The Paris Olympics will kick off on July 26, 2024. This grand event, held every four years, sees athletes from around the world competing for glory and national pride.

Over the years, numerous anime series have captured the thrilling essence of sports. Among these, legendary titles like Captain Tsubasa have captivated soccer-loving youths globally.

In light of this, Japan Anime News has selected nine sports-themed anime series, each featuring a sport that will be contested at the Paris Olympics. As you cheer for your country's representatives, why not also immerse yourself in the passion and excitement of sports through these anime?

Haikyuu!! (Volleyball)

Based on the manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha) from February 2012 to July 2020, Haikyuu!! is a coming-of-age story centered around high school volleyball. Set in Miyagi Prefecture, the series follows Shoyo Hinata, a member of Karasuno High School's volleyball team, as he aspires to become like the team's former ace, the "Small Giant." Together with his teammates, including the genius setter Tobio Kageyama, known as the "King of the Court," Hinata strives to improve and grow.

"Haikyuu!!" has been immensely successful, with its volumes collectively selling over 50 million copies worldwide. The manga's popularity extended beyond Japan, garnering a substantial international fanbase. It has been praised for its realistic portrayal of volleyball, well-developed characters, and the depiction of teamwork and perseverance.

Blue Lock (Football/Soccer)

This soccer manga depicts the process of selecting the ultimate striker for Japan’s national soccer team, one who embodies intense egoism. The series ignited a boom after its first anime adaptation in 2022, and its momentum shows no signs of stopping, with a movie and a second season set to release in 2024. While this result may be somewhat surprising to overseas manga fans, it reflects the rising fervor of soccer fans in Japan, especially as the country's real-world national soccer team climbs the global rankings.

"Blue Lock" has been praised for its intense and psychological approach to soccer, exploring themes of ambition, ego, and the competitive spirit. Its distinctive narrative and compelling characters have resonated with readers, contributing to its growing popularity.

"Blue Lock" has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The manga's success has led to various adaptations and expansions, including an anime adaptation that premiered in October 2022, produced by Eight Bit. The anime has further expanded the series' reach and popularity, introducing "Blue Lock" to a broader audience.

Captain Tsubasa (Football/Soccer)

First published as a one-shot in Weekly Shonen Jump in April 1980, Captain Tsubasa began its serialization in March 1981. It depicted Tsubasa's elementary school to junior youth days and concluded in 1988. The series has since expanded, with various sequels serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, Weekly Young Jump, and Grand Jump, including World Youth, Road to 2002, Golden-23, Overseas Fierce Battle in Calcio, Overseas Fierce Battle in La Liga, and the latest series Rising Sun. The manga has sold over 90 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into TV anime and video games.

The author, Yoichi Takahashi, was born on July 28, 1960, in Katsushika, Tokyo. He debuted with the one-shot Captain Tsubasa and began serialization the following year, creating a landmark soccer manga.

Aoashi (Football/Soccer)

Serialized in Weekly Big Comic Spirits (Shogakukan) since 2015, Aoashi tells the story of Ashito, a soccer boy from Ehime whose talent is discovered, leading him to join a J Youth team and aim for the world as a side back. The series, known for its collaborations with soccer programs and the J-League, depicts the struggles and growth of high school students aspiring to become professional soccer players.

"Ao Ashi" has been praised for its in-depth characterization, realistic depiction of soccer strategies and training, and its inspiring narrative. The series delves into the technical and emotional aspects of the sport, making it a favorite among soccer enthusiasts and manga readers alike.

"Ao Ashi" has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. The manga's success has led to various adaptations and expansions, including an anime adaptation that premiered in April 2022, produced by Production I.G. The anime has further expanded the series' reach and popularity, bringing "Ao Ashi" to a global audience.

Kuroko's Basketball (Basketball)

In the world of middle school basketball, Teiko Junior High is known for producing the "Generation of Miracles," a group of five prodigies and one mysterious "phantom sixth man," Tetsuya Kuroko (voiced by Kensho Ono). They each go on to different high schools. Kuroko joins the Seirin High School basketball team, which is in its second year since its founding. Alongside his teammate Taiga Kagami (voiced by Yuki Ono), who learned basketball in America and possesses natural talent and high potential, Kuroko challenges the "Generation of Miracles" and aims for the national championship.

"Kuroko's Basketball" quickly gained popularity for its dynamic storytelling, exciting basketball action, and memorable characters. The series delves into the intense rivalries and personal growth of its characters, capturing the spirit and excitement of high school basketball.

