Ao Ashi アオアシ

2022 spring | Episodes: 24 | Score: 8.2 (119502)

Updated every Saturdays at 18:25 | Status: Finished Airing

Type: TV

Producers:Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions | Marvelous Entertainment | NHK Enterprises | Bandai Spirits

Streaming: Crunchyroll | Disney+ | Animax Mongolia

Synopsis

In a quiet rural town, the spotlight of a local junior high school football team rests on one player: Ashito Aoi. Known for his unpredictable moves and self-centered playing style, Ashito is the sole powerhouse pushing his team through an important high school preliminary tournament. However, their win streak is short-lived—an opponent causes Ashito to lose his temper and act violently, resulting in his removal from the rest of the game. Without their star player, the team is quickly eliminated from the tournament. Just as he believes all hope is lost, Ashito is approached by a youth team coach named Tatsuya Fukuda who senses potential in him, and Fukuda invites him for tryouts in Tokyo. In an unfamiliar setting surrounded by talent, Ashito must bring out the best of his ability to prove himself and secure what could be a life-changing career. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Voice Actors

Oosuzu, Kouki

Kobayashi, Chikahiro

Kawase, Maki

News

Reviews

kuriikata
12/29/2024, 08:32 PM
9/10 THIS IS GREAT. If you know football, learning, have played or you even have professionally TRIED OUT for being an ACADEMY ATHLETE. I assure you this anime is fantastic, frustating and REALISTIC. This is the most realistic football anime i’ve ever seen (excluding the crow’s vision) I’m writing this review just to quote the dumbass that hate on this anime for 0 REASON AT ALL. I quote “If you're from a country where football is popular, you probably know more than the protagonist of this show.” BROTHER HAVE YOU TRIED TO PLAY IN YOUTH ACADEMY? NOT every ACADEMY is top 10 INT ACADEMY like ajax, barcaor arsenal. ACADEMY is where YOU LEARN. The SENIOR team is where you have to SHOW/UTILIZE what you’ve LEARN according to the coach ROLE/GAMEPLAN. The MC of this anime is from a countryside that only possesses RAW TALENT. Have you seen ronaldo? neymar? or any south american RAW TALENTS and you think they know the basic of playing the game when they we’re first scouted? THE BASIC that even PRO forgot is not DIAGONAL RUN, its PASSING and TEAM PLAY. Even AJAX as an academy HAVE TO RETEACH how to pass to every single academy signed player. Exactly like this anime. Don’t get me started, i’m from a developing country that has export many youth raw talents. I know few of the talented that have won many regional trophies and MVP’s that failed to process in International/National League because they can’t keep up with the INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, exactly like this country bumpkin MC. “why a 2 because hina is cute” haha, u dumbo. Knew it u we’re just a goon.
realanimelover
06/11/2024, 05:32 PM
I watched Blue Lock a couple of months back and I thought it stood alone as a great soccer/football (however you wanna call it) anime. I was wrong, Ao Ashi is a severely underrated anime that adds realism and a better story than Blue Lock. While I still do think Blue Lock is a bit better than Ao Ashi, I believe that Ao Ashi has potential to become a much better anime because of its character development and public views of what soccer is. Aoi Ashito, the protagonist of the show, is similar to Haikyu's Hinata in the sense that they are always excited for anew challenge and never get disappointed when playing against a player stronger than them. The very likable protagonist develops more maturely as he starts to understand the basics of soccer while having a specific trait that makes him different from the others. What I loved about Ashito was how his struggle with money impacted his rise in soccer in a positive way. His realistic tendencies to force thoughts away and only focus on soccer adds an interesting aspect to the story and how many professional players might do the same. Ashito is a great protagonist who serves as an emotional support for the team and also explains how he isn't always perfect which can cause trouble sometimes. The side characters in the show are all different in their way. What I like about this anime is that they all carry their own perspective of soccer and while some focus on the basics, others try to make soccer an interesting complicated sport. I enjoy watching each side character go through struggles to improve themselves in their own match while not overshadowing Ashito. The balance between the side characters and main character help the anime remain entertaining and informative about the world of soccer. What is extremely underrated in Ao Ashi is its underlying concepts and themes. There is some romance involved throughout the show which enables the show to become more diverse. Ao Ashi also provides arguments that athletes are also just humans at the end of the day which have their own issues, relationships, and complexity in their everyday lives. The attention to detail the author has when writing this story is one of the reasons why the show can be so impactful at sometimes too which helped create a better dynamic. The actual games, while very simplistic, offer an engaging dynamic which make it interesting. Although the art is nothing compared to Blue Lock and isn't as action-packed Ao Ashi still offers a great dynamic. It does this by showing how difficult soccer is through exhaustion, emotion, and psychological breakdown. It also provides how hard-working one has to be in order to just understand the basics of the sport like the drills that Ashito did in the first episode just to learn one very basic move. The realism and emotion throughout the story make Ao Ashi a must watch to many readers as it grasps human emotions when playing the sport.
HirakoKun
03/03/2024, 02:45 AM
This is my first review .It's been a long time since i saw an good sport anime, there have been some but not like this.This anime brings back the feelings Haikyuu gave me a few years back,that feeling of hard work and people trying to get to know each other so they can play better and win.No superpowers or anything like that ,just plain old football with a little bit of anime plot.I wish to see a season 2 of this one and fast .This deserver many seasons.The animation was good,just what i expected from an sport anime,maybe even better.I think if you liked Haikyuuor Diamond no Ace you should give this anime a chance.
quitethejoe
01/02/2024, 06:19 PM
I always thought the sports anime genre lacked a good football show and i'm glad i found Ao Ashi. Sure we have Blue Lock but i think this show really shows what football is and what is really all about. Ao Ashi has it all when we talk about sports anime. Good plot, funny moments, good drama moments, excellent characters and perfect football knowledge. This is a show you actually hear about the tactics used, why something work and something doesn't, how moral affects the athletes performances. Even in trainings, they will do something and explain to the viewer why they are doing it, what'sthe purpose and how it will roll out in the game. Maybe i'm overselling it but it truly goes in depth and beyond on certain aspects of football. I really enjoyed the characters and i this season really made excellent foundations for character development in the future of certain side characters. But... As nothing is perfect i'm really sad the animation couldn't keep up with it. Don't get me wrong! Animation was pretty good at some points but my main issue is during certain parts of the matches that feel like everything is happening in such slow mode. I really enjoyed the relationship between Ashito and Hana has it doesn't feel generic and it actually brings something good to the table. The soundtrack is simple but it's been stuck on my brain this last few days. It is a little bit generic but god damn it goes hard for me. If you enjoyed the aspect part of football in Blue Lock you really should watch this as it is more football focused than Blue Lock and it actually gives some insight about what it takes to go pro, mainly in Japan but it can be applied to experiences in other countries where it really is hard to breakthrough and pursue a career on the sport. It was really fun to watch this as i binged watched this and am now reading the manga since the finale left us curious about what comes next! Just watch it and find out for yourself!
