【Haikyu!!】TO THE TOP (Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture)
What is Haikyu!! TO THE TOP
“Haikyu!! TO THE TOP” is the fourth season of the anime adaptation of “Haikyu!!,” the hugely popular volleyball manga by Haruichi Furudate, which aired in 2020. It depicts the challenge of Karasuno High School Volleyball Club, which overcame intense battles to win the Miyagi Prefecture preliminary tournament for the Spring High School Volleyball Championship and secured their long-awaited entry into the national tournament.
This fourth season was broadcast in two quarters, with the first cour (Episodes 1-13) airing from January to April 2020, and the second cour (Episodes 14-25) airing from October to December 2020. Production I.G handled the production, with a production structure involving Shueisha and the Haikyu!! Production Committee, realizing high-quality animation expression.
A New Stage Beginning After Breaking Through the Miyagi Prefecture Preliminary
The Intense Battle of the Spring High School Volleyball Championship Miyagi Prefecture Preliminary
In the third season “Karasuno High School VS Shiratorizawa Academy High School,” the Karasuno High School Volleyball Club defeated the powerhouse Shiratorizawa Academy and won the Miyagi Prefecture preliminary tournament for the Spring High School Volleyball Championship. This victory was an important step toward reclaiming past glory and meant achieving their long-awaited dream of competing in the national tournament.
Miyagi Prefecture is known nationwide as one of the most competitive volleyball regions, with powerhouse schools like Shiratorizawa Academy, Aoba Johsai High School, and Date Industrial High School. The fact that Karasuno High School rose to the top symbolized the team’s growth.
New Challenges Leading Up to the National Tournament
As the national tournament draws near, the members of the Karasuno High School Volleyball Club receive unexpected news. Setter Tobio Kageyama receives a call-up to the All Japan Youth Strengthening Camp, and middle blocker Akei Tsukishima receives an invitation to the Miyagi Prefecture First-Year Selection Strengthening Camp.
Furthermore, ace Shoyo Hinata volunteers to participate in the All Japan Youth Strengthening Camp as a ball boy. This decision demonstrates Hinata’s strong determination to grow.
Story Development of TO THE TOP
First Cour: Strengthening Camp Arc
The first cour depicts the All Japan Youth Strengthening Camp in which Kageyama and Hinata participate, as well as Tsukishima’s Miyagi Prefecture First-Year Selection Strengthening Camp.
In Kageyama’s All Japan Youth Strengthening Camp, intense competition awaits with genius setters selected from across the country. In particular, meeting Hikari Seihoshi and Tobiyo Kagamishima, who is also called the “King” like Kageyama, becomes a major stimulus for Kageyama. Through the camp, Kageyama renews his determination to reach even greater heights as a setter.
In Tsukishima’s Miyagi Prefecture First-Year Selection Strengthening Camp, he has the opportunity to train intensely with excellent first-year blockers from throughout Miyagi Prefecture. Though initially passive, Tsukishima gradually awakens his talent as a blocker through his camp experience.
Hinata’s role as a ball boy may seem humble at first glance, but it provides a precious opportunity to observe the play of top-level national athletes up close. This experience will greatly influence Hinata’s future growth.
Second Cour: National Tournament Arc
The second cour finally begins the national tournament proper. With the experience gained from the strengthening camps in their hearts, the Karasuno High School Volleyball Club faces intense battles against powerhouse schools nationwide.
In the match against Inarizaki High School, a heated battle unfolds against a powerhouse featuring the twin duo of Yu and Osamu Miya. This match becomes a crucial indicator of how much Karasuno High School has grown.
The Appeal of a Work Set in Miyagi Prefecture
Real Scenery of Miyagi Prefecture
The main setting of “Haikyu!!” is Miyagi Prefecture, and the work features many real place names and buildings. Sendai Station, Sendai City Gymnasium, and other locations familiar to Miyagi residents are depicted, adding realism to the work.
Sendai City is the largest city in the Tohoku region and a place where sports including volleyball are popular. Facilities actually used as preliminary sites for national tournaments such as the Spring High School Volleyball Championship and summer Interhigh also appear in the work.
Volleyball Culture of Miyagi Prefecture
Miyagi Prefecture is known as a stronghold region for high school volleyball. In men’s volleyball, schools like Sendai Commercial High School and Tohoku High School have a history of competing in national tournaments, and in women’s volleyball, Furukawa Gakuen High School and others have been active nationally.
The existence of top-class powerhouse schools like Shiratorizawa Academy depicted in the work symbolizes the high level of volleyball in Miyagi Prefecture. It becomes clear through the work how difficult it is to prevail in the Miyagi Prefecture preliminary tournament.
Collaboration with the Region
“Haikyu!!” has conducted various collaborations with Miyagi Prefecture and Sendai City. Many fans visit Miyagi Prefecture as part of holy land pilgrimages, contributing to regional revitalization.
The work even depicts a scene where characters sing the commercial slogan of Yagiyama Benyland, showing that the production is rooted in the local community.
