Considered to be of one of the best anime adaptations of all time, Haikyuu!! has won the hearts of many with many elements that make it a work of art. Here’s why you’re missing out if you're not watching this sports anime.
Written by Haruichi Furudate and produced by Production I.G, Haikyuu!! tells the story of Hinata Shoyo, a middle school student who becomes smitten with a volleyball player known as "The Little Giant" after watching one of his matches on television. Amazed by the short player’s ability to play the sport masterfully, Hinata (who is not very tall himself) feels a connection to both the player and the sport and decides to pursue it and prove that he too can be great. As a result, he convinces his friends to play with him in a middle school volleyball tournament.
However, he soon finds himself up against a powerful team—and the scary and intimidating Kageyama Tobio, known as “King of the Court”. After a crushing defeat, Hinata learns that he has a long way to go before he is ever able to play a good match. Yet, this does not deter him from his goal and upon his arrival at Karasuno High School, where he joins the school’s volleyball team, he is reunited with ex-opponent Kageyama and other skillful volleyball players where he is continuously challenged.
The Wholesome Premise
The premise of the story makes Haikyuu!! feel like a truly inspirational journey. Sports animes resonate with many due to their technical elements, surprises, and character growth; Haikyuu!! manages to capture the heart of quality sports anime with what it conveys. It isn’t just about volleyball, it’s about the person you ought to be in order to play it with the respect and command it deserves, as it explores themes of defeat, insecurity, victory, and team dynamics.
The Sleek Animation
I.G Studio has produced many anime series such as Guilty Crown, Kuroko’s Basketball, and Psycho-Pass, but Haikyuu!! has been rated by masses of fans as their best. Sports animes are filled with characters, suspenseful matches, and intricate movements which makes them some of the hardest animations to create but also some of the most satisfying to watch.
This award-winning series has managed to capture the world's details at its finest. Overflowing with clean character designs, spirited facial expressions, and smooth movements that are consistent and captivating, Haikyuu!! is a visually pleasing experience that will make you connect with its narrative on a profound level.
Thorough Character Development
When it comes to sports animes, character development is a key element that many series share. Yet, what makes Haikyuu!! stand out is the attention it gives to each character and their personal development. This adds infinitely more depth to the story as we get to study the psychology of several characters which makes the story more captivating, rich, and dynamic. With this anime based around a team sport, there are six or more players per team; as the story progresses, more teams appear which makes room for different characters with various skills, motives, and attitudes, making it relatable, poignant, and a fun ride.
The Realistic View of Sports
Manga author Furudate was a volleyball player during his school years and was even thinking of pursuing a career in the sport. He instead decided to translate his passion for the sport through an artistic medium and his knowledge of the game has clearly been transferred into a credible and influential series that has helped many understand the sport better while also inspiring many to try it. It has also earned the approval and enjoyment of numerous professional volleyball players.
The Amazing Soundtrack
Composed by Yuki Hayashi and Asami Tachibana, Haikyuu!! has a collection of expressive and delicate compositions that perfectly fit the anime’s narrative at each turn. Every anime needs the right kind of music to beautifully complement its essence, whether it is capturing the hype of a match or the difficult emotions that the characters go through, and Haikyuu!! does that exceptionally well. It has something for everyone—soft, groovy, and dramatic, its soundtrack will definitely pull at your heartstrings and will stay with you for a long time.
The Feel-Good Episodes
With many components that make this anime already outstanding, it is also one of the most feel-good series out there. Haikyuu!! sucks viewers into a world of possibility and hope which has helped many of its avid admirers get through hard times; the series fills you with motivation and excitement and reminds you of why your existence matters.
Despite it being a sports anime, Haikyuu!! has attracted viewers from all walks of life, all around the world who weren’t initially interested in volleyball, but who chose to stay for what it offered; whether it is for the fun, the characters, the animation, or the premise, Haikyuu!! has something for everyone.