View source for Aim for the Ace!

{{Short description|Manga and anime series}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name            = Aim for the Ace!
| image           = Ace wo Nerae volume 1 cover by Sumika Yamamoto.png
| caption         = Cover of the first manga volume, released by Shueisha on September 20, 1973
| ja_kanji        = エースをねらえ!
| ja_romaji       = Ēsu o Nerae!
| genre           = [[Romance novel|Romance]], [[Sports manga|sports]]<!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| author          = [[Sumika Yamamoto]]
| publisher       = [[Shueisha]]
| demographic     = ''[[Shōjo manga|Shōjo]]''
| magazine        = [[Margaret (magazine)|Margaret]]
| first           = January 1973
| last            = February 1980
| volumes         = 18
| volume_list     = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| director        = [[Osamu Dezaki]]
| producer        = 
| writer          = 
| music           = Goh Misawa
| studio          =A-Production<br> [[TMS Entertainment|Tokyo Movie]]
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee|NA=[[Discotek Media]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael|title=Discotek Licenses Aim for the Ace!, GaoGaiGar Series & Final OVA|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-24/discotek-licenses-aim-for-the-ace-gaogaigar-series-and-final-ova/.191185|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 25, 2022|date=October 24, 2022}}</ref>}}
| network         = [[All-Nippon News Network|ANN]] ([[Mainichi Broadcasting System|MBS]])
| first           = October 5, 1973
| last            = March 29, 1974
| episodes        = 26
| episode_list    = List of Aim for the Ace! episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| title           = Shin Ace o Nerae!
| director        = Minoru Okazaki
| producer        = 
| writer          = 
| music           = Kōji Makaino
| studio          = Tokyo Movie Shinsha
| network         = [[Nippon Television Network System|NNS]] ([[Nippon Television|NTV]])
| first           = October 14, 1978
| last            = March 31, 1979
| episodes        = 25
| episode_list    = List of Aim for the Ace! episodes#Shin Ace o Nerae!
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = film
| director        = Osamu Dezaki
| producer        = Yutaka Fujioka
| writer          = Keisuke Fujikawa
| music           = Kōji Makaino
| studio          = Tokyo Movie Shinsha
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee|NA=Discotek Media}}
| released        = September 8, 1979
| runtime         = 88 minutes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = ova
| title           = Ace o Nerae! 2
| director        = Noboru Furuse<br/>(Osamu Dezaki<br/>"Total Supervisor") 
| producer        = 
| writer          = Makiko Mikami<br/>Megumi Hiyoshi
| music           = [[Hiroaki Serizawa]]
| studio          = Tokyo Movie Shinsha
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee|NA=Discotek Media}}
| first           = July 25, 1988
| last            = October 25, 1988
| episodes        = 13
| episode_list    = List of Aim for the Ace! episodes#Ace o Nerae! 2
| runtime         = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = ova
| title           = Ace o Nerae! Final Stage
| director        = Osamu Dezaki
| producer        = 
| writer          = Masami Mori<br/>Rika Kaidō
| music           = [[Hiroaki Serizawa]]
| studio          = [[TMS Entertainment]]
| first           = October 23, 1989
| last            = April 24, 1990
| episodes        = 12
| episode_list    = List of Aim for the Ace! episodes#Ace o Nerae! Final Stage
| runtime         = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = drama
| director        = Hidetomo Matsuda<br/>Shunji Muguruma<br/>Yoshinori Kobayashi
| producer        = 
| writer          = Akiyo Takigawa<br/>Hiroko Kanasugi<br/>Naoya Takayama
| music           = Norihito Sumitomo
| studio          = 
| network         = [[TV Asahi]]
| first           = January 15, 2004
| last            = March 11, 2004
| episodes        = 9 + 1 special episode
| episode_list    = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

'''''Aim for the Ace!''''', known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Ace o Nerae!'''''|エースをねらえ!|Ēsu o Nerae!|lead=yes}}, <onlyinclude><!-- don't remove the "onlyinclude"; it's for Portal:Anime and manga/Selected articles -->is a manga series written and illustrated by [[Sumika Yamamoto]]. The series tells the story of Hiromi Oka, a high school student who wants to become a professional tennis player as she struggles against mental weakness, anxiety and thwarted love. It was originally serialized in [[Shueisha]]'s ''[[shōjo manga|shōjo]]'' magazine ''[[Margaret (manga magazine)|Margaret]]'' from January 1973 to February 1980. Later, Shueisha collected the chapters and published them in 18 ''[[tankōbon]]'' volumes.

The manga was adapted into an [[anime]] television series in 1973 by [[TMS Entertainment|Tokyo Movie]] which was originally broadcast on [[Mainichi Broadcasting System]] (MBS) between 1973 and 1974. ''Aim for the Ace!'' also spawned another anime television and an anime film between 1978 and 1979, two [[original video animation]]s (OVA) between 1988 and 1990, a live-action [[Japanese television drama]] in 2004, and many types of ''Aim for the Ace!''-related merchandise. The franchise is also known with its international title '''''Aim for the Best!'''''

The series is one of the best-selling ''shōjo'' manga series of all time, having sold approximately 15 million copies in Japan.</onlyinclude><!-- don't remove the "onlyinclude"; it's for Portal:Anime and manga/Selected articles --> It has been also popular among anime viewers, and become a hit in Japan, even among its non-target audience. It is considered a classic by anime and manga critics and has been influential in the anime industry.

