Anime Like Battery

In Chihayafuru, young Chihaya Ayase initially aspired to become a top model like her older sister, Chitose. However, her trajectory changed when she intervened to shield Arata Wataya from their childhood friend and school bully, Taichi Mashima. This pivotal moment introduced Chihaya to competitive karuta, a rapid card game rooted in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu anthology that requires swift reflexes, memory, and stamina. Enthralled by the competition, she establishes the Shiranami Society alongside Arata and Taichi with the goal of claiming the prestigious Queen of Karuta title. After drifting apart during middle school, Chihaya reunites with both Arata and Taichi in high school, prompting the formation of the Mizusawa High School Karuta Club. Leveraging Taichi's strategic intellect and the vitality of new recruits, the club aims to triumph in the national championships held at the Omi Shrine.

Makoto "Smile" Tsukimoto and Yutaka "Peco" Hoshino have been close friends since childhood, despite their opposite natures. Peco, an overconfident dreamer who wants to become the world's best ping-pong player, often skips practice and irritates his teammates at Katase High School, while Smile, despite his natural talent, frequently holds back in matches. Their bond remains strong through their shared love for ping-pong. When a former Chinese national team player arrives in Japan, Peco convinces Smile to visit Tsujido High School. There, Peco faces Kong Wenge and suffers a quick, crushing defeat that shakes his confidence. Seeing Smile's hidden potential, the Katase High coach starts training him to stop holding back, but Smile remains reluctant unless the game stays fun. As both friends struggle with their reasons for playing, they meet powerful opponents at the inter-high tournament, each dealing with their own inner conflicts. Only the most skilled can survive, and as these young athletes let their unchecked ambitions drive them, the harsh reality of chasing glory becomes clear.

Former star runner Kakeru Kurahara from Sendai Josei High School is caught shoplifting at a convenience store and flees, accidentally bumping into Haiji Kiyose, another university student who notices Kakeru’s quick reflexes. Haiji convinces Kakeru to join him at Chikusei-sou, a rundown apartment building shared by nine other students. After losing his entire apartment deposit at a mahjong parlor, Kakeru has no choice but to accept Haiji’s offer. At the welcome party for Kakeru, Haiji reveals that the apartment is actually the dormitory of the Kansei University Track Club. Haiji dreams of competing in the Hakone Ekiden, one of Japan’s most prestigious university marathon relay races. However, besides Haiji and Kakeru, none of the other residents have any running experience, and they are uninterested in Haiji’s ambitious plan. With only a few months until the race, can Haiji convince his reluctant roommates to join him and make his dream a reality?

In "Chihayafuru 2," Chihaya Ayase focuses on strengthening her high school's competitive karuta club with ambitious goals, such as winning the national team championship at Omi Jingu and becoming the Queen, Japan's top female karuta player, and beyond. As they enter their second year of high school, Chihaya and her teammates must recruit new members, enhance their physical and mental abilities, and overcome tough opponents to achieve their championship aspirations. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Arata Wataya, who first sparked her love for karuta, rekindles his own passion for the traditional card game.

The boys' soft tennis team is failing, constantly outperformed by the girls' club and close to being shut down due to weak results and few members. Captain Touma Shinjou keeps searching for new players but never succeeds. The situation shifts when transfer student Maki Katsuragi impressively catches a stray cat in the classroom, catching Touma's attention. Although Maki initially refuses to participate in any clubs, Touma finally persuades him to join, accepting Maki's conditions of being paid and having club expenses covered. Once he joins, Maki's natural skill and quick progress raise the team's level, frustrating his teammates. His presence pushes and drives them to improve and take the sport seriously. As the team members uncover their own hidden strengths, they also face personal problems and the harsh realities of adolescence in middle school.

Winning the high school tournament was a major milestone for the Mizusawa team, showcasing how each member had developed. That victory sparked fresh goals: Chihaya Ayase now intends to vie for the Queen's title against Shinobu Wakamiya, and Taichi Mashima, having reached Class A, sets his sights on facing Arata Wataya directly. The Mizusawa players continue to be driven to improve, and if they keep working hard, their futures hold limitless potential.

