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Anime is bigger than ever. With each passing year, the industry continues to make a huge impact not only on television but also in movie theaters. FromSlam DunktoHajime no Ippo, sports anime likeHaikyuu!andBlue Lockoffer intense rivalries, engaging characters, and stunning animations.
With so many fan-favorite titles, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine which deserves the top spot; however,Slam DunkandHaikyuu!, undeniably remain the most influential and popular sports anime in the industry.
Not to forget, Japan carried onHaikyuu‘s legacy and represented the fan-favorite sports anime on a bigger stage, the Olympics 2024. On the other hand,Slam Dunkis arguably the greatest sports anime in existence, as it created the foundation of the entire genre back in 1993.Interestingly,The First Slam Dunk‘s director, the film that topped the Japanese box office in 2023, shared their insights on what made the anime most influential among the audience.
The First Slam Dunk’s Director on What Determines a Sports Anime’s Influence
Slam Dunkranks among those timeless classics that grab viewers’ attention from the very first episode and can’t be overlooked. It follows the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, who, unlike most sports anime protagonists, has no interest in basketball.
He’s more concerned about his popularity among girls and is showcased as a redheaded delinquent who is feared by many students. Hanamichi Sakuragi, who has yet to find his interest in basketball, allowed fans to connect with his journey and become inspired by the sport.
Takehito Inoue’s “Most important mission” Kept Him from Drastically Increasing the Stakes of The First Slam Dunk
The art of captivating viewers and inspiring them to appreciate the sport is something Takehiko Inoue is highlyrenowned and respectedfor. In aninterview, Takehiko Inoue, also the director ofThe First Slam Dunkmovie, shared his opinion about what makes his masterpiece stand as the most influential sports anime. He added:
Doesn’t it mean that the friends from Buksan High School and the characters from other schools have their own lives and narratives? Every character has their own reason for loving basketball and wanting to be good at it. As a creator, I am very happy when movies and comics reach audiences and bring about positive change. I would be happy if people who didn’t know much about basketball become closer to basketball through Slam Dunk, and I would be happy if it leads to an overall understanding of the sport. Slam Dunk shines with meaning in basketball itself. Basketball is always valuable.
WhileSlam Dunk‘s story may revolve around a Japanese High School, it manages to enthrall NBA fans worldwide, captivating many withTakehiko Inoue‘s highly realistic and intense narrative.
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The creator also shares that despite the story centering around Buskan High School, it resonates with fans’ love for basketball, contributing to the series’ immense success. He said:
Although the story of Slam Dunk centers on Buksan High School, readers who empathize with the main character do not accept athletes from other schools as villains or enemies. Why was the opportunity for readers to love all characters equally important to Director Inoue?
Slam Dunkhas a great sense of humor and realistic character growth. The series’ success and popularity lie within Hanamichi’s character development, which is believable and even relatable to some viewers.
From being a total newbie to honing his skills, and forming a legendary trio on the court with Takenori Akagi and Kaede Rukawa,Slam Dunkcontinues toenthrall viewers with each episodewithout leaving a single moment of boredom.
More than 30 years have passed since then, and Japan secured a spot in the Olympics, coinciding with the release of the movie. It’s as if the basketball culture nurtured bySlam Dunkhad grown and blossomed over time.
Haikyuu! Is Arguably the Most Popular Sports Anime on Par withSlam Dunk
Undoubtedly,Haikyuu! is considered one of the best sports genre anime ever. Furthermore, the series’ immense popularity even influenced the rising volleyball practice in Japan.
From Slam Dunk to Hajime No Ippo, 5 Sports Anime You Must Watch While Paris Olympics 2024 Takes Over the World
DespiteHaikyuu‘s manga concluding years ago, the Paris Olympics revived the hype by mirroring the epic clash between Team Japan and Team Argentina, similar to the final matchup as shown in the manga.
From witnessing the epic‘Japan VS Argentina’clash to iconic anime-inspired moves as the setter dump, the Olympics 2024 has been an absolute emotional roller coaster for theHaikyuu! fandom. Surprisingly, many fans noticed a hidden reference to the anime in the stadium, something that non-Haikyuu! watchers initially overlooked.
Haikyuu’s Ending Became a Nightmare for Haruichi Furudate Instead of the Glorious Moment it Should Have Been
With each point, Japanese fans built up players’ enthusiasm and cheered them by playing the worldwide famousHaikyuu!Season 2 anime opening song. Certainly, manyHaikyuufans were left stunned after hearing ‘Fly High’ in the Olympic stadium. Indeed, Team Japan was applauded online by the fandom for reviving their belovedHaikyuu!! series on such a big world stage.
HaikyuuThe Movie: The Dumpster Battlecrossed the10 billion yenmilestone in just 75 days after its February release. This only highlights the series’ immense popularity and the much bigger impact it made via the Japan vs Argentina showdown.
Slam DunkandHaikyuu! are available for streaming on Crunchyroll
Mehul Rolta
Articles Published :510
Mehul Rolta is a seasoned journalist with over 3 years in esports and soccer journalism. Transitioning to anime writing at Fandom Wire, Mehul shares his lifelong passion for anime about integrates professionalism. Dedicated to connecting the world of anime globally, Mehul shares thoughts and insights, communicating personal passion with professional insight.