OneTrueNep
07/16/2023, 12:49 PM
This anime is what would happen if Kuroko no Basuke and Haikyuu had a child, but the mother drank heavily, overdosed on crack daily and threw herself down every flight of stairs she saw for the whole pregnancy. I haven't used this account in years but I had to dig up the password and log back in just to write a review for this absolute pile of trash. Morbid curiosity was the only thing keeping me going throughout because lord knows the most boring cast, basic plot and impossibly generic main character weren't nearly good enough for something rated above 8/10 here. The animation isa slideshow at best, the voice acting is uninspired, the art is dull and most of all the football on display is just beyond bad. If you're from a country where football is popular, you probably know more than the protagonist of this show. If you've watched football more than once you're probably top 10% of all characters in the show. If you've played it then you're top 1%. I get suspension of disbelief for the sake of the narrative, but I can't believe a professional club's youth academy would sign someone who doesn't know what a diagonal run is, how defending works, what passing triangles are and much more. I half expected the offside rule to be explained to our mentally challenged MC at some point. It gets a 2 instead of a 1 because Hana is a cute and likeable character. That aside, if you are thinking of watching this sludge, take my recommendation: Ronaldon't.
Markhi
03/20/2023, 11:41 PM
I really love this anime, one of the best sports animes I've ever watched. Not a lot of sports anime dives into real world history of different moves and strategies. I am really excited for the future of this anime. The manga has many moments of family/real world situations that affect the characters that I don't really see too much in this genre (sports anime usually show flashbacks on to why the characters chose the sport and how their personality formed). If you like semi-realistic anime that soccer-heads can find relatable you will love this anime. Honestly this anime is on the slower side butI think that just adds to the story. If you are patient and want something a bit different from the shouneny Blue Lock and Haikyu then this one is just right for you.
PixelB
02/24/2023, 02:29 AM
Ao Ashi features a pretty predictable and generic protagonist as well as a barely fleshed-out cast of characters that rely on flashback sequences for the viewer to empathize with their feelings. Why is it that, then, Ao Ashi manages to deliver as a show? Well, it's the character dynamics. The J-youth club that Ashito plays for, Esperion, resembles an actual sports club rather than a romanticized one that sports anime love to portray. People play for the purpose of going pro, not making friends. It's kind of cutthroat, and when people do make meaningful relationships with each other, it's exclusive. In this manner, Ashito breaks awayfrom the mold as a main character. Yes, he's pretty typical in his strengths and weaknesses. He's got overpowered--basically a cheat ability--with rather weak physical and ball control skills, but his ability makes up for it, and as a result, he's still really strong. Of course, his skill set is best suited for being a playmaker. What a coincidence that the protagonist is also the playmaker that coordinates the entire team. Wow. Yes, Ashito is clearly not a standout when it comes to either his skills, but his personality fares a bit better. He's pretty rambunctious and high-spirited most of the time, but he's also on edge and lacks self confidence on the other hand. And he actually needs other peoples' help to get back up; mental damage and pressure actually affect him more than a typical unyielding type protagonist would. Of course, what I described wasn't exactly unique, either. What really stands out about Ashito and our cast of characters really boils down to, well, I said it before, character dynamics. Despite Ashito having the makings of a captain-like figure, he isn't the captain, and nor does he really act like one outside of games. He doesn't actually befriend anyone, and he too has personal preferences. He takes charge in discussions that involve nuanced positions and expresses his opinion to take a player's side. He has his own inner circle and outer circle of friends he talks to, and this applies to every character. Similar to school and other clubs, in reality, it's pretty impossible for each character to mesh well in such a large group. People will break off into their own groups based on their personalities and circumstances. In the case of Esperion, it's a bit campy, but it really is a matter of an "us vs them" mentality. You have promoted players from the junior youth team vs the scouted and people who passed tryouts. You have people who prefer conventional methods vs people who do not. You have the A team vs the B team. Players snarl at each other when the game is taking a bad turn and there's bad chemistry between certain characters. The seniors don't lead the juniors by their hands, and neither do the coaches. They sometimes offer a little help here and there, but it's really up to that particular person's inner circle of friends to really prop them up. Ashito isn't super familiar with everyone on his own B team, let alone the A team that he barely has interacted with at all in this series. Of course, I'm exaggerating a bit here. It's not like everyone is at each other's throats all the time, and everyone makes a conscious effort to win and mesh together as a team. That said, I'm glad that Ashito isn't the captain role in a team where everyone links hands to win a game. Sure, everyone does link hands to win games, but it's not necessarily Ashito that makes that change, but everyones' own independent effort. The romance is pretty one-note and isn't anything special. Everything is so telegraphed, but it develops in a steady manner at least. There isn't a 500-chapter long run where the love interests just dawdle their hands and act embarrassed around each other. I'm happy at the change of pace in terms of character dynamics and the role of the main character, so I'll put my score where it is. Let's see what happens in season 2.
micho314
02/21/2023, 05:51 AM
short review so you'll read everything. OVERALL: 8 or 8.5 Personal Opinion: 9 ejoyed very much, can't wait for next seasons Plot: 8.5 good story, awesome twists and it's not just football Characters: 8.5 I really like all of them, also good development Animation: 9 super clean Music:7 normal very good, it's like football haikyuu with more slice of life. for now it's an 8, but it has the potential to become a 9. (haikyuu for me is 9.5) The concept of football in this anime relies more on tactical intelligence, positioning and vision rather than individual tecnique. it is semi-realistic compared to other football shows. In conclusion, super enjoyable season 1. not a masterpiece like haikyuu, but can become with more seasons. the lack of memorable ost brings it a step down haikyuu. RECOMMENDED.
