The upcoming anime series, “The Catcher in the Ballpark!”, has announced two new additions to its voice cast, bringing in veteran talent to portray key characters in this highly anticipated sports-comedy series. Hiroki Tōchi will voice the character of Kojiro, a seasoned baseball player, while Rika Tachibana is set to play Yuki Takino, Kojiro’s wife and a former announcer. The series is scheduled to premiere in Japan sometime in 2025.
A Power Couple Joins the Ranks
The casting announcement has generated excitement among anime fans, with many recognizing the impressive credentials of both Tōchi and Tachibana. Hiroki Tōchi, born on May 26, 1966, in Tokyo, is a seasoned voice actor with a prolific career spanning decades. He is well-known for his roles in various anime and video games, including Abel Nightroad in “Trinity Blood,” Baldroy in “Black Butler,” and Kugo Ginjo in “Bleach”. He also provides the Japanese voice for Dean Winchester in “Supernatural” and its animated adaptation, as well as Nathan Drake in the “Uncharted” video game series.
Rika Tachibana is also a well-regarded voice actress, known for her roles such as Noa Akizuki in “Liar, Liar,” Kyaru in “Princess Connect! Re:Dive,” and Kobayakawa Sae in “THE iDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls.” She also has a personal connection to baseball, having married Orix Buffaloes catcher Kenya Wakatsuki in 2019. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to her role as a former baseball announcer in the series.
Characters and Their Roles
In “The Catcher in the Ballpark!”, Hiroki Tōchi will voice Kojiro, a veteran baseball player who has achieved the impressive milestone of 200 career home runs. His character is a key figure in the baseball world of the anime. Rika Tachibana will voice Yuki Takino, Kojiro’s wife, who has transitioned from a career as a baseball announcer to a spectator in the stands. This dynamic between a seasoned player and a former announcer will likely provide an interesting perspective within the anime’s narrative.
The Story of “The Catcher in the Ballpark!”
“The Catcher in the Ballpark!” is based on the manga series by Tatsurō Suga which began serialization in Kodansha’s Morning magazine in September 2020. The series is a sports-comedy centered around Kotaro Murata, an ordinary office worker, who finds solace in attending baseball games. His routine changes when he meets Ruriko, a charming beer vendor with a “gyaru” appearance, at the stadium.
A Unique Setting
The anime is set within a professional baseball stadium, showcasing the lives of not only the players and spectators, but also the various individuals who work there, such as beer vendors, announcers, and security guards. The story explores the human dramas that unfold within this microcosm, portraying the stadium as a community akin to a small town.
Production Details
Junichi Kitamura (known for “Fluffy Paradise”) is directing the anime series at EMT Squared studio. Shigeru Murakoshi (who worked on “I Parry Everything”) is handling the series composition. Fumio Iida (who was a co-character designer for “Yadamon, Basquash!”) is responsible for character designs. MONACA (who composed the music for “Protocol: Rain”) is in charge of the music.
Previously Announced Cast
The two newly added voice actors join an already stellar cast, which includes:
- Fairouz Ai as Ruriko
- Satoshi Inomata as Kotaro Murata
- Ikumi Hasegawa as Aona
- Satoshi Tanaka as Omatsu
- Yoji Ueda as Nakaizumi
- Ayumi Mano as Natsuno Yamada
- Momoko Seto as Kokoro
- Jin Urayama as Ryuichi Igarashi
- Chiharu Sawashiro as Takimoto
What to Expect
“The Catcher in the Ballpark!” is shaping up to be a fun and engaging anime that will appeal to both sports fans and those who enjoy romantic comedies. The blend of humor, human drama, and a unique setting, along with an all-star cast of voice actors, makes it a highly anticipated show for 2025. With its planned premiere in Japan, international fans are eagerly waiting for information regarding worldwide release dates. The series promises to be a fun ride, exploring the daily life and interactions of people who work at and enjoy the game of baseball. The addition of Hiroki Tōchi and Rika Tachibana is expected to bring a new dimension to the series, elevating the quality and excitement surrounding this forthcoming anime.
