On Saturday, July 31, the Japan national volleyball team faced off against Argentina in the qualifying tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. In a thrilling match, Japan secured victory with a score of 3-1, winning 2 sets. The iconic theme song ‘Tobe Fly’ (Fly High) from the anime Haikyuu!! resonated throughout the arena as the match began.
This event is a significant recognition of the impact that popular sports anime has on real-life sporting events, particularly the series created by Haruichi Furudate.
Not only did the characters from the series make an appearance in the form of promotional materials for the volleyball match, but also the essence of teamwork and competition was palpable, with references to key players like Hinata and Kageyama.
It goes without saying that fans of this anime were thrilled to witness such a moment. One fan expressed their hopes for Furudate to recognize the significant impact of Haikyuu!! on the volleyball industry, stating, “This is a truly remarkable moment.”
Another fan added, “I love that ‘Fly High’ started playing right as Japan clinched the victory!”
Alongside the anime’s presence at the 2024 Olympics, there was another reason for excitement among fans. During the match, Japan’s national volleyball team, including players like Hinata and Kageyama, battled against Argentina, evoking memories of Oikawa and his team.
The parallels between the anime and reality showcased the excitement and intensity of the sport, particularly for dedicated fans. While we may not know the outcome of the actual Japan vs. Argentina match, the connection to Haikyuu!! certainly fuels the imagination of its passionate audience.
