Originally posted on Meteor Media.
Regular contributor Charlie Vogelsang explains why Haikyuu!! is a must-watch for anime fans.
A good anime can be hard to find, but finding one that makes volleyball compelling is a rare find. Based on the Japanese shōnen manga series written and illustrated by Haruichi Furudate, Haikyuu!! follows the story of a Shōyō Hinata as he tries to become one of the greatest volleyball players - despite his short stature.
Currently in its fourth season, Haikyuu!! has been praised critically and by fans. There is no anime like it out there, and here are five reasons why it should be next on your anime watchlist.
1. CHARACTERISATION
Each character in the show has development and a personality, there is no Mary Sue in this show. The show begins with the rivalry between Hinata and Tobio Kageyama at a middle school volleyball match, but the two are forced to work together once they enroll into the same highschool - Karasuno. You connect with both of these characters in a deep way and constantly want to root for them to succeed.
Despite the show initially set up to focus on Kageyama and Hinata, the show becomes more about the volleyball team itself and the support they receive. From the captain of Karasuno, Daichi Sawamura, to the rival captain of Aoba Johsai, Toru Oikawa, everyone is incredibly likeable as it’s a rare show without an evil villain. The characterisation is done so well that it’s hard not to root for the other team, and you’ll feel devastation when a team loses.
2. IT’S ABOUT THE SPORT
In famous sport’s movies, such as A League of Their Own or Remember the Titans, the plot focuses on the underdogs with everyone having a tragic backstory. Thankfully, Haikyuu!! avoids the unnecessary drama and filler to give you a show dedicated to the team and volleyball. That’s not to say that it’s a boring anime that only focuses on the matches, but it channels the emotions of being passionate about something.
Each character has a passion for volleyball and constantly strives to do better. As the audience we immediately can relate to this passion and feel heartbroken when a character fails to nail a shot. Prior to watching this anime, I didn’t care about volleyball and I knew nothing about the sport. The show displays the matches so well that we can feel the suspense and it makes the show incredibly addicting.
3. ART STYLE
There is so much attention to detail with the animation, from the first scene of the opening sequence to the close up of a hand hitting the ball - It’s a work of art. During matches, you can see the force behind every serve and the receive through the vibrant colours and lines. The facial expressions from the characters through the matches are so relatable that you can’t help but react as they do.
The volleyball matches are a complete spectacle in the show, as the animation is incredible in catching every little detail. This doesn’t mean that the rest of the show suffers for it, it’s the opposite really. When we go from the intense matches to the beautiful landscapes, it makes the moment of serenity even more peaceful. A perfectly executed juxtaposition, that gives the show even more depth.
4. MUSIC
Now you know it’s a great anime when the intro and closing credits have the coolest music. Haikyuu!! manages to put all of the suspense of the show into the opening scenes with the awesome soundtrack and deliver an inspiration track during the credits to boost morale.
They may only be playing volleyball but the music during epic scenes make the show even more intense. From the funky bassline when Kurasano are changing tactics to the violin and drum combination when the team are fighting to win, the music is definitely the MVP of the anime.
They’re high energy songs perfect to get you pumped up for the episode you’re about to watch. Haikyuu has three full soundtracks that include tracks composed by Yuki Hayashi and Tachibana Asami.
5. IT’S SO RELATABLE
Whilst it’s a show about a volleyball team, it’s 100% relatable. You don’t have to play sports to know what comradery is and to know how you can’t always do everything alone. Everyone has had to put their heart and soul into something, and Haikyuu!! manages to show this. You can see in all of the characters’ faces that they badly want to win and be the best. None of the characters are saints, but the endless support they have for each other on and off the court warms my heart. You’ll forget it’s an animated show, as Haikyuu!! is engaging, understandable and completely relatable.
Haikyuu!! is available to watch on Crunchyroll and available to buy through Amazon.