Coming to RetroCrush this Fall
Complete Guide to Rinkai! – Anime, Manga, Cast, Plot, and Keirin Revival
Rinkai! – The High-Speed Rise of Japan’s Women’s Keirin Anime Phenomenon
Rinkai! is a fast-paced mixed-media franchise that has captured the attention of anime fans and cycling enthusiasts alike. Built around the dramatic revival of women’s keirin racing in Japan, the series blends high-stakes competition, character-driven storytelling, and real-world sports promotion. From its gripping anime debut to manga serialization and promotional race events, Rinkai! is more than just an anime—it’s a cultural moment in the making.
What Is Rinkai!? A New Take on Sports Anime
Launched in April 2024, Rinkai! is an original anime project developed by Mixi, animated by TMS Entertainment, and directed by Takaaki Ishiyama. The project imagines a future where women’s keirin—a form of competitive track cycling—has been reintroduced as the RINKAI LEAGUE. The anime aired from April 9 to June 25, 2024, across networks like Tokyo MX and BS Fuji, gaining attention for its dynamic visuals, regional character representation, and empowering themes.
Rinkai! Anime: Plot and Premise
Set in a near-future Japan, Rinkai! follows a group of female cyclists from across the country who compete in the newly formed RINKAI LEAGUE. Each racer represents their local velodrome and prefecture, giving the series a national appeal. While the anime showcases the thrill of keirin racing, it also dives deep into the personal stories, rivalries, and growth of its diverse characters.
Key Themes and Genre
- Sports & Competition: Focused on the strategy and physicality of keirin cycling.
- Female Empowerment: A bold revival of a once-defunct sport for women.
- Regional Pride: Each character represents a different Japanese city or velodrome.
- Slice of Life & Drama: Emphasizes friendship, teamwork, and determination.
Meet the Main Cast of Rinkai!
The anime’s character-driven approach gives each cyclist unique motivations and personalities. Here are some of the standout racers and their voice actors:
- Izumi Itō – Voiced by Umino Kawamura
- Nana Hiratsuka – Voiced by Azusa Aoi
- Miko Yahiko – Voiced by Rena Hasegawa
- Sachi Nagoya – Voiced by Saika Kitamori
- Kinusa Takamatsu – Voiced by Riho Sugiyama
- Ai Kumamoto – Voiced by Minami Hinata
- Chigiri Toyohashi – Voiced by Yukari Anzai
- Tsutsuji Kurume – Voiced by Rico Sasaki
The wide representation not only adds variety but also serves to promote local velodromes and cities as real-life tourist and sporting destinations.
Manga Adaptation: Rinkai! Azalea
The Rinkai! Azalea manga, created by Kiyoshi Yamane, began serialization on April 9, 2024, via Amazia’s Manga Bang! app. It adds additional depth to the anime by exploring characters’ backstories and showcasing races not featured in the show. The manga is an essential read for fans looking to go beyond the TV storyline.
Latest Rinkai! News and Real-World Tie-Ins
- March 26, 2025: “Rinkai! Hiratsuka Nana Cup” announced—a real-world night race event held April 1–3 at Hiratsuka Velodrome.
- March 5, 2025: Rinkai! featured at the 3rd All Girls Classic GⅠ at Gifu Keirin, including a booth, merch, and panel discussions.
- March 16, 2025: A special Rinkai! talk show event at Satellite San’in brought creators and fans together.
These collaborations with Japan’s velodrome community show a real effort to revitalize women’s keirin as a sport and fan culture.
Why Rinkai! Stands Out Among Sports Anime
Unlike other sports anime that focus on popular games like soccer, basketball, or baseball, Rinkai! ventures into the lesser-known but fast-paced world of keirin cycling. It not only entertains but educates viewers about the technical and strategic aspects of the sport. The anime also aligns with Japan’s broader effort to promote regional pride and women’s athleticism on a global stage.
Why Rinkai! Matters
If you’re searching for:
- Best new sports anime 2024
- Anime about cycling
- Keirin anime series
- Female sports anime characters
- Where to watch Rinkai! anime
Then Rinkai! should be on your radar. It combines real-world racing strategy, emotional storytelling, and a unique setting into one exhilarating ride.
Where to Watch and Read Rinkai!
- Coming to RetroCrush his fall!
