The Japan Foundation decided to donate an Arabic-dubbed version of a popular Japanese soccer animated cartoon, CAPTAIN TSUBASA, to an Iraqi television station, reported KYODO NEWS.
Japanese Foreign Ministry officials said the program will be provided to the Iraq Media Network by the foundation, with the cooperation of the ministry and Animation International Middle East.
Noting that soccer is a popular sport in Iraq, the officials expressed hope that CAPTAIN TSUBASA will encourage Iraqi children and give them an affinity for Japan. All 52 episodes will be aired in most of Iraq.
CAPTAIN TSUBASA is about a young boy who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player and winning the World Cup. Captain Tsubasa aired in Japan from 2001 to 2002.
The Japan Foundation previously donated the popular Japanese television drama, OSHI, to the same network.
