[“Manga mitai” = Just like a manga]Liverpool FC and Kodansha tell the story of the emotional moments at Anfield!

Kodansha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Masanobu Noma, hereinafter referred to as “Kodansha”) is a member of the English Premier League, “Liverpool Football Club” (Headquarters: Merseyside, UK, CEO: Billy) We have entered into an “Official Global Partnership'' agreement with Liverpool FC (hereinafter referred to as “Liverpool FC''). (

In May 2024, Liverpool FC and Kodansha released three projects at their home stadium, Anfield. In these projects, Kodansha aims to leverage its editing skills to tell compelling stories of unforgettable moments that fans and teams create together.

Overview of new project

1. Renewal of the Kodansha corner at Anfield Stadium

The Kodansha Corner, which is becoming an iconic spot at Anfield, has been unveiled in a new look.new muralIt was created by manga artist Tsuyoshi Yasuda. Five players appear in the work: Virgil Van Dyke, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Missy Beau Kearns, Wataru Endo, and Fuka Nagano. With the theme of “growth and dreams” of Liverpool FC players, the story skillfully interweaves the past and present.

2. Kodansha LED display updated at Anfield Stadium

The Kodansha LED display that plays during the match,“Manga mitai (= just like a manga)”The game has been completely redesigned with a new theme, depicting the players moving just like cartoon characters, giving a dramatic look to the exciting moments that occur during the match.

3. Special edition of the matchday program

As part of Liverpool FC's “Red Together” project

in partnership with Kodansha, Tsuyoshi Yasuda created a special cover for the match day program for Liverpool FC vs. Tottenham Hotspur in Round 36 of the Premium League on May 5. I did. The cover depicts Liverpool FC's multinational players as if they were straight out of a story, and is a visual symbol of the bond between the club, its fans and its local community. The players pictured are Virgil Van Dyke, Dalwin Nunez, Grace Fisk (LFCW), Wataru Endo, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Fuka Nagano (LFCW), and Missy Beau Kearns (LFCW).*Liverpool FC's “Red Together” project: Liverpool FC's code of conduct for equality, diversity and social inclusion.Detail ishere

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Through these initiatives, Liverpool FC and Kodansha will create new experiences at Anfield. Please look forward to our continued creative journey.

In 2002, “Overdrive” debuted as a manga artist. After that, her masterpiece soccer manga “DAYS” won the Kodansha Manga Award in the boys category. Currently, “Weekly Shonen Magazine” is a story of determination and growth against the backdrop of history.blue mibro

” is currently being serialized. It is supported by many readers for its characters and stories that resonate with each other.

■About Kodansha Co., Ltd.

Since its founding in 1909, Kodansha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masanobu Noma) has maintained the company's policy of being “interesting and informative,” and has produced magazines, comics, book series, etc. We have developed publications in all genres. Furthermore, we aim to “Inspire Impossible Stories” to people all over the world, and provide new discoveries and creativity to both creators, readers, and users (=Inspire), creating stories that are impossible and never seen before. By continuing to create Impossible stories, we are disseminating a variety of content. For more information,www.kodansha.com/jp/

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■What is Liverpool Football Club?

Founded in 1892, Liverpool FC is one of the most historic and famous football clubs in the world, having won 19 league titles including the Premier League, eight FA Cups, nine League Cups and six They have won the European Cup, three UEFA Cups, four European Super Cups, 16 Charity Shields, two Women's Super League titles and one Women's Championship.

As a socially responsible club, Liverpool FC is committed to 'The Red Way' – a movement that creates a better future for our staff, the environment and our communities. This award-winning initiative aims to improve sustainability across the club and strengthen equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas. It also includes a commitment to provide life-changing opportunities to children and young people in Merseyside and the surrounding area through our official charity, the LFC Foundation.

【Official site】

(English)

(Japanese)

■inspiRED

“inspiRED” is a coined word of “Inspire” + “Reds”. It combines the brand purpose “Inspire Impossible Stories,'' established last year by Kodansha to spread the philosophy “Entertaining and Instructive'' that Kodansha has advocated since its founding to the world, and Liverpool FC's nickname “the Reds.'' The project aims to realize the core values ​​of both parties worldwide, and is currently disseminating various messages and content.

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About the activities of Liverpool FC and Kodansha

Liverpool FC and Kodansha share a common philosophy in that they have both been dedicated to the development of culture for over 100 years.

Liverpool FC, which places emphasis on activities off the pitch, has established a foundation (hereinafter referred to as the LFC Foundation) and has a history of actively supporting local residents in Liverpool, including educational activities and employment support. .

As a symbolic CSR activity, Kodansha has been carrying out the “Let's Play with Books: National Visiting Storytelling Group'' for over 20 years, in which more than 500 picture books from various publishers are loaded into carabunkers and read aloud throughout the country. At the same time, we have focused our efforts on discovering new talent and creating opportunities for their activities, such as by presiding over various awards related to the arts as well as international contributions.

After entering into the “Official Global Partnership” in 2021, Kodansha will collaborate with the LFC Foundation to create opportunities for young people, mainly high school students, who live in difficult environments, to learn about the creative industry and find employment. We have launched the “Creative Works” program, which provides opportunities for learning skills and internships. We also provide local support to help children learn to read and write from an early age, and provide creative publications and materials to bring out their creative talents. On World Book Day, we held an event at Anfield that included a surprise opportunity to interact with players. Please see the partnership site for details.