The appeal and reputation of "Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS": The success of the sequel and fan reactions

Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS - A story of girls' basketball and growth

The TV anime series "Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS" aired in 2013 and is based on a light novel by Sagu Aoyama. The original work was published by ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Bunko, and the original character designs were done by Tinkle. The anime aired on AT-X and TOKYO MX from July 5 to September 27, 2013, and consisted of 12 episodes. Each episode was 30 minutes long, and the story unfolded in a way that was both entertaining and moving to the viewers.

Story and Characters

The story of "Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS" revolves around the members of the girls' mini-basketball club (commonly known as "girls' basketball") at Keishin Academy Elementary School. The main character, Minato Tomoka, is a polite and serious ace who values ​​nothing more than enjoying basketball with her best friends. She is surrounded by members with unique personalities, including the mood-maker Misawa Maho, the calm and decisive Nagatsuka Saki, Kashii Airi who has a complex about her height, and the petite and airheaded Hakamada Hinata.

The fifth-year students also play an important role. They also grow through basketball, including Hinata's younger sister, Kagetsu Hakamada, Mimi Barguerie from France, Maho's rivals Tsubaki Takenaka and Hiiragi Takenaka, and Saki's childhood friend Masami Fujii.

Subaru Hasegawa, who plays the coach, entered Nanashiba High School on a sports recommendation, but when the basketball club was suspended, he became the coach of the Keishin Girls' Basketball Team. His aunt, Mihoshi Takamura, is a teacher at Keishin Academy and serves as the advisor for the girls' basketball team. Subaru's childhood friend, Aoi Ogiyama, also formed a basketball club at high school and is active as the coach of the fifth-grade team.

The appeal of anime

The appeal of "Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS" is, above all, the story of the characters' growth and friendship. Each episode depicts the various problems and challenges the girls face through basketball, and movingly depicts the girls' growth as they overcome these challenges. In particular, the growth of each character, such as Tomoka's leadership, Maho's enthusiasm, Saki's calmness, Airi's overcoming of her complexes, and Hinata's efforts, deeply moves viewers.

Another big attraction is the depth of the human relationships depicted throughout the story, such as the showdown with the fifth grade team, Subaru's growth through his guidance, and the support of Mihoshi and Aoi. In particular, the various human dramas, such as the relationship between Subaru and Aoi, and the conflict and reconciliation between Maho and Tsubaki/Hiiragi, draw viewers in.

Production and staff

Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS was produced by Project No.9. The general director is Kusakawa Keizo, the director is Yanagi Shinsuke, and the series composition is Ito Michiko. The character design is by Noguchi Takayuki, the general animation directors are Noguchi Takayuki and Tani Keiji, the prop design is Ishibashi Yukiko, the art director is Tanabe Hiroko, the color design is Suzuki Yoko, the director of photography is Ishiguro Harutsugu, the sound director is Aketagawa Jin, and the music is by Watanabe Tsuyoshi. The animation was produced by Burnham Studios.

These staff members worked together to create "Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS," which captivated viewers with its beautiful visuals and moving story. The basketball game scenes in particular are realistic and powerful, and the characters' expressions and movements are drawn with great attention to detail. Music is also an important element in adding excitement to the story, and the opening and ending songs are sure to leave a deep impression on viewers.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Get goal!" is a powerful song that energizes viewers, with lyrics by KOTOKO, music and arrangement by Satoshi Yaginuma (fripSide), and singing by RO-KYU-BU! (Kana Hanazawa, Yuka Iguchi, Yoko Hikasa, Rina Hidaka, Yui Ogura). The ending theme "Rolling! Rolling!" is a song that warmly encapsulates the friendship and growth of the girls, with lyrics and music by Haruko Momoi, arrangement by Tsuyoshi Watanabe, and singing by RO-KYU-BU!. These songs are important elements that further deepen the worldview of the anime.

Subtitles and episodes

The subtitles of each episode reflect the development of the story and the feelings of the characters. From episode 1, "Elementary Schooler World!" to episode 12, "Just Having You," the story depicts the girls' growth and friendship. In particular, there are many episodes that delve deeply into the inner lives of the characters, such as episode 9, "Don't wanna cry..." and episode 10, "Wanna Be A Gamemaker," which leave viewers in awe.

Related Titles

"Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS" is part of the "Ro-Kyu-Bu!" series, and is also related to the previous work "Ro-Kyu-Bu!" and the OVA "Ro-Kyu-Bu! Tomoka's Strawberry Sunday". By watching these works together, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story of the girls' growth and friendship. Also, by reading the original light novel, you can learn more about the story and character backgrounds in more detail.

Recommendations and ratings

"Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS" is a basketball-themed sports anime, but it is also a touching story about the growth and friendship of girls. The characters' personalities and growth are carefully depicted, making it a work that deeply moves viewers. Other major attractions include beautiful visuals, powerful game scenes, and heartwarming music.

This anime is recommended not only for those who like sports anime, but also for those who want to enjoy a story about friendship and growth. In particular, the story that focuses on the growth and friendship of the girls will give viewers a lot of inspiration and courage. You can also enjoy the original light novel and related works to get a deeper experience of the world.

"Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS" is a wonderful anime that gives viewers inspiration and courage, and is one that I hope many people will watch. Please experience the story of girls' basketball and growth for yourself.