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IMDbPro

Blue Box

Original title: Ao no Hako
  • TV Series
  • 2024–
  • TV-PG
IMDb RATING
7.9/10
5.2K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,512
432
Reina Ueda, Shoya Chiba, and Akari Kitô in Blue Box (2024)
Third-year student Taiki joins badminton club. Despite being an early riser, star player Chinatsu, his crush, arrives first. Living together unexpectedly, Taiki strives to reach Nationals to impress Chinatsu.
Play trailer1:44
1 Video
11 Photos
AnimeBasketballComing-of-AgeRomantic ComedyShōnenSlice of LifeTeen ComedyTeen RomanceAnimationComedy

Third-year student Taiki joins badminton club. Despite being an early riser, star player Chinatsu, his crush, arrives first. Living together unexpectedly, Taiki strives to reach Nationals to... Read allThird-year student Taiki joins badminton club. Despite being an early riser, star player Chinatsu, his crush, arrives first. Living together unexpectedly, Taiki strives to reach Nationals to impress Chinatsu.Third-year student Taiki joins badminton club. Despite being an early riser, star player Chinatsu, his crush, arrives first. Living together unexpectedly, Taiki strives to reach Nationals to impress Chinatsu.

  • Creator
    • Kôji Miura
  • Stars
    • Zach Aguilar
    • Xanthe Huynh
    • Reina Ueda
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.9/10
    5.2K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,512
    432
    • Creator
      • Kôji Miura
    • Stars
      • Zach Aguilar
      • Xanthe Huynh
      • Reina Ueda
    • 30User reviews
    • 7Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins total

    Episodes25

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated1 season

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:44
    Official Trailer

    Photos10

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    View Poster
    + 5
    View Poster

    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Zach Aguilar
    Zach Aguilar
    • Taiki Inomata
    • 2024–2025
    Xanthe Huynh
    Xanthe Huynh
    • Chinatsu Kano
    • 2024–2025
    Reina Ueda
    Reina Ueda
    • Chinatsu Kano
    • 2024–2025
    Kayli Mills
    Kayli Mills
    • Hina Chono
    • 2024–2025
    Caden Shaffer
    • Kyo…
    • 2024–2025
    Griffin Burns
    Griffin Burns
    • Additional Voices…
    • 2024–2025
    Emi Lo
    • Nagisa…
    • 2024–2025
    Jacob Hopkins
    Jacob Hopkins
    • Ryosuke Nishida…
    • 2024–2025
    Shoya Chiba
    • Taiki Inomata
    • 2024–2025
    Dorothy Elias-Fahn
    Dorothy Elias-Fahn
    • Taiki's Mom…
    • 2024–2025
    Akari Kitô
    • Hina Chouno…
    • 2024–2025
    Sean Chiplock
    • Additional Voices…
    • 2024–2025
    Kira Buckland
    Kira Buckland
    • Niina…
    • 2024–2025
    Chiaki Kobayashi
    • Kyo Kasahara
    • 2024–2025
    Christian La Monte
    • Additional Voices…
    • 2024–2025
    Daman Mills
    Daman Mills
    • Kengo Haryu
    • 2024–2025
    Yuma Uchida
    • Kengo Haryu
    • 2024–2025
    Frank Todaro
    Frank Todaro
    • Coach Yuasa…
    • 2024–2025
    • Creator
      • Kôji Miura
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews30

    7.95.2K
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    Featured reviews

    7Elkied

    I hope it won't be a classic ending.

    This type of anime typically features a brainless male protagonist, but this one stands out with a well-intentioned male character. The main character loves an older girl, but when another girl expresses interest in him, the older girl withdraws her boundaries to spend time with him. We'll see how it all ends in the final episode, but I anticipate a predictable outcome. In these series, the girl who genuinely loves and tries to please the guy usually gets sidelined. I hope this won't be the case, but it will likely follow the classic formula. If the series concludes differently, I will delete this comment.
    10Oitaforever

    A Beautiful a Beautiful Blend of Sports, Romance, and Authentic Emotion"

    "Blue Box" is an anime that truly touched me on a deep emotional level. The way it blends sports and romance is nothing short of a masterpiece. The story feels authentic, and the characters are incredibly well-written, with their reactions and emotions coming across as raw and genuine. Taiki's determination and quiet vulnerability, combined with Chinatsu's graceful strength, create a dynamic that feels so real and relatable. The balance between their personal dreams and budding feelings is handled with such nuance that it never feels forced or overdramatic.