Final Thoughts
Rinkai! isn’t just a seasonal anime—it’s a cross-media project with the potential to reshape perceptions of women’s sports in Japan and beyond. With strong character development, a fresh concept, and real-world applications, it’s a standout anime that appeals to fans of sports, strategy, and stories of resilience.
Stay tuned as Rinkai! continues to expand with new episodes, manga chapters, events, and perhaps even a second season.
GENRES
Sports Drama Slice of Life Seinen Action Original Anime
Director, Producer, Writer, Animation Studio, and Cast:
- Izumi Itō – Voiced by Umino Kawamura
- Nana Hiratsuka – Voiced by Azusa Aoi
- Miko Yahiko – Voiced by Rena Hasegawa
- Sachi Nagoya – Voiced by Saika Kitamori
- Kinusa Takamatsu – Voiced by Riho Sugiyama
- Ai Kumamoto – Voiced by Minami Hinata
- Chigiri Toyohashi – Voiced by Yukari Anzai
- Tsutsuji Kurume – Voiced by Rico Sasaki
- Director – Takaaki Ishiyama
- Writer – Hideki Shirane
- Animation Studio – TMS Entertainment
- Production Company – Mixi
GENRES
Sports Drama Slice of Life Seinen Action Original Anime
Director, Producer, Writer, Animation Studio, and Cast:
- Izumi Itō – Voiced by Umino Kawamura
- Nana Hiratsuka – Voiced by Azusa Aoi
- Miko Yahiko – Voiced by Rena Hasegawa
- Sachi Nagoya – Voiced by Saika Kitamori
- Kinusa Takamatsu – Voiced by Riho Sugiyama
- Ai Kumamoto – Voiced by Minami Hinata
- Chigiri Toyohashi – Voiced by Yukari Anzai
- Tsutsuji Kurume – Voiced by Rico Sasaki
- Director – Takaaki Ishiyama
- Writer – Hideki Shirane
- Animation Studio – TMS Entertainment
- Production Company – Mixi
Complete Guide to Rinkai! – Anime, Manga, Cast, Plot, and Keirin Revival
Rinkai! – The High-Speed Rise of Japan’s Women’s Keirin Anime Phenomenon
Rinkai! is a fast-paced mixed-media franchise that has captured the attention of anime fans and cycling enthusiasts alike. Built around the dramatic revival of women’s keirin racing in Japan, the series blends high-stakes competition, character-driven storytelling, and real-world sports promotion. From its gripping anime debut to manga serialization and promotional race events, Rinkai! is more than just an anime—it’s a cultural moment in the making.
What Is Rinkai!? A New Take on Sports Anime
Launched in April 2024, Rinkai! is an original anime project developed by Mixi, animated by TMS Entertainment, and directed by Takaaki Ishiyama. The project imagines a future where women’s keirin—a form of competitive track cycling—has been reintroduced as the RINKAI LEAGUE. The anime aired from April 9 to June 25, 2024, across networks like Tokyo MX and BS Fuji, gaining attention for its dynamic visuals, regional character representation, and empowering themes.
Rinkai! Anime: Plot and Premise
Set in a near-future Japan, Rinkai! follows a group of female cyclists from across the country who compete in the newly formed RINKAI LEAGUE. Each racer represents their local velodrome and prefecture, giving the series a national appeal. While the anime showcases the thrill of keirin racing, it also dives deep into the personal stories, rivalries, and growth of its diverse characters.
Key Themes and Genre
- Sports & Competition: Focused on the strategy and physicality of keirin cycling.
- Female Empowerment: A bold revival of a once-defunct sport for women.
- Regional Pride: Each character represents a different Japanese city or velodrome.
- Slice of Life & Drama: Emphasizes friendship, teamwork, and determination.
Meet the Main Cast of Rinkai!
The anime’s character-driven approach gives each cyclist unique motivations and personalities. Here are some of the standout racers and their voice actors:
- Izumi Itō – Voiced by Umino Kawamura
- Nana Hiratsuka – Voiced by Azusa Aoi
- Miko Yahiko – Voiced by Rena Hasegawa
- Sachi Nagoya – Voiced by Saika Kitamori
- Kinusa Takamatsu – Voiced by Riho Sugiyama
- Ai Kumamoto – Voiced by Minami Hinata
- Chigiri Toyohashi – Voiced by Yukari Anzai
- Tsutsuji Kurume – Voiced by Rico Sasaki
The wide representation not only adds variety but also serves to promote local velodromes and cities as real-life tourist and sporting destinations.
