Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Haikyuuis one of the most celebrated and popular anime in the sports genre. Even a decade after its release, it continues to be relevant. This is especially true with the themes of team play and coordination.
The series stands as an inspiration for several sports anime. It is praised for its well-written and developed characters. So much so that even the Director will vouch for it.
In a recent interview, Susumu Mitsunaka revealed his favorite character from the show. Unsurprisingly, it isn’t Shōyō Hinata or Yū Nishinoya but Ryūnosuke Tanaka.
His reasons for picking the character may seem absurd to most fans but it’d make sense. Especially when we think about how it ties well to the core themes of the series. By and by, the series has excelled in its portrayal of teamplay and coordination.
HaikyuuDirector on why his favorite player is Tanaka
Haikyuuis by far one of the greatest sports series in the genre. It is among the top 10 anime series that continue to be relevant. With its portrayal of friendships and the game, it set a benchmark.
This also extends to the mangaka’s love for the game, which was revolutionized after the series’ release. What’s even more interesting is its overall impact on culture and society. And there’s more to it.
The premise and development of the series is rooted in reality. It showcases pure passion related to sports. Most manga reflect the author’s desires and thoughts. This series is no exception considering the author’s experience with the game.
He poured his love and research into the series. This is further reflected in his well-written characters. From Hinata to Tsukishima, the mangaka created fleshed-out characters. The animator’s pick, however, is completely out of the box.
No Excuses, Muneyuki Kaneshiro: A Fan Animated Video of Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 3 Looks Better Than the Actual Thing
Susumu Mitsunaka, the animation director, revealed Tanaka as his favorite character.Crunchyroll. He quoted:
Tanaka, because of his hairstyle [laughs]. He may not be the most talented, but he knows how best to contribute to the team and do everything to the best of his abilities. In that sense, I feel the closest to him.
Interestingly, the mangaka’s brilliance lies in portraying the unusual aspects of the characters. It is this very quality that makes the manga top-tier in most aspects.
Haruichi Furudate’s sports manga is top-tier in most aspects
Teamplay and coordination are the hallmarks of most sports anime. Be itSlam Dunk,Kuroko No BasukeorFree!Each player works on individual strengths. This, however, doesn’t deter their team play in any sense. With Furudate’s series, he takes it to a whole new level.
Through well-written yetordinary characters, he renders fallibility to them. Shoyo Hinata is no prodigy, but his determination hooks the readers. On top of that, their zeal and ambition resonate with readers.
Apart from team play and coordination, determination and perseverance are intermingled. What makes the series top-tier is its ability to falter. But it is also the optimism that fuels the characters and viewers. Haruichi Furudate set a benchmark through his realistic portrayal of volleyball.
Among sports series, baseball and basketball are the top dogs. However, his seriesrevolutionizedthe sport from its perspective. Though his series isn’t the first in the genre. Considering Chikako Urano’s 1968 manga,Attack No. 1was the first volleyball manga. And there’s more to it.
“That guy is really dangerous”: Muneyuki Kaneshiro Wants 1 Blue Lock Legend in Japan’s National Team That’ll Make Their Flank Attacks Invincible
While Urano’s manga was a trailblazer, Furudate’s series had a major impact on culture. From TV sets to the Olympics, Haikyuu reached out to millions. Especially with its celebration of the sport.
Haikyuuis available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
