With a mix of light-hearted moments and bittersweet endings, Haikyu!! has a tender way of moving its viewers. Certain scenes have an infectious inspirational quality that touches viewers’ hearts.

Through bickering or happy interactions between friends and teammates, expressed uncertainty about the future, or resentful memories of past mistakes, Haikyu!!’s characters and scenarios are relatable and applicable to the real world. Haikyu!! is one of the biggest sports anime due to its riveting plays, dynamic teams, and hilarious moments that fans can’t get enough of.

15

Goshiki Gets the Ace’s Recognition He Craved

Haikyu!! Movie 4: Battle of Concepts

Having a role model or rival can give you the motivation to achieve. Even with minimal words, when that same person acknowledges your hard work, that moment can be enough to validate your efforts and push you to keep going.

At the end of the recap movie covering Karasuno versus Shiratorizawa, Wakatoshi Ushijima does just that to aspiring ace Tsutomu Goshiki. The third years hand over duties to their underclassmen, and in a surprising moment of connection, the stoic captain gives each player detailed pointers on how to improve. When Goshiki’s turn came, the simple “I’m counting on you” was all he needed to hear to keep trying.

14

Kageyama Realizes His Past Can’t Hold Him Back With Karasuno

Season 4 Part 1, Episode 7 “Return”

Encouraged honesty and sympathy, regardless of rough characteristics, can be the push a friend needs to be their true self. Past traumas and bad habits can resurface at surprising times, but healthy communication with understanding friends can get the relationship through misunderstandings and ultimately strengthen the bond.

In one of the most memorable Haikyu!! episodes, when Kageyama returns from his training camp and feels the pressure building, he snaps. Although tension takes over the gym, Hinata reassures Kageyama to be honest, without even realizing the magnitude it can have for their friendship and the entire team dynamic as a whole.

13

Seijoh’s Childhood Best Friends Show Unconditional Support

Haikyu!! Movie 3: Genius and Sense

The best of friends are ones that support and motivate you in times of wins, but especially losses. Even when they may oppose each other, those barriers do not stand in the way of sentiment. With their exciting wins and devastating defeats, Toru Oikawa and Hajime Iwaizumi experienced the highs and lows together.

With their final loss against Karasuno, depriving them of the spot at Nationals, the two lament. Iwaizumi cuts the silence to express his pride and support for his partner, regardless of where they end up, and this unquestioned moral support solidifies their friendship, even for the unknown future.

12

Kiyoko Makes The Best of New Opportunities

Season 4 Part 1, Episode, 10, “Battles Lines”

Sometimes unfavorable happenings force one’s life direction to pivot. After accepting reality, it’s possible to make the best out of new circumstances and be useful and supportive in other spaces. Somehow, happiness is found in unexpected places.

Although Shimizu Kiyoko is not a volleyball player or the focus character of the series, she makes a wonderful impact on fans with her backstory. Training hard as a hurdle runner came to an abrupt end after a dire injury. Although she was lost after the sudden change in life direction, she found a new purpose, a place to be useful, a place to be cared for, and a space to reshape her passions and talents.

11

Hinata Learns From Unfavorable Circumstances

Season 4 Part 2, Episode 9, “Pitons”

Undesirable circumstances can be great learning experiences that pay off later. Even when put in frustrating situations, with the right mindset, this can become something that fuels one to push past obstacles and cultivate new skills to succeed.

As Hinata infiltrates the training camp and is sidelined as a ball boy, he is understandably frustrated and antsy. However, this opportunity shifts into something productive and gives him a perspective he otherwise would have passed by. With the new receiving skills he acquires, he becomes better support for the team and breathes new life into a suffocating moment for the team

10

The Crows Find their Strength in Numbers

Season 3, Episode 10, “Battle of Concepts”

Some things seem impossible to achieve alone, but that is what a team is for. After trying, failing, and trying again, Karasuno sees the fruits of their labor pay off in the match against Shiratorizawa. Fans witness the wonderful moment of perseverance, how each member plays a role and helps one another, and finally, the sweet moment of victory to finish the season.

After scoring the final point, the Crows’ third years share an embrace and cry, portraying the shared connection with a team they’ve practiced, failed, and later succeeded with. As the series progresses, this tender moment of celebrating and picking up wind to keep pushing forward is an inspirational moment for viewers.

9

Ukai’s Coaching Saves Karasuno in a Dire Moment

Season 3, Episode 8, “An Annoying Guy”

Leadership and encouragement in a moment of failing hope can be all that’s needed to push through obstacles. With a strong individual to look up to and lead the team through battle, the Karasuno team knows that Coach Kenshin Ukai is there to back them up when their confidence falters.

Although Coach Ukai reluctantly joined the team, as his grandfather previously held the position, he becomes a fine mentor for the younger Crows. During their match against Shiratorizawa, it became impossible to keep mindlessly persisting, and the pressure nearly became too much. However, as Ukai screams are heard above the crowd, Karasuno’s revitalized and persists to reach victory.

8

Tsuki’s Reluctant Hard Work Makes Way for Passion

Season 3, Episode 4, “The Halo Around the Moon”

Putting in persistent effort can lead to loving something, whether that is understood consciously or not. The beginnings of a path may not showcase its highlights, but as a consistent endeavor, it may grow into something wonderful. This is what makes Tsukishima one of Haikyu!!‘s most relatable characters.