    What stands out the most is how the anime captures the quiet moments of longing and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of their shared passion for sports. It's a perfect reminder of how complex and bittersweet youth can be. "Blue Box" is not just about basketball, badminton, or romance-it's about finding your path while navigating the chaos of growing up. A must-watch for anyone who loves heartfelt storytelling.
    8amritsingh-62915

    Beautiful crafted anime

    Blue box is one of really beautiful crafted anime. Animation style and character's style are also very beautiful. Story of blue box seem very realistic. No cheesy dialogue and forcefully romance. Blue box is really beautiful natural anime. In this anime series there is many moments which are soo relatable. And Will love the main character's inomota and chinatsu. And hina too. Blue box 2nd part opening song is just ok ok. But Blue box part 1 opening song is really sweet you will love it. Maybe pacing will feel slow but because story is portrait in realistic way. And absolutely highly suggested.
    8PlumUmbra

    "Blue Box" (Season 1, 7.8/10) is a pleasant and delicately crafted romantic drama

    "Blue Box" (Season 1, 7.8/10) is a pleasant and delicately crafted romantic drama with a light sports twist. It doesn't try to be loud or flashy but wins you over with its sincerity. A story about first love, dreams, and everyday practice sessions unfolding in a quiet school gym-it's touching precisely because of its simplicity and emotional honesty.

    The main character, Taiki Inomata, is a modest and hardworking badminton player who has feelings for Chinatsu Kano, the star of the school's basketball team. An unexpected turn of events puts them under the same roof, sparking the development of their relationship. Yet the series avoids clichéd fanservice or over-the-top comedy, instead maintaining a tone of gentle and slightly awkward high school romance.

    The animation by Telecom Animation Film is neat and restrained, focusing on facial expressions, gestures, and atmosphere rather than visual excess. The visuals match the story perfectly-warm, understated, and cozy. Special mention goes to the soundtrack-the opening theme "Saraba" by Macaroni Empitsu sets the tone beautifully and lingers in your mind.

    At times, the pacing may feel a bit too slow, especially in the first half of the season. But if you see it not as a story about events, but about feelings and glances, it becomes clear that this is where its strength lies. The relationships between characters develop organically, without forced drama, giving them room to truly unfold.

    Conclusion: Blue Box is a quiet yet sincere coming-of-age story about affection and the balance between dreams and reality. It steers clear of loud conflicts, focusing instead on relatable emotions and believable characters-a comforting series for those seeking something warm and genuine.
    10aureliusgodad

    Best sport rom.

    1. Unique Blend of Romance and Sports The series beautifully combines two genres: heartfelt romance and intense sports drama. This dual focus sets it apart from most other stories that focus heavily on just one of these genres.

    It captures the challenges of balancing personal relationships with the demands of competitive sports, something relatable for many.

    2. Relatable and Realistic Characters The characters, especially Taiki and Chinatsu, feel grounded and relatable. Their personalities, struggles, and growth make it easy to empathize with the Their awkward yet sweet romantic tension makes for a wholesome and engaging watch.

    3. Stunning Artwork (Potential for Animation) The manga's clean, expressive artwork is one of its highlights. If animated by a studio like Kyoto Animation or MAPPA, the sports scenes and emotional moments could be visually stunning.

    4. Wholesome Storytelling Blue Box emphasizes steady emotional growth over unnecessary drama. This makes it a refreshing story compared to more melodramatic romance or sports series 5. Cross-Genre Appeal Fans of both romance (Your Lie in April, Horimiya) and sports (Haikyuu!!, Kuroko no Basket) would find something to enjoy, giving it broad audience appeal.

    6. Pacing and Tone The slow, slice-of-life pacing, combined with the energetic sports sequences, could offer a nice balance for viewers looking for something heartwarming but not too heavy.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      Based on a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kouji Miura. Miura originally published the manga as a one-shot in Weekly Shounen Jump in August 2020. The magazine began serializing the title the following April. Shueisha published the 15th volume on August 2, with the 16th scheduled to be released on October 4.
    • Soundtracks
      Same Blue
      [Opening Theme]

      Music by Satoshi Fujihara

      Lyrics by Satoshi Fujihara

      Performed by Official Hige Dandism

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 3, 2024 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • Japan
    • Official sites
      • Official site (Japan)
      • Official X site
    • Language
      • Japanese
    • Also known as
      • Блакитна скринька
    • Production companies
      • Telecom Animation Film
      • Shueisha
      • TMS Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

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