==Plot==
The story is about {{nihongo4|Hiromi Oka|岡ひろみ|Oka Hiromi}}, a high school girl who struggles to become good at tennis. While attending {{nihongo4|Nishi|西高}}, Hiromi begins playing tennis after becoming fascinated by {{nihongo4|Reika Ryūzaki|竜崎麗香|Ryūzaki Reika}}, an older girl who is the best player on the team and is nicknamed {{nihongo4|"[[Madame Butterfly]]"|お蝶夫人|Ochōfujin}} owing to her grace on the tennis court. The team gets a new coach, {{nihongo4|Jin Munakata|宗方仁|Munakata Jin}}, who sees potential in Hiromi and trains her to become a great tennis player.

Hiromi struggles to overcome her mental weakness. Later, she falls in love with another tennis player, {{nihongo4|Takayuki Tōdō|藤堂貴之|Tōdō Takayuki}}, but coach Munakata tells her not to get too involved and that she should forget him and work on her tennis skills. Hiromi often loses confidence in her playing abilities, but with the support of her coach and her friends she overcomes her anxiety. By training herself to become a better player, Hiromi grows into a mentally stronger person. Her enthusiasm, her love of tennis and the support from people around her helps her to become one of the best players in the world.

==Publication==
''Aim for the Ace!'' was written and illustrated by [[Sumika Yamamoto]]; its first chapter was published by [[Shueisha]] in the Japanese magazine ''[[Margaret (manga magazine)|Margaret]]'' in January 1973.<!-- <ref name=manga/> --> Its serialization finished in 1975, but because of demand from readers, partly brought about by the phenomenal success of the anime in reruns, its publication restarted from 1978 to February 1980.<ref name=manga>{{cite web | url=http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ace/05_original/index.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050220223636/http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ace/05_original/index.html | archive-date=February 20, 2005 | script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! – オリジナル |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! – Original | publisher=[[TV Asahi]] | language=ja}}</ref> Its first ''[[tankōbon]]'' (collected volume) was released by Shueisha on September 20, 1973, and the eighteenth and the last one was released on June 30, 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1136381 |script-title=ja:単行本：エースをねらえ!(マーガレットコミックス)1 |trans-title=Paperback: Ace o Nerae! (Margaret Comics) 1 |website=Media Arts Database |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |access-date=May 31, 2015 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721005333/http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1136381 |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1138972 |script-title=ja:単行本：エースをねらえ!(マーガレットコミックス)18 |trans-title=Paperback: Ace o Nerae! (Margaret Comics) 18 |website=Media Arts Database |publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs |access-date=May 31, 2015 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720214429/http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1138972 |archive-date=July 20, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shueisha reprinted the series from December 31, 1978, to August 25, 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1149416 |script-title=ja:単行本：エースをねらえ!(集英社漫画文庫)1 |trans-title=Paperback: Ace o Nerae! (Shueisha Manga Bunko) 1 |website=Media Arts Database |publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs |access-date=May 31, 2015 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720221441/http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1149416 |archive-date=July 20, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1138969 |script-title=ja:単行本：エースをねらえ!(集英社漫画文庫)18 |trans-title=Paperback: Ace o Nerae! (Shueisha Manga Bunko) 18 |website=Media Arts Database |publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs |access-date=May 31, 2015 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721000853/http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1138969 |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A five-volume [[light novel]] was published by Shueisha under its Cobalt imprint from August 1983 and October 1984.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000001646002-00 |script-title=ja:小説エースをねらえ! 1 |trans-title=Novel Ace o Nerae! 1 |publisher=[[National Diet Library]] |access-date=July 8, 2014 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714173530/http://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000001646002-00 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=live |year=1983 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=http://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000001717033-00 |script-title=ja:小説エースをねらえ! 5 |trans-title=Novel Ace o Nerae! 5 |publisher=National Diet Library |access-date=July 8, 2014 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195640/http://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000001717033-00 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=live |year=1984 }}</ref> The original manga was republished in ''[[bunkoban]]'' format twice; [[Chuokoron-Shinsha]] released it from October 18, 1994, to April 18, 1995, in fourteen volumes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chuko.co.jp/bunko/1994/10/202168.html |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ!① |trans-title=Ace o Nerae!① |publisher=[[Chuokoron-Shinsha]] |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714165422/http://www.chuko.co.jp/bunko/1994/10/202168.html |archive-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chuko.co.jp/bunko/1995/04/202305.html |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ!⑭ |trans-title=Ace o Nerae!⑭ |publisher=Chuokoron-Shinsha | language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714223248/http://www.chuko.co.jp/bunko/1995/04/202305.html |archive-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref> and Shueisha released it between June 18, 2002, and October 18, 2002, in ten volumes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-8342-7229-x |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! 1 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! 1 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |access-date=November 13, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912191708/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-8342-7229-x |archive-date=September 12, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-8342-7238-9 |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! 10 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! 10 |publisher=Shueisha |access-date=November 13, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912191507/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-8342-7238-9 |archive-date=September 12, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> The series has been localized in Italy by [[Panini Comics]] and published under its Planet Manga line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paninicomics.it/web/guest/collane_dettaglio?id=1135 |title=Jenny la tennista |publisher=[[Panini Comics]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104035423/http://www.paninicomics.it/web/guest/collane_dettaglio?id=1135 |archive-date=January 4, 2015 |language=it |trans-title=Jenny the tennis player }}</ref>

