Farewell, My Dear Cramer: A Deep Dive into the Soccer Saga
Farewell, My Dear Cramer is a compelling sports series that captures the intensity, strategy, and passion of women's soccer. Written and illustrated by Naoshi Arakawa, the story follows the journey of aspiring athletes as they navigate the challenges of competitive play, team dynamics, and personal growth. The series title pays homage to Dettmar Cramer, the influential German footballer and manager.
Key Facts
- Creator: Written and illustrated by Naoshi Arakawa.
- Manga Serialization: Published in Kodansha's Monthly Shōnen Magazine from May 6, 2016, to December 4, 2020.
- Manga Volume Count: 14 tankōbon volumes.
- Anime Studio: Animated by Liden Films.
- Anime Broadcast: Aired from April 4 to June 27, 2021, on Tokyo MX.
- Core Theme: The development and struggles of the Warabi Seinan girls' soccer team.
The Manga Series
The manga began its run in 2016, blending technical soccer knowledge with character-driven drama. Kodansha compiled the chapters into 14 volumes, with the final volume released on April 1, 2021. To reach a global audience, the series was released digitally via Kindle and Comixology, with Crunchyroll beginning publication in 2018.
Print editions for English readers were announced by Kodansha Comics in July 2019, eventually rolling out from January 26, 2021, through March 28, 2023.
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Manga Volume Release Timeline
| Vol. | Original Release | English Release | Original ISBN | English ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 17, 2016 | January 26, 2021 | 978-4-06-392539-5 | 978-1-63236-965-9 |
| 2 | January 17, 2017 | March 30, 2021 | 978-4-06-392561-6 | 978-1-63236-985-7 |
| 3 | June 16, 2017 | May 25, 2021 | 978-4-06-392581-4 | 978-1-64651-099-3 |
| 4 | October 17, 2017 | June 26, 2021 | 978-4-06-392599-9 | 978-1-64651-100-6 |
| 5 | February 16, 2018 | August 24, 2021 | 978-4-06-510882-6 | 978-1-64651-101-3 |
| 6 | June 15, 2018 | February 8, 2022 | 978-4-06-511705-7 | 978-1-64651-102-0 |
| 7 | October 17, 2018 | April 26, 2022 | 978-4-06-513751-2 | 978-1-64651-103-7 |
| 8 | February 15, 2019 | May 10, 2022 | 978-4-06-514619-4 | 978-1-64651-104-4 |
| 9 | June 17, 2019 | June 14, 2022 | 978-4-06-516098-5 | 978-1-64651-105-1 |
| 10 | October 17, 2019 | July 26, 2022 | 978-4-06-517369-5 | 978-1-64651-429-8 |
| 11 | February 17, 2020 | September 27, 2022 | 978-4-06-518543-8 | 978-1-64651-592-9 |
| 12 | June 17, 2020 | December 13, 2022 | 978-4-06-519685-4 | 978-1-64651-593-6 |
| 13 | October 16, 2020 | January 31, 2023 | 978-4-06-521042-0 | 978-1-64651-594-3 |
| 14 | April 1, 2021 | March 28, 2023 | 978-4-06-522990-3 | 978-1-64651-719-0 |
The Anime Adaptation
Announced in September 2020, the anime adaptation brought the world of Warabi Seinan to life through the animation of Liden Films. Directed by Seiki Takuno, the series featured series composition by Natsuko Takahashi and a musical score by Masaru Yokoyama. The show aired on Tokyo MX in early 2021, with worldwide streaming provided by Crunchyroll (outside Asia) and Muse Communication (Southeast Asia).
The series is characterized by its focus on tactical soccer, including concepts like Catenaccio (a defensive tactical system emphasizing a strong defense and counter-attacks) and the use of a false nine (a center-forward who drops deep into midfield to draw out defenders).
Production and Music
- Opening Theme: "Ambitious Goal" performed by Aika Kobayashi.
- Ending Theme: "Kuyashii koto wa Kettobase" performed by Mikako Komatsu.
Plot and Character Arc
The story centers on Nozomi, a talented player who previously played with boys' teams, and her teammates at Warabi Seinan. Under the guidance of coach Naoko Nōmi, a former Japan women's national team player, and assistant coach Goro, the team faces steep challenges. From a devastating 21-0 loss against the powerful Kunogi team to their struggle against the tactical discipline of Urawa Hosei, the girls learn that success requires more than just raw talent.
The narrative explores the psychological toll of competition, the importance of nutritional science (led by Sawa), and the resilience needed to bounce back from defeat. Despite a 2-0 loss to Urawa Hosei in the national tournament, the series concludes with a renewed commitment from Nozomi and her teammates to build a truly strong team at Warabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of Farewell, My Dear Cramer?
The series is written and illustrated by Naoshi Arakawa.
What is the significance of the title?
The title refers to Dettmar Cramer, a renowned German footballer and manager.
How many volumes does the manga have?
The manga consists of 14 tankōbon volumes.
Which studio animated the series?
The anime was produced by Liden Films.
What is the main conflict in the anime's tournament arc?
The main conflict involves Warabi Seinan's struggle to overcome the tactical "Catenaccio" style and high press of Urawa Hosei, resulting in a 2-0 defeat that motivates the team to train harder for the next season.