Baki: The Great Raitai Tournament Saga

About Baki: The Great Raitai Tournament Saga

Meet Baki: The Great Raitai Tournament Saga (バキ 大擂台賽編), an action and sports anime by TMS Entertainment (2020). Here is the premise in a nutshell. At its core: Weakened by the poison from his last fight, Baki Hanma comes across himself on the verge of death with no salvation in sight. However, after Baki's friend, Retsu Kaiou, brings him to China, he learns about the centurial Raitai Tournament, where the fiercest warriors confront to be crowned as the strongest martial artist in all of China.

Further in, as it is now allowing entry to foreigners, Baki is informed that he will have to compete in the tournament as it holds the cure to his illness. Unfortunately, Baki's father, deemed the "Strongest Creature on Earth," is participating too. Baki 2nd Season details the events of the grand Chinese tournament, as well as Baki's encounter with the eccentric yet powerful Mohammad Alai Jr.

In an action series like this, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. Voice work is led by Nobunaga Shimazaki as Baki Hanma and Akio Ootsuka as Yuujirou Hanma. It will appeal most to viewers who like fast, high-impact fights. At 13 episodes in total, it is easy to plan a viewing schedule.

Production & Appeal

Production sits with TMS Entertainment, which means the visual identity of Baki: The Great Raitai Tournament Saga follows that studio's craft. Within the action category, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. At 7.4/10 it earns a solid reception, a safe pick for fans of the genre. Voice casting, including Nobunaga Shimazaki as Baki Hanma, adds to the appeal for fans who follow seiyuu. It aired in 2020, which makes it easy to place in the wider anime calendar.