Tezuka Kunimitsu

AnimeManga
Tezuka Kunimitsu
Kanji	手塚国光
Kana	てづかくにみつ
Nicknames	Seigaku's Pillar of Support Thieving Big Brother (泥棒の兄ちゃん) (by Chitose Miyuki and Chitose Senri)
Characteristics
Gender	Male
Age	15
Height	179 cm
Weight	58 kg
Birthday	October 7
Horoscope	Libra
Shoe Size	27.5
Eyesight (Unaided)	1.5 (both eyes)
Blood Type	O
Family	Tezuka Kuniharu (Father) Tezuka Ayana (Mother) Tezuka Kunikazu (Grandfather)
School
Current School	Seigaku (3rd Year)
Class	3-1
Seat	12
Former School(s)	Seiharudai First Elementary School
Tennis
Club Position	Captain
Dominant Arm	Left
Play Style	All-rounder
Doubles Partner(s)	Inui Sadaharu Q.P. Shiraishi Kuranosuke (Movie Only)
Shoes	Mizuno (Wave Dual Light 6K93009)
Racket(s)	Mizuno (Pro Light S90)
Media
Manga Debut	Genius 4
Anime Debut	Episode 3
Seiyuu	Okiayu Ryoutarou
Tenimyu Actors	Takigawa Eiji (1st, 1st Gen) Ookuchi Kengo (1st, 1st Gen) Shirota Yuu (1st, 2nd Gen) Minami Keisuke (1st, 3rd Gen) Watanabe Daisuke (1st, 4th Gen) Baba Ryouma (1st, 5th Gen) Wada Takuma (2nd, 6th Gen) Tawada Hideya (2nd, 7th Gen) Zaiki Takuma (3rd, 8th Gen) Uno Yuuya (3rd, 9th Gen)

Tezuka Kunimitsu (手塚国光, Tezuka Kunimitsu) is a 3rd year student and former tennis team captain at Seigaku. Tezuka is a nationally ranked player who devotes himself to leading Seigaku to the National Championship and developing Echizen Ryouma as a player. He struggles with elbow and later shoulder injuries throughout the series, leaving for part of the tournament season to pursue injury rehabilitation in Kyushu (manga) or Germany (anime). He is currently representing the German U-17 team in the World Cup.

Appearance

Tezuka has brown hair, brown eyes, and glasses - he is shown to have a consistent appearance in the anime, manga, and games. He usually has a stern or passive expression on his face. Despite his stoic disposition, he pops his collar on his jersey and other collared clothing he wears. In official art, he is often depicted wearing camping or fishing gear.

Personality

Tezuka is known for his calm and serious exterior, always advising his teammates to not be careless. He is strict toward his team, punishing all of the players for the misconduct of one, a policy he learned from former Seigaku captain Yamato Yuudai. He speaks respectfully toward his upperclassmen, coaches, and teachers, but has been shown to correct his Math teacher when they wrote an incorrect answer on the chalkboard.

Despite his reputation for being the level-headed captain of Seigaku, Tezuka is deeply passionate in his convictions and self-sacrificing when it comes to the interests of his team. In his match with Atobe Keigo, he becomes focused on winning for the sake of advancing Seigaku to Nationals and continues to use techniques that further aggravate his injury, sacrificing the health of his arm for his team.

By the time he participates in the U-17 camp, he has become fixated on being a "Pillar of Support" for Seigaku and displays the same attitude toward Team Japan. Yamato helps him see the danger of that way of thinking. Tezuka then is able to enter Teni Muhou no Kiwami and is free to play tennis for himself.

Though he is stern, Tezuka is tolerant to the antics of Seigaku and shows fondness to his teammates.

History

Three Years Prior to the Main Story

In his last year of elementary school, three years prior to the main story, Tezuka met Sanada Genichirou and Yukimura Seiichi at a jr tournament. Tezuka easily beat the runner-up, Sanada, kicking off a rivalry that would last through junior high school. Yukimura, the tournament champion, challenged Tezuka to a match following Sanada's defeat. According to Sanada, it was an even match.