boi1da
11/26/2022, 06:56 PM
What drives this anime apart from the cliche of a sports anime is the relatability one has with Aoi. Growing up playing football, every child has a dream to reach the pro leagues and loves the game for certain reasons. After watching 3 episodes of Blue Lock garbage, I wanted to watch an anime that was actually based on football. What resonates with me in this anime is the natural feeling of getting behind the mc, given that his ability is nothing more than any kid who grew up wanting to become the best. To see how this anime has blessed the mc withbang-average skills but with "talent" that can be nurtured through experiences makes you feel like you're part of the team. From a technical aspect the art and music are pretty average, however, what really hooked me to this anime is the way the MC seems to keep going regardless of the different hurdles thrown at him. With the World Cup hype seemingly hitting social media with "Blue Lock" I figure that more attention will be drawn towards actual football anime in "Ao Ashi" with true football fans with the possibility of the studio renewing the anime for a second season. Bring it on.
rmkline
11/19/2022, 05:29 PM
Definitely a solid soccer anime to watch if you have been craving one I found the story to be very compelling with writing that really added to Aoi's character development. Aoi starts out as a very egotistical character that doesn't even understand the very basics of soccer. Throughout the duration of the anime, Aoi starts to realize all of his shortcomings which he desperately works hard to improve upon. Aoi's tenacity and willpower to never give up even in the face of unwinnable odds are what draw me to love his character. Aoi is the definition of "it's not over until it'sover" and when you see him pull off something badass you can't help but feel hyped. The other characters in this anime are very likable as well with some side characters definitely being more focused on than others. Regardless, you really do care about the team succeeding and seeing them develop a synergy to win games. The chemistry between Hana and Aoi was definitely a highlight within this show as well. As for the animation, this is where I found some of the problems within this show. None of it was blatantly bad but you can definitely notice the reduction in quality in some episodes. You can tell that most of their budget went into their set-piece scenes which were great as they really amplified the emotion you felt seeing the fruition of Aoi and the team's hard work. Overall a very enjoyable anime and excited to see where the second season will take us. Writing: 8/10 Story: 7/10 Animation: 7/10 Characters: 8/10
Sacerdotisa
09/30/2022, 11:19 PM
The best football anime I've ever seen. As a fan of this sport living in a soccer country like Argentina, I can say that it is the most real thing you will see on a field. The characters can be annoying or they are not to your liking but the best thing about this is how their skills, mentality, leadership, competitive, camaraderie, strategist, vision and among many things you need to be a soccer professional are gradually developed. On top of that what broke my heart the most is the bond that a mother has with her son, my favorite chapter without a doubt. This Anime deserves a lotof recognition because I want to see more of this beloved sport well done.
Galatory
09/27/2022, 09:50 AM
Ao Ashi Review (9.6) I learned a lot about how to play football and its rules and what techniques they used. Good animation but there are episodes where the animation is ugly. Characters who have the same dream of becoming a pro. And songs that you can feel the emotion and will be your favorite. STORY:9.5/10 The story and pacing are good, but when it comes to the ending, it doesn't seem like it can be hyped because the ending seems rushed. ANIMATION:9/10 The animation is different depending on the episode, sometimes it's beautiful, sometimes it's ugly, and sometimes it seems rushed, but there are still many beautiful scenes likehis bird's eye view. CHARACTERS:10/10 Each character has highlights, flashbacks and has their own talent. They all had character development not just the MC and especially when they trusted each other. SOUND:10/10 All the op and ending songs are beautifully detailed and you can feel the emotion of the songs.
Lefi1402
09/26/2022, 03:22 PM
I usually never write a review for animes. But Ao ashi really is something special for me as a soccer play myself. I had high expectations for this anime, which tries to be as realistic as possible, and I didnt get disappointed. This review is spoiler free Story- 9/10 Aoi Ashito is the main character in this anime, and we're getting to see his journey from being in a shool team, to participate in a pro team. The Up's & Down's were delivered really realistic, same goes for emotions. Every decicion and step Aoi took were understandable and not just ass pull to make the story moreinteresting. I also liked the rather slow pace of the anime, which delivered the story still very interesting. Art- 7/10 Nothing much to talk about the art. Nothing special, but not bad either Sound- 8/10 I enjoyed the opening alot. The ending was okay. They used the music during an episode in the right spots. Character- 9/10 This is where the anime shines. All side character we're built up really good. Lets take Togashi for example. He was kind of a bully when he was younger, but he learned that he had to play as a team to become better at the game. His character developement and emotions were really realistic. Same goes for almost every other character in the show. The "realtionship" between Hana and Aoi was also really enjoyable. It wasnt too much, and Aoi wasnt a dense brick. He didnt really get that Hana had some kind of feeling for him, but he still thanked her for pulling him up when he felt down. That made him feel something like love although he only thought about becoming better at soccer that time. Enjoyment- 10/10 As a soccer player myself i really enjoyed the show, because it was kept realistic. Espacially the understanding of soccer, the tactic's and different moves are similiar to the real game. The emotions and actions of the different characters were understandable and relateable. The tension was kept up even though the pace was slower than I'm used to. Definitely a must watch for any soccer fan! Reviewer’s Rating: 9
MauricioRH7
09/25/2022, 09:01 PM
The most realistic football story I've ever seen. One more sports story, one more soccer story. The truth is I didn't expect much from Aoashi, I was content to watch a good game, however I was surprised. Aoashi is the most realistic soccer story I've seen, it doesn't just focus on showing you great games, plays or shots, but it plays with what every child wants to be a professional soccer player. I love the first transition arc, how they emphasize the fact that you need money to fulfill your dreams, needing friends to motivate you, needing family to keep you going, and needing a special person tokeep you from falling. Aoashi is the only spokon that has made me cry, I look forward to continuing the story and seeing how Aoi becomes a professional player.
Chief_AJ
09/24/2022, 09:53 AM