Kei Tsukishima does not appear as the most enthusiastic or driven player by far. For much of his training, he insists standing toe-to-toe with Ushijima is impossible. However, with his shining moment of blocking the Shiratorizawa ace in a complete shut-out, Tsukishima has a reluctant realization that his efforts bear results and his love for volleyball has grown bigger than he predicted.

7

Yachi’s Bravery Breaks Her out of Her Own Typecasting

Season 2, Episode 3, “Townperson B”

Certain barriers or self-preconceptions can hold someone back from trying new things and succeeding. However, by pushing past these limitations or fears, potential can grow, opportunities arise, and unforeseen passions can develop.

Fans realize early that Hitoka Yachi doesn’t have the highest self-esteem or bravery. She struggles with finding her voice and sharing her truths, but with Hinata’s encouragement, she takes the first step to break out of her shell. Similarly to the other manager Kiyoko, Yachi provides her unique talents to contribute to the team, and slowly integrates and grows to love the Karasuno team.

6

Retrying After Failure Makes Yamguchi’s Success Even Sweeter

Season 2, Episode 22, “The Former Coward’s Fight”

Trying, failing, and trying again leads to growth. Although it is easy to get lost in defeat, Tadashi Yamaguchi showcases perfectly that one should not be discouraged by a lack of immediate perfection and to keep trying despite the shame of failure.

Fans can’t help but be inspired by Yamaguchi’s journey to execute a pinch serve. Seeing as his fear takes over in moments, he tries to no avail, and then eventually comes in clutch for the team during their match against Aoba Johsai, this Haikyu!! moment proves that overcoming fear to try again can lead to a sweeter victory.

5

Tanaka Pushes Past His Faltering Confidence With His Teammate’s Trust

Season 4 Part 2, Episode 10, “The Birth of the Serene King”

Understanding where improvements are needed is crucial, but in times when teammates fail and become dispirited, a good group will encourage them not to give up on themselves, have unfaltering trust, and try to succeed once again together.

This sentiment is seen between Ryunosuke Tanaka and Kageyama during their match against Inarizaki. As the saga progresses, watchers see how as the Crows hone their playing skills, characters also become more emotionally in tune with one another. Knowing what those around you need to hear to keep going is a lovely skill that the prickly setter begins to grasp. In all, Haikyu!! is a wonderful series portraying teamwork, trust, and perseverance in many ways.

4

Softspoken Yamaguchi Outburst Makes a Lasting Impression

Season 2, Episode 8, “Illusionary Hero”

Pushing yourself and others to higher levels of motivation can be grating at times, especially when others are disbelieving of their potential. But sometimes, those who want to succeed don’t need the prospect of glory to try. This is what separates those with a true drive and leads Tsuki’s and Karasuno’s future success.

Although Yamaguchi is mostly soft-spoken, even with his close friend, he rushes to him in a moment of surprising anger and hardheadedness. Seeing Tsukishima’s indifferent attitude frustrates Yamaguchi and with their heated confrontation, he relays that even a moment of endeavor and triumph can become a terrific memory, fleeting or not.

3

Takeda’s Speech Proves He’s a Capable Mentor

Season 1, Episode 24, “Removing the Lonely King”

Similar to other moments in the series, the Crows have to come to terms with their shortcomings and losses. After their defeat against Aoba Johsai, the boys are dejected and regretful. As Hinata and Kageyama stew in their sorrows, teacher Ittetsu Takeda comes to not only lift their spirits but confront the mindset that could keep them from future successes.

Takeda started with minimal knowledge of the sport but stands by to support the Karasuno team. Although he is not the primary coach, this speech made to the monster spiker-setter duo hits fans in the heart, pushing the characters and those watching to not sit in defeat but to get up and courageously try again.

2

Oikawa’s Bittersweet Acceptance Broadens His Horizons

Season 2, Episode 24, “The Absolute Limit Switch”

In comparison to others who may have a natural talent for something can be frustrating, but one doesn’t need just that to go far. Acknowledging constant effort and strength of will proves that ‘extraordinary’ comes in different ways.

Oikawa is perceived as a daunting player, a fantastic athlete, and a strategizing captain for Seijoh by series fans and other players alike. Although this may be true, he expresses his bitterness towards underclassman Kageyama, as he is inherently a ‘genius’. But as Oikawa accepts that being a genius is not the only path to achieving greatness, he applies his dedication to becoming a great player regardless.

1

Asahi Regains His Resolve Against the Iron Wall

Season 1, Episodes 17 & 18

Overcoming fear and believing that your effort will lead to better outcomes is the only way to surpass the bitterness of past failures. Once that determination bears fruit, it proves that more is possible than before and reflects how far you’ve come.

Fans are clued in on Asahi Azumane’s previous defeat by Date Tech, which ultimately discouraged him from playing volleyball altogether. With encouragement from the other Crows and a reassured self-confidence after jumping back into the game, Asahi steps into the role of ‘Ace’, calls ‘I won’t stop till I score!’, and smashes the ball through the iron wall in a riveting display of adaptability and bravery.