Akasaki is a mid-fielder of ETU and became the first ETU player since Tatsumi to play for the National Team.  Position: MF years old Height: 175cm Weight: 68kg  Jersey: #15  Gino has designated Akasaki his guard dog and given him the nickname Zaki. Along with Tsubaki, Akasaki co-ordinates well with Gino and assists the later with his play-making. As an offensive mid-fielder, Akasaki has scored three goals. The most vital of Akasaki's goals came against the Osaka Gunners, being the first goal that mark the change in the course of the game.  Indeed, Akasaki has performed so well during the season that he was invited to the U-23 National Olympic Team for their preliminary match against Hong Kong. During the match, Akasaki's assist led to the goal that saw Japan be victorious against Hong Kong. His National Team jersey number is 23.  Akasaki's hobby is listening to music.  (Source: Wikipedia)

A truly great coach makes the game of soccer interesting! Tatsumi Takeshi is 35 and has spent the last few years coaching in England before being brought back to Japan to coach his old team. His favorite pastime? Causing giant upsets—aka Giant Killing!
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(Source: Kodansha USA)

East Tokyo United, ETU, has been struggling in Japan's top football league for a few years.  It has taken everything they have just to avoid relegation. To make matters even worse, the fans are starting to abandon the team.<br><br>
In an effort to improve their performance, ETU has hired a new coach, the slightly eccentric Tatsumi Takeshi.  Tatsumi, who was considered a great football player when he was younger, abandoned the team years before but has proven himself as the manager of one of England's lower division amateur teams.  The task won't be easy, the teams East Tokyo United is pitted against have bigger budgets and better players.  However, Tatsumi is an expert at Giant Killing.

Ryou Akasaki