THIS ANIME WAS GASSSSSSS! I can’t lie I didn't hear a lot about Ao Ashi before I saw that Production IG got it. That and the fact that we haven’t gotten a good soccer anime in a pretty long time, but this had to be the surprise of the season for me. It covered most of the boxes for me and is a really nice underdog story. I personally hope and can’t wait for a season 2. Art: 8 So the actual animation was a little lackluster at times, but almost everything else was perfect. I think the art style really complimented the anime and thesport in general, plus the character designs are kind of fun too. Also, the music was really good. Everything fit really well from the openings to the endings to the background music. Characters: 10 The characters are what made the anime for me, from the complex relationship with his family to his new teammates, to even his rivals, every person that was introduced had a point and a story behind them. As for Aoi himself even though he can get a little annoying at times, he has his own charm and was a pleasure to watch... Also Hana best girl. Story: 9 The story is what you would expect in a soccer anime except they go in much deeper with each part of the process. Without spoiling, what they did at first with how they surrounded a couple of episodes around his family was done so well that I had almost no complaints, and honestly, that's just for the pacing in general. The pacing is so good and I’m really glad this got 24 eps. Overall I dont have much more to say, a really good sports anime and I’d give it a 9/10.
Huskkay
09/24/2022, 08:45 AM
Ao Ashi dropped the ball on so many levels. From an outsider's perspective, it looked really promising but ended up being a letdown after diving into it. It's not a horrible sports anime but it is ridden with so many annoyances it sucks out all the fun. Well, watching Ao Ashi never really was accompanied by a high level of fun. At least for me, there was no feeling of hype or energy in the show. First of all, the characters. Aoi is almost a perfect cookie-cutter sports anime main character. Pretty much an always upbeat, goody two-shoes that values friendship and camaraderie above all else. Don'tinsult his friends or family, unless you want him to get really mad. Well, good guy mad. Personally, I also can't get used to his voice and his constant screaming. His gift, which, naturally, catapults him into a league of top-tier players, is highly stylized. Almost to a point, one could argue about it being supernatural. But I am just going to strike it off as an over-the-top visual representation for the viewer. As for the side cast, I don't have much to say. They had no substance and depth. We get a few hints and pieces dropped throughout the show's runtime, but most of it felt lackluster and only got set up to be put in the storeroom for later use. Both girls got a bit shafted as side characters. Once Hana's duty as an amateur therapist and nutritionist was done, she got put on the sidelines. It was time for Girl B, Anri, to move in. Thankfully she knew a few things about football, just in time to help Aoi out. Of course, just like Hana, Anri also developed some feelings for Aoi. Why the romance aspect? And I use romance lightly because it just felt so tacked on. What was the point besides needlessly forcing drama on the screen? If executed well, it could add value to the story, but don't start another subplot if you are already struggling with others. Speaking of drama, Ao Ashi really suffers from a constant flow of low-tier drama. The anime likes to add those extra layers for dramatic effects, which are completely unneeded. It didn't feel natural and most of it was blown out of proportion. Aoi could have thrown a canned coffee on the ground and they would show zoomed shots of everyone's faces with shocked looks on them, while melodramatic music was starting to play in the background. To quickly talk about the "bad" guys, they are written so poorly. They bully and look down on people for the sake of doing it. While the good guys stand up for their friends and ooze love and respect. We got to include that black and white morality somehow. I already mentioned the nonexisting hype, so let's focus on that one next. About 80 % of all the football scenes were boring screen time filler. They had no impact, no engaging hooks, and no remarkable scenes. The same goes for most of the strategy talks as well. Absolutely underwhelming. A handful of moments were pretty alright but they just get overshadowed by all the average filling around it. Every time they played football on screen, it was accompanied by a barrage of thoughts, never-ending dialogue and flashbacks. Establishing a good flow was never an option, it got dragged into a dark alley and shot. The anime is plagued by scenes that drag on way too long for the points they try to get across. Aoi and friends could recite the whole bible before making a play. To wrap it up on a positive note, I do want to mention some of the show's good aspects. The art is consistent and has some nice visuals from time to time. Both openings, as well as the endings, are good at setting the mood. The biggest aspect is the potential. If we get a second season and they handle the narrative and characters with enough care, it could have solid potential. Most side characters just seem way more interesting than our bog-standard main character and with enough finesse, they might even improve the romance subplot.
Fotsuan
09/24/2022, 03:34 AM
Sports anime might be fundamentally similar to each other, but the writing and deliverance can differ a lot. Ao Ashi creates a world full of lessons and hardships, in both football and life. And like most sports anime, it doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of football to appreciate it. The characters are there, the build-up is there, and the emotions are there too, like in any other good anime. The main purpose of this review is to express how well Ao Ashi excels in certain things compared to other sports anime, what it lacks compared to them, and how good it really is overall. Theprotagonist lives in Ehime, a prefecture of Japan that is located on an island and is not famous for its football players. Ashito, who is at a young age, is the best player in his school and is very passionate about football. He decides to try his luck and moves alone to Tokyo, to enter the football powerhouse called Esperion. What I love about Ao Ashi here is how well it portrays the hardships the athlete, their family and friends must struggle with, and how the athlete has to sacrifice everything and leave it all behind, focusing on a single thing – which is football, in our case. There is bittersweet drama and decent character writing. Other than that, there is the test Ashito must face as an outsider, the bullying, the rivalries, and the unsportsmanlike conduct of other players. While on the same time, he works hard, he progresses, and he makes friends and acquaintances. Another point to be made about why Ao Ashi is such a good sports anime is the on-point portrayal of different behaviours inside the football world (coaches, players, managers, nutritionists, etc.) and how everyone plays their own role in the greater image. How Ashito, who wants to improve, will have to face other people who care solely for their own benefit. This is sometimes shown in a harsh way, but at the same time, there are beautiful moments of team spirit and emotions. After all, we are not alone, and we need the strength and faith of people who care about us; this is something else Ao Ashi does well. But the most praiseworthy thing Ao Ashi succeeds in delivering is the difficulty of the sport. Most sports anime take their sports lightly and do not emphasize techniques and serious ways to improve, aside from team spirit and hard work. In Ao