30 recommended sports anime. A timeless masterpiece that will move you with heart-throbbing developments.

A sports anime where you can relive the drama of your passionate youth and competitions. Even in lesser-known competitions, the growth of the characters draws you into the world of the work. However, since there are many types, many people may have trouble deciding which one to choose.

So this time, we will introduce some recommended sports anime. We will also explain the key points on how to choose one, so please refer to it.

*Distribution site information is as of the time of writing, and distribution may end without notice.

*This article includes product PR. This media participates in various affiliate programs. If you purchase a product introduced in an article on our service, a portion of the sales will be returned to us.
*This site uses some AI technology to assist in creating content.

Sports anime recommendations

Blue Rock – Eight Bit

Broadcast in 2022, 1st season: 24 episodes in total / 2nd season: 14 episodes in total

A soccer anime that focuses on victory, with the theme being, “You can't become the world's best striker unless you're the world's best egoist.” The film is based on the manga of the same name, written by Muneyuki Kinjo and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura, and has also been adapted into a theatrical anime.

Kiyoshiichi, a second-year high school forward, chooses a pass in the final of the prefectural tournament, following the instructions of the coach, resulting in his team's defeat. He receives an invitation to participate in the “Blue Rock'' project launched by the Japan Football Union, and is sent to an extreme facility as one of 300 high school forward candidates.

Kiyoshi clashes fiercely with the other forwards who use their egos as weapons, as they try to survive and lose the right to represent Japan for the rest of their lives if they are eliminated. The highlight is how he throws away the shackles of “doing it for the team'' and awakens as a true egoist.

The unique world view that pursues individual ego rather than friendship with friends is what differentiates it from traditional sports anime. It combines high-speed match production and psychological depiction, and is recommended for those who like sports anime.

Haikyu!! – Production IG

Broadcast in 2014: 1st season: 25 episodes in total / 2nd season: 25 episodes in total / 3rd season: 10 episodes in total / 4th season: 25 episodes in total

A youth sports anime about high school volleyball, based on the manga of the same name by Haruichi Furudate. This is a popular series that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump and has been expanded to a wide range of media, including movie versions and stage plays.

Although small in stature, Shoyo Hinata is passionate about volleyball and finally joins his high school's volleyball team. However, his old enemy Tobio Kageyama, who suffered a crushing defeat in an official match when he was in junior high school, was there.

The two, who are like dogs and monkeys, are teammates and take on the challenge of competing against powerful schools while compensating for each other's weaknesses. The highlight of the early stages is the super fast play by two players with different strengths.

It has been highly praised for its depiction of heated matches, which is unique to sports anime, and for its careful portrayal of the growth of each character. Even those who have never experienced volleyball will be drawn in by the enthusiasm, and it is also recommended for those watching sports anime for the first time.

Kuroko’s Basketball – Production IG

Broadcast in 2012: 1st season: 25 episodes in total / 2nd season: 25 episodes in total / 3rd season: 25 episodes in total

A unique basketball anime based on the manga of the same name by Tadatoshi Fujimaki, in which players fight using shadows as weapons. It is a popular work that was broadcast over three seasons and developed in a wide range of media such as games and stage plays.

Tetsuya Kuroko, a new student who joined the Seirin High School basketball club, has an extremely weak presence and below-average physical ability. However, he has a special passing technique called “misdirection'' that takes advantage of his “invisibility.''

Taiga Kagami, a genius from America who also joined the club, overwhelms the club members with his overwhelming physical ability. When these two contrasting people meet, Seirin High School's challenge begins.

The show depicts the ultimate battle against the “Kiseki Generation'' who have taken the junior high school basketball world by storm, and is gaining high support from fans as it continues to be an exciting story. Kuroko's style of playing basketball with his “intelligence” rather than his physical ability is refreshing, and is recommended even for those who don't often watch sports anime.

Inazuma Eleven Ares no Tenbin – OLM Team YOSHIOKA

Broadcast in 2018, total 26 episodes

A passionate sports anime based on the popular game series that depicts the growth and friendship of young boys through soccer. Level-5 is in charge of the original work, and Akihiro Hino will serve as general director, original idea, and series composition. Following the flow of the series, a group drama will be developed featuring three new generation protagonists.

The story is set in a world where a “sponsored system'' has been introduced to youth soccer, and school soccer clubs without sponsors are forced to close down. Asuto Inamori, a boy on the isolated island of Inaguni Island who is passionate about soccer, is forced to transfer to a prestigious school in the city due to a certain incident.