Two Years Prior to the Main Story

Tezuka entered Seishun Academy as a first year. His upperclassmen saw him as arrogant due to his talent and his generally stoic attitude. He was viewed even more poorly when the third years realized he had easily beaten all of them right-handed despite his left hand being his dominant hand. One of his teammates hit him in his left elbow, injuring his arm and sealing off his access to Muga no Kyouchi and Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami which required his left arm. Tezuka passionately declared that tennis should never be used for violence and attempted to quit the team. Yamato Yuudai, the third year captain, insisted that Tezuka stay on declaring that he could become Seigaku's "Pillar of Support." Due to his skill, Tezuka became a regular in his first year.

Knowing that Yamato could not accomplish his dream of Seigaku winning nationals before graduating, Tezuka made a promise with Ooishi Shuuichirou to take Seigaku to Nationals in their time at the school. Fuji Shuusuke requested a match with the recently injured Tezuka, quickly defeating him. Fuji was deeply displeased with the result and they made a promise to play again once his arm had completely healed. Tezuka convinced Kawamura Takashi that his incredible strength would help him stand out against the other players and make him a valuable member of the regulars one day.

One Year Prior to the Main Story

Tezuka was named the vice captain. It was originally stated that Tezuka defeated Hyoutei's captain in the Tokyo Prefectural Tournament. It was later ret-conned in Pair Puri Volume 1 that Atobe Keigo was Hyoutei's captain in his second year and that he beat Seigaku's captain at Nationals, therefore Tezuka is assumed to have played a third year regular. He was invited to the Jr Senbatsu training camp, but had to decline due to his injury. Sengoku Kiyosumi took his place.

Districts

Tezuka was the reserve player in all of the matches leading up to the match with Fudoumine. He was set to play Tachibana Kippei in the singles one spot, but the match was decided before they played.

Tokyo Prefecturals

Tezuka did not play against St. Rudolph in the semi-finals or Yamabuki in the finals due to both matches being decided prior to singles one. Ginka withdraws from the tournament, advancing Seigaku to Regionals.

Regionals

Tezuka is cleared to play by his doctor, Ooishi Akitaka, under the stipulation that he does not repeatedly use the Zero-Shiki Drop Shot which could re-injure his elbow. Seeing the potential in Echizen Ryouma, he challenges Echizen to a match. He humiliates Echizen, showing him that there is more to aim for than just defeating his father. He tells Echizen to become Seigaku's Pillar of Support, following in his footsteps.

In Seigaku's match against Hyoutei, Tezuka plays Atobe Keigo in singles one. Despite the recommendations of the doctor and pleading from Ooshi, he continues to put strain on his arm for the sake of Seigaku's victory. Atobe perceives that Tezuka is favoring his left elbow, despite the fact that the injury is healed, and exploits that weakness to injure Tezuka's left shoulder. After a grueling tie-break, Atobe emerges victorious and Tezuka must pursue treatment for his shoulder.

Rehabilitation in Kyushu

Tezuka leaves for Kyushu for rehabilitation, attending a hospital recommended to him by Tachibana Kippei. He meets Chitose Miyuki who accuses him of stealing her racquet. They get mixed up with students from Shishigaku who easily defeat the injured Tezuka who cannot lift his arm over shoulder height. Realizing Tezuka is injured, Miyuki steps in and takes on the Shishigaku student to defend Tezuka. Tezuka jumps back on the court to protect Miyuki from an overhead smash, realizing in so doing that his injury is long-since healed and that he had been held back by "yips."

Nationals

Tezuka returns in time for the Nationals brackets to be decided. Echizen also returns from America to participate in Nationals, and Tezuka welcomes him back on the regulars following his defeat of Ooishi for a regular spot.

In the second round, Tezuka plays his first match back from his injury against Higa's captain, Kite Eishirou. Though the match initially leans toward Kite, Tezuka reveals that Muga no Kyouchi and Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami are no longer sealed and overwhelms Kite. He chastises Kite for his use of violence to get an upper hand in a tennis match. Echizen is overwhelmed by the growth Tezuka has had since he left for rehabilitation and declares that he will take the mantle of "Pillar of Support" from Tezuka.

In the third round, Tezuka plays Kabaji Munehirou of Hyoutei. Kabaji reveals that he is able to be a play as a perfect copy of Tezuka, quickly catching up each time Tezuka gains an advantage. When it begins to rain, Tezuka's superior technique gives him the upper hand, defeating Kabaji 7-6.