Ashi, we know how it is physically exhausting, mentally tiring, and may ruin both your body and psychology. How many techniques have to be taught, how much the athlete must do inside and outside the court, how he has to take care of himself and what huge an emotional capacity is needed. And at the same time, how the trainers can use you for their own benefit without caring about your opinions, and how your teammates can sabotage you or not care about you. As far as character writing is concerned, the most common problem Ao Ashi watchers face is Ashito’s personality. I agree that his behaviour might be annoying at times, but let’s not forget that he’s an immature, ambitious 15-year-old. He is realistic and I hope to see development in his personality in the next seasons; I think it is hinted that there will be. The protagonist matures little by little and views differently his friends, his love interests and even football as a sport. What about the side characters, though? Like I said before, we get to know all different perspectives and behaviours. The main and side casts are detailed, and everyone has a story to support and a dream to pursue. So, whether it is about the matches or the characters, it is not easy to get bored watching Ao Ashi. There is always something interesting going on, and the development is always there. Now, it is worth mentioning that Ao Ashi’s animation is plain and simple, and people who care about flashy animation and non-stop motion often complain about it. To me, the colourful art and the good character designs are enough to make Ao Ashi good visually and aesthetically, so I think there is absolutely no problem with the animation not being fabulous. In addition, the soundtrack is great and creates the perfect atmosphere. OST aside, the opening and ending songs are usually great. The opening sung by Alexandros in the first half is one of the best sports anime openings I have ever heard, since it fits the show’s vibes and radiates a feeling of “hype”. Sadly, the second opening song is not as good, but some people like it due to its good animation… while both ending songs are perfect for closing the episodes. Finally, I would like to mention the original voice-acting cast. It does not feature the most famous names in the industry, but it gives chances to younger voice actors. I do not think the choices were not well-thought though, because the result is positive and I consider the cast great as a whole. Katou Wataru, Yashiro Taku, Oosozu Kouki are all names that could be frequently included in the most-awaited anime in the future. So, what is it that Ao Ashi lacks? As you can understand, since it focuses on a technical and psychological viewpoint this much, some other things are expected to be missing. The first comparison that comes to my mind is with Haikyuu: in the latter, the character dynamics and development during the matches feel stronger, in both main and opponent teams. This is because of the focus on teamwork and the classic “nakama power” that shounen anime tend to show. On the other hand, there are also some scenes where a certain event has occurred before, or a certain technique has been explained to Ashito, and suddenly everyone starts talking about it in the matches – a kind of plot convenience to help the watcher learn more about the sport and see progress. To sum up, to me, Ao Ashi’s pros outnumber its cons and are very interesting, so I consider Ao Ashi a “top tier” sports anime in its own way. It is very different from other sports anime in aspects I have mentioned above, but that’s what makes it worth watching. In the end, it is all a matter of taste and aesthetics, so it is up to the watcher to decide if Ao Ashi is interesting or not – but what it does in terms of writing, it does more than well.
LordSozin
09/24/2022, 03:01 AM
I like Ao Ashi. What I like about Ao Ashi is the emphasis that in the world of football, not everyone is instantly a top star football player who only plays in the frontline like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. In the world of football, a team consisting of multiple talented players in different positions is what makes different players stand out and valuable in the eyes of many football enthusiasts. When a show like Ao Ashi breaks this false perception in the established norm media, it’s a welcoming thing to see because that means a show like Ao Ashi can explore other aspects offootball other than the conventional route. Ao Ashi begins like any other sports series: A high schooler who’s passionate about the sport he plays and strives to be the best at the sport in the hopes of going professional. Aoi Ashito is, by all means, presented to be the usual run-of-the-mill shounen sports series’ protagonist. A character who embodies all of the positive traits there can be. Thankfully, however, the series does break him down and allows him to go through transition phases and progression while maintaining the said traits. What differentiates Ao Ashi from other sports anime alike is the approach in which this is done. The show is very much grounded in reality. It doesn’t have the over-the-top edginess shenanigans to it like many other shounen sports series out there. This then in turn allows Aoi Ashito’s eventual growth as a player and as a person to feel authentic to the viewers. In earlier episodes, besides the struggle in understanding his own capabilities as a football player, Ashito’s also weighed in by the burden he has on his mother and brother. The series emphasizes the importance of his family and how much they have sacrificed for his dreams. Ashito as a player and person is very much molded by his family’s influences. This is why he feels that if he doesn’t succeed in his dreams, it would be a waste of his family’s hard-earned money, time, and devotion to him. This level of investment that the series has for a part of Ashito’s motivation as a character is humbling to me. Because of the series' strong emphasis on this part of him, we can see why he acts the way he does and the drive he has for his passion. It’s this understanding that makes him much more nuanced than what it may appear on the surface. And the series isn’t afraid of reminding Ashito and the viewers about his upbringing from time to time, which is crucial to the journey that Ashito continues to undergo as a football player. This anime develops Ashito and then immediately breaks him down. Similar to Ace of Diamond, Ashito in this series goes through transition phases and that’s how the development of his character comes into play. Throughout the first half of Ao Ashi, we see how Ashito grows comfortable in his position and play style. He’s very forward-minded. All he ever wants to do on the field is to play the striker positions and score goals—a very typical depiction of main leads in football-related media. He wants to become the best of the best solely in that position and when he’s stripped of that position, he’s left distraught and breaks down. Ashito felt as if his soul was ripped from him because scoring goals and playing the forward position was all he ever conditioned himself to do. This further exacerbated his mentality when his friends and family in the past also encouraged him in his so-desired playing style. But changing his desired position also paved a way for a new perspective. Football is a team sport, which is why it was important for Ashito to finally grasp this concept. It’s part of his character development in the series. This also initiated a much-needed contemplation on his part. Upon reflecting on his past, Ashito realized he was selfish and naive before he entered the academy, and