Haikyu is a sports anime that revolves around the sport of volleyball. It follows the journey of Shoyo Hinata, a small-statured high school student who dreams of becoming a great volleyball player despite his lack of height. He’s inspired by a player he saw on TV called “The Little Giant,” who was also small but still managed to play well.

Haikyu Synopsis

The show starts with Hinata joining his high school’s volleyball club, but unfortunately, his school doesn’t have a proper team, and he’s the only member of the club. Despite this setback, Hinata remains determined to play volleyball and eventually enters a tournament where he meets Tobio Kageyama, a talented setter who is known for his bad attitude and poor teamwork.

Hinata and Kageyama form an unlikely partnership, and they decide to join forces and play together, despite their differences. They join Karasuno High School’s volleyball team, which was once a powerhouse but has since fallen from grace. The team’s members are a group of misfits who are determined to bring Karasuno back to its former glory, and Hinata and Kageyama quickly become integral members of the team.

The show’s plot centers around the Karasuno volleyball team’s journey to the national championship tournament. Along the way, they face various challenges and obstacles, including facing off against their fierce rivals and overcoming their own personal struggles.

Is Haikyu worth watching?

There are many reasons why people love Haikyu!!, and here are some of the main ones:

Compelling Characters: 

The characters in Haikyu are one of the biggest reasons why the show has such a large and passionate fan base. The characters are well-developed, and each one has a unique personality that makes them stand out.

Many viewers find themselves invested in the characters’ lives, rooting for them to succeed and empathizing with their struggles.

Intense Volleyball Action: 

Haikyu is a sports anime, and the volleyball matches are intense, high-energy, and incredibly exciting to watch. The animation during the matches is top-notch, with dynamic camera angles, fast-paced movements, and stunning visuals that make the matches come to life. Even people who aren’t fans of sports can get caught up in the action and feel the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat.

Emphasis on Teamwork and Dedication: 

One of the core themes of Haikyu is the importance of teamwork and dedication. The characters learn to work together, relying on each other’s strengths and weaknesses to overcome their opponents.

They also learn that hard work and determination are crucial for success, and they often push themselves to their limits to improve their skills and reach their goals.

Humor and Heartwarming Moments: 

Haikyu is not just about volleyball; it’s also a show that can make viewers laugh and feel good. The show has many comedic moments, usually involving the characters’ quirks or mishaps during their matches or practice.

There are also many heartwarming moments where the characters show their support and care for each other, making viewers feel emotionally invested in the story.

Diversity and Representation: 

Haikyu is a show that celebrates diversity and representation, with characters from different backgrounds and with different abilities. The show includes characters who are tall, short, muscular, skinny, and from different parts of Japan.

It also includes characters with hearing impairments, and it shows how they can still excel in sports with the right support and accommodations.

Haikyu is a beloved anime that has captured the hearts of many viewers. Its compelling characters, intense volleyball action, emphasis on teamwork and dedication, humor, heartwarming moments, and diversity and representation are just some of the reasons why the show is so popular.

Everything that sucks about Haikyu 

While Haikyu has received widespread critical and audience acclaim, there have been some criticisms of the show as well. Here are some of the main criticisms:

Formulaic Storytelling: 

Some viewers have criticized Haikyu for having a formulaic storytelling approach. They argue that the show follows a predictable structure, where the team faces a new opponent, struggles to overcome them, and then ultimately succeeds.

While the show does have a consistent structure, it also manages to keep the story fresh and engaging by introducing new characters and challenges throughout.

Limited Female Characters: 

“Haikyu!!” is primarily a male-centric show, with most of the focus on the male volleyball team. While there are a few female characters in the show, they have limited screen time and are not as fleshed out as the male characters. This has led to criticism that the show lacks diversity in terms of gender representation.

Stereotypical Characterizations: 

Some viewers have criticized Haikyu for using stereotypical characterizations, such as the “aloof genius” or the “hyperactive underdog.”

While these characterizations can be seen as clichéd, the show manages to give its characters enough depth and development to make them feel unique and compelling.

Lack of Realism: 

Haikyu is an anime, and as such, it takes some liberties with the rules of volleyball and the physical abilities of the characters.

Some viewers have criticized the show for not being realistic enough in its portrayal of the sport, but others argue that the show’s focus is on the characters and their emotional journey rather than the accuracy of the sport itself.

Overall, while Haikyu has received some criticism, it remains a highly acclaimed and beloved anime series that has captured the hearts of many viewers.

Final thoughts on Haikyu 

Haikyu is an excellent anime that will appeal to both sports fans and non-sports fans alike. Its engaging characters, thrilling matches, and stunning animation make it a must-watch for anyone looking for a great anime to sink their teeth into.

Whether you’re a fan of volleyball or not, Haikyu is a show that’s definitely worth checking out.