The Anime Fandom has not quite been hit by nostalgia long enough in the recent year. Although if it has, the one that stands out the most has to be our subject matter for the write-up. Is The First Slam Dunk Based on Real Life?
A recent surge of nostalgic films sweep across Japan
- The recent series of nostalgic films have been quite a treat for the fans. With Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume no Tojimari and One Piece Film Red Competing against Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0.
- We also saw the recent breeze of Code Geass Lelouch of Resurrection film hitting the theatres. It seems the anime fandom is quite heavily impacted by films that adapt old franchises and bring them back to life.
The First Slam Dunk movie was released first in Japanese theatres. Currently, it’s walking its worldwide release on a global scale. Although not quite there yet, with no official confirmations whatsoever.
First Slam Dunk has revved a Basketball Hype back in Asia
Based on the popular manga series Slam Dunk by Takehiko Inoue, The First Slam Dunk retells the original franchise’s story. The First Slam Dunk, released last year in 2022, is actually directed by Inoue-san himself.
That attests to why the film has been such a pop culture phenomenon. The world is going as far as saying that The First Slam Dunk has revived the Basketball hype all around Asia.
The Legacy of Slam Dunk Anime
- Slam Dunk Manga got its anime adaptation way back in 1993. Toei Animation, which was the then leading competitor in the Anime Industry, aired the show from 1993 to 1996. It particularly reached the western audience.
It also engraved the sports genre into the Anime industry. It’s no fret to say that the likes of Blue Lock, Haikyuu!! are inspired by the 90s Sports work – which is dominated by names such as Hajime no Ippo and Slam Dunk.
Slam Dunk Manga
- Anime aside, the Manga has about 170 million copies in circulation. Easily taking a spot in the top 10 best-selling manga series in history. It has also won the 1994 40th Shogakukan Manga Award in Shonen Category.
- Inoue back then helped revolutionize the hype for basketball in Japan. It was soaring its popularity through the sky.
Almost two decades later, Inoue’s retelling of his original Slam Dunk has again soared similar response. Just this time, it is immediately spread all across Asia.
Although at this point I will refrain myself from using such as “revitalizing Basketball in the west”. Although it can be said for Basketball, I have no doubt that the western world is as occupied with this sport as possible. There’s little room for further hype, but that does not mean The First Slam Dunk worldwide release will be anything short of amazing.
Is The First Slam Dunk based on real life?
No, The First Slam Dunk is not based on any real-life character. At least not confirmable by the author. There was an urban legend about a picture of Hanamichi Sakuragi.
However, it was later confirmed on multiple Reddit and other social media platforms that the picture was actually a member of a band named X Japan.
Yoshiki Hayashi is the name of the person whose picture was considered to be of the real-life hanamachi Sakuragi. So no The First Slam Dunk is not based on real life.
The First Slam Dunk Asia Release
- So far The First Slam Dunk has been released in Japan. That was back on December 3.
- On January 4, 2023, it was released in South Korea.
- It was released in Hong Kong and Macau in the second week of January.
Currently, it seems the film is following a set schedule for the Asia release. The movie is not out for worldwide viewing yet, sorry U.S readers ;(
But with all its hype, it is inevitable for The First Slam Dunk global release to happen soon. We will update you as shortly as we get news of its worldwide release.