after he entered the academy. He realized he never understood what football was despite being his passion. He felt guilty for blindingly indulging in his friends and family’s trust and praises in him for all those years that he preached about becoming a renowned footballer. By playing in a fullback defender position, Aoi Ashito not only learned the lessons that were needed but also about himself—what defines him as a footballer and his abilities. Ao Ashi as a sports anime presents things on a more microscopic level for viewers to understand. Ao Ashi’s majority of the episodes consist of demonstrating the sport on the side of tactical and strategic plays. But it’s largely presented through the eyes of Ashito as he’s the playmaker on the field. This also inevitably leads him to be a “protagonist” who lacks the fundamental knowledge of football even though he was recruited to a supposed prestigious football academy in Japan. Thus when watching the earlier episodes of the series, the pacing can feel really slow even though it’s decently paced given the amount of content from the original source material that was cut in the sacrifice of time. One can argue the quality of the series in this sense. Ao Ashi is very much on the side of presenting strategies, tactics, and how a game of football is played in different scenarios depending on each team’s approaches and the subtle tactical maneuverings on the field. In doing so, not only the pacing is slow, but it’s also at the risk of losing viewers’ attention if the emphasis on the tactical plays doesn’t interest them. For that, it’s up to each individual’s perception. But to me, this aspect of the series adds a great level of depth and it’s meant to be appreciated as there’s a level of enjoyment it holds. The second major setback to Ao Ashi during the earlier episodes is that of animation–or lack thereof. What consists of the fluid animation is not of football matches or character movements, but of slide-show. The directing was subpar to the like of other Production I.G’s sports series. This inevitably adds to the detriment of some viewers' enjoyment. However, evidently, much of that is gone by the second half of the series. The newfound directing and animation reinvigorated Ao Ashi in my eyes. This is also compelled by the fact that the plot was solely focused on moving forward from its trial arc. Much of Ao Ashi lies in the foundations of football. The ways in which some parts are presented aren’t something to be awed over as it does subsume to the wider anime tropes in some aspects. The characters are much of that case. And I can’t say that I’m fond of it. But it does its job given the writing of these characters is true and down to earth—one other thing that keeps the series from indulging into the edgy territory. In the end, the strong suits in Ao Ashi also compensate for it, which makes it more appealing in my eyes. All in all, I really do recommend Ao Ashi. It is something of its own and it does hold its own integrity to the likes of Haikyu and Ace of Diamond.
KANLen09
09/24/2022, 02:56 AM
As a sports connoisseur, I would like to ask you a genuine question: "When was the last time that we actually got a really good sports show, most particularly concerning about soccer/football?" Sure, you have the constant answers of either the modern Inazuma Eleven or the much beloved classic Captain Tsubasa series, but if both aren't your cup of tea, there should be something on the plane of a realistic, young adult-ish setting that showcases all the nerfs of growing in a soccer team. And no, I'm not talking about superpower types like Blue Lock (which is coming next season) nor this season's original "reboot"of Aoki Densetsu Shoot!'s "Shoot! Goal to the Future" which is just plain effing abominable. And we have long since waited for the coming that's released now in the form of Ao Ashi, a manga that since its release in 2015, is still to this day, quite popular in Japan with sales raking in with the latest volumes, and even won in Shogakukan's 65th Manga Awards held in 2020 in the general category. Ao Ashi can mean a lot of things, but most particularly according to its mangaka Yugo Kobayashi, Ao (青 in Kanji) means blue, which is the colour of the Japan National Football team (nicknamed the Samurai Blue) and simultaneously the team's 1st colours (or uniform attire), while Ashi (アシ) means feet. But while Ao also comes from "青春" (Seishun) meaning "youth" or "blue spring"), it also means "blue reed", which represents immaturity, and which is exactly showcasing the story of a young Ashito Aoi on his growing-up journey to play in a soccer team: the prestigious Tokyo City Esperion FC, which is based on the real-life J-League club Kashiwa Reysol, competing in Japan's top-tier J1 League football division. For a trivia, while the Reysol's main sponsor is Hitachi, Esperion's sponsor is Kaido. Both companies have similar mottos: "Inspire the Next" for Hitachi, and "Inspiration Works" for Kaido, despite the former being based in Chiba while Esperion is (clearly) in Tokyo. This is thanks in part to Naohiro Ueno who is a sports journalist, but also the manga's original concept creator and the supervisor/consultant to Yugo Kobayashi on replicating the minute details of soccer/football as closely as possible. So, all of the soccer action that you see in the Western world (UEFA, FIFA, Premier League etc.), you can expect to see it all here in Ao Ashi (which as of this review) is 29 volumes in and is still going strong. And most certainly with the anime's promotion thanks to famed sports studio Production I.G and its broadcast in Japan's national TV station NHK (specifically NHK Educational TV (abbreviated as NHK E), the sister service providing educational content), it wouldn't be surprising if Ao Ashi (like Mairimashita! Iruma-kun, also broadcast on NHK E) could be seen as a potential for a multi-season run for its edutainment purposes. But, backing up to Ao Ashi's premise. It's a simple "rags to riches" story about Ashito Aoi, this talented but difficult to handle boy who is interested in soccer and has been thriving in his home state of Ehime to take his dream into the international stage. However, the tryouts at potential soccer/football teams have crossed him out due to his unorthodox, self-centered way of playing the sport, and he is left with nowhere to go. That's where the rag-tag, messy adult by the name of Tatsuya Fukuda meets him at his downfall, and with a pep talk and an offer to join one of the most prestigous football clubs in Japan: Tokyo Esperion FC. Aoi doesn't make a hesitation to accept his offer and join the club that's brimmering with insane talent across the board, and despite the poor life of a family with a large cashflow sacrifice, with the talent he brings to the club, this is his life-changing story of a thriving changing soccer/football career. Ashito Aoi is akin to a lot of a lot of similarly specced protagonists who have walked the talk before, from the likes of Haikyuu!!'s Shoyo Hinata, Hajime no Ippo's Ippo Makunouchi and Diamond no Ace's Eijun Sawamura. All of them are pure talents at what they do best, but it's at their very own respective institutions that they engage the SWOT analysis: knowing their strengths, working on their weaknesses, improving on their opportunities and alleviating any threats that come their way, be it on an individual or team level with teammates that work alongside them. Yes, there may be not much of a plot to follow, but like every sport, it's essentially a character development story that's based on the protagonist, which in this case is Ashito Aoi and his endeavours in