Bachi Bachi バチバチ

 

Bachi Bachi Review (Rating: 5/5)

Overview
Bachi Bachi is a sumo manga by Takahiro Sato, serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion. Set in the realistic world of professional sumo, the story follows the growth of the protagonist and his numerous matches, from the lowest ranks to the top division. It vividly depicts not only the matches but also training, life in the stable, and relationships among wrestlers, making the魅力 of sumo accessible even to readers unfamiliar with the sport.

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Synopsis

The story centers on Koitaro Samejima, a young sumo wrestler from Yamagata Prefecture. At 176 cm, he is relatively small and slender for a rikishi. From an early age, Koitaro developed extraordinary physical abilities through unique training and a strong fighting spirit. He is the son of the famed ozeki Karyu, once rumored to be capable of reaching yokozuna, but his father was expelled following a scandal. After a difficult childhood, including a failed challenge against his father, Koitaro hones his skills under the guidance of the Saito family and through relentless practice.

Koitaro starts his sumo career in the lowest division (jonokuchi) and gradually rises through the ranks. Along the way, he faces rivals and mentors who challenge him, pushing him to develop both his technical skill and mental strength. The story tracks his journey from a promising young wrestler to a formidable competitor in the top divisions.

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Characters

• Koitaro Samejima
  The protagonist. A small but determined wrestler who combines pushing techniques and yotsu-sumo (grappling). Koitaro is known for his “buchikamashi” (powerful thrusts) and hand-slaps, later adding throwing techniques to his repertoire. Through hard work and mentorship, he grows from a hot-headed rookie into a respected top-division wrestler. Despite his size, he earns recognition for his strength, skill, and maturity.

• Many other wrestlers
  Throughout the story, numerous other rikishi, including rivals and seniors, shape Koitaro’s growth and the competitive atmosphere of the sumo world.

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Story Progression

Bachi Bachi follows Koitaro’s development from jonokuchi to the top division. Early chapters focus on his childhood, personal challenges, and the legacy of his father, highlighting the rigorous training that forms his foundation. Midway through the series, he competes against more experienced wrestlers, engaging in strategic and physically demanding bouts that demonstrate the complexity of sumo. In the later chapters, as a makuuchi (top-division) wrestler, Koitaro faces top opponents, showcasing his full strength and the culmination of his growth.

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Features

1. Realistic sumo depiction
   Techniques, physical differences, and psychological battles are portrayed with accuracy, giving readers a true sense of the sport.

2. Coming-of-age narrative
   The manga captures Koitaro’s development step by step, showing both successes and setbacks in a highly relatable way.

3. Technical skill and individuality
   Koitaro combines pushing, grappling, “buchikamashi,” and throwing techniques, creating a unique style and character.

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My Impression

This is my favorite sumo manga. I looked forward to each installment, and although the series ended before completion, it remains highly engaging. The portrayal of Koitaro’s growth from the lowest to top divisions, along with the realism of his opponents’ skills and mental strength, is impressive. The story demonstrates that even top-division wrestlers are nearly superhuman, and it deepens appreciation for the sport. Even unfinished, it is a highly enjoyable and meaningful work.

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Conclusion

Bachi Bachi presents a realistic sumo world through the journey of Koitaro Samejima. It balances accessibility for new readers with detailed depictions that satisfy sumo enthusiasts, offering a full experience of the sport’s depth. Despite ending prematurely, it is a must-read for anyone interested in sumo or sports manga.