In quarter-finals, Tezuka plays doubles with Inui Sadaharu against Shitenhouji's Chitose Senri and Zaizen Hikaru. Inui and Zaizen bow out of the match so that Tezuka and Chitose can both enter Muga no Kyouchi. Chitose takes an early lead using Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami, but Tezuka unveils his new serve, the Zero-Shiki Serve. He also begins to use Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami, but his predictions are more accurate. He beats Chitose abysmally, 6-1. Chitose begs Tezuka for a picture to send to his sister Miyuki back in Kyushu, but Tezuka pointedly refuses.

Before their match with Rikkai, Tezuka reveals to Ooishi that he has been offered the opportunity to pursue professional tennis in Germany and he intends to leave at the end of the school year. In finals against Rikkai, Tezuka is matched against Sanada Genichirou in singles two. Tezuka reveals a new technique developed at Echizen's suggestion, Tezuka Phantom. He uses the technique to combat Sanada's Fuu Rin Ka Zan. The long match takes a physical toll on both of them, Tezuka's arm aggravated from the repeated use of heavy spin and Sanada's knees from the use of his Rai ability. Sanada emerges victorious, settling the score from four years prior.

Under 17 Camp

The day before he leaves for the U-17 camp, Tezuka and his grandfather go fishing, much to the ire of Sanada Genechirou and Sanada Genemon. Tezuka's grandfather had a scheduled board game against Sanada's grandfather, but Tezuka's grandfather decided to skip it to go fishing with his grandson. While fishing, both Tezuka and his grandfather receive angry text messages from each other's respective rivals that read "TEZUKAAAAAA!!" Tezuka uses a new lure that has Oishi's likeness and reflects on Oishi giving it to him as a birthday gift.

Tezuka, along with all of the middle schoolers, is placed in an 7-point tie-break elimination match against someone they had chosen to partner with. Tezuka plays Kaidou Kaoru, drawing out the fighting spirit that has led Tezuka to choosing Kaidou as the next captain of Seigaku. He defeats Kaidou 7-0, earning a spot at the winners camp.

Tezuka initially begins on the 5th court. During the team shuffle match against court 3, he is placed in the singles two slot pitting him up against his former captain, Yamato Yuudai. Despite the fact that Yamato's appearance has drastically changed, Tezuka recognizes him.

In order to combat Yamato's Genu Yume Utsutsu, Tezuka relies on Tezuka Phantom, as he did in the match with Sanada. Yamato laments that he has driven Tezuka to feel he has to be the "Pillar of Support," commenting that he has just transferred what he was doing for Seigaku to Team Japan. He reveals that the injuries he had when he played Tezuka in Tezuka's first year of jr high left him with massive scars on his arm and put him through a horribly painful rehabilitation process. He encourages Tezuka to play tennis for himself and let go of his recklessness in the name of his team. With Yamato's blessing, Tezuka is able to let go of his mantle of "Pillar of Support" and enters Teni Muhou no Kiwami and defeats Yamato.

Tezuka makes the decision to leave the camp to pursue the opportunity in Germany. Fuji Shuusuke stops him, asking if they can play again before Tezuka leaves. Fuji is unable to compete with Tezuka at his full strength and is overwhelmed when Tezuka enters Teni Muhou no Kiwami. Tezuka puts an end to the match, catching the ball mid-rally and saying he will not play with Fuji as he is now.

World Cup

Tezuka is shown training at the Tennis Association of Germany with the German U-17 team prior to the World Cup matches beginning. He plays a practice match with team captain and professional tennis player Jürgen Valicevic Volk who completely overpowers Tezuka even after entering Teni Muhou no Kiwami. He instructs Tezuka to train his lower body to improve his stamina in long matches. Seigmand Pupke approaches Volk after the match to tell him he wishes to sign Tezuka for a pro contract, but Volk insists that Tezuka does not have the experience needed and that he should be re-evaluated after the World Cup.

Tezuka plays in round one of the World Cup Japan vs Germany in doubles with Q.P. versus Atobe Keigo and Irie Kanata. The Japanese team jeers him for being an "unpatriotic traitor." Tezuka and Q.P. quickly take the first 5 games. Despite Tezuka attempting to instill fight in Atobe, they easily win 6-0.