growing in Tokyo City Esperion, learning from the all-time greats and its bunch of team players, working out all the nooks and crannies of each and every strategy and plan, whether in agreement or disagreement that spikes out in celebration or arguments abound. This is the base foundation and hallmark of a growing protagonist, one that's not doused in generic Shonen traits nor tropes, just some pure sportmanship goodness. Similarly, for a growing protagonist to work, there are countless team members working alongside Ashito Aoi on his conquest to reach for the stars and take the world stage by storm, one match at a time. Namely (those that appear the most): Yuuma Motoki, Togashi Keiji, Tachibana Souichirou, Ohtomo Eisaku, Asari Matthews Jun, Kuroda Kanpei and Takeshima Ryuichi, along with the Esperion B Team's Coach Nozomi Date and naturally Tatsuya Fukuda himself, acting as the club's manager and head coach. It's a hard gruelling journey for each and every player (not just with their coveted numbers, Aoi especially with the team's trademark No. 10 in the B team), for everyone learns differently according to their positions that are given and tutored by Coach Nozomi and the fare few seniors overseeing their progress, mastering their crafts and skills to become the best players possible. It's the same when you see your favourite soccer/football players like Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Paul Scholes, Zlatan Ibrahimović and the like training to their very best and then replicating that same training onto the playing field which earns them their prestige titles and insane fame. And this is not just Ashito Aoi's objective, but is something that everyone shares as a goal, for individuality could only get you so far before teamwork becomes essential to reach for the stars. And like every team player, they do have their fair share of fans as well. For Aoi, other than his own family with his very supporting mother Noriko (honestly, one of the best mothers in anime), he/she comes in the form of Hana Ichijo, whom despite the different family name (which later got joint together), is actually Manager Fukuda's younger stepsister. Her essence of presence got its start as a football fan, someone whom she admires when she was young (which is actually Manager Fukuda) and supporting rising stars like Haruhisa Kuribayashi whom made his professional debut at the ripe age of 16, she's now dead set on becoming a sports surgeon with her vast knowledge on nutrition to help the Esperion players grow better. How she got acquainted with Aoi is merely a coincidence that he in his earlier stages would not stand out amongst the crowd to excel if he continues that way, and Hana famously proclaiming that she is his "first fan in the world" sets the journey of the two in the soccer/football space as through the thick and thin, the genuine and the misunderstandings (which has a hint of romance to it, but only as a minor thing), they both grow in their own individual ways, closer to one another but yet maintaining that distance as to not impede the protagonist on his way to the world stage. In some ways, they do look well together, but secretly inside, it's the Aoi × Hana ship that both the manga and (now) anime fans can look forward to the most. I really love Hana's character of what she brings to the table, and she is a dynamic dynamite girl whom Aoi could be proud of her standing and supporting by his side. Of course, there's the Esperion's sponsor Kaido Electric's daughter Anri Kaido, though she has inept on-the-ground experience to try and coach Aoi in improving his skills, none can touch the one-hit wonder that is his and Hana's relationship as the biggest fan and the constantly improving player. When it comes to sports shows, you can always trust Production I.G to go above and beyond to make justice or even exceed the experience of the source materials, as it always has been for Haikyuu!!, Kuroko no Basket and Tennis no Ouji-sama a.k.a Prince of Tennis. And Ao Ashi is certainly no different in the studio's ethos to always respect the roots of whatever they are adapting and keeping it to the high standards of consistency. Most particularly, this is newbie director Akira Sato's 2nd directorial work after Lay-Duce's 2018 show Release the Spyce, and he certainly has used the former to learn of his shortcomings and improve all of it on Ao Ashi, which it really shows. I would love to see him come back for future seasons to continue the great work, as is Production I.G doing a knock-out "GOAL!!!" job of replicating the feeling of exhilaration on the matches as realistic as possible. The music...eh, I would either take it or leave it as it definitely feels Shonen-ish at best. Don't get me wrong, [Alexandros]'s 1st Cour OP is a good song to kickstart Ashito's career and show his growth in the beginning stages, and Rinne's "Blue Diary" is a fairly good one in spots as well. But the 2nd Cour, while it has better visuals to back up, the OST for that is pretty forgettable. Think that I'm too used to Haikyuu!! once having BURNOUT SYNDROMES for an OP, and that OP slapped like power inflicting onto the volleyball. This is the minor nitpick and where the show falters, but not enough to diminish the enjoyment of the anime as a whole. I hope that this is only the beginning for more great things to come, because mangaka Yugo Kobayashi is definitely not slowing down on the weekly chapter serialization, and the anime at this juncture can last for at least 2 more seasons strong. Nevertheless, a great return to form for soccer/football anime...and gotta pass through the Blue Lock first before getting back into the Blue Reed's mature standpoint.
N1ghtWalker
09/24/2022, 02:52 AM
The story follows Ashito Aoi, the protagonist of the story, who is arrogant and self-centered. He initially thought his ability to score goals would be the difference-maker for his team, but eventually realized the value of playing as a team, now his prior understanding of football has to be revised. However, because of his stubbornness and his unwavering desire to succeed as a professional football player so that he can support his family, he is very dedicated to learning and making a career in football work. The story feels realistic, with solid character development and decent pacing. Life isn't a Disney ride, if you wantsomething, you will have to earn it through hard work, dedication, and determination. It explores the challenges, every player has to face on and off the field to achieve their goal of becoming a professional football player. Additionally, It highlights the significance of coaches and their effect on players as well as the obstacles every player must overcome in order to succeed. Furthermore, you'll be moved to tears and laughter, and come to appreciate the value of family and friends. Overall a very well-written sports anime. No anime is perfect, and this one is no exception. Though there aren't many noticeable flaws within the characters or the sports aspects, some plots lack depth. Especially the tactical and analytical portions of the story are poorly arranged, and simple things are overly exaggerated which made some of the story's scenes incredibly irritating to watch. Furthermore, while the story is mainly aimed at mature audiences because it belongs to the Seinen demographic, it doesn't always feel like it. It's one of those shows that will make you wonder about its target audience. At the end of the day, it's still fictional writing, the story has its own unique approach. It wasn't trying to be a masterpiece; it simply wanted to be an entertaining sports anime, which it succeeds at.