Manga Adaptation: Rinkai! Azalea
The Rinkai! Azalea manga, created by Kiyoshi Yamane, began serialization on April 9, 2024, via Amazia’s Manga Bang! app. It adds additional depth to the anime by exploring characters’ backstories and showcasing races not featured in the show. The manga is an essential read for fans looking to go beyond the TV storyline.
Latest Rinkai! News and Real-World Tie-Ins
- March 26, 2025: “Rinkai! Hiratsuka Nana Cup” announced—a real-world night race event held April 1–3 at Hiratsuka Velodrome.
- March 5, 2025: Rinkai! featured at the 3rd All Girls Classic GⅠ at Gifu Keirin, including a booth, merch, and panel discussions.
- March 16, 2025: A special Rinkai! talk show event at Satellite San’in brought creators and fans together.
These collaborations with Japan’s velodrome community show a real effort to revitalize women’s keirin as a sport and fan culture.
Why Rinkai! Stands Out Among Sports Anime
Unlike other sports anime that focus on popular games like soccer, basketball, or baseball, Rinkai! ventures into the lesser-known but fast-paced world of keirin cycling. It not only entertains but educates viewers about the technical and strategic aspects of the sport. The anime also aligns with Japan’s broader effort to promote regional pride and women’s athleticism on a global stage.
Why Rinkai! Matters
If you’re searching for:
- Best new sports anime 2024
- Anime about cycling
- Keirin anime series
- Female sports anime characters
- Where to watch Rinkai! anime
Then Rinkai! should be on your radar. It combines real-world racing strategy, emotional storytelling, and a unique setting into one exhilarating ride.
Where to Watch and Read Rinkai!
- Coming to RetroCrush his fall!
Final Thoughts
Rinkai! isn’t just a seasonal anime—it’s a cross-media project with the potential to reshape perceptions of women’s sports in Japan and beyond. With strong character development, a fresh concept, and real-world applications, it’s a standout anime that appeals to fans of sports, strategy, and stories of resilience.
Stay tuned as Rinkai! continues to expand with new episodes, manga chapters, events, and perhaps even a second season.
Rinkai! Anime and Manga FAQ
What is Rinkai!?
Rinkai! is a Japanese mixed-media project focused on women’s keirin racing. It includes a TV anime series and a manga, both centered around a fictional revival of the sport in Japan through the RINKAI LEAGUE.
When did the Rinkai! anime premiere?
The anime series premiered on April 9, 2024, and concluded on June 25, 2024. It aired on networks like Tokyo MX and BS Fuji.
Who created the Rinkai! anime?
The anime was produced by TMS Entertainment and developed by Mixi. It was directed by Takaaki Ishiyama and written by Hideki Shirane.
What is the RINKAI LEAGUE?
The RINKAI LEAGUE is the fictional professional women’s cycling league featured in the anime. It represents a future in which women’s keirin racing has been revived after decades of dormancy.
Is there a Rinkai! manga?
Yes. The manga is titled Rinkai! Azalea and is written by Kiyoshi Yamane. It began serialization on April 9, 2024, through the Manga Bang! app.
Who are the main characters in Rinkai!?
Key characters include Izumi Itō, Nana Hiratsuka, Miko Yahiko, Sachi Nagoya, Kinusa Takamatsu, Ai Kumamoto, Chigiri Toyohashi, and Tsutsuji Kurume, each voiced by rising talents in the voice acting industry.
What makes Rinkai! unique among sports anime?
Rinkai! stands out by spotlighting a lesser-known sport—keirin racing—while focusing on female empowerment, regional pride, and real-world partnerships with Japanese velodromes and cycling events.
Is Rinkai! based on a true story?
No, Rinkai! is a fictional story. However, it draws heavily on the real sport of keirin cycling and promotes actual velodromes and events across Japan.
Are there real-world Rinkai! events?
Yes. Rinkai! has been featured at keirin events like the Hiratsuka Nana Cup and the All Girls Classic GⅠ, offering booths, panels, and talk shows to engage fans.
Where can I watch Rinkai!?
In Japan, the anime aired on Tokyo MX, BS Fuji, and other regional networks. Coming to RetroCrush his fall!
Where can I read the Rinkai! manga?
The Rinkai! Azalea manga is available digitally through the Manga Bang! app.
Will there be a second season of Rinkai!?
As of now, a second season has not been officially announced. However, the growing popularity of the series and continued promotional efforts suggest potential for future installments.
