The Japanese artist, Yoichi Takahashi, creator of the animated TV series Captain Tsubasa amongst other works, visited FC Barcelona on Monday where he was met by a club delegation led by Joan Soler, vice president of the Commercial Area.
During the reception at the Sala Comercial at the FC Barcelona Office, Takahashi presented the Club with a Nankatsu SC jersey, the club that was inspired by his fictional football team and currently plays in the Japanese Fifth Division. For their part the Club presented the artist and illustrator with a personalised Barça jersey. After the exchanged of gifts, Takahashi visited the Club Museum and Spotify Camp Nou. Takahashi took the opportunity to create a sketch of one of the most famous faces at Barça in Lamine Yamal.
The relationship is not a new one between Takahashi and the Club. His work has contributed to the popularity of Barça in Japan as one of the main characters in Captain Tsubasa ends up representing a fictional Catalan club, inspired by FC Barcelona.
The artist also produced five illustration of famous blaigranes – -Messi, Neymar Jr, Piqué Iniesta and Suárez-, when FC Barcelona played in the Club World Cup in Japan in 2015, after which Takahashi was invited by Barça to a game at Spotify Camp Nou.