Tomorrow, in a new world, he meets two unique friends: Ryohei Haizaki, who has a genius play but lives a lonely life, and Yuma Nosaka, who has a strong will. As their respective intentions intersect, the three take on a fierce battle on the “Football Frontier” stage.

This work has gained support from soccer anime fans for its special moves and the uniqueness of the characters. Recommended for those who want to enjoy stories about sports, friendship, and rivalries.

Yowamushi Pedal – TMS Entertainment

Broadcast in 2013: 1st season: 38 episodes in total / 2nd season: 24 episodes in total / 3rd season: 25 episodes in total / 4th season: 25 episodes in total / 5th season: 25 episodes in total

A sports anime set in a cycling competition that depicts the growth of a timid boy and the bonds he develops with his friends. This popular work is based on the manga of the same name by Wataru Watanabe, and has been adapted into a wide range of media, including stage plays and theatrical animation.

Sakamichi Onoda, who has just entered a high school in Chiba, is a quiet first year student who loves anime. His daily routine was to commute long distances to school by bicycle, but his talent was discovered by Shunsuke Imaizumi, the ace of the cycling club.

Sakamichi had a dream of joining the anime research club, but by chance he entered the world of cycling. I am facing the rigors of a road race for the first time…

The development of “a weak protagonist rising from scratch'' excited many fans, and the heated depiction of the race and the enthusiasm of the characters spread through word of mouth. Recommended as an introduction to sports anime and for those who want to deeply understand the appeal of cycling competitions.

Oblivion Battery – MAPPA

Broadcast in 2024, 13 episodes total

A high school baseball anime in which a genius catcher who has lost his memory and the strongest pitcher meet again. It is based on the popular manga serialized in “Shonen Jump+” by Eko Mikawa, and the opening theme by Mrs. GREEN APPLE also attracted a lot of attention. Production for the second season has also been decided.

A strong pitcher, Seimine Haruhi, who made a name for himself in the junior high school baseball world, and a catcher, Kaname Kei, who was known as the “Wisdom General.'' The two, who were supposed to have been scouted by powerful schools across the country, ended up attending an unknown high school that didn't even have a baseball team.

Taro Yamada, who was once defeated by a monster battery, meets the two of them again at the same high school. However, Kei has already lost his memory and there is no trace of the Chishou of yesteryear…

His unique style, which exquisitely coexists with jokes and seriousness, is supported by a wide range of fans, and the highlights are the depiction of baseball tactics and the interactions between the unique characters. Recommended for those looking for a high school baseball manga or those who want to watch a youth sports work that is not all about passion.

Medalist – ENGI

Broadcast in 2025, 1st season: 13 episodes in total / 2nd season: 9 episodes in total

A sports anime depicting the dreams of a girl who takes on the challenge of figure skating and a coach who is a former athlete. It is based on the manga of the same name by Tsurumaikada, and a theatrical version has also been decided.

Inori, an 11-year-old girl who practices skating on her own, was seen as a “child who can't do anything'' at school. Still, I don't give up and continue to visit the links every day, writing notes in my textbook.

A former ice dancer, Richiji Akeura, noticed Inori's passion. He encourages Inori to officially join the club, but faces strong opposition from her mother…

This work attracted attention for the beauty of the figure skating scene on the ice and the emotion created by the relationship between the two master and student. There are many people who sympathize with the story of how he regains his passion despite suffering setbacks, and is recommended for those who like sports anime.

Tsurune Kazamai High School Kyudo Club – ABC Animation

Broadcast in 2018, 1st season: 13 episodes in total / 2nd season: 13 episodes in total

A youth archery anime depicting the growth and bonds of boys who spend their youth on archery. This popular work is based on a novel by Kotsuki Ayano and won the Special Jury Prize in the Novel Category at the 7th Kyoto Animation Awards.

Narumiya Minato, who has entered Kazamai High School, is invited by his childhood friends to attend an information session for the archery club. As an experienced archer, he has to show off his archery, but Minato has a serious problem as a bowman.

Minato is traumatized by his ability to let go of arrows prematurely against his will. Through encounters with friends and learning about archery, we will once again pursue the beautiful sound of the moment an arrow is released, called “string sound”…

The film has been highly praised for its visual beauty, which carefully depicts the movements and psychology of archery, and its appeal is the sense of realism in the competition. Recommended for those who want to empathize with the depth of archery and the swaying emotions of the boys.