Character Growth and Highlights
The Evolution of Tobio Kageyama
After experiencing the All Japan Youth Strengthening Camp, Kageyama reaches even greater heights as a setter. He evolves from a self-centered playing style as the “King of the Court” into a setter who trusts his teammates and brings out the maximum potential of each player.
Through interaction with top-level setters nationwide, Kageyama broadens his possibilities. In particular, the question “What is a setter?” that he learned from Hikari Seihoshi greatly influences his play.
Shoyo Hinata’s New Challenge
Participating in the All Japan Youth Strengthening Camp as a ball boy, Hinata observes the play of top-level athletes and learns much. In particular, by studying the movements and thinking of players in various positions, his perspective expands.
This experience becomes an important step for Hinata to grow from a mere “player who jumps” into a player with deep understanding of volleyball.
Akei Tsukishima’s Awakening
Participating in the Miyagi Prefecture First-Year Selection Strengthening Camp, Tsukishima fully awakens his talent as a blocker. Though initially taking a cool attitude toward volleyball, through his camp experience, Tsukishima discovers the depth and fun of blocking.
In particular, his growth as he understands the importance of blocking that uses reading and technique and becomes a key defender for the team is one of the major highlights of TO THE TOP.
The Unity of Karasuno High School Volleyball Club
Members who accumulated experience in different locations reunite for the national tournament proper. The individual growth of each becomes the strength of the entire team, and Karasuno High School Volleyball Club evolves into an even more powerful team.
Production Staff and Cast
Production Structure
Production I.G handled production, with Masako Sato as director and Takashi Kishimoto as series composition. Takahiro Kishida handled character design, delivering high-quality animation while preserving the appeal of the original work.
For music, Yuki Hayashi and Asami Tachibana handled the score, enhancing the tension of matches and emotional scenes.
Main Cast
- Shoyo Hinata: Ayumu Murase
- Tobio Kageyama: Kaito Ishikawa
- Akei Tsukishima: Kouki Uchiyama
- Tadashi Yamaguchi: Soma Saito
- Daichi Sawamura: Hisashi Hino
- Koushi Sugawara: Jiyuu Irino
- Asahi Azumane: Yoshimasa Hosoya
- Yuu Nishinoya: Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Ryunosuke Tanaka: Isao Hayashi
Veteran and young talented voice actors bring these characters to life.
How to Watch and Distribution Information
“Haikyu!! TO THE TOP” is available on various video distribution services.
Major Distribution Services
- dAnimeStore: As an anime-specialized distribution service, all episodes are available to watch
- Lemino: Docomo’s video distribution service offers unlimited distribution
- TELASA: Available on TV Asahi’s distribution service
- Animax: Regularly rebroadcast on BS and CS channels
- Niconico Video (N Anime): Free viewing available for certain periods
Distribution status and pricing vary by service, so it is recommended to select a service that suits you.
Main Theme Songs of TO THE TOP
Opening Themes
The opening theme for the first cour is “PHOENIX,” sung by BURNOUT SYNDROMES. It is a powerful song symbolizing the resurrection and challenge of Karasuno High School.
The opening theme for the second cour is “One Day,” sung by SPYAIR. It is a song expressing the determination of the members as they face the national tournament.
Ending Themes
The ending theme for the first cour is “KESSEN SPIRIT,” sung by Galileo Galilei. The ending theme for the second cour is “Toukyou Bushi,” sung by Mashinomi.
Both are songs that match the world of the work and have received high praise from fans.
Positioning Within the Overall Haikyu!! Series
The Flow From Season One to Season Three
In season one “Haikyu!!,” the meeting of Hinata and Kageyama through their entry into the Karasuno High School Volleyball Club to their defeat in the Interhigh preliminary tournament is depicted.
In season two “Haikyu!! Second Season,” the strengthening camp toward the Spring High School Volleyball Championship and the promise of the “Trash Disposal Site Decisive Battle” against Kamomedai High School are depicted.
In season three “Haikyu!! Karasuno High School VS Shiratorizawa Academy High School,” the intense battle against Shiratorizawa Academy in the Miyagi Prefecture preliminary tournament finals is depicted across 10 episodes, and Karasuno’s national tournament entry is decided.
Characteristics of Season Four
TO THE TOP is a work built on the foundation of all that has come before. It depicts how Karasuno High School, which has broken through the Miyagi Prefecture preliminary tournament, will fight at the new stage of nationals and how individual members will grow.
In particular, the strengthening camp arc is characterized by depicting the growth of main members in separate locations in parallel, with the story developing from each person’s perspective.
The Stages of the National Tournament and Opponents
Spring High School Volleyball Championship National Tournament
The national tournament depicted in the work is formally called the “All Japan High School Volleyball Championship” (Spring High School Volleyball Championship). Held in January each year at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, it is the highest pinnacle of high school volleyball in Japan.
