UlasanAnime.com – This article delves into the idea that sports anime should prioritize the artistic aspects of the sports they depict, rather than solely using them as a backdrop for character development.
The author’s previous post argued against sports anime solely functioning as a character development vehicle. While character relationships, teamwork, and personal growth are important, the core argument here is that the actual sport itself should be treated with thematic depth and seriousness, not just as a plot device.
Chihayafuru is presented as a potentially hollow example. The author suggests that competitive karuta, despite its presentation, is not inherently as complex as sports like motorsports or even curling. However, the appeal of Chihayafuru lies in its ability to introduce an obscure Japanese sport to a wider audience. The narrative follows the protagonist’s journey as a novice, allowing viewers to explore karuta alongside her.
A key strength of Chihayafuru, according to the author, is its emphasis on the artistic nature of karuta. The historical context of the poems and the “art” of singing them—which involves quick reflexes to identify the correct cards—are highlighted. This connection between the athletic and artistic elements of the sport is what makes it meaningful to its players. The author notes that because karuta is a relatively simple game, the anime had to focus on these artistic nuances to make them stand out. This focus is seen as a mixed blessing, as it necessitates the “go to Koshien” narrative, which is crucial for unfamiliar viewers, but also allows for visually artistic presentations.
The author proposes that treating sports anime as art is the most effective approach. Using K-ON! as an analogy, music is inherently viewed as art, focusing on its impact on life rather than solely on competition or teenage angst. The essence of art, like music, lies in the process of becoming a craftsman. This is contrasted with team sports, which are more than just individual efforts to reach a peak. While characters in K-ON! might practice intensely, the true meaning of music transcends mere technical skill. Similarly, the author suggests that the essence of baseball is not defined by the grueling nature of Koshien training camps, but by simpler moments, like singing a nursery rhyme on a rainy afternoon.
This perspective is why the author appreciates Oofuri (Ookiku Furikabutte). The anime is praised for showing proper respect to the sport of baseball. Despite being a standard Koshien story that focuses on the pitcher-catcher battery, the depiction of the sport itself is deemed glorious. Viewers can appreciate the artistry within both baseball and Oofuri by simply observing the game. Even within its culturally specific context of Japanese high school sports clubs and Koshien culture, Oofuri extends beyond these elements to genuinely explore the essence of baseball.
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Ultimately, the author feels that Oofuri transcends the rigid genre conventions of sports anime, the typical “go to Koshien” trope, and even the confines of high school stories. While appealing to simpler concepts like teamwork or raw human emotion can help non-Japanese audiences enjoy sports anime, the author believes that an overemphasis on character development can dilute the sport’s appeal.