Free! – Kyoto Animation

Broadcast in 2013: 1st season: 12 episodes in total / 2nd season: 13 episodes in total / 3rd season: 12 episodes in total

A sports anime about high school boys that depicts swimming, youth, and bonds with friends. It attracted attention from a wide range of people, with people commenting that “the water drawings are beautiful,'' and it developed into a series of works, including a movie.

High school student Haruka Nanase spends her days idle with her friends from the swimming club when she was young. Then, his former junior colleague Nagisa Hazuki appears and proposes digging up a time capsule hidden in the ruins.

As the three of them head to a nostalgic place, they reunite with their former rival, Rin Matsuoka. Rin's words, “I want to see a different view than you,'' reignite Haruka's dormant passion for water…

This work has attracted many fans with its delicate and vivid visual expression of water, which is unique to Kyoto Animation. The interplay between passionate friendship and rivalry is perfect for those who like sports anime.

Ping Pong THE ANIMATION – Tatsunoko Productions

Broadcast in 2014, total 11 episodes

A youth sports anime set in table tennis, based on Taiyo Matsumoto's popular manga. Under the direction of Masaaki Yuasa, this ambitious work recreates the unique style of the original work as an animation, and won the TAAF 2015 Anime of the Year Grand Prix in the TV category.

High school friends Yutaka Hoshino (Peko) and Makoto Tsukimoto (Smile) have been honing their skills at the same table tennis dojo since childhood. Peko is a genius and free-spirited, and Smile is a person who rarely shows his emotions. Two contrasting people belong to Katase High School's table tennis club.

Before the Inter-High preliminaries, talented rivals such as Ryuichi Kazama, also known as “Ryu”, from the powerful Kaiou Academy stand in their way one after another. As they each face their own conflicts, their relationship gradually changes…

It has received high acclaim for its original visuals, which seem to have been adapted from the original into the anime, and for the depth of the story, which asks why people play table tennis rather than winning. This is a youth drama that goes beyond the boundaries of sports anime, and is recommended for those who are looking for a strong human drama.

・DVD

SLAM DUNK – Toei

Broadcast in 1993, total 101 episodes

A youth sports anime about a delinquent boy with no basketball experience, who is moved by an encounter with a girl and starts running out on the court. This popular work is based on the manga of the same name by Takehiko Inoue, and has been expanded into a media mix including games and movie versions.

Hanamichi Sakuragi, a first-year high school student who was constantly being dumped by 50 girls during his junior high school days, is approached one day by Haruko Akagi, who he admires, and asks, “Do you like basketball?'' Falling in love at first sight, Hanamichi accepted her invitation and stepped into the basketball club's gymnasium.

Hanamichi successfully dunks with the first ball he touches and calls himself a “genius basketball player.'' However, Haruko's older brother, Captain Takanori Akagi, stands in the way…

The high level of enthusiasm that combines the charm of basketball with the reality of youth continues to attract support across generations. The highlight is watching the growth of Hanamichi, who doesn't know anything about courts when he first joins the club. Recommended for those looking for a sports anime masterpiece.

Ace of Diamond – Production IG / Madhouse / OLM Team YOSHIOKA

Broadcast in 2013: 1st season: 75 episodes in total / 2nd season: 51 episodes in total / 3rd season: 52 episodes in total / 4th season: 4 episodes in total

This classic sports anime is based on Yuji Terashima's baseball manga of the same name, which has sold over 45 million copies. Based on the original story serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine, it depicts the strategy and human drama of authentic high school baseball.

In his final junior high school tournament, Eijun Sawamura made a wild pitch that resulted in a walk-off loss. As a pitcher, Sawamura deeply regretted his decision, but a scout from Seido High School, a prestigious baseball school, who was watching the game spotted his talent for playing a quirky pitch.

In order to test his own strength, Sawamura chooses to part ways with his friends and knocks on the gates of Seido, which is crowded with powerful players. He begins his journey as a pitcher, struggling with the opportunity he has received at the prestigious team he admires and the wall of ability that stands in his way.

The work has received high praise as a fusion of authentic baseball depictions and passionate growth stories. The team bonding and psychological warfare are also appealing, making it recommended not only for baseball fans but also for those new to sports anime.