In "Cross Game," Kou Kitamura and Aoba Tsukishima are constantly at odds, even though their families are close friends and business partners. Kou, the only child of a sports store owner, has no interest in baseball, despite developing his batting skills through regular visits to the batting center run by the Tsukishima family. Meanwhile, Aoba is passionate about baseball and shines as a pitcher. Although they seem like complete opposites, Kou and Aoba share a deep bond through their feelings for Wakaba Tsukishima, Aoba's older sister and Kou's destined love interest. Wakaba often sparks their ongoing rivalry. Whether they will eventually recognize their common ground is uncertain, but baseball might be the key to resolving their personal struggles.

In the busy city of Tokyo, Yamato Akitsuki, a teenager from rural Hiroshima, starts his high school life by moving into a dormitory for girls only and helping his aunt and cousin run a nearby bathhouse. On his first day in the city, he is captivated by a girl practicing high jumps at a local school. To his surprise, this skilled athlete, Suzuka Asahina, is both a dormmate and a neighbor. An elite track and field athlete at the same high school, Suzuka is annoyed by Yamato’s clumsy and easygoing attitude, making their shared living difficult. Inspired by Suzuka, Yamato finds a hidden ability for sprinting and joins the track team to earn her respect. Through intense training, interactions with teammates, classmates, and the often drunk college residents of the dorm, Yamato pushes himself, determined to improve and gain Suzuka’s approval.

After an incident with his former volleyball team in Tokyo, gifted setter Kimichika Haijima relocates to Fukui. There, he reunites with his childhood friend Yuni Kuroba, a talented but overlooked player on the Monshiro Middle School Boys' Volleyball Team. Seeing Kuroba's untapped potential, Haijima hopes to build a new squad around him. But during a prefectural tournament, Kuroba crumbles under pressure, causing Monshiro to lose and driving a wedge between the two friends, leading Haijima to quit the team. At Seiin High School, Haijima and Kuroba end up on the same team again. Determined to make amends, Haijima helps Kuroba conquer his anxiety and become the team's star. With support from captain Shinichirou Oda and vice-captain Misao Aoki, Seiin aims to win the prefectural championship and earn a spot in the Spring Tournament as Fukui's representative. Their journey pits them against Fukuho Technical High School, the defending champions of Fukui. Can Haijima's team overcome the odds, or will the past repeat itself?

Joe Yabuki is a young man who habitually settles disputes with his fists. Though he lacks manners and self-control, he possesses remarkable combat instincts developed on his own. While wandering through the Doya slums, Joe gets into a fight with a local gang and defeats them despite being heavily outnumbered. His performance draws the interest of Danpei Tange, a former boxing coach who has fallen into alcoholism. Seeing Joe's natural ability, Danpei wants to transform him into Japan's premier boxer. Joe initially dismisses Danpei as just another drunk, but after Danpei saves his life, he agrees to move in with him and learn boxing. However, Joe's stubborn personality makes him a difficult student, and he often slips back into his old habits. To make it in the harsh world of professional boxing, Joe must learn to trust his mentor and master the skills he teaches. The road to becoming a pro is filled with challenges that will push Joe to his absolute limits.

In the bustling city of Tokyo, elite horse girls and promising young talents dominate the national racing circuit. Aspiring trainer Jou Kitahara begins his journey with ambitious dreams but modest expectations, never anticipating that his breakthrough would come from an unremarkable town like Kasamatsu—until he discovers a girl with ash-gray hair who possesses a raw yet powerful running form. Oguri Cap endured a difficult childhood plagued by weak knees, struggling just to stand upright. Driven by unwavering determination, she overcame her physical limitations and found freedom in running, an activity once thought impossible for her. Unlike her fellow horse girls in Kasamatsu who pursue victory and recognition, Oguri runs purely for the joy of movement, without any particular goal. Fujimasa March, a rising local star, earns admiration through her disciplined approach, exceptional skills, and relentless drive. Running is her passion and source of pride. Yet, during a school-organized race where she competes against Oguri's untamed speed, March's confidence begins to falter. Meanwhile, Oguri undergoes a transformation after facing off against March, as a spark of ambition ignites within her for the first time, inspiring her to strive for more than the limits of her hometown and to reach the grand stages ahead.

