Best Sports Anime of 2022

Just as Yoichi Isagi was poised to score a decisive goal for his high school soccer team and secure a spot in the nationals, he hesitated and passed the ball, forfeiting his chance. Overwhelmed by frustration and regret, Isagi wonders if his choice was correct. Upon returning home, he receives an unexpected invitation from the Japan Football Union. Through a somewhat arbitrary selection process, Isagi is chosen as one of three hundred U-18 strikers for Blue Lock, a controversial program aimed at cultivating a new star striker for the national team. Contestants must face off in individual and team challenges to demonstrate their value, with only a single victor emerging. Despite his doubts regarding the program's methods, Isagi is resolved to battle his way through the ranks, ready to do whatever is necessary to win, even if it means shattering the dreams of the other 299 hopefuls.

In a quiet countryside town, the local junior high school football team revolves entirely around one player: Ashito Aoi. Known for his unpredictable playstyle and self-centered approach, Ashito single-handedly drives his team to victory in a critical high school preliminary tournament. However, this success is short-lived. During a match, an opponent provokes Ashito into a violent outburst, resulting in his disqualification from the rest of the game. With their star player gone, the team is quickly eliminated from the tournament. At his lowest point of despair, Ashito is approached by Tatsuya Fukuda, a youth team coach who recognizes his hidden potential. Fukuda invites Ashito to join tryouts in Tokyo. Now in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by skilled players, Ashito must fully harness his abilities to prove himself and potentially launch a career that could change everything.

In the competitive world of corporate badminton, success is never assured. Mikoto Shiratori, once hailed as a young prodigy, now struggles to meet expectations as a player for Mitsuhoshi Bank. Haunted by a past incident, he attempts to transition from doubles to singles, only to face ongoing disappointment and the disapproval of his employer. After being let go from the bank, Mikoto finds a position with the Sunlight Beverage corporate badminton team. He learns that practices start in the evenings, while he must work in the company’s sales division during the day—a routine that, while typical, was not what he expected. Adding to his challenges, he must compete in doubles matches despite his preference for singles. As Mikoto struggles to adapt to his new role, he begins to question his choice to join Sunlight Beverage. However, as he grows closer to his new teammates, he may discover the motivation needed to advance his badminton career.

Shohoku's point guard and "speedster," Ryota Miyagi, relies on his sharp mind and lightning-fast moves to outmaneuver opponents while maintaining a calm facade. Growing up in Okinawa, Ryota had an older brother by three years. Inspired by his brother, a celebrated local player since childhood, Ryota became hooked on basketball as well. Now in his second year of high school, Ryota plays for the Shohoku High School basketball team alongside Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui as they compete at the Inter-High School National Championship. They are now on the verge of facing the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School.

Renowned in the underground golf scene for her gambling prowess, Eve thrives on high-stakes matches and showcases extraordinary skills. Nicknamed the "Rainbow Bullet," she dominates with only three clubs, determined to keep her unbeaten record intact. However, her winning streak faces a formidable challenge when she meets Aoi Amawashi, a gifted golfer visiting Nafrece for a tournament. Endowed with natural talent and an ideal background for the sport, Aoi—known as the "Innocent Tyrant"—effortlessly outshines her rivals with a calm demeanor and radiant smile. After their intense match, Eve and Aoi develop mutual admiration and agree to face off again. As Eve's daring, risk-taking approach contrasts with Aoi's refined and composed game, these two exceptional players could redefine the sport of golf.

Original animation episodes for the fifth season of Boku no Hero Academia. The entry includes: 1) Boku no Hero Academia: HLB (My Hero Academia: HLB) HLB stands for "Hero League of Baseball"—a baseball league founded by pro-heroes who love baseball! It is game day! The final game of the HLB championship pits the rival agencies of Gang Orca and Shishido against each other. They form teams called the Orcas and the Lionels to compete. In the world of HLB, there are no rules—using quirks is perfectly acceptable. However, just as the game is about to end, a villain interrupts. Who will become the HLB champion? 2) Boku no Hero Academia: Warae! Jigoku no You ni (My Hero Academia: Laugh! As if you are in hell) Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki are interning at the No. 1 hero Endeavor's agency. One of their current tasks is to find a villain nicknamed Smiley, who draws doodles around the city. Because the threat level is so low, they leave the case to other pro-heroes. One day, Smiley draws a doodle on Endeavor's house! Enraged, Endeavor himself and the three Class 1-A students set out to capture the villain. However, Smiley's quirk turns out to be ridiculous yet powerful—anyone who looks into his eyes is forced to laugh hysterically! Can the team catch the villain and stop laughing?