Powerhouse schools that have won preliminary tournaments from across the country gather to compete for the national title. For Karasuno High School, it becomes an important stage to reclaim past glory.
The Intense Battle with Inarizaki High School
Inarizaki High School, which Karasuno faces at the national tournament, is a powerhouse school representing Hyogo Prefecture. Centered on the combination of the twin setters Yu and Osamu Miya and wing spiker, it boasts high technique and coordination.
This match becomes a famous battle as the climax of TO THE TOP, with both teams’ full strength colliding.
Themes and Messages of the Work
The Challenge to the “Peak”
As indicated by the title “TO THE TOP,” the theme of this work is “challenging toward the pinnacle.” Each member of the Karasuno High School Volleyball Club team strives toward their own “peak.”
On the grand stage of the national tournament, how high the small giant Shoyo Hinata can jump and how far the team can fight is depicted.
Individual Growth and Team Power
In TO THE TOP, the growth of individual members is carefully depicted. Members who accumulated experience in different places through strengthening camps feed their learning back to the team, raising the overall strength of Karasuno High School Volleyball Club. The process where the growth of each person leads to the growth of the entire team is moving.
This universal theme captures the hearts of many viewers.
Effort and Talent
The work depicts both athletes blessed with talent and those who climb up through effort. At the All Japan Youth Strengthening Camp, talent from across the country gathers, but the figure of Hinata participating as a ball boy demonstrates the importance of effort.
Neither talent alone nor effort alone can reach the peak. The importance of possessing both becomes clear through the work.
The Relationship Between Miyagi Prefecture and Haikyu!!
Holy Land Pilgrimage Spots
Many spots in Miyagi Prefecture are called holy lands of “Haikyu!!.”
The Sendai City Gymnasium, which appears in the work as a preliminary tournament site, is a facility where actual high school volleyball matches are held. For fans, it holds special meaning as a place where Karasuno fought.
Sendai Station and its surroundings also appear in the work, depicted as landscapes during characters’ movements. The shopping arcade and shopping streets near the station are also places where fans can feel the atmosphere of the work.
Contribution to Regional Revitalization
“Haikyu!!” greatly contributes to the promotion of tourism in Miyagi Prefecture. The number of fans visiting Miyagi Prefecture inspired by the work has increased, leading to regional economic revitalization.
Miyagi Prefecture and Sendai City also officially conduct collaboration projects to strengthen the connection between the work and the region. Events such as stamp rallies and panel exhibitions that fans can enjoy are held regularly.
Increase in Volleyball Population
Due to the influence of “Haikyu!!,” the number of children starting volleyball in Miyagi Prefecture has increased. The charm of volleyball depicted in the work also contributes to actual sports promotion.
At local junior high and high schools’ volleyball clubs, reports indicate that students entering the club after being inspired by “Haikyu!!” are increasing.
Fan Reviews and Reactions
High Praise for Animation Quality
TO THE TOP realizes powerful match scenes through the high technical skill of Production I.G. In particular, the movement of spikes and blocks at their moments is masterfully expressed with the dynamism of actual volleyball.
Many fans have given high praise such as “the animation of match scenes is amazing” and “the sense of immersion is incredible.”
Emotional Response to Character Growth
Many fans are moved by the growth stories of Kageyama, Hinata, and Tsukishima respectively. In particular, the scene of Tsukishima’s awakening as a blocker is remembered as one of the masterpieces of the work.
After each episode airs on SNS, numerous impressions are posted such as “I cried at Tsukishima’s growth” and “Kageyama’s change of expression is wonderful.”
Tension of Matches and Direction
The match scenes at the national tournament are highly praised for their direction full of tension. Each rally is carefully depicted with the feelings embedded in each ball and the maneuvering of rallies, keeping viewers glued to their screens.
The match against Inarizaki High School in particular has been praised by many fans as a “development that makes your hands sweat” and “an unfolding you can’t take your eyes off.”
Summary
“Haikyu!! TO THE TOP” is a story of the Karasuno High School Volleyball Club, which won the Miyagi Prefecture preliminary tournament of the Spring High School Volleyball Championship, continuing their challenge at the new stage of the national tournament. After intense battles in the Miyagi Prefecture preliminaries, the work depicts Kageyama’s All Japan Youth Strengthening Camp, Tsukishima’s Miyagi Prefecture First-Year Selection Strengthening Camp, and Hinata’s unique challenge.
As a work set in Miyagi Prefecture, real locations and local culture are carefully depicted, and it has become popular as a holy land pilgrimage destination. At the national tournament proper, members who have grown through strengthening camps reunite and face intense battles against powerhouse schools nationwide.
With high-quality animation by Production I.G, passionate performances by talented voice actors, and direction that maximizes the appeal of the original work, TO THE TOP is loved by many fans as one of the finest works in the series.
Available on various video distribution services, please watch it yourself the journey from the Miyagi Prefecture preliminary tournament to the national tournament and the growth of the characters. The challenge of Karasuno High School Volleyball Club is sure to resonate in your heart.