・DVD

Major – Studio Hibari / SynergySP

Broadcast in 2004: 1st season: 26 episodes in total / 2nd season: 26 episodes in total / 3rd season: 26 episodes in total / 4th season: 26 episodes in total / 5th season: 25 episodes in total / 6th season: 25 episodes in total

By: amazon.co.jp

A classic sports anime depicting a boy who is devoted to baseball and continues to chase his dreams. It was based on the manga of the same name by Takuya Mitsuda, and aired as a long-running series spanning 6 seasons and 154 episodes.

Five-year-old Goro loses his mother at an early age and lives with his father, Shigeharu, a professional baseball player. He told his nursery school teacher, Momoko, his dream of becoming a great pitcher like his father, and even though he was young, he was so devoted to baseball that he was able to measure a ball speed of 90km/h.

However, Shigeharu's pitching career is in jeopardy due to an elbow injury, and he is forced to decide whether to retire or convert. Goro's pure words, unaware of his father's suffering, move Shigeharu's heart…

You'll be drawn in right away from the first episode, which is filled with the bond between parent and child and the origin of dreams. The highlight is the long-term structure that follows one athlete's life from childhood to adulthood, and is recommended for those who like sports stories.

Captain Tsubasa – Tsuchida Production / Studio Comet / Group Tuck / david production / Studio KAI

Broadcast in 1983: 1st season: 128 episodes in total / 2nd season: 47 episodes in total / 3rd season: 52 episodes in total / 4th season: 52 episodes in total / 5th season: 39 episodes in total

A monumental soccer anime that influenced soccer players around the world. Based on the manga of the same name by Yoichi Takahashi, it was developed in a wide range of media including manga, anime, and movies.

Tsubasa Ozora has moved to Nankatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Tsubasa, a true soccer kid, is dribbling around town when he comes across his friends fighting on a certain field.

Tsubasa comes across a ground battle between his hometown, Nankatsu Elementary School and Shutetsu Elementary School. He takes action to prove his ability on the spot, and has a fateful encounter with Genzo Wakabayashi, a genius goalkeeper.

The growth of the main character and the development of the heated matches are exquisitely depicted, making it a timeless masterpiece that is loved by generations. This is a recommended movie for those who want to experience the charm of soccer as a child.

Yuri!!! on ICE – MAPPA

Broadcast in 2016, total 12 episodes

An original sports anime set in figure skating, with the themes of a skater's growth and “love.” It was produced based on an original draft by manga artist Mitsuro Kubo, known for “Moteki,'' and animation director Sayo Yamamoto.

Yuri Katsuki, a 23-year-old Japanese figure skater, comes in last place at the Grand Prix Final and is wondering whether to retire or continue his active career. Yuri returns to his hometown Hasetsu with a broken heart, and dedicates himself to practicing at the local rink in an attempt to regain his passion for skating.

At that time, a video of Yuri skating caught the attention of world champion Victor Nikiforov on social media. Yuuri's life changes completely when Victor, whom he had admired, suddenly appears in front of him and declares, “I'll be your coach.''

It has been highly praised for its precise depiction of skating scenes that combines live-action photography and 3DCG, and is recommended for those who want to enjoy the beauty and tension of figure skating in an anime.

Prince of Tennis – Trans Arts / Production IG

Broadcast in 2001, total 178 episodes

A passionate sports anime based on the comic of the same name by Tsuyoshi Konbi, depicting the youth and battles of a tennis genius. It is a popular work that has been developed in a wide range of media mixes such as musicals and games, and the series has continued from the beginning of broadcasting in 2001 to the present.

Ryoma Echizen, a young genius, shows up dashingly when a girl is in crisis, surrounded by racket-wielding delinquents on a train. He has the ability to reach the top four times in a year and a half in the American junior tournament, and will take the entrance exam for the Seishun Gakuen tennis club.

The opponent for the entrance test is a senior who is known for his aggressive play. However, Ryoma overwhelms his opponent as if he were just playing… His overwhelming talent as well as his cool catchphrase, “It's still a long way to go,'' amazes those around him.

Reviews have praised the game as “refreshing and exhilarating,'' and the exciting battle between the unique rivals is worth watching. Recommended for those who like sports anime and works based on boys' manga.

