While sports might not be the initial connection you’d make with anime, it turns out t As a fan of both anime and sports, I’ve discovered an unexpected overlap – a rich collection of sports anime series that has captured the hearts of many viewers. Among these adaptations, tennis stands out as one of the sports frequently featured, making it the focus of this article.)
This piece will showcase top-tailed tennis-themed anime productions. Each series will be graded according to its quality, offering you a comprehensive overview of their production details and storylines. We’ve made sure to incorporate titles from various timeframes, resulting in a compilation that boasts both classic and contemporary shows.
The list is going to contain a total of 10 titles. They are going to be ranked from 10th to 1st place, and you’re going to get some basic information on each of them.
10. Happy!
Original Run: 1993 – 1999
Number of Volumes: 23
Ever since I lost my parents, it’s been just me taking care of my siblings. One ordinary day took an unexpected turn when two intimidating figures, yakuza, dropped by asking for a repayment of 250 million yen, a debt owed by my eldest brother, about whom I have no recent news.
To break free from prostitution, she forgoes high school education and embarks on a professional tennis journey instead. Endowed with exceptional skills in this sport, she has amassed several accolades, yet now strives to shine even brighter by conquering the most prestigious tournaments. This is crucial as her creditor expects swift repayment; otherwise, he would rather see her back on the streets.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm for the classic movie “Happy!” Despite lacking an anime adaptation (though there are live-action versions), its historical significance is undeniable, making it a must-mention on this list.
9. Animation x Paralympic
From November 10, 2017 up to the present day, there have been a total of 12 episodes, with the third one specifically focusing on wheelchair tennis.
Animation x Paralympics: Who’s Your Inspiration?” – A collection of animated shorts by NHK television, showcasing the Tokyo Summer Paralympic Games. Each story revolves around a specific Paralympic sport and is created in partnership with renowned figures from the manga and anime world. Regrettably, on February 28, 2020, Kyoto Animation studio decided to scrap their episode for this series.
The plan was initially to air this episode last summer in August, but unfortunately a fire broke out at the studio, which made it uncertain if we could finish the episode in time for the 2021 Summer Paralympics.
8. Usakame
Original Run: April 11, 2016 – June 27, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12
At Usakame High School’s tennis team, we have Tanaka Kinako, Suzuki Ayako, Sato Kurumi, and Nishiarai-Taishi Nishi. These young women each chase their unique aspirations… And now, it’s time for the laughter! Usakame, a fresh challenger to the fast-paced humor of Teekyuu, unfolds the somewhat ordinary yet peculiar daily routines of these four tennis-loving girls as they train relentlessly.
In the series, you’ll find every member of Earth Star Dream, a popular idol group under Earth Star Entertainment, who are well-known for their talented voice actors. So sit back, unwind, and appreciate Usakame, the new challenger to Teekyuu!
7. Ultra Maniac
Original Run: May 20, 2003 – November 11, 2003
Number of Episodes: 26
College student Ayu Tateishi assists her fellow student, Nina Sakura, in locating a crucial item that has gone missing from her possession. As a token of gratitude, Nina reveals she’s a witch who moved to Earth with the intention of self-improvement after struggling academically. She proposes using her magical abilities to alleviate certain difficulties she faces. However, Nina’s magic frequently results in mishaps or confusion. Ayu harbors romantic feelings for Tetsushi Kaji, a fellow classmate who is part of the baseball team.
With an ever-calm demeanor, he delights Ayu with his humor, harboring a hidden affection for her. His longtime buddy goes by Hiroki Tsujiai, and they remain inseparable. He serves as the president of the tennis club. Likewise, Nina is a fan of the same manga series as him. Yuta Kirishima, who was once Nina’s childhood friend, possesses extraordinary magical abilities. Although it appears he may be drawn to Ayu, his true feelings are for Nina. However, in due time, he will date Sayaka instead.
Nina owns a cat named Rio, who transforms into a young boy when given a magical treat by Nina. Sayaka Nakamura, a stunningly beautiful girl admired at school, is often referred to as an “ice statue” due to her icy demeanor towards suitors. However, she harbors feelings for Yuta and intends to pursue him romantically.
