I continue to have a hard time finding many modern anime that can keep me interested beyond the first few episodes. So I decided to go outside my comfort zone and check out Haikyū!! a shonen anime about volleyball of all sports and it is a decision I do not regret.
Haikyū!! Plot Synopsis
Junior high school student Shōyō Hinata gains a sudden love of volleyball after seeing a national championship match on TV. Although short in height, he becomes determined to follow in the footsteps of the championship’s star player, nicknamed the “Small Giant”, after seeing his plays. He creates a volleyball club and begins practicing by himself. Eventually 3 other members join the team by his last year of middle school, pushing Hinata to persuade his two friends who are in different clubs to join just for the tournament. However, they are defeated in their first tournament game after being challenged by the championship favorite team, which includes the so-called “King of the Court” Tobio Kageyama, in the first round. Though Hinata’s team suffers a miserable defeat, he vows to eventually surpass Kageyama and defeat him.
Haikyū!! Trailer
Fun Volleyball Lessons
I knew very little about Volleyball going in. I played various sports in high school; starting out with football (soccer), then switching to cricket before finally settling on table tennis. Haikyū!! does a great job of teaching the viewer about the sport in interesting ways. The main characters are actually quite interesting and the story shines not due to its complexity but in its ability to pace itself well and introduce new and unique characters at the perfect time.
More Please?
The comedy is also quite good and the “action” scenes paired with the great animation and voice acting result in an anime that is a pleasant and welcomed breathe of fresh air even to an anime veteran like me. I’m looking forward to more of Haikyū!! as even though somewhat know where the story is building to I am still looking forward to the journey.
Have you been watching or watched Haikyū!! ? What are your thoughts? Do know of a similar anime you would like to recommend? Drop me a line via twitter @Jamaipanese, via a comment below or contact me via email!
[love]