brand-new baseball manga series at the moment, Mugiwara’s continued involvement in the sport and his recent collaboration with professional baseball players suggest that he’s far from finished with the genre. Whether he revisits the world of “Dorabase” or creates something entirely new, fans can anticipate more exciting baseball stories from this talented artist.
Given his history and recent activities, it’s reasonable to expect that any future baseball manga from Mugiwara would likely retain his signature blend of heartwarming characters, comedic situations, and thrilling sports action. His unique ability to blend the fantastical with the fundamentals of baseball, as seen in “Dorabase,” could very well be a key ingredient in any new project he undertakes.
