Taichi Dan is a first-year student at Yamabuki Middle School who speaks in a uniquely polite manner and is known for his catchphrase, "Dadadadaan!". He holds a profound admiration for the seemingly intimidating Jin Akutsu, being one of the few people who is not afraid of him.
Taichi has a small build, with his height recorded as growing from 147cm to 149cm.
He is always seen wearing a headband given to him by Jin Akutsu.
Because the headband is too large for him, it frequently slips down over his eyes.
Taichi is characterized by his use of slightly strange, polite speech with everyone he meets.
He is earnest and determined, with a strong sense of admiration for those he looks up to.
Initially a manager due to his small stature, he is inspired to become a player himself, showing great resolve.
His preferred type of person is someone who is "wild," which later evolves to "someone who can face any difficulty," reflecting his admiration for Akutsu.
Taichi Dan is a student in Class 1-1 at Yamabuki Middle School.
He originally served as the tennis team's manager because he felt he was too small to be a player.
His perspective changed after witnessing Ryoma Echizen, who is of similar height, defeat his idol, Jin Akutsu.
This event inspired him to join the tennis club as a player after Akutsu left the team.
Kiyosumi Sengoku has entrusted him with carrying the torch for the next generation of Yamabuki tennis.
His father works for a publishing company.
As a left-handed player, his play style is officially listed as "currently exploring."
Despite being a relative beginner, the anime shows him possessing remarkable talent and potential.
He demonstrates the ability to quickly replicate advanced techniques like Ryoma's "Twist Serve" and "Drive B."
Taichi holds Jin Akutsu in the highest regard, viewing him as a strong and "wild" figure to aspire to.
He is one of the very few characters who shows no fear towards Akutsu, instead following him with deep admiration.
Ryoma Echizen serves as a major inspiration for Taichi, proving that a player's skill isn't determined by their size.
He is often seen with fellow first-years Satoshi Horio and Shīta Urayama.
In the OVAs, he is shown speaking informally with Horio and Urayama, a rare departure from his usual polite speech.
- Birthday: January 2 (Capricorn)
- Height: 147cm -> 149cm
- Weight: 40kg -> 42kg
- Blood Type: AB
- Dominant Hand: Left
- Hobbies: Walking his dog, Kendama, Research (mostly club-related)
- Favorite Foods: Clam chowder, Milk
- Motto: "Seeing is believing."
- Family: Father, Mother, younger sister, dog
- Daily Routine: Bathing with his dog.
- Most Wanted Item: Initially, the same shoes Akutsu wore; later, a pair of red shoes that fit him perfectly.
- Special Skills (Besides Tennis): Oil painting, sketching
- Favorite Anniversary: The day Jin Akutsu saved him from bullies.
- Tournament Routine: Liking posts on the social media of Akutsu's mother, Yuki.
- The origin of his treasured headband differs between the manga and the anime. In the manga, he receives it from Akutsu on their way home from buying a racket. In the anime, Akutsu gives him the one he had been using during practice.
- "Dadadadaan!"
- "Ussodaan!"
The Prince of Tennis
Initially introduced as a manager for the Yamabuki team, Taichi spends his time gathering data on other teams.
He is deeply devoted to Jin Akutsu, but feels his own small size prevents him from playing tennis.
After watching Ryoma Echizen defeat Akutsu in a grueling match, he is inspired by Ryoma's success despite his similar stature.
Following Akutsu's departure from the team, Taichi resolves to become a tennis player himself and officially joins the club.
In an anime-original episode, with some help from Satoshi Horio and friends, Taichi challenges Ryoma to a match, showcasing his latent talent by using techniques like the "Twist Serve" and "Drive B."
The New Prince of Tennis
Taichi reappears when he visits the U-17 training camp with Shīta Urayama to give Jin Akutsu a good luck charm.
He ends up staying at the camp as a chore boy alongside Satoshi Horio and Urayama, as seen in the OVAs.
He later joins the cheering squad for the Japanese representatives during the World Cup.
During the Singles 1 match between Akutsu and Alexander Amadeus of the Swiss team, Taichi tearfully cheers for Akutsu, who fights relentlessly against a pro player.
Watching the match, Ryoma encourages Taichi, telling him that the person he should aspire to become is the current, fighting version of Akutsu, not just his past self.
Sadly, these scenes featuring Taichi were cut from the U-17 anime adaptation due to time constraints.
Musical Cast
- 1st Season: Yuki Kawakubo
- 2nd Season: Reya Masaki
- 3rd Season: Mashiro Sano
- 4th Season: Yuki Hashimoto
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