Anime only arcs

Rehabilitation in Germany

In the anime, Tezuka goes to a rehabilitation facility in Germany instead of Kyushu following the matches against Hyoutei in the regional tournament. Before he leaves for Germany, he plays a match against Echizen Ryouma playing with his right hand. Though the match is close, Tezuka develops Tezuka Zone right handed and ends the match with a right handed Zero Shiki Drop Shot. He encourages Echizen to also become more adaptable as a player and leaves for Germany. During his time there, he is visited by Seigaku.

Jr Senbatsu Camp

In the anime-only Jr Senbatsu arc, the camp is down one coach after Ryuuzaki Sumire collapses and is taken to the hospital. Tezuka returns from Germany to step in as a coach in her stead, though he initially meets opposition from Kajimoto Takahisa who rallies the rest of the team to request that Tezuka prove himself to the players he is coaching. Once he defeats each of them easily, despite his injury, they agree to follow him.

Tezuka sits as a bench coach during the matches against the American team.

Pre-Nationals Return to Seigaku

The final arc of the original anime features Tezuka returning to Seigaku prior to Nationals. Echizen also returns from the US so that they can play one final match so he can finally move on to playing tennis in the US. Echizen defeats Tezuka after a long, close match and Seigaku joins Tezuka in wishing Echizen well in the Jr US Open.

Practice Matches with Shitenhouji

After the Nationals, Seigaku travels to Osaka for practice matches with Shitenhoji. On the first day, Tezuka is matched up against tooyama Kintaro, but their match is interrupted by the antics of the Baka Pair. When they have time to explore the city on their own, Tezuka visits a bookstore to pick up a German dictionary. He encounters Chitose Miyuki and asks her to encourage Chitose Senri to come to the practice matches. He learns that she won her school tournament and congratulates her before parting ways.

Higa, jealous of Seigaku's air conditioned hotel room, sneak attack Seigaku with a pillow fight when they return to their room. Kite Eishirou hurls a pillow at Tezuka's face, narrowly missing him (a nod to him hitting Tezuka's cheek with a rock in their match). Tezuka retaliates by hitting Kite square in the face with a pillow and instigating a pillow fight.

Tezuka uses the training camp as an opportunity to give Momoshiro and Kaidou the chance to step into a leadership role. He and the other 3rd year regulars do not join them for the second day of matches, ultimately resulting in an argument breaking out between Momoshiro and Kaidou. Tezuka will not let the other 3rd year students help Momoshiro and Kaidou. Ultimately, the other 1st and 2nd year Seigaku students ask Tezuka for his help to coordinate the next day of practice matches to show they will be able to fill in the gap left when the 3rd years graduate. Tezuka coordinates the 1st and 2nd years gathering to practice with Shitenhouji over text message, ultimately conveying the message to Momoshiro and Kaidou.

Playstyle

Tezuka is an all-rounder who specializes in technique and finesse. Most of his skills are developed around controlling the pace of the match and applying advantageous spin to his shots. Due to the strain placed on his left arm from many of his techniques, his abilities are not meant to be used for prolonged periods of time.

New Prince of Tennis Fanbook 10.5 Information

Speed - 4.5: He has the speed of a top class athlete, but he is unable to travel at unbelievable speeds.

Power - 4: When he activates Hyakuren Jitoku no Kiwami, he is able to exhibit astounding power. However, his own playstyle is not very powerful.

Stamina - 4: Because he strictly regulates himself, the stamina of his cardio vascular system is not a problem. However, in a drawn out match, parts of his body will tend to scream out. The only thing he needs to do is work on the stamina of his burdened elbow.

Mental - 5: He is the type that can sacrifice his body nonchalantly. Once he conquered his yips, he acquired a steel will.

Technique - 6: With things like his Zero-Shiki shots and Tezuka Zone, he stands above the rest with skills that can send his opponents into despair.

Kurobe's Memo: Of course, I had intended to have him flourish within the 1st String, however it can't be helped since he withdrew from the camp. It'll only be a matter of time for him to reach the top level of the pros.