==Anime adaptations==

===Television series===
{{main|List of Aim for the Ace! episodes}}
The first [[anime]] television series based on ''Aim for the Ace!'' was produced by [[TMS Entertainment|Tokyo Movie]]<ref name=dezaki>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2011-04-24 |title=Dezaki's Due |author=Toole, Michael |date=April 24, 2011 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920003807/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2011-04-24 |archive-date=September 20, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and animated by [[Shin-Ei Animation|A-Production]]. It was originally broadcast between October 5, 1973, and March 29, 1974, by [[Mainichi Broadcasting System]] (MBS).<ref name=anime>{{cite web |url=http://www.tms-e.co.jp/search/introduction.php?pdt_no=75 |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! |publisher=[[TMS Entertainment]] |access-date=November 30, 2019 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616021917/http://www.tms-e.com/search/index.php?pdt_no=75 |archive-date=June 16, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Osamu Dezaki served as the general director of all 26 episodes.<ref name=anime/> It was dubbed into French, Spanish and Italian.<ref name=buried>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/buried-treasure/2008-05-29/aim-for-the-ace |title=Aim for the Ace! – Buried Treasure |author=Sevakis, Justin |date=May 29, 2008 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328222231/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/buried-treasure/2008-05-29/aim-for-the-ace |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to its initial poor ratings in Japan, the series was cancelled with half the original intended number of episodes.<ref name=dossier>{{cite web|url=http://www.tms-e.com/library/tokushu/a_nerae/index.html |script-title=ja:アニメ『エースをねらえ!』 |publisher=TMS Entertainment |access-date=May 31, 2015 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001061313/http://www.tms-e.com/library/tokushu/a_nerae/index.html |archive-date=October 1, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, a few years later with high ratings in reruns of the series, a remake was announced.<ref name=dossier/> The second anime series was also produced by Tokyo Movie and was directed by Minoru Okazaki. Titled {{nihongo4|'''''Aim for the Ace! New Version'''''|新・エースをねらえ！|Shin Ēsu o Nerae!}}, it was broadcast by [[Nippon Television]] from October 14, 1978, to March 31, 1979.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tms-e.co.jp/search/introduction.php?pdt_no=76 |script-title=ja:新・エースをねらえ! |trans-title=Shin Ace o Nerae! |publisher=TMS Entertainment |access-date=November 30, 2019 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104034329/http://www.tms-e.com/search/index.php?pdt_no=76 |archive-date=January 4, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The episodes of the first series were released in two DVD box set by [[Bandai Visual]] on May 25, 2001, and August 25, 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tms-e.com/library/tokushu/a_nerae/ |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! |publisher=TMS Entertainment |access-date=November 13, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023205932/http://www.tms-e.com/library/tokushu/a_nerae/ |archive-date=October 23, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bandai Visual re-released the series between January 28, 2005, and February 24, 2005, in six DVD compilations.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/index?act=detail&ino=BCBA-2064 | title=エースをねらえ! Vol.1 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! Vol.1 | publisher=[[Bandai Visual]] | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203030518/http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/index?act=detail&ino=BCBA-2064 | archive-date=December 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/index?act=detail&ino=BCBA-2090 | title=エースをねらえ! Vol.6＜最終巻＞ |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! Vol.6 (Final volume) | publisher=Bandai Visual | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231410/http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/index?act=detail&ino=BCBA-2090 | archive-date=December 2, 2013}}</ref> On January 20, 2012, [[Avex]] published a four-disc DVD box set containing the entire series.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://avexnet.jp/id/acewo/discography/product/AVBA-49357.html | script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! | publisher=[[Avex]] | access-date=November 13, 2013 | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203030047/http://avexnet.jp/id/acewo/discography/product/AVBA-49357.html | archive-date=December 3, 2013}}</ref> In France, Manga Distribution released the complete series into a DVD box set in 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.manga-distribution.fr/md/index.php?script=produit_dvd&ref=4548 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231055004/http://www.manga-distribution.fr/md/index.php?script=produit_dvd&ref=4548 | archive-date=December 31, 2007 | title=jeu, set et Match – L'intégrale | publisher=Manga Distribution | language=fr}}</ref> Two DVD box sets containing all 25 episodes of the second series were released by Bandai Visual on March 25, 2002, and June 25, 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/214223/products/cinema/471698/1/ |title=新・エースをねらえ! DVD-BOX（1） |trans-title=Shin Ace o Nerae! DVD-Box (1) |publisher=[[Oricon]] |access-date=November 13, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305134906/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/214223/products/cinema/471698/1/ |archive-date=March 5, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/214223/products/cinema/479814/1/ |title=新・エースをねらえ! DVD-BOX（2） |trans-title=Shin Ace o Nerae! DVD-Box (2) |publisher=Oricon |access-date=November 13, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305134901/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/214223/products/cinema/479814/1/ |archive-date=March 5, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Nippon Columbia]] published the entire series in a single DVD box set; first on May 23, 2007, and again on January 21, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/214223/products/cinema/704930/1/ |title=新・エースをねらえ! COMPLETE DVD-BOX |trans-title=Shin Ace o Nerae! Complete DVD-Box |publisher=Oricon |access-date=November 13, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305134903/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/214223/products/cinema/704930/1/ |archive-date=March 5, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://columbia.jp/prod-info/XT-2780-5/ |title=新・エースをねらえ! DVD-BOX |publisher=Nippon Columbia |access-date=June 1, 2015 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602231156/http://columbia.jp/prod-info/XT-2780-5/ |archive-date=June 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Film===
A 24-minute animated short film titled {{nihongo|''Ace o Nerae! Tenis Ōkoku no Cinderella''|テニス王国のシンデレラ}} that was derived from television series was distributed theatrically by [[Toho]] in Japan on December 20, 1973.{{sfn|Galbraith IV|2008|p=293}}