During middle school, Haruka Nanase and Makoto Tachibana navigate the challenges of growing up. While Makoto smoothly adapts to his new classmates and holds onto his love for swimming, Haruka finds it difficult to make friends and join the school's swim team because of past troubles with the sport. He keeps his distance from both his energetic classmates and the swimming club, uncertain about what to do next. Those around him, including Makoto, also hesitate over which clubs to choose. Following a disagreement, the boys decide to join the swimming club. There, they concentrate on enhancing their abilities, coordinating their strokes, and working through their conflicted emotions regarding swimming and one another. Fueled by resolve and innate talent, Haruka, Makoto, and their classmates discover who they are and sharpen their skills during these pivotal early years.

Tsukasa Akeuraji had always aspired to be a competitive solo figure skater, but starting late in life kept him from reaching that goal. Now, financial difficulties force him to take on a role as an assistant coach, settling for a future that feels far from his original ambitions. The night before his first day at work, Tsukasa encounters Inori Yuitsuka, a timid fifth-grader practicing on the ice rink without permission. Inori is passionate about figure skating but is held back by her mother's overprotectiveness and her own lack of confidence. She has no support for her dreams until she meets Tsukasa. Despite her shy demeanor, Inori possesses great potential, waiting for the right guidance to flourish. Moved by Inori's determination and remembering his own struggles, Tsukasa decides to train her and help her realize the dream she has been too afraid to voice. The path ahead is long and filled with challenges and rivals, but Inori commits herself fully to the sport, aiming to reach the Olympics and become a medalist one day.

In Japan's top soccer league, East Tokyo United has been struggling for years, barely avoiding relegation. A recent five-game losing streak has further dampened morale, leading to declining fan support and rumors that the local government may withdraw funding for their home stadium. The club has also gone through a series of dismissed coaches and poor player acquisitions, pushing them into a downward spiral. Under pressure from general manager Kousei Gotou, the board takes a bold step and hires Takeshi Tatsumi as the new head coach. Although Tatsumi left ETU during his playing career and is seen as a traitor, he has since found success with a lower-division amateur team in England. Faced with skepticism from fans and tough opponents, Tatsumi is determined to lead the underdog team to victory, proving himself as a master of defeating stronger foes.

Togashi is known as the fastest runner at his elementary school, especially in the hundred-meter dash during gym class and sports day. But without any real rivals, he feels unchallenged. That changes when Komiya transfers in—a student who loves running but lacks proper technique. Togashi seizes the chance to coach him, and the two quickly bond over their shared passion for speed. Their friendship is cut short when Komiya unexpectedly transfers away. Despite the separation, both continue honing their running skills over the years, each facing their own obstacles. They push their limits, questioning whether Togashi's belief that being the fastest in the hundred-meter dash can solve everything still holds true.

After a devastating event, Yabuki Joe falls into despair and loses all hope. Seeking to escape his past, he abandons the gym and roams aimlessly. During his travels, he encounters figures like Wolf Kanagushi and Goromaki Gondo, who unexpectedly rekindle his fading passion for boxing, prompting him to end his wandering. Returning home, Joe continues his boxing career but struggles with deep psychological hurdles that impair his performance, though neither he nor his coach recognizes these issues. To help Joe overcome these mental blocks, Carlos Rivera, a celebrated boxer from Venezuela, is brought in to support his psychological recovery.

This is the latter part of Umamusume: Cinderella Gray. Coming from a modest rural upbringing, Oguri Cap has completely flipped the racing world upside down. Her relentless surge through the national circuit seemed unstoppable—until it hit a wall. Tamamo Cross, the current pinnacle of racing, has defeated the Beast and named Oguri Cap as her rival. Yet Oguri Cap cannot afford to fix all her attention on Tamamo Cross. Riders from every corner of the globe are arriving in Japan one after another, all eager to prove their own abilities. Up against the world's elite, her ashen racer must push beyond her existing limits to have any hope of succeeding… Keep your eyes open—a Cinderella story packed with unexpected twists and turns awaits!

DIVE!! centers on the Mizuki Diving Club (MDC), which faces the threat of being dissolved because of severe money problems. The team's newly hired coach makes an agreement with the club's parent organization to keep the MDC alive, but the arrangement includes a single requirement: they must develop a diver who can earn a spot on the national Olympic squad for the upcoming Olympics.