In Neo-Tokyo, young people form tribes as communities, but fierce loyalty often leads to violent clashes. The government enforces the XB Law, decreeing that all tribal disputes be settled through Extreme Baseball—a high-tech version of the sport using advanced equipment like extendable bats and specialized pitching gear. Haru Shirokane, a timid youth, endures bullying until he is rescued by Shun Kamiya and Taiga. Shun, the ace pitcher of the top-ranked Minato Tribe in Minato City, and Taiga, who aims to surpass Shun as the best player, uncover hidden potential in both Haru and themselves. After unexpected turns of fate, they invite Haru and Taiga to join the Minato Tribe. When a mysterious new threat led by Oujirou Otori emerges, the Minato Tribe relies on the newly recruited Haru and Taiga to defend against this looming danger.

After making his mark on the international swimming scene, Haruka becomes mentally ensnared by the dominant champion, Albert, whose swimming style leaves him feeling bewildered and adrift. This internal turmoil not only shakes his confidence in his athletic prowess but also challenges his deep connection with the water. Haruka fights these doubts alone, feeling like he's drowning in a sea of darkness and uncertainty. Fuelled by an inner drive, Haruka embarks on an intense training program, committing every waking moment to his craft. He pushes himself to the brink of both his physical and mental limits. His friends can only watch, providing their steadfast encouragement and belief in his potential. The image of Albert's precise, almost robotic swimming technique continues to torment Haruka. Determined to improve, he vows to become faster and stronger, ready to compete against Albert again. Haruka propels himself through the water with a powerful stroke, breaking through its resistance. As his friends gather to observe his efforts, the outcome of this challenging ordeal remains uncertain.

During his junior high years, Ryou Mizushima joins the badminton club on a whim with his friends. His dedication to intense training deepens his love for the sport, and he eventually earns a spot in the prefectural tournament. Despite his ability, Ryou has no intention of enrolling at a school famous for its strong badminton program, preferring instead to attend a local school where he can play without the burden of expectations. But his plans shift when he is recruited by Yokohama Minato High School, known for its elite badminton squad and especially for star player Kento Yusa, whom Ryou greatly looks up to. After some deliberation, Ryou decides to accept the offer, encouraged by his sister's backing. With a new goal of surpassing Yusa, Ryou commits to structured training and starts developing his abilities under the guidance of seasoned coaches.

Haru Yamato previously had no interest in futsal, even as the sport gained worldwide popularity over the last ten years. Everything changed when he watched Japanese prodigy Tokinari Tennoji compete in the U-18 World Cup. On his first day at Koyo Gakuen High School, Haru eagerly signs up for the futsal club. There, he meets a diverse group of skilled players, including captain Toi Tsukioka, who had played alongside Tennoji on the U-18 national team. Although the team is strong, the Koyo Futsal Club struggles to reach a level that can compete with elite opponents—a challenge made even harder for Haru, who has no prior experience with the sport.

Following disappointing results on the first two days of the Inter-High competition, the Souhoku High Bicycle Racing Club decides to improve their position on the final day. However, they face strong opposition from Hakone Academy's outstanding talent and Kyoto Fushimi High's tactical moves. Unfazed by these challenges, the Souhoku riders remain focused on their objective. They understand that only the team that reaches the finish line first will claim victory, no matter what tactics their rivals use.

In Japan, horse racing betting is one of the few legally permitted forms of gambling, making equine competitions a notable part of the cultural landscape. The riders who participate in these races are called jockeys—a career path that captures Yuu Arimura's ambitions. Inspired by a derby event, the 15-year-old celebrity shocks the nation by leaving his idol career behind to enroll in a prestigious horse racing academy. Driven by a strong desire to pursue his new dream, Yuu gradually forms bonds with his distinctive classmates, including the talented Shun Kazanami and the confident Amane Grace. Despite the challenges ahead, Yuu remains determined in his goal of achieving a harmonious connection with his horse.