・DVD

Battery – Zerogy

Broadcast in 2016, total 11 episodes

An anime based on Atsuko Asano's youth baseball novel, which has sold over 10 million copies. This work was aired on Fuji Television's late-night anime program “Noitamina,'' and the anime adaptation was realized on the 20th anniversary of its publication.

Takumi Harada, a genius pitcher with outstanding baseball sense, moves with his family to the mountain town of Nitta City when he enters junior high school. On the day of the move, I happened to meet Go Nagakura, a boy in the same grade.

When Takumi learns that Go is a catcher, he casually suggests, “Let's throw it to him.'' Go tries to catch Takumi's full-throttle pitch, which no one else could, head on…

Many people have commented that they are moved by the dedication of the two boys. The highlight is the relationship between a solitary genius and his partner who continues to face his talent, and is recommended for those who want to thoroughly enjoy a pure youth drama centered around baseball.

Touch – Group Tack

Broadcast in 1985, total 101 episodes

A high school baseball x youth love story anime based on the manga of the same name by Mitsuru Adachi. The story centers on the relationship between twin brother Tatsuya Uesugi, younger brother Kazuya, and childhood friend Minami Asakura. This is a popular work that Toho and Fuji Television participated in the production, and a theatrical version was also produced.

Tatsuya and Kazuya are twin brothers who grew up doing everything together. The three of them always hang out together with Minami, a childhood friend who lives next door, and there are rumors in town that Kazuya, the ace of the baseball team, and Minami are a good match.

Kazuya is a cheerful player who is good at baseball, and Tatsuya is shy but strong in fights. The two diametrically opposed personalities create laughter and conflict in their daily lives, and the calm and tantalizing youth of the three, including Minami, begins to move forward…

This work has captivated many fans for many years with its unique rhythm that carefully follows the flow of time and the depiction of life-sized characters. Recommended for those who want to enjoy both a heartbreaking love story and a passionate baseball game.

Duck Sky – Diomedia

Broadcast in 2019, total 50 episodes

A youth sports anime about a petite 149cm tall protagonist who changes teams due to his passion for basketball. Based on the manga of the same name by Takeshi Hinata, this popular work has sold over 24 million copies, and was made into an anime 15 years after it began serialization.

Sora Kurumatani aims to join the basketball club at Kuzuryu High School, commonly known as Kuzu High School, where he has just enrolled. However, the club was in disrepair, and the members faced the reality of being a bunch of delinquents.

Sora will challenge the delinquent club members to a 5-on-1 basketball match. Despite being handicapped by his short height, Sora's play, which he has practiced shooting more than 1,000 times at night, begins to move the hearts of the rough-and-tumble club members.

The development of the team changing through effort and passion resonates with viewers, and the realistic depiction of basketball has also been highly praised. Recommended for those who like sports youth stories and those who want to enjoy a story of a main character overcoming adversity.

Love All Play – OLM Team YOSHIOKA

Broadcast in 2022, total 24 episodes

A classic sports anime depicting the growth of a boy who dedicates his youth to badminton. This is an animated version of the popular youth novel published by Poplar Publishing's Kiminovel Bunko, based on the novel of the same name by Asami Kosegi.

Ryo Mizushima, a junior high school student who is a member of the badminton club, lacks confidence in himself and has almost given up on going to the prestigious Yokohama Minato High School, where his favorite players are. One day, Ebihara, the director of Yokohama Minato High School's badminton club, shows up to scout Ryo.

Ryo continues to hesitate due to lack of confidence, but with the support of his sister, he decides to take a big step… The highlights are the friends you meet in a new environment and the true passion that grows through intense practice.

The story has been well received, even for those who have never experienced badminton, and the fast-paced depiction of the game is reminiscent of a 400km/h shuttlecock. This is a work recommended for those who like youth sports anime.

Shake it big – A-1 Pictures

Broadcast in 2007, 1st season: 25 episodes in total / 2nd season: 13 episodes in total

A hot-blooded high school baseball anime about a crybaby pitcher on a weak baseball team who grows together with his friends. This popular work is based on the manga of the same name by Asa Higuchi, and began serialization in Monthly Afternoon in 2003.

Ren Mitsuhashi is a pitcher who lost his confidence and started to mistrust humanity when he was given the ace position in middle school due to “favoritism''. He enrolled in Nishiura High School with the intention of quitting baseball, but his focus naturally turned to the field.