Prince of Tennis Fanbook 10.5 Information

Lateral Jump Repetitions: 63

Shuttle-run Repetitions: 121

Max weight capacity on back: 131kg

Grip strength: 55.5kg (left hand)

Upper body bend (back hyperextension): 60.8cm

Sit and Reach: 29.1cm

50m Dash: 6.43 seconds

Standing long jump: 241cm

Hand ball toss: 37.1m

1500m Marathon: 4 minutes, 39 seconds

Zero-Shiki Drop Shot

A slice drop volley with heavy backspin. Once the ball hits the ground, it rolls back to the net due to the heavy backspin on the ball. In the anime, Tezuka is shown to only hit this volley with his backhand, but in the manga he hits both backhand and forehand. When he hits the Zero-Shiki Drop Shot, his form is very similar to a regular slice backhand volley which makes it difficult to determine which shot he will hit. This sets him apart from other users of the move such as Echizen Ryouma.

Tezuka Zone

Tezuka controls the pace of the match by applying overwhelming spin on the ball. Every ball that he hits over the net returns to him regardless of how his opponent hits the ball. He is able to conserve energy by pivoting on one foot rather than running after every ball.

Zero-Shiki Serve

A slice serve with heavy backspin. Once the ball hits the ground, it rolls back to the net due to the heavy backspin on the ball.

Tezuka Phantom

Like Tezuka Zone, Tezuka uses this ability to control the pace of the match by applying overwhelming spin on the ball. However, every ball that is returned is forced out by the spin on the ball.

Muga no Kyouchi

The user plays unconsciously and moves based on their prior experiences. As a result, the opponent cannot predict which shot comes next. The user's performance level also increases. However, using Muga drains stamina much quicker than normal and its unpredictable movements may be ineffective against high-level opponents.

Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami

Tezuka concentrates Muga's energy into his left arm to return shots with double the power and spin. It also minimizes fatigue. However, since Muga's energy no longer extends to the rest of the body, it is best used in combination with a move like Tezuka Zone.

Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami

By concentrating Muga's energy into the brain, the user simulates all possible scenarios for the next point. This allows the user to determine the minimum number of shots necessary to win the point and create an "absolute prediction."

Teni Muhou no Kiwami

Teni Muhou is achieved by transcending the desire for victory and fear of defeat and play tennis for its own sake. When in this state, Muga's energy is amplified and explodes without waste in the right place at the right time.

Personal Information

• Favorite Food: Unacha (green tea poured over rice, dashi, and fried eel)
• Favorite Color: Green and Blue
• Favorite Motto: The enemy exists within oneself.
• Favorite Movie: Classics, both Japanese and foreign.
• Favorite Book: Western classics
• Favorite Music: Beethoven (Classical)
• Favorite Type (of person): Those who always give 100% (even if they are a little scatterbrained). A person who is energetic and serious.
• Favorite Date Spot: Fishing in mountain streams.
• Father's Occupation: Company Employee (Firm/Trading Company)
• School Committee: Student Council President
• Best Subject: World History
• Worst Subject: None
• Most Visited Spot on Campus: Library
• Hobbies: Fishing, Camping, Mountain Climbing
• Dislikes: Being idle, procrastinating
• Spends His Allowance On: Book rental fees
• Most Wanted Item: Photograph of a famous mountain
• Skills Outside of Tennis: Carpentry and woodwork
• Random Fact: The number of times he has run around the ground in one year (5,870).

Daily School Life

• 05:30 - Wakes up. Has breakfast after stretching and weight training.
• 06:30 - Listens to English Language lessons on the radio
• 06:50 - Goes to school. Morning tennis practice
• 08:40 - First Period: Social Studies/World History
• 09:40 - Second Period: Calligraphy
• 11:00 - Third Period: Math III.
• 12:00 - Fourth Period: Music/Classics Appreciation.
• 12:50 - Lunch break: Eats unacha
• 13:20 - Fifth Period: P.E./Hurdling
• 14:20 - Sixth Period: Science III/Physics.
• 15:20 - Student council meeting. Takes care of reports on suggested items.
• 16:00 - Club activities. Free practice.
• 19:00 - Returns home. Takes a bath
• 19:30 - Dinner.
• 20:00 - Watches the TV program "The gluttonous player title." (recording)
• 21:00 - Reads. (Primarily foreign books.)
• 21:30 - Writes in his diary. Goes over points for reflection.
• 22:30 - Goes to sleep.