With the popularity of ''Shin Ace o Nerae!'', the studio decided to produce an anime film adaptation.<ref name=dossier/> The film was directed by Osamu Dezaki, written by Keisuke Fujikawa, music by [[Kōji Makaino]], and produced by Yutaka Fujioka. In addition to the original incidental music newly composed for the movie version, many insert songs and BGM are recycled from the second series, which was also scored by Makaino. It was produced at Tokyo Movie and was released by Toho in Japanese theaters on September 8, 1979.<ref name=film>{{cite web |url=http://www.tms-e.co.jp/search/introduction.php?pdt_no=309 |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! 劇場版 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! The Movie |publisher=TMS Entertainment |access-date=November 30, 2019 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104053752/http://www.tms-e.com/search/index.php?pdt_no=309 |archive-date=January 4, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was published on DVD format by Bandai Visual on November 25, 2001, and on March 27, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://product.bandaivisual.co.jp/web_service/shop_product_info.asp?item_no=BCBA-0657 |title=TMS DVD COLLECTION 劇場版 エースをねらえ |trans-title=TMS DVD Collection: Movie: Ace o Nerae! |publisher=Bandai Visual |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307093516/http://product.bandaivisual.co.jp/web_service/shop_product_info.asp?item_no=BCBA-0657 |archive-date=March 7, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/index?act=detail&ino=BCBA-2226 | script-title=ja:劇場版 エースをねらえ |trans-title=Movie: Ace o Nerae! | publisher=Bandai Visual | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220111300/http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/index?act=detail&ino=BCBA-2226 | archive-date=December 20, 2013| title=BANDAI NAMCO Arts }}</ref> In April 2008, Banda Visual announced they planned to release the film on [[Blu-ray]] format;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-13/ashita-no-joe-2-aim-for-the-ace-bds-to-ship-in-japan |title=Ashita no Joe 2, Aim for the Ace! BDs to Ship in Japan | author=Loo, Egan |date=April 13, 2008 | website=Anime News Network |access-date=November 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222141316/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-13/ashita-no-joe-2-aim-for-the-ace-bds-to-ship-in-japan |archive-date=December 22, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> it was released on September 26, 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/tms/tms_ace.php |script-title=ja:トムス ブルーレイディスク コレクション |trans-title=TMS Blu-ray Disc Collection |publisher=Bandai Visual |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108085621/http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/tms/tms_ace.php |archive-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref> and re-released on July 22, 2016.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/cont/item/BCXA-1134 | title=劇場版 エースをねらえ！ | publisher=Bandai Visual | language=ja | access-date=November 30, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130172006/https://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/cont/item/BCXA-1134 | archive-date=November 30, 2019 | url-status=live}}</ref>

===Original video animations===
To serve as sequels to the anime series and to conclude the manga story, two [[original video animation]]s (OVA) were produced.<ref name=dossier/> The first OVA, {{nihongo4|''Ace o Nerae! 2''|エースをねらえ! 2|Ēsu o Nerae! 2}}, which consists of thirteen episodes, was produced by Tokyo Movie and directed by Noboru Furuse<!-- see: 監督：古瀬登 -->, with "Total Supervisor" credit given to Osamu Dezaki, who also storyboarded four episodes.<ref name=aim2>{{cite web |url=http://www.tms-e.co.jp/search/introduction.php?pdt_no=77 |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! 2 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! 2 |publisher=TMS Entertainment |access-date=November 30, 2019 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104053634/http://www.tms-e.com/search/index.php?pdt_no=77 |archive-date=January 4, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was released by Bandai Visual between July 25, 1988, and October 25, 1988, on six [[VHS]] videocassettes,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005EEYS |title=エースをねらえ!2(1) (VHS) |date=25 July 1988 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! 2 (1) (VHS) |publisher=Amazon |access-date=January 30, 2014 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307213207/http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%A8%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%82%92%E3%81%AD%E3%82%89%E3%81%88-2-1-VHS-%E6%B0%B4%E8%B0%B7%E5%84%AA%E5%AD%90/dp/B00005EEYS |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005EEYZ |title=エースをねらえ!2(6) (VHS) |date=25 October 1988 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! 2 (6) (VHS) |publisher=Amazon |access-date=January 30, 2014 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805230345/https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%A8%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%82%92%E3%81%AD%E3%82%89%E3%81%88-2-6-VHS-%E6%B0%B4%E8%B0%B7%E5%84%AA%E5%AD%90/dp/B00005EEYZ |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> and as a DVD compilation on May 23, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://product.bandaivisual.co.jp/web_service/shop_product_info.asp?item_no=BCBA-1629 |title=TMS DVD COLLECTION エースをねらえ! 2 DVD-BOX |trans-title=TMS DVD Collection: Ace o Nerae! 2 DVD-Box |publisher=Bandai Visual |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307093532/http://product.bandaivisual.co.jp/web_service/shop_product_info.asp?item_no=BCBA-1629 |archive-date=March 7, 2009 }}</ref> It was also released in France by Manga Distribution in 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.manga-distribution.fr/md/index.php?script=produit_dvd&ref=4914 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120095355/http://www.manga-distribution.fr/md/index.php?script=produit_dvd&ref=4914 | archive-date=January 20, 2008 | title=Jeu Set et Match 2 – L'intégrale | publisher=Manga Distribution | access-date=June 2, 2015 | language=fr}}</ref> The first OVA was followed by {{nihongo4|''Ace o Nerae! Final Stage''|エースをねらえ! ファイナルステージ|Ēsu o Nerae! Fainaru Sutēji}}, which consists of 12 episodes directed by Osamu Dezaki.<ref name=final>{{cite web |url=http://www.tms-e.co.jp/search/introduction.php?pdt_no=78 |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! ファイナル・ステージ |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! Final Stage |publisher=TMS Entertainment |access-date=November 30, 2019 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104053459/http://www.tms-e.com/search/index.php?pdt_no=78 |archive-date=January 4, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was originally released by Bandai Visual into six VHS videos from October 23, 1989, to April 24, 1990,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005EF2B |title=エースをねらえ!ファイナルステージ(1)1~2話(VHS) |date=23 October 1989 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! Final Stage (1)Story 1-2 (VHS) |publisher=Amazon |access-date=January 30, 2014 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305163330/http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%A8%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%82%92%E3%81%AD%E3%82%89%E3%81%88-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8-1-1%EF%BD%9E2%E8%A9%B1-VHS/dp/B00005EF2B |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005EF2G |title=エースをねらえ!ファイナルステージ 6 (VHS) |date=24 April 1990 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! Final Stage 6 (VHS) |publisher=Amazon |access-date=January 30, 2014 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305211752/http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%A8%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%82%92%E3%81%AD%E3%82%89%E3%81%88-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8-6-VHS-%E6%B0%B4%E8%B0%B7%E5%84%AA%E5%AD%90/dp/B00005EF2G |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> and a DVD box set was released on September 26, 2003.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/index?act=detail&ino=BCBA-1630 | title=TMS DVD COLLECTION エースをねらえ! ファイナルステージ DVD-BOX |trans-title=TMS DVD Collection: Ace o Nerae! Final Stage DVD-Box | publisher=Bandai Visual | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202153423/http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/index?act=detail&ino=BCBA-1630 | archive-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref>