When Mitsuhashi decides to join, what awaits him is a baseball team made up of only 10 new students and a young female coach. In such an environment, he meets Takaya Abe, a reliable catcher, and begins pitching…

The story of the weak, crybaby protagonist growing up as he builds relationships with his teammates has been supported by a wide range of people, including baseball fans. It has been praised for its psychological depictions and human drama, and is also recommended for those looking for an introductory work to sports anime.

The wind is blowing strongly – Production IG

Broadcast in 2018, total 23 episodes

A youth sports anime depicting the growth and bonds of 10 young people who take on the Hakone Ekiden. Based on Shion Miura's popular novel, a live-action movie was also released in 2009.

The story takes place at the weak Kansei University track and field club. By chance, Sou Kurahara moves into an old apartment called Chikusei-so, where he ends up living with unique residents who have no experience in track and field, and is approached by his senior, Haiji Kiyose, to participate in the Hakone Ekiden.

Law students, international students, twins, and other people who have no connection to running gather together, and each of them practices repeatedly while facing the question, “Why do we run?”

A work that combines the passion of a sports anime with the delicacy of a human drama. It has a structure that can be enjoyed even without knowledge of relay races, and is recommended for those who like stories of growth through club activities and bonds with friends.

Harukana Receive – C2C

Broadcast in 2018, total 12 episodes

A youth sports anime set in Okinawa, where two people with different heights grow up playing beach volleyball. It is based on the manga of the same name written by Nyoijizai and serialized in Houbunsha's “Manga Time Kirara Forward''.

Haruka Ozora, a second-year high school student who moved from Tokyo to Okinawa, starts a new life with a complex about her height. I am welcomed by my cousin Kanata Higa, and my heart is excited by the sight of the blue ocean that stretches out in front of me.

A pair of twins who met on the beach are trying to start a beach volleyball club, and Haruka and Kanata decide to join. However, there is one thing in Kanata…

The depiction of Okinawa's beautiful scenery and the energetic beach volleyball match was appealing, and the two players' cooperative play that took advantage of their height difference attracted attention. This work combines the passion of sports with a life-sized youth drama, and is recommended for those who like girls' sports anime and Kirara-type works.

Gunjo Fanfare – Lay-duce

Broadcast in 2022, 13 episodes total

An original anime set in a horse racing school that boasts a 10 to 20 times enrollment ratio, depicting the youth of boys who dream of becoming jockeys. Production company Lay-duce and music producer Hiroyuki Sawano have teamed up, and JO1 will be in charge of the opening and ending theme songs.

Arimura Yu, formerly the center of a popular idol group, takes a break from her entertainment career to become a professional jockey and enters a horse racing school. While the students were attracting a lot of attention at the press conference immediately after entering the school, an unexpected accident occurred at the school.

As Yuu and his friends begin to move in the tumultuous situation, they meet their classmate, Shun Kazeha, who shows up late. The highlight is how young people with different backgrounds and dreams develop bonds through rigorous training and competition.

This work was well-received for its realistic depiction of the special world of horse racing and its passionate portrayal of a youth group drama. The lively visual expression of running horses is also a highlight, and is recommended for those who like sports anime and youth dramas.

Dance Dance Dance Soul – MAPPA

Broadcast in 2022, 11 episodes total

A youth ballet anime about a junior high school student who has sealed off his passion for ballet and steps back into the world. This is a popular work that has sold over 1.45 million copies, based on the manga of the same name by George Asakura.

Junpei Murao, a second-year middle school student, was fascinated by ballet when he was young, but after his father's death, he devoted himself to Jeet Kune Do in order to be “manly.'' One day, his classmate Godai Miyako saw him perform a jumping kick and discovered his interest in ballet.

The place she was taken to the capital was a ballet studio opened by her mother. There, Junpei is awakened to the pounding in his heart that he once felt…

The beautiful movements of ballet are expressed with MAPPA's high drawing quality, and it has received high praise from viewers. It is popular as a passionate youth story that is easy to get into even for those who don't know about ballet, and is recommended for those who like sports youth stories.

Hanebado! – Leiden Film

Broadcast in 2018, total 13 episodes

A youth sports anime about a young genius girl who turns her back on badminton, but is awakened by a collision with a rival. The film is based on the manga of the same name by Kosuke Hamada and directed by Shinpei Ezaki.

Nagisa Aragaki, captain of the Kitakomachi High School badminton club, has been suffering from a slump ever since losing in a shutout to an unknown girl at last year's All Japan Junior Championships. There are days when I have to be strict with myself and other club members.