In the movie "Backflip!!," the rhythmic gymnastics club of Shoushukan High School enters their first regional competition, aiming to reach the Inter-High championship. The team is enthusiastic as they perfect their routines, determined to do their best regardless of the result. Knowing this could be the senior members' last tournament, the athletes strive to shine on the biggest stage of their young careers. Yet the weight of the event, combined with individual struggles, threatens to burden them.

This film adapts Tsurune: Kazemai Koukou Kyuudou-bu. Minato Narumiya finds his passion for kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery, rekindled.

Atsushi Kamiya previously served as the captain of Kakegawa High School's soccer team, and he is now acclaimed globally as the "courageous captain" of a leading Italian soccer club. In contrast, Hideto Tsuji, a fellow student, shows very little interest in the school's soccer club, which has fallen into a slump. Their encounter triggers the dawn of a new story.

In the U-17 World Cup, youth tennis teams from across the globe gather in Melbourne, Australia, each aiming to prove their nation's dominance. Germany, having won nine consecutive titles, seeks to retain the championship, but strong competitors such as Switzerland, France, and the United States are ready to challenge the reigning champions. Despite being ranked last, Japan's prospects look bright with the addition of elite middle school players, fueling their aspirations for victory. Under the stern leadership of Houou Byoudouin, Japan is resolved to demonstrate their true abilities. Before the main tournament, teams compete in exhibition matches to assess their strengths. Japan draws Germany, the defending champions, in one of these preliminary contests—a match they are not expected to win. Adding to the tension, former allies now stand as fierce opponents. For Japan to succeed, they must overcome these hurdles and rise to the challenges of the international stage.

Hiyori Hayama, an aspiring singer, moves to Tokyo determined to make her mark in the music industry. Despite her strong passion for singing, she faces repeated rejections at auditions and struggles to find her footing in the competitive entertainment world. Frustrated but still driven, Hiyori decides to enter Extreme Hearts, a famous Hyper Sports tournament that blends athletic contests with chances to perform. She has natural athletic ability but lacks experience in Hyper Sports, which presents a major hurdle. However, she connects with several skilled athletes who agree to team up with her. They form Team RISE, with each member dedicated to supporting Hiyori's ambitions. As Team RISE competes in Extreme Hearts, they discover an unspoken rule: all participants must aim to be entertainers. Through their journey in the tournament, the team members sharpen their abilities, find new interests, and build strong connections with each other, turning the competition into a path toward personal growth and achievement.

To commemorate the first anniversary of the Uma Musume: Pretty Derby mobile game, a special animated feature aired during the "Paka Live TV Vol.14 1st Anniversary Special!" event on Pakatube!, with the spotlight on Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond. The story begins at the Tracen Academy spring entrance ceremony. Kitasan Black, still unsure of their true aspirations, starts the journey toward achieving their dreams with renewed resolve. Meanwhile, Satono Diamond is set on winning the GI to fulfill a long-held family ambition. The outcome of neither runner's race can be predicted as they set forth on their paths filled with hopeful anticipation.

This short film focuses on the Game Development Department at Millennium Science School, featuring Momoi as she gets pulled into various activities while trying to come up with ideas for a game's story. The ending theme song, "Watashitachi no Quest," is performed by members of the Millennium Science School's Game Development Department.

Short anime episodes bundled with the sixth volume of the Futsal Boys!!!!! Blu-ray/DVD. Each episode highlights a different futsal team from the franchise, offering a glimpse into the daily routines of its members.

The most stunning! A coming-of-age story centered on trash-picking! In the not-too-distant future, collecting litter has become a competitive sport whose popularity rivals that of soccer. Akari is the least noticeable student in her class, but one day she meets Tokio—a charismatic SpoGomi competitor blessed with immense talent and fame. This encounter sparks a coming-of-age narrative that brings together young people from around the globe through SpoGomi, all united by the goal of creating towns, rivers, and oceans free of garbage. (Note: This episode premiered on MAL's official YouTube channel before its Japanese release across various streaming services scheduled for April 2022.)

To mark the 25th anniversary of the television anime, a brief episode covering the manga's concluding chapter was produced. It is packaged with the Midori no Makibao Blu-ray box set.

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Conflict is likened to a thoroughbred? The most relatable and dramatic conflicts in existence, depicted through horse racing! Racehorses that are named after the various anxieties and struggles everyone experiences compete fiercely on the "race track" within the brain. A dramatic anime that recreates the inner workings of the mind, dedicated to all the troubled people of modern times!