===Audio===
Both the opening theme song, "Ace o Nerae!", and the ending theme song, {{nihongo4|"Shiroi Tennis Court"|白いテニスコート}}, from the original anime series were performed by [[Kumiko Ōsugi]].<ref name=anime/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://columbia.jp/artist-info/kumiko/interview03.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608130701/http://columbia.jp/artist-info/kumiko/interview03.html | archive-date=June 8, 2010 | title=大杉久美子 40周年記念CD-BOX『燦(きらめき)のとき やさしさの歌』発売記念 大杉久美子スペシャル・インタビュー | publisher=Nippon Columbia | language=ja}}</ref> VIP performs {{nihongo4|"Seishun ni Kakero!"|青春にかけろ}} and {{nihongo4|"Ashita ni Mukatte"|明日に向かって}}, the opening and ending theme from ''Shin Ace o Nerae!''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.moviesquare.jp/channel/catalog/?c=nwace | script-title=ja:新・エースをねらえ! |trans-title=Shin Ace o Nerae! | publisher=Movie Square | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202112738/http://www.moviesquare.jp/channel/catalog/?c=nwace | archive-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref> The film only used an opening theme, {{nihongo4|"Mabushī Kisetsu ni"|まぶしい季節に}} by Shōnen Tanteidan.<ref name=film/> [[Hiroko Moriguchi]] sang ''Ace o Nerae! 2''{{'}}s theme, {{nihongo4|"Endless Dream"|エンドレス・ドリーム|Endoresu Dorīmu}}, as well as "Never Say Goodbye", ''Final Stage''{{'}}s theme.<ref name=aim2/><ref name=final/> On January 9, 1993, [[King Records (Japan)|King Records]] released a CD containing the soundtracks from both anime television series, the anime film, and the first OVA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/183/products/music/423135/1/ |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! 総音楽集 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae!: Complete Music Collection |publisher=Oricon |access-date=November 25, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227020024/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/183/products/music/423135/1/ |archive-date=December 27, 2013 |url-status=live }}<!-- the link isn't dead but the new link doesn't include from where the music was taken from --></ref> The soundtrack of the first television series was released on March 6, 1996, by [[EMI Music Japan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/269505/1/ |title=エースをねらえ!/TVサントラ |trans-title=Ace o Nerae!/TV Soundtrack |publisher=Oricon |access-date=December 19, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227020028/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/269505/1/ |archive-date=December 27, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Soundtrack Laboratory under its Soundtrack Pub label published an ''Ace o Nerae!: Original Soundtrack'' on March 7, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundtrack-lab.co.jp/products/cd/STLC003.html |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! オリジナル・サウンドトラック |publisher=Soundtrack Laboratory |access-date=December 19, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629113456/http://www.soundtrack-lab.co.jp/products/cd/STLC003.html |archive-date=June 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, it published the official soundtrack for ''Shin Ace o Nerae!'' on two CDs on July 31, 2013, and December 25, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundtrack-lab.co.jp/products/cd/STLC005.html |script-title=ja:新・エースをねらえ! |trans-title=Shin Ace o Nerae! |publisher=Soundtrack Laboratory |access-date=December 19, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629120959/http://www.soundtrack-lab.co.jp/products/cd/STLC005.html |archive-date=June 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundtrack-lab.co.jp/products/cd/STLC006.html |script-title=ja:新・エースをねらえ! 音楽集 |trans-title=Shin Ace o Nerae! Music Collection |publisher=Soundtrack Laboratory |access-date=July 5, 2014 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629123124/http://www.soundtrack-lab.co.jp/products/cd/STLC006.html |archive-date=June 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception and legacy==
The manga was a hit,<ref name=excite/> having sold approximately 15 million copies,<ref name=manga/> which makes it one of the best-selling ''shōjo'' manga series of all time.<ref>{{cite web | title=Historic Shoujo Manga Circulation Numbers | url=http://comipress.com/article/2006/05/24/161 | publisher=Comipress | date=May 24, 2006 | access-date=November 29, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206071653/http://comipress.com/article/2006/05/24/161 | archive-date=February 6, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Although the television series initially received low ratings, reruns were more positively received by fans, as well as the second series.<ref name=dossier/> The anime is considered a hit on Japanese television and though aimed toward schoolgirls it was popular among people of both sexes,<ref name=dezaki/><ref name=clements/> and was also popular in Europe.<ref name=buried/> In 2001, the anime magazine ''[[Animage]]'' ranked the 1979 anime television as the twenty-second of the Top 100 anime productions of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-01-15/animage-top-100-anime-listing |title=Animage Top-100 Anime Listing |date=January 15, 2001 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704080320/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-01-15/animage-top-100-anime-listing |archive-date=July 4, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005, TV Asahi conducted a "Top 100" [[Open access poll|online web poll]] and nationwide survey asking viewers for the best anime television series; ''Aim for the Ace!'' was placed fourteenth in the online poll and thirty-fourth in the survey.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 23, 2005 |title=TV Asahi Top 100 Anime |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-09-23/tv-asahi-top-100-anime | author=Macdonald, Christopher | website=Anime News Network |access-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520232312/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-09-23/tv-asahi-top-100-anime |archive-date=May 20, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=TV Asahi Top 100 Anime, Part 2 | author=Macdonald, Christopher | website=Anime News Network |date=September 23, 2005 |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-09-23/tv-asahi-top-100-anime-part-2 |access-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730225630/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-09-23/tv-asahi-top-100-anime-part-2 |archive-date=July 30, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Responsible for a tennis boom among high school students in the 1970s,<ref name=excite>{{cite web|url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/sports_clm/20140922/Shueishapn_20140922_36111.html |script-title=ja:独占インタビュー「圭、エースをねらえ!」 あの名作漫画の著者・山本鈴美香先生が錦織とマイケル・チャンに泣いた |date=September 22, 2014 |work=[[Weekly Playboy|Shūpure News]] |publisher=[[Excite (web portal)|Excite]] |access-date=June 2, 2015 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924071428/http://www.excite.co.jp/News/sports_clm/20140922/Shueishapn_20140922_36111.html |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> the series was still popular as of 2015 appearing in several online web polls of most influential sports anime.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-01-16/10000-fans-pick-what-sports-anime-influenced-them-the-most/.83319 | title=10,000 Fans Pick What Sports Anime Influenced Them the Most | date=January 16, 2015 | author=Loveridge, Lynzee | website=Anime News Network | access-date=June 2, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530013224/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-01-16/10000-fans-pick-what-sports-anime-influenced-them-the-most/.83319 | archive-date=May 30, 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.otakuusamagazine.com/LatestNews/News1/Japanese-Fans-Rank-Most-Inspiring-Sports-Manga-6439.aspx | title=Japanese Fans Rank Most Inspiring Sports Manga | date=May 4, 2015 | author=Schley, Matt | work=[[Otaku USA]] | publisher=Sovereign Media | access-date=June 2, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522132140/http://www.otakuusamagazine.com/LatestNews/News1/Japanese-Fans-Rank-Most-Inspiring-Sports-Manga-6439.aspx | archive-date=May 22, 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref> On [[TV Asahi]]'s Manga Sōsenkyo 2021 poll, in which 150.000 people voted for their top 100 manga series, ''Aim for the Ace!'' ranked 44th.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:テレビ朝日『国民15万人がガチで投票!漫画総選挙』ランキング結果まとめ！ 栄えある1位に輝く漫画は!?|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1609599746&p=3|website=animate Times|publisher=[[Animate (retailer)|Animate]]|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210103112636/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1609599746&p=5|archive-date=January 3, 2021|language=ja|date=January 3, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

