Impressions and reviews of the 15th episode of Ani x Para "episode 15 Para Volleyball (sitting position)"

Detailed review and recommendation of Ani x Para - Who is your hero? Episode 15 "Para Volleyball (sitting position)"

Overview

"Episode 15 Para Volleyball (Sitting Position)", the 15th installment of the Ani x Para series, aired as a 5-minute TV special on NHK BS1 on August 22, 2022. This episode was produced based on the original story and original idea by Tatsuya Ara, the original author of the popular volleyball manga "Harigane Service", directed by Hiroyuki Oshima, and animated by SynergySP. The story depicts the growth of Shimohira Kanna, who has been honing his serve since an injury he sustained in junior high school, through his interactions with the Japanese national para volleyball (sitting position) team and his match against the Iranian national team.

■ Story

After suffering a torn tendon injury in his junior high school days, Shimodaira Kanna has been honing his serving skills. Now a high school student, he is active as a pinch server for the boys' volleyball club at Tokyo Metropolitan Toyose High School. He is called up as a pinch server for the Japanese national para-volleyball (sitting) team and will face off against a world-class Iranian player. Iran's ace, Farhad Tehrani, is a giant at 246cm tall, and while Shimodaira challenges him, he begins to realize something important.

■Explanation

This episode became a hot topic due to its collaboration with the popular volleyball manga "Harigane Service." The character Shimodaira Kanna jumps into the world of paravolleyball (sitting position) and inspires viewers with his new challenge while making the most of his talent. It also serves as an opportunity to deepen understanding of sports for people with disabilities by depicting the appeal of parasports and the efforts of the athletes.

■Cast

The cast for this episode is as follows:

• Shun Hata: Mahiro Takasugi
• Lower plane: Osuzu Koki
• Joji Mashiro: Shohei Komatsu
• Issay Matsukata: Ryota Suzuki
• Susumu Kaneda: Hayato Taya

■ Main staff

The main staff involved in the production are as follows:

• Original story and concept: Tatsuya Ara
• Director: Hiroyuki Oshima
• Screenplay: Ryusuke Mori
• Music: Rei Ishizuka
• Animation Production: SynergySP
• Produced by: NHK Enterprises, NHK
• Copyright: NHK

■ Main Characters

Details of the main characters are as follows:

• Shun Namita
  Captain of the Japanese national para-volleyball (sitting) team, 32 years old. Originally a promising volleyball player, she had her left leg amputated below the knee due to osteosarcoma and switched to para-volleyball. She usually wears a prosthetic leg.
• Shimodaira Plane
  He is a first-year student in the boys' volleyball club at Tokyo Metropolitan Toyose High School. He has a strong-willed yet timid personality, and served as a substitute pinch server in junior high school. He has a special skill of serving with ultra-high accuracy to the targeted spot.
• Mashiro Joji
  A wing spiker and first-year student at Toyose High School. Her trademark is her red hair, and she excels at quick movements.
• Matsukata Ibuki
  A first-year setter at Toyose High School. He has a calm personality and can deliver precise and flexible tosses.
• Susumu Kaneda
  A libero and first-year student at Toyose High School. She has unusually long arms and it's hard to tell what she's thinking.
• Farhad Tehrani is the ace of the Iranian national para volleyball (sitting) team, 35 years old and 246cm tall. Due to a traffic accident, his right leg has grown slowly and is now 15cm shorter than his left. Due to gigantism, he is larger than the people around him and has tended to stay at home, but at the age of 24 he met a para volleyball coach and has been active as a player ever since. He usually uses a wheelchair.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme song for this episode is:

• TM1
• 100th Anniversary
• Lyricist: SHUN
• Composer: SHUN, SNG
• Sung by: Hatsune Miku, CONDENSE

■ Evaluation

"Episode 15 Para Volleyball (Sitting)" succeeds in conveying a profound message in a short time. Shimohira Kanna's story of growth not only inspires viewers, but also gives them an opportunity to understand the appeal of parasports and the efforts of the athletes. In particular, the match scene with Farhad Tehrani is visually impactful, adding excitement to the climax of the story.

The portrayal of the characters is also very realistic, with each character's individuality being highlighted, such as Shun Hata's leadership, Kanna Shimodaira's growth, Joji Hajiro's sense of speed, Issay Matsukata's calmness, and Susumu Kaneda's unique character. In addition, Farhad Tehrani's background and the challenges he faces leave a deep impression on the viewers.

Music is also an important element in making the story more exciting, and the theme song "Hyakusetsufuto" by Hatsune Miku and CONDENSE is a perfect fit for the theme of the story and resonates with the viewers. As a result of the combined efforts of the staff, including director Hiroyuki Oshima, screenwriter Ryusuke Mori, and music composer Rei Ishizuka, it can be said that they were able to convey a deep message in a short amount of time.

■Recommendation

This episode is recommended not only for those who are interested in volleyball and parasports, but for anyone looking for an inspiring story. This work, which depicts the growth story of Shimohira Kanna, the appeal of paravolleyball (seated), and the efforts of the players, will make viewers think and be moved. Please give it a watch.

We hope that this episode will spark your interest in the entire Ani x Para series and the original work, "Harigane Service." The Ani x Para series features a variety of works depicting parasports, and will be a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of sports for people with disabilities. Furthermore, "Harigane Service" is a work that fully depicts the appeal of volleyball, and you can get to know Shimohira Kanata's character more deeply.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff and cast members who were involved in the production of this episode. I believe that it is their hard work and passion that has made this wonderful work possible. I hope that everyone will experience this moving story for themselves.