Daisuke Higuchi

Feel the passion and joy of the beautiful game with Daisuke Higuchi, the Japanese manga artist whose series Whistle! became one of the most beloved football manga of its generation. Serialised in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1998 to 2002, Whistle! follows Shō Kazamatsuri, a small, unassuming boy who dreams of becoming a great footballer despite being cut from his middle school team for lacking talent. Undeterred, Shō transfers to a new school and throws himself into the game with a passion and determination that gradually wins over his teammates and coaches, and carries him to heights no one thought possible. Higuchi’s series is celebrated for its warm characters, authentic football action, and its deeply inspiring message that heart, effort, and love of the game matter more than natural talent. The manga was adapted into an anime series and remains a touchstone for fans of sports manga everywhere. Essential reading for football lovers and shonen manga fans alike.