The Prince of Tennis began its journey in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump, where it ran from July 1999 to March 2008. Over the years, the manga produced 379 chapters, later compiled into 42 tankōbon volumes. Its popularity soon led to a full anime adaptation.
The television series, directed by Takayuki Hamana and animated by Trans Arts, was co-produced with Nihon Ad Systems and TV Tokyo. The anime aired on TV Tokyo from October 2001 to March 2005, spanning 178 episodes and even leading to a theatrical film release.
The story didn’t stop with the main anime run. In April 2006, fans received the first OVA continuation, released on DVD. Following its success, a second OVA series began in June 2007, wrapping up in January 2008. Shortly after, the third and final OVA premiered in April 2008, tying up the ongoing arcs.
If you’re planning to dive into the anime, it’s best to follow the official watch order for a seamless experience. Below, we’ll guide you through the recommended sequence so you can enjoy The Prince of Tennis without missing a beat.
Tennis no Ouji-sama Watch order:
- Tennis no Ouji-Sama
- Tennis no Ouji-sama: Atobe kara no Okurimono
- Tennis no Ouji-Sama Movie 1: Futari no Samurai – The First Game
- Tennis no Ouji-sama: Sonzoku Yama no Hi
- Tennis no Ouji-sama: Zenkoku Taikai-hen
- Tennis no Ouji-sama: Zenkoku Taikai-hen – Semifinal
- Tennis no Ouji-sama: Zenkoku Taikai-hen – Final
- Tennis no Ouji-sama Movie 2: Eikokushiki Teikyuu Shiro Kessen!
- Tennis no Ouji-Sama: Another Story – Kako to Mirai no Message
- Tennis no Ouji-Sama: Another Story II – Ano Toki no Bokura
- Shin Tennis no Ouji-sama
- Shin Tennis no Ouji-Sama Specials
- Shin Tennis no Ouji-sama OVA vs. Genius 10
Synopsis
Competitive tennis in Japan is fierce, with schools across the country battling to prove who truly has the strongest team. At Seigaku, the arrival of a young prodigy from overseas, Ryouma Echizen, shakes things up.
Determined to step out of the shadow of his legendary father, Ryouma joins the team with a burning desire to prove his own worth.
His arrival strengthens Seigaku’s lineup and sets the stage for intense rivalries and unforgettable matches. More than just about winning, Ryouma’s journey is one of growth—pushing himself to surpass his limits while carrying the dreams of his teammates alongside his own.
At its heart, The Prince of Tennis is an inspiring tale about determination, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of greatness, as Ryouma strives to become one of the best players Japan has ever seen.