Considered a classic,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2010-08-29 |title=Bein' a Hata |author=Toole, Michael |date=August 29, 2010 | website=Anime News Network |access-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920135634/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2010-08-29 |archive-date=September 20, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GvEFDD4rdWMC&pg=PT1161e | title=Manga: The Complete Guide | author=Thompson, Jason | author-link=Jason Thompson (writer) | publisher=[[Random House]] | year=2012 | isbn=978-0-345-53944-1}}</ref> the series has been influential in Japan both in fiction and in real life.<ref name=clements>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=inWpe4hhc0IC&pg=PA329 | title=Schoolgirl Milky Crisis: Adventures in the Anime and Manga Trade | author=Clements, Jonathan | author-link=Jonathan Clements | publisher=A-Net Digital | year=2010 | pages=329–331 | isbn=978-0-9845937-4-3}}</ref><ref name=saito>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k-GnNJC9HskC&pg=PA97 | title=Beautiful Fighting Girl | author=Saitō, Tamaki | author-link=Tamaki Saitō | publisher=[[University of Minnesota Press]] | year=2011 | page=97 | isbn=978-0-8166-5450-5}}</ref> In addition to being a landmark in the sports genre<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/recaps/ping-pong-recap-smile-is-a-robot-98619.html |title='Ping Pong' Recap: 'Smile is a Robot' |author=Ettinger, Ben |date=April 20, 2014 |work=[[Cartoon Brew]] |access-date=June 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325090446/http://www.cartoonbrew.com/recaps/ping-pong-recap-smile-is-a-robot-98619.html |archive-date=March 25, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> and an inspiration for other sports anime,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/49375 |title=AICN Anime – Kenshin, Panty and Stocking and Goodbye to the Great Osamu Dezaki! |date=April 22, 2011 |author=Green, Scott |publisher=[[Ain't It Cool News]] |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808045551/http://www.aintitcool.com/node/49375 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> it has set many of the conventions of ''[[yuri (genre)|yuri]]''.<ref name=friedman/> Its story has been imitated by other anime to the point that it became a cliché;<ref name=buried/> it established the tradition of "the klutzy wallflower with hidden potential, the rich bitch who wants all the attention, and a handsome Coach with a tragic fate" in the words of anime critic [[Jonathan Clements]].<ref name=clements/> [[Gainax]]'s [[science fiction]] OVA ''[[Gunbuster]]'' incorporated the set-up and the style of ''Aim for the Ace!'', acting as parody to the series.<ref name=clements/><ref name=saito/> Anime series ''[[Oh! Super Milk-chan]]''{{'}}s opening theme also included parodies of the anime.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2003/09/feature/01/ |title=OH! Super Milk-chan! – Go Sumiya High School Baseball Team! |author=Khan, Ridwan |date=September 2003 |work=Animefringe |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923172342/http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2003/09/feature/01/ |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Anime director [[Kenji Kamiyama]], most known for the ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex]]'' series, cited the series among the 15 best anime of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madman.com.au/news/kenji-kamiyama-interview/ |title=Madman interviews Kenji Kamiyama |date=September 17, 2013 |publisher=[[Madman Entertainment]] |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808045547/http://www.madman.com.au/news/kenji-kamiyama-interview/ |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Shuzo Matsuoka]], considered "the first successful Japanese [tennis] player",<ref name=cnn>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/31/sport/human-hero-tennis-japan-nishikori/ |title='Project 10:' Japan's rising son Nishikori feels weight of expectation |author=Murphy, Chris |date=August 1, 2013 |access-date=December 19, 2013 |publisher=[[CNN]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906141650/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/31/sport/human-hero-tennis-japan-nishikori/ |archive-date=September 6, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> was influenced to play because of the esteem he had on the series.<ref name=clements/>

