TV Asahi, one of Japan's leading TV network has set its sights in producing an anime that caters to Philippine audience. Set to air in 2017, the anime is titled "Barangay 143" and it revolves around the most popular sport in the country: basketball.
According to Anime News Network,TV Asahi will be working with animation studio Synergy88 in the Philippines. The Japanese network will be in charge on characters and the general direction of the anime. The Philippine counterpart will be working on the anime's script and production.
The upcoming anime will focus on teenagers playing basketball in Manila. The title "Barangay 143" practically connotes that the storyline will focus on teens living in the same village. The term "Barangay" refers to a small part of the city or municipality and it has its own village chief (Barangay Captain).
Using basketball as a topic in anime is TV Asahi's way to connect with the Philippine audience. The country's top professional basketball league, Philippine Basketball Association, is the oldest in Asia and has a huge fan base around the country. There are basketball courts in every village and major basketball events (local and foreign) are closely monitored by nearly everyone.
TV Asahi's interest in producing an anime based on Philippine basketball setting is part of the company's aim to expand their horizon especially in entertainment. According to Nikkei, TV Asahi may have success exporting their anime's around the world but more and more people are looking for more familiar backdrop or something they can relate to.
While there is no exact date on the anime's actual release date, TV Asahi is very interested in getting the series in full view of anime fans. The TV network is planning to air the anime in primetime to attract more viewers. The TV network is also yet to announce their plans in airing the episodes outside the country.
"Barangay 143" is still in its early stages of development. But the collaboration of TV Asahi and Synergy88 has put the spotlight on Philippines and it tackles the much loved sport of basketball. Although there is no exact date for release, the anime should air in Japan in 2017.