6. Stars Align
Original Run: October 10, 2019 – December 26, 2019
Number of Episodes: 12
Due to his mother’s relocation, Maki Katsuragi finds himself enrolled in a new high school. Here, he reconnects with an old friend from elementary school, Tōma Shinjō, who urges him to sign up for the struggling boys’ soft tennis club. The club is on the verge of being shut down by the student council as it has been underperforming for quite some time, unlike the girls’ team.
With the energetic Maki, Toma is eager to secure a tournament victory at last. In a pinch, Toma proposes paying Maki for his club commitments, which Maki eventually accepts. However, Maki’s schedule is packed as he often lends a hand around the house due to his single mother. He also wishes to contribute financially to their household. On an unexpected note, that very evening, Maki’s estranged father manages to enter their apartment, assaults Maki, and makes off with the money Maki had been saving.
Fellow club members harbor some reservations towards the newcomer, as their leader Tōma holds great expectations for them. So far, you’ve shown little dedication to sports. However, Maki is determined to reach the established objectives – it’s the key to receiving his compensation. To kick-start this process, he introduces a trainer to the club to oversee practice sessions: Yuta Asuka, who harbors a secret affection for Tōma.
The continuous family issues prevent Maki and his peer students from consistently training. Specifically, Maki’s father demands money repeatedly until he confides in Tōma, causing him to intervene and safeguard Maki. Additionally, Nao Tsukinose’s mother intrudes on the situation, as she believes that the club distracts her son from his studies, leading to a pause in training.
The group, now more like a close-knit circle of friends, is eager to learn about their upcoming rival. Yuta proposes they discreetly investigate her, with Maki joining in. As they prepare for this venture, which ultimately proves successful, Yuta shares with Maki that she questions her own gender identity, often choosing to dress as a girl. Since Yū, who prefers to be called by his new name, also doesn’t feel particularly feminine, Maki comforts him, saying it’s alright if one doesn’t have to conform to traditional gender roles.
As a cinephile, I find myself deeply immersed in the story of Yū, where his mother’s heartfelt wish for a son becomes an unyielding demand upon learning about his disguise. In another tale, Tsubasa Soga and I share a common struggle: his father’s disapproval due to sports differences. He fails to acknowledge soft tennis, instead pushing football, which leads to a heated disagreement. In the heat of their argument, he angrily shoves Tsubasa, causing him to tumble down a staircase and suffer a hand injury.
5. Softenni
Original Run: April 8, 2011 – June 24, 2011
Number of Episodes: 12
Softenni” is a Japanese manga series penned and illustrated by Ryo Azuchi. It initially appeared in Comic Garden’s Mag Blade back in 2008. The manga collection spans five volumes, with the final publication occurring in 2011. The Xebec anime made its debut on April 7, 2011, airing on Tokyo MX.
As for our protagonist, Asuna Harukaze, upon enrollment at Shiratama High School, she opted to join the women’s soft tennis team. However, one must realize that ambition alone is insufficient. Even with her remarkable agility, Asuna struggles to maintain focus on the court. On the other hand, Kotone exhibits athleticism, but often forgets fundamental rules, and the captain of the Chitose club shows a striking lack of knowledge about soft tennis.
Two novices fail to better their circumstances, but the young women persist undeterred. Each one has started walking along the route that was initially charted out for her.
4. Teekyu
Original Run: October 7, 2012 – June 27, 2016
Number of Episodes: 132 + 7 OVA
“Teekyuu” is a humorous sports manga series that has been published on Comic Earth Star, which belongs to Earth Star Entertainment, since March 2012. The name is a playful take on the Japanese word for tennis, “teikyū.” An anime adaptation of this manga was produced by MAPPA and started airing on Tokyo MX and Crunchyroll between October and December 2012. As per Earth Star Entertainment, it holds the record for the fastest anime-manga adaptation ever created.