Tennis Bag Contents

Glasses Case

Notebook and Pen

Protection Charm

English Novel "The Big Bad City" by Ed McBain

3rd Year Math Reference Guide

Wristband

English to Japanese Dictionary

Gatsby Deodorant Spray

Relationships

Echizen Ryouma

Tezuka is a mentor and rival to Echizen, initially seeing him as the future of Seigaku's tennis club and asking him to take over as the "Pillar of Support" for Seigaku. He serves as one of the primary points of motivation for Ryoma's improvement throughout the series.

Oishi Syuchirou

In their first year of junior high school, Oishi and Tezuka made a promise to one another to take their team to Nationals to fulfill the goal that Yamato was not able to complete in his time as captain. Oishi is vice captain of the club and takes on Tezuka's responsibilities during his injury.

Fuji Shuusuke

Fuji has seen Tezuka as his ultimate goal, the person he wants to overcome, through most of the series. Tezuka continues to push Fuji to improve and in turn, Fuji continues to evolve. As of the World Cup match against Germany, Fuji has developed a new offensive play style with hopes of overcoming Tezuka.

Atobe Keigo

The match with Tezuka leaves Atobe shaken. Though Atobe wins the match, he ultimately feels like he lost in a contest of wills against Tezuka. When Tezuka leaves for Germany during U-17, Atobe tells him to leave Team Japan to him. Atobe and Niou play doubles together with Niou playing in his Tezuka illusion, a pair called the "Strongest Pair."

Sanada Genichirou

Tezuka and Sanada's grandfathers are long-time friends from their police academy days. Sanada first met Tezuka on the tennis court before junior high and was utterly defeated by him. He holds out a sense of rivalry, sealing away his "Rai" ability until he could use it to defeat Tezuka in Nationals.

Yamato Yuudai

Yamato encourages Tezuka in his first year to not give up the tennis club, instead insisting he become Seigaku's "Pillar of Support." He later comes to regret this, realizing Tezuka has become fixated on his role and no longer plays tennis for himself. In their match at the U-17 camp, Yamato frees Tezuka of this way of thinking and helps him to unlock Teni Muho no Kiwami.

Chitose Miyuki

Miyuki meets Tezuka while he is in his rehabilitation in Kyushu. She helps him realize that his injury is fully healed and that he is still held back by the "yips." She develops a crush on him and asks her brother to get pictures of him.

Trivia

• Konomi stated in the 40.5 fanbook that Tezuka is the character who is most unlike himself. He also said Tezuka is the character he would pick to play doubles with and he wants to use his signature moves Tezuka Zone and Tezuka Phantom.
• The Tezuka vs. Atobe match from the Hyoutei arc was voted the best match in the series by fans. This, along with the other matches selected, are set to be animated in a new OVA series titled Prince of Tennis BEST GAMES!!.
• His grandfather Tezuka Kunikazu is old friends with Sanada's grandfather, Sanada Genemon from their days in the police force. The two often play Shōgi together with 99 wins and 99 losses each.
• When he was 10 years old, Tezuka and his father climbed Matterhorn in Switzerland
• Tezuka was vice captain at Seigaku in his second year.
• Since Tezuka looks older than he really is, he has been mistaken for a teacher. [3]
• In official art, Tezuka is shown winning a tournament at age 25.
• He speaks German.
• He recently purchased a new pair of hiking boots and is deciding which mountain to climb next.

Words for the Two

Others about Name

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Name about others

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Music

• Song name
• Song name feat. other characters

Gallery

• 

  Tezuka SSR from the Rising Beat mobile game.

• 

  Original illustration by Konomi Takeshi to celebrate the Atobe vs. Tezuka match being ranked #1 by fans.

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  Tezuka SR from the 2017 Valentine event in the Rising Beat mobile game.

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  Official art of Tezuka, age 25, winning a tournament.

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  Tezuka's bedroom from the Prince of Tennis 10.5 fanbook.

Quotes

• "Don't let your guard down." (油断せずに行こう)
• "Echizen, become Seigaku's pillar of support." (越前青学の柱になれ)