1925, Japan. The Taishou era is nearing its end, an era that increased the western influence of the Meiji era. Among other things, the now ever-present "sailor uniform" was introduced in 1920. Another sign of the times was the feminist movement, which began to gain traction. However, Japan is still a very patriarchal society, and even running is seen as a vulgar thing for women to do.
It is to this backdrop that Taishō Baseball Girls (Taishou Yakyuu Musume) is set. A middle school student named Akiko Ogasawara is at a party held by her father, wherein the subject of feminism is brought up by one Sousuke Iwasaki. After he voices sexist views to Akiko, she becomes angry. She decides to beat Iwasaki at his own game — baseball. Together with her friend Koume Suzukawa, she tries to gather an all-girls baseball team. However, there are many obstacles in the way — finding enough members, learning how to play, continuing in the face of humiliating defeats...
Originally a series of light novels written by Atsushi Kagurasaka and illustrated by Sadaji Koike, which began publication under Tokuma Shoten in 2007, it received a manga adaptation that ran in Monthly Comic Ryu from 2008 to 2011, and an anime adaptation by J.C. Staff in 2009. Compare with Princess Nine and Tetsuwan Girl.
Tropes:
- Arranged Marriage:
- Koume is told by her parents to marry Saburou which seems to suit her just fine.
- There is also a similar arrangement between Akiko and Iwasaki, the major reason she wants him to recognise her equality.
- Butt-Monkey: Kyouko. She is thrown a bone once in a while, though.
- Champions on the Inside: In the final game, although they lost, the score was 9-8. They only lost because Koume's slide was off and she had a few millimeters left to home base. And they were able to have that score in that match against a middle school men's team that was vying for the nationals.
- Chick Magnet: Koume is popular with boys and girls without even trying.
- Clingy Jealous Girl: Shizuka acts like this towards her sister Tomoe. Most probably just being over-protective.
- Daydream Surprise: The first episode opens on Koume singing a cute rendition of "Tokyo Bushi" (a Japanese song set to the melody of "Marching Through Georgia") in a fashion reminiscent of a musical. It's all in her head.
- Early-Bird Cameo: Kochou appears briefly playing with Kyouko in the first episode.
- Genki Girl: Anna-sensei has all the tale-telling signs of having been one. Age has mellowed her out... somewhat.
- I Have This Friend: Koume uses this to check her father's opinion on girls playing sports and to get a leatherworker to modify a baseball glove to fit her hand.
- Lover Tug of War: Tomoe and Akiko, over Koume.
- Luminescent Blush: Often used in combination with Koume's ever present rosy cheeks.
- Martial Arts and Crafts: Tomoe's kendo skills make her a good batter.
- Miracle Rally: Is that Mamiko Noto giving a (gentle, of course) Rousing Speech? Followed by a Theme Music Power-Up, even.
- Mistaken for Cheating: In episode 9, Koume's mom finds a photo of one of Asaka's baseball players that fell out of Koume's drawer. The parents assume that Koume is going out with someone other than her fiancê. They approach Koume, who in turn assumes that they're talking about her secret baseball training. Hilarity Ensues.
- Mundane Made Awesome:
- The street batters (and one pitcher) in episode 7. Ninja baseball duels!
- Koume's epic catching in ep 3.
- One Dialogue, Two Conversations: Koume has been sneaking out of her home to play baseball, but her father thinks it's because she has a crush on a certain boy. As a result, they get into an argument in which Koume thinks the subject is her baseball playing, while her father thinks it's about dating.
- Onee-sama: Tomoe and Shizuka, who have a huge fangirl following amongst the younger students.
- Phenotype Stereotype: Anna Curtland, the girls' homeroom teacher and sponsor of the baseball team, complete with the occasional Gratuitous English. As far as the Eaglelander thing goes, she's a lot closer to a Type 1.
- The Roaring '20s: The Taishou period stretches from 1912 to 1926.
- Sailor Fuku: Most of the girls except Koume, Shizuka, Tamaki and Noe. Since the action takes place in 1925, quite a big deal is made about some of the female cast wearing the new, western style sailor fuku uniforms rather than the traditional Japanese uniforms.
- Sibling Yin-Yang: Shizuka and Tomoe, the Tsukubae sisters, are characterized in this fashion.
- Stay in the Kitchen:
- That Akiko's fiance thought this was a major factor for her deciding to create a girls' baseball team.
- The principal of his school refused the challenge for this reason.
- Tsundere: Tamaki Ishigaki. Also Shizuka.
- Yuri Fan: Noriko is aware of Tomoe's crush on Koume and tries to convince Shizuka to let her be.Noriko: "Oh, I long to shower the lily's calyx with my impassioned feelings..."
