Fans of the long-running tennis franchise “The Prince of Tennis” have cause for excitement as a direct sequel to “The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Semifinal” anime has been officially announced. The new series, titled “The Prince of Tennis II U-17 World Cup Kessho Member Ketteisen” (Final Member Selection Match), will focus on the intense internal playoffs to determine Japan’s representatives for the upcoming World Cup final against Spain.
The announcement was made during “The Prince of Tennis Fest 2025” event held in Minatomirai. While the news confirms the continuation of the high-stakes international tournament arc, specific details regarding the release date and animation staff for the “Final Member Selection Match” were not immediately disclosed.
Continuation of the U-17 World Cup Saga
This newly announced anime will serve as a direct follow-up to “The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Semifinal,” which aired from October to December 2024. That series captivated audiences with Japan’s dramatic confrontation against the formidable German team. The narrative arc of “The Prince of Tennis II” has steadily expanded the scope of the tennis battles from individual school rivalries to national and international tournaments.
The Journey to the World Stage
The “U-17 World Cup” arc began with “The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup,” a 13-episode anime television series that aired from July to September 2022. This season introduced the concept of the elite U-17 (Under 17) High School Representatives Selection Camp, where middle school tennis prodigy Ryoma Echizen and other talented players were invited to train and compete. The premise often saw Ryoma Echizen, after being initially removed from Japan’s training camp, trying out for the U.S. team, leading to a unique dynamic where he faced off against his former friends.
The previous installments have showcased the fierce competition as Japan’s hopefuls aimed to prove their mettle against seasoned high school players and international powerhouses. Crunchyroll has licensed and streamed these series, providing both subtitled and English-dubbed versions to a global audience.
What to Expect from “Kessho Member Ketteisen”
The “Kessho Member Ketteisen” (Final Member Selection Match) will delve into the critical internal playoffs within the Japanese team. This stage is crucial as it will determine the ultimate lineup of players who will face Spain in the highly anticipated U-17 World Cup final. Fans can anticipate intense matches, strategic gameplay, and emotional character development as the players vie for a spot on the most prestigious stage in the series’ history.
The End of an Era for the Manga
In related news, the original manga series, “The Prince of Tennis II,” penned by Takeshi Konomi, is confirmed to be entering its final year and is expected to conclude in 2026. Serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square since March 2009, the manga has been an ongoing narrative following the events shortly after the original “The Prince of Tennis” series. The manga’s impending conclusion suggests that the anime adaptation will likely follow its storyline to its grand finale.
As further details about the production staff, cast, and an official release date for “The Prince of Tennis II U-17 World Cup Kessho Member Ketteisen” emerge, the excitement for the culmination of this epic tennis saga is sure to grow.
