Yowamushi Pedal Star Onoda Sakamichi on the Cover of Tarzan Magazine: A Special Collaboration for the 100th Volume
One of the most beloved figures in the world of cycling, Onoda Sakamichi, appears not on a manga page this time, but on the cover of Tarzan, one of Japan's most popular health and fitness magazines. In the 928th issue released on June 25, Onoda, the protagonist of the Yowamushi Pedal series, was chosen as the cover star. This special collaboration was realized to celebrate the massive achievement of the series reaching its 100th volume.
The magazine does not just feature an illustration of Onoda; it also includes an in-depth interview with the series creator, Wataru Watanabe. Watanabe, who is an active amateur cyclist himself, discusses the importance of stretching techniques, especially for manga artists who spend long hours at their desks. The famous mangaka touches upon the impact of physical health on creativity while sharing with fans how he integrates the discipline brought by cycling into his own life.
Starting its journey in Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine in 2008, Yowamushi Pedal has become a phenomenon that single-handedly increased interest in cycling in Japan. The series, which caused a boom in bicycle sales especially among female viewers aged 20-30, has turned into a giant franchise to date with five anime seasons, live-action films, and stage plays. Reaching its 100th volume as of May 2026, the manga has once again proven its longevity in the sports genre.
This issue of Tarzan magazine offers practical health tips to readers under the title "10 Minutes a Week, Multi-Purpose Stretching." The fact that a manga character appears on the cover of such an established fitness magazine shows how central anime and manga culture is to daily life and wellness trends in Japan. For fans, this collaboration serves as a symbol that Onoda's determined spirit also inspires athletes in the real world.