At that time, a new student, Ayano Hasaki, appears. Ayano is extremely athletic, but for some reason she keeps avoiding badminton. However, he confronts Nagisa at the badminton club with his friend Elena…

This work received high praise for its realistic depiction of the match scenes and the depiction of the conflicts faced by each of the characters. In addition to its passion as a sports anime, the depth of its psychological depiction is also appealing. Recommended for those who like stories that depict the pain and growth of youth.

DIVE!! – Zero G

Broadcast in 2017, total 12 episodes

A youth sports anime about young boys who put their dreams and friends at stake. Based on the novel of the same name by Eto Mori, this popular work won the 52nd Shogakukan Children's Publishing Culture Award and has sold over 850,000 copies. It was broadcast on Fuji TV's “Noitamina” slot.

Tomoki Sakai, a second-year junior high school student, was captivated by the beautiful diving of genius diver Yoichi Fujitani when he was young, and has been devoting himself to diving ever since. One day, while Tomoki attends the Mizuki Diving Club with her friends, the new coach, Natsuyoko Asaki, appears.

What Natsu Yoko set was a strict condition: “If someone does not participate in the Tokyo Olympics, the club will close.'' Tomoki and his friends will face the challenge of survival…

Highlights include the lively depiction of a diving competition and the way the boys earnestly pursue their friends and dreams. This story, which intersects the passion of sports and the conflicts of youth, is recommended for those who want to empathize with hard work and friendship.

No more! – BAKKEN RECORD

Broadcast in 2023, 13 episodes total

A youth sports anime about a high school girl who was planning to quit judo, but finds herself back on the tatami mat after meeting a friend. It is based on the manga of the same name by Yu Muraoka, and is serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion.

After finishing his last match in middle school, Michi Sonoda decided to quit judo in high school. However, he is invited by his best friend Sanae Takigawa, whom he reunited with in high school, and Eien Hiura, who he competed against in middle school, and decides to revive the judo club, which was on the verge of being abolished.

Unknown had no intention of continuing judo, but the feeling of “Ippon'' she gained in Kumite with Eien awakens within her the fighting spirit that had disappeared. It is a highlight to see the unique members come together and the weak club activities take on the challenge of the Inter-High qualifying round.

It carefully depicts the conflicts and growth of life-sized high school girls, and is gaining acclaim for being heartwarming with its passionate matches and friendship. This is a work recommended for those who like sports anime and youth group dramas.

Uma Musume Cinderella Gray – CygamesPictures

Broadcast in 2025, total 23 episodes

This is a sports anime about a horse girl who is modeled after a real-life racehorse, Oguri Cap, and who aims for the top from the countryside. This is an anime adaptation of a popular work that has sold over 8 million copies, based on the manga of the same name currently being serialized in Weekly Young Jump.

Minoru Kitahara, a trainer at Kasamatsu Training Center in a rural area that is losing its vitality, spends his days feeling helpless. One day, he meets Oguricap, a horse girl with an ash-haired coat, and senses the brilliance of the star he has been searching for for so many years.

Its overwhelming performance was such that it overturned all common sense. However, the harsh reality of the local racing world stands in front of them…

The appearance of “Cinderella Covered in Ashes'' carving out a legend has garnered enthusiastic support from viewers, and has also received high praise from real horse fans. This work is recommended not only for those who know Oguri Cap from games and manga, but also for those who like sports anime.

Try Knights – GONZO

Broadcast in 2019, total 12 episodes

This is an original anime based on high school rugby, where two contrasting high school students, one cerebral and one physical, clash with each other in their tactics and physicality. The Japan Rugby Football Union, a public interest incorporated foundation, is participating in the production.

Riku Haruma enters Soaran High School with no future in sight, and is captivated by Hikaru Kariya, a first-year student who moves like a wild beast on the field. Riku couldn't help but say the right words to Hikaru, who had an overwhelming physical appearance but was rough around the edges.

The two join the same rugby team, but their styles do not mesh well with each other… This is where the relationship between Riku, who uses strategy to overcome the physical barrier, and Hikari, who pushes forward with instinct, begins to take shape.

The appeal is that the strategic fun of rugby coexists with the passion of youth, and the story of a team's growth unfolds in a way that only sports anime can. This anime is recommended as an introductory work that even those who are not familiar with rugby can enjoy.