Justin Sevakis, writing for [[Anime News Network]], and Erica Friedman, founder of [[Yuricon]], consider the series a "true" ''shōjo''.<ref name=buried/><ref name=friedman>{{cite web|url=http://okazu.yuricon.com/2004/01/20/yuri-anime-aim-for-the-ace-ace-wo-nerae/ |title=Yuri Anime: Aim for the Ace! / Ace wo Nerae! |date=January 20, 2004 |author=Friedman, Erica |publisher=yuricon.com |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050405/http://okazu.yuricon.com/2004/01/20/yuri-anime-aim-for-the-ace-ace-wo-nerae/ |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Friedman wrote, "As a representative of early shoujoai, ''Ace wo Nerae'' is a spectacular example, but expect a fair dollop of cheesy-ness, as the character designs, music, art, etc are all over 30 years old. The op art graphics and laughable opening theme are delightfully retro now. The most important thing is that the characters are genuinely likeable and their motivations fathomable."<ref name=friedman/> Sevakis praised the story as having "purity", as "There are no manufactured obstacles to overcome." He also declared, "Despite being Western-looking and ostensibly about universally accessible sport of tennis, it's a fascinating look at Japanese personal motivation, interaction and decorum," playing "like a catalog of Japan's most interesting cultural quirks."<ref name=buried/> Art-wise it was compared to ''[[Dear Brother]]'' and ''[[The Rose of Versailles]]'' by Anime News Network's Lynzee Loveridge, who said it "reinforces a lot of the dangerous work ethic that permeates sports series, like battling through a serious injury or abandoning emotional 'dalliances' like romance."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2015-04-11/.86914 | title=7 Anime About Women in Sports | author=Loveridge, Lynzee | date=April 11, 2015 | website=Anime News Network | access-date=April 11, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412182849/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2015-04-11/.86914 | archive-date=April 12, 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Video game adaptations===
Several games based on ''Aim for the Ace!'' have been released in Japan. [[Nippon Telenet]] adapted the series into a [[Super Famicom]] video game, which they published on December 22, 1993.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ace o Nerae! for Super Nintendo |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/571014-ace-o-nerae/index.html |work=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714160523/http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/571014-ace-o-nerae/index.html |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Tristar published two video game adaptations for [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[Mac OS X]]; the first was released on November 30, 2002, and the second on December 3, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00007FOY7 |script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! タイピングスマッシュ 狙打 |publisher=Amazon |access-date=November 25, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527021122/https://www.webcitation.org/6QvTtvLpa?url=http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%88%E3%83%AA%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC-%E3%82%A8%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%82%92%E3%81%AD%E3%82%89%E3%81%88-%E3%82%BF%E3%82%A4%E3%83%94%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0%E3%82%B9%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A5-%E7%8B%99%E6%89%93/dp/B00007FO |archive-date=May 27, 2024 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0001I2342 |title=エースをねらえ! 狙打 ~タイピングスマッシュ~ バリベリプライス! (DVDパッケージ) |publisher=Amazon |access-date=November 25, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527021201/https://www.webcitation.org/6QvUPiqtu?url=http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%A8%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%82%92%E3%81%AD%E3%82%89%E3%81%88-%E7%8B%99%E6%89%93-~%E3%82%BF%E3%82%A4%E3%83%94%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0%E3%82%B9%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A5~-%E3%83%90%E3%83%AA%E3%83%99%E3%83%AA%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%25 |archive-date=May 27, 2024 |url-status=live }}</ref><!-- official site doesn't include: https://web.archive.org/web/20021220083027/http://www.ssitristar.com/product/neraiuchi/index.html; https://web.archive.org/web/20041205062331/http://www.ssitristar.com/syoinfo/221 --> In 2009, Olympia distributed an ''Ace o Nerae!''-themed [[pachinko]] machine under its Gold Olympia brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ircms.irstreet.com/contents/data_file.php?template=51&brand=79&folder_contents=9518&src_data=73903&filename=pdf_file.pdf |title=Launch of Olympia's New Pachislot Machine "Aim for the Ace!" |date=March 11, 2009 |publisher=Fields Corporation |access-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220120726/https://ircms.irstreet.com/contents/data_file.php?template=51&brand=79&folder_contents=9518&src_data=73903&filename=pdf_file.pdf |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ace Denken released a different machine in 2011.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.p-world.co.jp/news2/article.cgi?No=4773 | title=エースから女子パチ第3弾『CRエースをねらえ!』 | date=July 11, 2011 | publisher=P-World | access-date=November 25, 2013 | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002549/http://www.p-world.co.jp/news2/article.cgi?No=4773 | archive-date=December 3, 2013 | url-status=live}}</ref>