"Kuroko's Basketball" has sold over 31 million copies worldwide. The manga's immense popularity led to various adaptations, including three anime seasons produced by Production I.G, which aired from April 2012 to June 2015. Additionally, the series inspired several animated films, video games, and a stage play.

SLAM DUNK (Basketball)

The story follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a basketball novice who joins the Shohoku High School basketball team. Through conflicts with his teammate Kaede Rukawa and intense matches against strong opponents, Sakuragi rapidly develops his skills. The thrilling match depictions and the characters' dedication to basketball have resonated with readers, earning overwhelming support. The series has sold over 120 million copies in Japan. The TV anime aired 101 episodes from 1993 to 1996. The new film is directed and written by the original author, Takehiko Inoue, with animation by Toei Animation and Dandelion Animation Studio. The voice cast for the Shohoku team has been refreshed, featuring Shugo Nakamura as Ryota Miyagi, Jun Kasama as Hisashi Mitsui, Shinichiro Kamio as Kaede Rukawa, Subaru Kimura as Hanamichi Sakuragi, and Kenta Miyake as Takenori Akagi.

"Slam Dunk" is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of basketball, its detailed artwork, and its well-developed characters. The series captures the essence of teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth, making it a timeless classic.

"Slam Dunk" has sold over 170 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time. The manga's immense popularity has led to various adaptations, including an anime television series produced by Toei Animation, which aired from October 1993 to March 1996, and several animated films.

Yowamushi Pedal (Road Cycling)

Yowamushi Pedal, serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion (Akita Shoten), follows the story of high school students who dedicate themselves to competitive road cycling. The manga has sold over 30 million copies.

The story follows Sakamichi Onoda, an otaku high school student who initially rides his mamachari (city bicycle) to Akihabara to buy anime goods. His cycling skills are soon discovered by the school's cycling club, leading him to join the team and participate in competitive road racing. The series chronicles Onoda's growth as a cyclist, his experiences with his teammates, and their journey to become the best cycling team in Japan.

"Yowamushi Pedal" has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The manga's success has led to numerous adaptations, including a long-running anime television series, stage plays, and even live-action films. The anime adaptation first aired in 2013, further boosting the series' popularity and bringing it to a global audience.

"Yowamushi Pedal" is renowned for its detailed and realistic portrayal of competitive cycling, its engaging storyline, and its well-developed characters. The series highlights themes of perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth, resonating with readers and viewers alike.

The Prince of Tennis (Tennis)

The Prince of Tennis was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999 to 2008, with its second series, New Prince of Tennis, starting in Jump Square in 2009. The tennis manga was adapted into a TV anime by TV Tokyo in October 2001 and has since spawned events and films.

The story centers around Ryoma Echizen, a tennis prodigy who returns to Japan after living in the United States and enrolls in Seishun Academy Middle School. There, he quickly rises to prominence within the school's prestigious tennis team. The series follows Ryoma and his teammates as they compete in various regional and national tournaments, showcasing their skills and personal growth on and off the court.

"The Prince of Tennis" has achieved remarkable commercial success, with over 60 million copies sold worldwide. The manga's popularity has spawned an extensive media franchise, including multiple anime adaptations, OVAs, musicals, video games, and live-action films. The anime adaptation first aired in 2001 and contributed significantly to the series' international recognition and fanbase expansion.

"The Prince of Tennis" is celebrated for its dynamic portrayal of tennis matches, character development, and the intricate techniques and strategies used in the sport. The series emphasizes themes of perseverance, teamwork, rivalry, and the pursuit of excellence, resonating deeply with readers and viewers.

Free! (Swimming)

The Free! series follows the story of young men who build bonds as a team and continue swimming towards their dreams. It began with the TV anime Free! in 2013, followed by three TV series and five theatrical releases. The final chapter, Free! -the Final Stroke-, depicts Haruka Nanase and his friends taking on the world.

"Free!" is a Japanese multimedia project that began as a light novel series titled "High☆Speed!" written by Kouji Ouji and illustrated by Futoshi Nishiya. The novels were published by Kyoto Animation's KA Esuma Bunko imprint, with the first volume released in July 2013.

The story follows a group of high school boys who form a swim team and strive to achieve their dreams in competitive swimming. The central characters include Haruka Nanase, a talented swimmer who loves water; Makoto Tachibana, his best friend; Nagisa Hazuki, a cheerful and energetic swimmer; and Rei Ryugazaki, a former track team member who learns to swim. The series explores their personal growth, friendships, and challenges both in and out of the pool.