Sakurano Tazusa, who claims to be worth $10 billion in beauty, is a candidate vying for the position of Japan's representative in the Winter Olympics figure skating competition. However, the media and public question her abilities, as she repeatedly falls at crucial moments during her performances. In one such fall, at the same time, a Canadian teenager named Pete Pumps dies in an accident while performing an aerial stunt. Before he can move on to the afterlife, Pete possesses Tazusa for what is supposedly a hundred days, living on within her body. Despite Tazusa's discontent and anger at having her body and privacy invaded by this Canadian ghost, she redirects her focus toward improving herself in hopes of being selected for the Olympics.

In Japan, women's soccer has seen a steady decline in popularity. Despite this, some schools continue to field teams, keeping the sport's future alive. Nozomi Onda, who sharpened her skills playing with a boys' soccer club in middle school, feels that competing against girls would hinder her growth. She only thrives when facing opponents she considers worthy. Meanwhile, Sumire Suou, a talented newcomer, finds her abilities held back by less skilled teammates. After her previous coach encouraged her to join a girls' team, Onda teams up with Suou and Suou's close friend and rival, Midori Soshizaki, at Warabi Seinan High School's girls' soccer team. In this new environment, both girls discover and unlock their true potential. Along with their teammates, each step, kick, and goal drives them toward success, potentially restoring the sport's former glory.

Inori Yuitsuka's figure skating skills continue to improve thanks to the mentorship of her inexperienced coach, Tsukasa Akeuraji. After passing a qualifying badge test, she earns a place in the upcoming Chubu Block Tournament, where only five out of fifteen competitors will move on to the prestigious All-Japan Novice Tournament. Inori faces a tough challenge as she goes up against seasoned rivals. When the tournament begins, every skater strives to deliver their best performance before a large crowd. The absence of Hikaru Kamisaki, the era's skating prodigy, from this particular block competition only strengthens the contestants' determination to advance. For Inori, this means overcoming significant hurdles to fulfill her promise of meeting Hikaru and representing Japan alongside Tsukasa at the Olympics.

The story centers around Uesugi Kazuya, his older twin brother Tatsuya, and their childhood friend Asakura Minami. Kazuya is adored by his community for his skills, hard work, and position as the ace pitcher on his middle school baseball team. In stark contrast, Tatsuya is seen as a lazy individual who has always taken a backseat, allowing Kazuya to be in the spotlight even though Tatsuya might have more natural talent. Minami, who is treated as a quasi-sibling, views both boys equally. Society, along with Tatsuya himself, anticipates a romantic relationship between Kazuya and Minami. However, Tatsuya's viewpoint evolves over time, leading him to realize that while he is willing to sacrifice anything for his brother, he cannot accept giving Minami up to Kazuya. The narrative delves into Tatsuya's journey to carve out his own identity amidst his brother's fame, examining how this conflict affects their relationships with Minami and their joint pursuit of fulfilling her long-held dreams.

Set twenty-six years after the events of Touch, MIX follows the legacy left by Touch hero Tatsuya Uesugi. Meisei Academy High School was once renowned for its powerful baseball team, but in the years since their glory days, the team has faltered and lost its former fame. The story centers on two stepbrothers, Soichirou and Toma Tachibana. They are determined to bring back the strength of Meisei Academy's baseball team and earn a spot in the National High School Baseball Championship. Both boys are currently second-year students at Meisei Academy Middle School and are talented baseball players. Soichirou excels as a catcher and batter. Toma possesses extraordinary pitching skill but no longer pitches due to a "certain reason." Once they enter high school, the brothers pair up as a battery and set their sights on reaching the National High School Baseball Championship. The passion and devotion of these characters will move your heart! MIX is a high school baseball drama that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Kazuhihiko Aikawa previously served as the captain of Tendoji High School's celebrated basketball squad. After relocating and enrolling at Mizuho High, he attempts to join its basketball team, only to find that the team is defunct. Still, Kazuhiko's enthusiasm and ability motivate his newfound classmates to band together and resume practice. Aiming to compete in the national tournaments—where young basketball players showcase their skills—Kazuhiko and his teammates strive to restore Mizuho's standing. The journey of the five central figures—Takumi Fujiwara, Tsutomu Ishii, Kenji Dobashi, Ranmaru Miura, and Kazuhiko Aikawa—commences as they set out to revive the Mizuho High School basketball team.