===Television drama===
In November 2003, the production of a [[Japanese television drama]] series was announced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-11-03/live-action-updates |title=Live Action Updates |date=November 3, 2003 | author=Macdonald, Christopher | website=Anime News Network |access-date=November 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712171245/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-11-03/live-action-updates |archive-date=July 12, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was broadcast by Japanese network [[TV Asahi]] in nine episodes between January 15, 2004, and March 11, 2004.<ref name=staff>{{cite web | url=http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=319340 | title=TV エースをねらえ! | trans-title=TV Ace o Nerae! | publisher=Stingray | website=AllCinema Movie & DVD Database | access-date=November 14, 2013 | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222014/http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=319340 | archive-date=December 2, 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ace/04_story/index.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040803144349/http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ace/04_story/index.html | archive-date=August 3, 2004 | script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! – ストーリー |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! – Story | publisher=TV Asahi | language=ja}}</ref> It was directed by Hidetomo Matsuda, Shunji Muguruma and Yoshinori Kobayashi, produced by Motohiro Matsumoto and Shizuo Sekiguchi, and the screenwriters were Akiyo Takikawa, Naoya Takayama and Hiroko Kanasugi.<ref name=staff/> Shuzo Matsuoka, a former Japanese professional tennis player,<ref name=cnn/> served the supervisor of the tennis scenes.<ref name=staff/>

The music was composed by Norihito Sumitomo;<ref name=staff/> the series homonymous opening theme song is sung by Hiromi and the closing theme was "[[Ai no Tame ni.]]" by [[Aya Ueto]]{{mdash}}who also starred in the leading role.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ace/07_music/index.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041204211615/http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ace/07_music/index.html | archive-date=December 4, 2004 | script-title=ja:エースをねらえ! – ミュージック |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! – Music | publisher=TV Asahi | language=ja}}</ref> On July 23, 2004, [[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Geneon Universal]] released the series on DVD; it was available as five individual volumes or as a DVD box set.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ace/08_dvd/index.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040809033210/http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ace/08_dvd/index.html | archive-date=August 9, 2004 | title=エースをねらえ! – DVD |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! – DVD | publisher=TV Asahi | language=ja}}</ref> Its soundtrack was published by Nippon Columbia on September 22, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://columbia.jp/prod-info/COCP-32886/ |script-title=ja:テレビ朝日開局45周年記念 木曜ドラマ エースをねらえ! オリジナル・サウンドトラック |publisher=Nippon Columbia |access-date=June 1, 2015 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828150932/http://columbia.jp/prod-info/COCP-32886/ |archive-date=August 28, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Serving as a sequel to the series, a special episode was aired on September 23, 2004, and then was released on DVD on December 22 by Geneon Universal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/214223/products/cinema/574116/1/ |title=エースをねらえ! 奇跡への挑戦〈TVドラマスペシャル〉 |trans-title=Ace o Nerae! Challenge to the miracle (TV Drama Special) |publisher=Oricon |access-date=November 14, 2013 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207173129/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/214223/products/cinema/574116/1/ |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Out of the nine episodes, three were featured on the top ten list of the most-watched dramas in the week. The second one appeared in the eighth place with a 15.3 percent television viewership rating,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videor.co.jp/data/ratedata/backnum/2004/vol4.htm#drama |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050829112828/http://www.videor.co.jp/data/ratedata/backnum/2004/vol4.htm |archive-date=August 29, 2005 |title=Vol.4 2004年 1月19日 (月) 〜 1月25日 (日) |publisher=[[Video Research]] |language=ja}}</ref> the eighth episode reached the tenth place with 14.8 percent,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videor.co.jp/data/ratedata/backnum/2004/vol10.htm#drama |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050428045714/http://www.videor.co.jp/data/ratedata/backnum/2004/vol10.htm |archive-date=April 28, 2005 |title=Vol.10 2004年 3月1日(月) 〜 3月7日(日) |publisher=Video Research |language=ja}}</ref> and the last occupied the ninth spot with 14.2 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videor.co.jp/data/ratedata/backnum/2004/vol11.htm#drama |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050428045822/http://www.videor.co.jp/data/ratedata/backnum/2004/vol11.htm |archive-date=April 28, 2005 |title=Vol.10 2004年 3月8日(月) 〜 3月14日(日) |publisher=Video Research |language=ja}}</ref>

==See also==
* {{Portal-inline|Tennis}}

==Citations==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Sources==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Galbraith IV |first=Stuart |title=The Toho Studios Story: A History and Complete Filmography |year=2008 |publisher=[[Scarecrow Press]] |isbn=978-1461673743}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050515004139/http://www.shueisha.co.jp/home-sha/ace/ Official Shueisha ''Aim for the Ace!'' manga website] {{in lang|ja}}
* {{anime News Network|manga|3996}}

{{Osamu Dezaki}}
{{Margaret (magazine)}}
{{TMS Entertainment}}
{{TMS Entertainment films}}
{{TMS Entertainment OVAs}}

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