In recent years, anime and manga have reached a global audience engaging in many genres, from fantasy to sports. Some of these series, in particular, inspire fans to engage beyond the animations depicted in their favorite shows. One standout in this genre is "Haikyu!!," a series by Haruichi Furudate that continuously sparks a passion for volleyball among its viewers worldwide.
With the release of "Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle" last month, I find myself compelled to dive deep into the ongoing phenomenon of this beloved series. Despite Haruichi Furudate concluding the manga three years ago, "Haikyu!!" continues to capture the hearts of fans worldwide, evolving and expanding in surprising and inspiring ways.
What is Haikyu?
"Haikyu!!" is a story about Shoyo Hinata, a spirited student with an unwavering love for volleyball. Inspired by the legendary "Little Giant," Hinata is captivated by how this player defied all odds at the national tournament despite his short stature. This "light bulb" moment ignites a determination within Hinata to become a top volleyball player himself.
Hinata's journey leads him to Karasuno High School, the very school where his idol once played. Here, he joins the Karasuno High School Volleyball Club, a team striving to reclaim its former glory by qualifying for the national championships. The series masters capturing Hinata's growth, both as an athlete and as a person, alongside his teammates.
Haikyu's Core Values
"Haikyu!!" is a narrative that takes place not only on the court but also off the court. Each member of the Karasuno team brings a unique story, weaving personalities and backgrounds that enhance the main storyline. Characters such as the setter prodigy Kageyama Tobio, the reliable captain Daichi Sawamura, and the persistent libero Nishinoya Yuu, among others, each face their challenges and triumphs, adding a dose of resonance to the series.
At the heart of the show's characteristics is teamwork and sportsmanship. The show emphasizes the importance of unity, trust, and collaboration. From beginning to end, the series demonstrates how the players must set their personalities aside and synchronize together to overcome challenging opponents. This theme of collective effort extends beyond the game, reminding us of the value of working together as a team to achieve a goal.
Grit is another characteristic that is prominent throughout the manga's arcs. These arcs portray the characters' victories and setbacks, weaving into each resonating cornerstone of the series. Hinata continues to take each step, working towards his ultimate goal despite numerous setbacks and obstacles, which is an inspiring testament to the power of hard work and determination. This message is also shown through the experiences of his teammates, each of whom faces their battles. Whether it's overcoming injuries, self-doubt, or past failures, the characters' journeys highlight the resilience required to achieve greatness.
"Haikyu!!" is a celebration of personal growth and development. It captures the excitement of competition, teamwork resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. As viewers follow the series through each arc, they can be reminded of the beauty of working through obstacles and that the impossible can become possible through the power of determination.
Haikyu's Global Impact on the Volleyball World
Since its debut, "Haikyu!!" has significantly impacted the sport's popularity. The series has sparked a resurgence of interest in the sport, capturing the hearts and minds of viewers and inspiring new generations of players.
In Japan, the series has led to a revitalization of volleyball across the country. Schools have seen a significant rise in students wanting to join their volleyball teams, deepening an appreciation for the sport. The series has even driven fans to pursue volleyball at a competitive level, with some even using the show's tactics and strategies for their matches.
The influence of "Haikyu!!" extends beyond Japan. The series fostered an international audience, with fans worldwide expressing their love for the volleyball-centric series. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok continue to fill with posts from people resonating with the series' messages about sportsmanship and grit.
As "Haikyu!!" continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide, its legacy grows stronger and stronger. The series has popularized volleyball as a sport and created a community of fans and athletes who are passionate about the sport. By showcasing the excitement, camaraderie, and dedication that are prevalent in competitive volleyball, "Haikyu!!" has left an imprint, motivating countless individuals to spike for greatness.
Haikyuu In Real Life
Believe it or not, one of the characters from the animated series made it to an Argentinian Volleyball Team.
**SPOILER** After the time skips, during the Brazil arc when they ran into each other in South America, Oikawa tells Hinata about how he plays for the Argentinian League. At the end of the manga, Oikawa walks in with the Argentinian National Volleyball Team at the 2020 Olympics.
The show's popularity reached a new pinnacle when the UCPN San Juan posted an announcement on Twitter: Oikawa Tooru, one of the beloved characters from "Haikyu!!," was declared an official player of the Argentinian Team. This tweet created a new bridge between fiction and reality in a way that few series have managed before.
But he wouldn't be the only character to make this feat.
Yes. That is the official Japan Volleyball Association Twitter account.
Recently, Kuroo Tetsurou was inducted into the Japan Volleyball Association as the Public Relations Chief. In addition to this remarkable achievement, Kuroo was also dedicated to a particular project, which officially commenced on April 2nd.
These two examples represent Haikyuu's influential presence in the volleyball community, which continues to elevate the sport to new heights.
"Haikyu!!" is more than an animated and illustrated manga series. It is a show that demonstrates the values of sportsmanship and grit that resonates and continues to influence the global fan population. By portraying the sport with authenticity and emotion, the series continues to inspire people worldwide to chase their dreams despite the obstacles they may face. From Japan to all around the world, "Haikyu!!" continues to inspire fans, proving that sometimes, a story can indeed change the world.
Main Image via