Japan continues to carry on Haikyuu‘s legacy and represents the fan-favorite sports anime on a bigger stage, the Olympics 2024. Despite Haikyuu‘s manga concluding years ago, the Paris Olympics may have revived the hype by mirroring the epic clash between Team Japan and Team Argentina, similar to the final matchup as shown in the manga.
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. The fantasy series turning into reality has certainly been enthralling for anime lovers, also bringing a lot of viewership to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Indeed, Haikyuu‘s references, combined with their terrific performance, have made Team Japan the talk of the Olympic Volleyball tournament. Surely the team’s journey and impressive under-pressure moments have been the highlights of the championship.
Team Japan Channels Haikyuu! Magic at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Winning Hearts in Volleyball
After their opening-match defeat to Germany, Japan faces immense pressure with the possibility of elimination very real, before their showdown against Argentina. Furthermore, the match-up’s resemblance to Haikyuu‘s most anticipated ‘Japan vs Argentina’ match ended up stressing many fans.
None of the anime fans who wanted to witness the manga’s final volleyball showdown come to life were left disappointed. Despite struggling from distress, Team Japan responded strongly by securing their first 3-1 victory against Argentina.
The Haikyuu! fandom drew a lot of resemblance between the anime and volleyball players, besides the ‘Team Japan vs Team Argentina’ showdown taking the most spotlight. For instance, the anime watchers noticed the similarities between the Argentina team kit and Haruichi Furudate’s design.
ARGENTINA MEN’S VOLLEYBALL UNIFORM pic.twitter.com/hjCm5G8O8l
— currie 🦉no reuploads (@currieeeee) July 31, 2024
Moreover, the Japanese player’s stunning athleticism made many Haikyuu! fans resonate with their beloved characters. Japanese star Yuji Nishida’s 21 points and overall performance played a vital role in assuring their victory against Argentina. Although securing points is the major highlight of volleyball, playing defense and anticipating opponents’ moves also play an enormous factor in the sport.
Interestingly, Haruichi Furudate’s narrative significantly highlights the value of Libero and the key role of solid defense in the volleyball sport. Yū Nishinoya, who plays Libero for the Karasuno High Volleyball Club, captivated many fans because of his splendid playmaking skills and unrealistic reflex actions.
Owing to Tomohiro Yamamoto’s impressive Libero performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Japanese star has received a lot of love from the Haikyuu! fandom online. Furthermore, he is now being compared to a fantasy character, Yū Nishinoya, for his unrealistic Libero performance in the Olympics 2024, earning him tons of praise in the comments.
I saw Nishinoya in him.. 😇
– Comment by Instagram user: kamilakhi
HOW MANY ROLLING THUNDER HE DID ???
– Comment by Instagram user: rogo.ggg
THAT LIBEROOOO OMG!!!!! ❤️
– Comment by Instagram user: aro_kopa
Yamamoto serves as the team’s primary pillar, enabling Japan to quickly switch the momentum to their side despite dealing with immense pressure. Indeed, Team Japan’s Libero has captivated many anime fans to his side, earning approval from around the globe. After securing their place in the quarterfinals, Japan will be challenging the USA to finish first in the pool.
Team Japan playing ‘Fly Bird’ Opening in Olympics 2024
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 the Haikyuu! fandom. Surprisingly, many fans noticed a hidden reference to the anime in the stadium, something that non-Haikyuu! watchers initially overlooked.
With each point, Japanese fans made sure to build up players’ enthusiasm and cheer them by playing the worldwide famous Haikyuu! Season 2 anime opening song. Certainly, many Haikyuu fans were left in shock after hearing ‘Fly High’ in the Olympic stadium. Indeed, Team Japan was applauded online by the fandom for reviving their beloved Haikyuu!! series on such a big world stage.
so they played haikyuu op…..for the japan vs argentina game…. pic.twitter.com/mFWJf7GiwE
— yin! (@bkgkou) July 31, 2024
Haikyuu The Movie: The Dumpster Battle crossed the 10 billion yen milestone 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.
You can watch Haikyu!! on Crunchyroll.
