Haikyu!! TO THE TOP Review: The best volleyball anime in the series

Haikyu!! TO THE TOP - To the peak of emotion

"Haikyu!! TO THE TOP" is the fourth season of the TV anime series based on the popular manga "Haikyu!!" by Haruichi Furudate. It aired on TBS from January 11 to April 4, 2020, with a total of 13 episodes in 30-minute slots. It is directed by Masako Sato, with animation produced by Production IG and the "Haikyu!! TO THE TOP" Production Committee. This work is the latest chapter in the "Haikyu!!" series, which can be said to be a monumental youth sports anime, and has attracted a lot of attention as a long-awaited sequel for fans.

story

"Haikyu!! TO THE TOP" centers on Hinata Shoyo and Kageyama Tobio, members of the Karasuno High School volleyball team, as they strive to reach the national tournament. In the fourth season, the path to the national tournament becomes even more concrete, beginning with the Miyagi Prefecture preliminaries, the stage for the national tournament qualifiers. The story draws viewers in as it depicts the growth of Hinata and Kageyama, their unity as a team, and their fierce battles with their rivals.

Of particular note is the process Karasuno High School goes through to secure a ticket to the national tournament. In the Miyagi Prefecture preliminaries, they face off against strong teams, and while each member of Karasuno High School fulfills their role, they maximize their team's strengths. Don't miss the growth of Hinata and Kageyama as the "strongest pinch servers," or the individual skill development of the other team members. In addition, the matches against rival schools also depict tactics and psychological battles, deeply moving viewers.

character

In "Haikyu!! TO THE TOP", not only do existing characters grow, but new characters also appear, adding depth to the story. The main characters are introduced below.

Hinata Shoyo

The main character, Hinata Shoyo, is a small player, but he has such passion and energy that he is called the "little giant." His growth is depicted throughout the series, and in the fourth season he is expected to play at an even higher level. In particular, his combination with Kageyama, the "Flicker," is a key factor in determining the outcome of a match.

Tobio Kageyama

Tobio Kageyama is Hinata's rival, but also his partner with whom he grows together. His skills as a setter and strategic thinking are essential to Karasuno High School's victory. In the fourth season, his leadership and contributions to the team are further emphasized.

Other major characters

The other members of Karasuno High School also grow while fulfilling their roles. Characters such as Nishinoya Yuu, Tsukishima Kei, Tanaka Ryunosuke, Sugiyama Takumi, and coach Ukai Tsuyoshi strengthen the team's unity. In addition, the players of the rival school are also unique, and new dramas are born in each game.

Animation and performance

The animation in "Haikyu!! TO THE TOP" fully demonstrates Production IG's technical capabilities. The volleyball match scenes are realistic and dynamic, with the players' movements and expressions depicted in great detail. In particular, the camerawork and use of color are skillfully used to visually convey the tension and excitement of the match.

In addition, director Masako Sato is skilled at portraying the emotions of the characters and the unity of the team, making it easy for viewers to empathize. In addition to the outcome of the game, the human drama of the players, such as their growth and friendship, and conversations with rivals, is also carefully depicted.

Music and Sound

The music in "Haikyu!! TO THE TOP" is consistently of high quality throughout the series. The opening theme "Toppakō" is by SPYAIR, and its powerful rock sound will lift the spirits of the viewers. The ending theme "One Day" is by BURNOUT SYNDROMES, and its gentle melody will enhance the afterglow of the game. The music also plays an important role in heightening the tension and excitement of the game.

Evaluation and Impressions

"Haikyu!! TO THE TOP" has been highly praised as a youth sports anime. In particular, the realism of the matches and the storytelling that depicts the growth of the players have been highly praised, and many viewers have expressed their emotions. Another major attraction is that the characters' personalities and team unity are depicted in a way that makes it easy for viewers to empathize with the characters.

Furthermore, the work depicts universal themes such as hard work, friendship, and dialogue with rivals through the sport of volleyball, and is popular with a wide range of generations. In particular, there are many elements that adults who miss their youth and young people who are interested in sports can relate to.

Recommendations and Related Information

To enjoy "Haikyu!! TO THE TOP", we recommend watching the previous series. In particular, by watching seasons 1 to 3 of the "Haikyu!!" series, you can gain a deeper understanding of Hinata and Kageyama's growth and the history of the team. The original manga is also very interesting, and you can learn more about the story and character background.

In addition, there are many fan events and goods for the "Haikyu!!" series, making it a fun place for fans to communicate with each other. In particular, events that recreate national tournament matches, and the uniforms and goods of the players will be special memories for fans.

"Haikyu!! TO THE TOP" is the pinnacle of youth sports anime, providing viewers with excitement and emotion. Viewers will be reminded of their own youth and moved to tears as they watch Hinata and Kageyama's growth, their team unity, and their fierce battles with their rivals. Watching this series will help viewers reaffirm the appeal of sports and the value of friendship, and give them new energy for their daily lives.