The beloved kendo manga series Bamboo Blade is making a comeback to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special one-shot manga! Fans of the series can rejoice as Masahiro Totsuka and Aguri Igarashi reunite to bring back the world of high school kendo and the unforgettable characters that made the series a hit.
A Nostalgic Return to the Dojo
The announcement came via this year’s 12th issue of Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine, released on June 6th, 2025, which featured the first part of the two-part 20th-anniversary one-shot. The second part is set to be published in the magazine’s next issue.
The titles of the two parts offer a glimpse into what fans can expect:
- Part 1: “Muroe Kōkō Kendō-bu to ○-nen Ato” (Muroe High School Kendō Club and __ Years Later)
- Part 2: “Honki Kojirō to Gachi Tama” (Serious Kojirō and Earnest Tamaki)
These titles suggest a focus on the original cast and a potential look at their lives after the conclusion of the main series. What could the members of the Muroe High School Kendo Club be up to years later? How have their kendo skills and personal lives evolved? And what challenges might Kojiro and Tamaki face as they get serious about kendo once again?
A Look Back at Bamboo Blade
Bamboo Blade, written by Masahiro Totsuka and illustrated by Aguri Igarashi, originally ran in Young Gangan from December 2004 to September 2010. The series was compiled into 14 volumes and gained international recognition, including an English release by Yen Press.
The story centers around Toraji “Kojiro” Ishida, a down-on-his-luck high school kendo instructor burdened by debt and a diet of instant noodles. His fortunes seem to change when he makes a bet with his former upperclassman, also a kendo instructor: if Kojiro’s all-girls kendo team can beat his rival’s team in a practice match, he’ll win a year’s worth of free sushi.
The catch? Kojiro only has one active member on his team. Desperate for the sushi prize, he sets out to recruit and train a squad of four more girls, leading him to Tamaki Kawazoe, a gifted and serious young剣道 practitioner. However, Tamaki isn’t initially interested in joining the team. Kojiro must find a way to convince her to join and lead the team to victory.
Bamboo Blade is a heartwarming and humorous sports manga that combines the excitement of kendo with the everyday lives and personal growth of its characters. The series explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams, all while showcasing the discipline and spirit of kendo.
More Than Just a Manga: Spinoffs and Anime
The popularity of Bamboo Blade led to several spinoff series, expanding the world and characters even further:
- Bamboo Blade B: Written by Totsuka and illustrated by Studio Neko, this series ran in Monthly Shonen Gangan from 2009 to 2013.
- Bamboo Blade C: Written by Totsuka and illustrated by Jingu Takao, this series was published in Monthly Big Gangan from 2013 to 2016.
- BB Deformer: A four-panel comic strip by Totsuka and illustrator Saki Azumi, also published in Monthly Big Gangan from 2013 to 2016.
In 2007, Bamboo Blade was adapted into a 26-episode anime television series directed by Hisashi Saitō and produced by AIC ASTA. The anime stayed true to the manga’s storyline, bringing the characters and kendo matches to life with vibrant animation and a memorable soundtrack.
What Makes Bamboo Blade So Special?
Bamboo Blade stands out in the sports manga genre for several reasons:
- Relatable Characters: The characters in Bamboo Blade are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. From the struggling teacher Kojiro to the dedicated Tamaki, the audience can easily connect with their struggles and triumphs.
- Humor and Heart: The series strikes a perfect balance between humor and heartwarming moments. The comedic situations and interactions between the characters provide plenty of laughs, while the emotional depth and personal growth of the characters add a layer of sincerity.
- Accurate Depiction of Kendo: Bamboo Blade accurately portrays the discipline, techniques, and spirit of kendo. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and exciting, showcasing the skill and dedication required to excel in the sport.
- Strong Female Leads: The series features a cast of strong and capable female characters who defy stereotypes. Each member of the kendo team brings her own unique talents and perspectives, contributing to the team’s success and personal growth.
- Themes of Friendship and Perseverance: Bamboo Blade emphasizes the importance of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. The characters support each other through thick and thin, overcoming challenges and achieving their goals through hard work and dedication.
The Enduring Legacy of Bamboo Blade
Even years after its conclusion, Bamboo Blade continues to be remembered and cherished by fans worldwide. The series has left a lasting impact on the sports manga genre, inspiring countless readers and viewers to pursue their own dreams and embrace the values of friendship, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
The 20th-anniversary one-shot is a testament to the enduring legacy of Bamboo Blade and a gift to its loyal fans. It’s an opportunity to revisit the world and characters we love and to experience the excitement and heartwarming moments that made the series so special.
What to Expect from the One-Shot
While details about the one-shot are scarce, fans can speculate on what the story might entail. Will it focus on the original members of the Muroe High School Kendo Club, showcasing their lives and careers after graduation? Will it introduce a new generation of kendo students, carrying on the legacy of their predecessors? Or will it explore a previously untold story from the series’ timeline?
Based on the titles of the two parts, it’s likely that the one-shot will delve into the personal lives of Kojiro and Tamaki, perhaps exploring their relationship and their continued involvement in kendo. Will Kojiro finally find success as a kendo instructor? Will Tamaki continue to pursue her passion for kendo and achieve even greater heights?
Whatever the story may be, fans can expect the one-shot to capture the essence of Bamboo Blade: the humor, the heart, and the excitement of kendo. It’s a chance to reconnect with the characters we love and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a truly special manga series.
Where to Read the One-Shot
The first part of the Bamboo Blade 20th-anniversary one-shot is available in the 12th issue of Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine, released on June 6th, 2025. The second part will be published in the magazine’s next issue.
For fans outside of Japan, keep an eye on online manga platforms and scanlation groups for potential translations. Yen Press, the English publisher of the original Bamboo Blade manga, may also announce plans to release the one-shot in English.
Join the Celebration!
The 20th anniversary of Bamboo Blade is a cause for celebration for fans worldwide. Share your memories and fan art on social media using the hashtag #BambooBlade20thAnniversary. Re-watch the anime, re-read the manga, and spread the love for this unforgettable series.
The return of Bamboo Blade is a reminder that great stories never truly end. They continue to inspire, entertain, and connect us, reminding us of the power of friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of our dreams.