The show chronicles the outrageous adventures (at a swift pace, never longer than two minutes) of four girls hailing from the Kameido Tennis Club. Interestingly, while tennis is occasionally mentioned, the plot seldom revolves around it. Instead, it mainly delves into the whimsical exploits of these characters, which frequently defy logic and sometimes introduce bizarre and seemingly nonsensical scenarios seemingly at random.
A unique feature of this anime series is that many episodes share titles with movies, followed by “and the Mentor,” which are usually connected to the storyline or an event within the episode (For example, in an episode called “The Hangover with Mentor,” a comedic reenactment of the original film takes place).
3. Aim for the Ace!
Original Run: October 5, 1973 – March 31, 1979
Number of Episodes: 51
The narrative revolves around a girl named Hiromi (or Jenny in Italian), who is striving to excel as a tennis player. Her journey, filled with sporting exploits and unrequited love, unfolds. As a timid tennis aficionado student, she starts playing the moment she joins high school. Upon her debut at the distinguished club, she’s instantly captivated by Reika, leaving an immediate impression of admiration.
This girl is deeply inspired by an older teammate who’s known as “Madame Butterfly” for her elegant playstyle. She persistently works hard and dedicates herself to tennis, a sport she loves dearly, in hopes of joining elite tournaments. Her ultimate goal is to emulate Reika, the player she respects and looks up to greatly.
It didn’t take long for her unique and deeply personal skill to be acknowledged. When a new coach arrives for the team, he will promptly identify the potential within her and then proceed to train her rigorously with the aim of turning her into a formidable champion; however, the girl becomes smitten: urged by Jin (Jeremy in Italian), Jenny decides to compromise her personal life for success in sports, disregarding her affection for Teddy, the top player from the men’s team. Yet, she endures great pain as a result of this choice.
2. Baby Steps
Original Run: April 6, 2014 – September 20, 2015
Number of Episodes: 50
Hikaru Katsuki’s ‘Baby Steps,’ a popular manga in the shonen genre, was serialized weekly from October 2007 to November 2017 in ‘Weekly Shonen Magazine.’ It was later collected into 47 volumes by Kōdansha. A television series adaptation, produced by Studio Pierrot, aired from April to September 2014. The series saw a second season airing between the same months of the following year.
As a diligent student prioritizing academics, Eiichirô Maruo one day finds himself drawn to the tennis club’s students. Swiftly, he becomes enchanted by this sport, particularly Takuma Egawa and Natsu Takasaki, two club members, leading him to commit fully to it. Despite his weak physical state, he leverages his intellect and strategic abilities to make rapid progress, outsmarting opponents and eventually turning professional.
In contrast to numerous sports manga and anime out there, such as “Prince of Tennis,” this particular piece steers clear of elaborate, implausible moves. Instead, it adopts a more authentic and grounded stance on the sport, encompassing technical, physical, and mental aspects that resonate with real-life experience.
1. The Prince of Tennis
Original Run: October 10, 2001 – March 30, 2005
Number of Episodes: 178
The manga titled “Prince of Tennis” was brought to life by author Takeshi Konomi. This captivating series ran in the Weekly Shōnen Jump from July 1999 until March 2008, spanning a total of 42 volumes in Japan. The manga later inspired an animated television show consisting of 178 episodes that aired between October 2001 and March 2005, along with various OAVs, a movie, a live-action film, and sixteen musical performances.
In this narrative, our protagonist goes by the name Ryōma Echizen, a Japanese individual who spent considerable time residing in the United States. His illustrious father, Nanjirō Echizen – famously known as The Samurai – achieved greatness on the global tennis stage. As the tale unfolds, we find Ryoma stepping foot in Japan and opting to attend Seishun Gakuen College, more commonly recognized as Seigaku, a prestigious educational institution boasting an exceptionally talented tennis squad.
The story opens as our protagonist steps foot in Tokyo, eager to participate in a tournament he’s signed up for. He encounters Sakuno Ryūzaki but unfortunately misses the competition. Instead, he faces off against Sasabe, an impressive yet arrogant opponent who conceded him a 6-0 loss in the anime and 6-2 in the manga. Notably, our hero plays with his right hand despite being left-handed, when battling against Ryoma.
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2025-05-18 15:46