Ao Ashi アオアシ

2022 spring | Episodes: 24 | Score: 8.2 (119502)

Updated every Saturdays at 18:25 | Status: Finished Airing

Type: TV

Producers:Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions | Marvelous Entertainment | NHK Enterprises | Bandai Spirits

Streaming: Crunchyroll | Disney+ | Animax Mongolia

Synopsis

Voice Actors

Oosuzu, Kouki

Kobayashi, Chikahiro

Kawase, Maki

News

Reviews

kuriikata
12/29/2024, 08:32 PM
9/10 THIS IS GREAT. If you know football, learning, have played or you even have professionally TRIED OUT for being an ACADEMY ATHLETE. I assure you this anime is fantastic, frustating and REALISTIC. This is the most realistic football anime i’ve ever seen (excluding the crow’s vision) I’m writing this review just to quote the dumbass that hate on this anime for 0 REASON AT ALL. I quote “If you're from a country where football is popular, you probably know more than the protagonist of this show.” BROTHER HAVE YOU TRIED TO PLAY IN YOUTH ACADEMY? NOT every ACADEMY is top 10 INT ACADEMY like ajax, barcaor arsenal. ACADEMY is where YOU LEARN. The SENIOR team is where you have to SHOW/UTILIZE what you’ve LEARN according to the coach ROLE/GAMEPLAN. The MC of this anime is from a countryside that only possesses RAW TALENT. Have you seen ronaldo? neymar? or any south american RAW TALENTS and you think they know the basic of playing the game when they we’re first scouted? THE BASIC that even PRO forgot is not DIAGONAL RUN, its PASSING and TEAM PLAY. Even AJAX as an academy HAVE TO RETEACH how to pass to every single academy signed player. Exactly like this anime. Don’t get me started, i’m from a developing country that has export many youth raw talents. I know few of the talented that have won many regional trophies and MVP’s that failed to process in International/National League because they can’t keep up with the INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, exactly like this country bumpkin MC. “why a 2 because hina is cute” haha, u dumbo. Knew it u we’re just a goon.
realanimelover
06/11/2024, 05:32 PM
I watched Blue Lock a couple of months back and I thought it stood alone as a great soccer/football (however you wanna call it) anime. I was wrong, Ao Ashi is a severely underrated anime that adds realism and a better story than Blue Lock. While I still do think Blue Lock is a bit better than Ao Ashi, I believe that Ao Ashi has potential to become a much better anime because of its character development and public views of what soccer is. Aoi Ashito, the protagonist of the show, is similar to Haikyu's Hinata in the sense that they are always excited for anew challenge and never get disappointed when playing against a player stronger than them. The very likable protagonist develops more maturely as he starts to understand the basics of soccer while having a specific trait that makes him different from the others. What I loved about Ashito was how his struggle with money impacted his rise in soccer in a positive way. His realistic tendencies to force thoughts away and only focus on soccer adds an interesting aspect to the story and how many professional players might do the same. Ashito is a great protagonist who serves as an emotional support for the team and also explains how he isn't always perfect which can cause trouble sometimes. The side characters in the show are all different in their way. What I like about this anime is that they all carry their own perspective of soccer and while some focus on the basics, others try to make soccer an interesting complicated sport. I enjoy watching each side character go through struggles to improve themselves in their own match while not overshadowing Ashito. The balance between the side characters and main character help the anime remain entertaining and informative about the world of soccer. What is extremely underrated in Ao Ashi is its underlying concepts and themes. There is some romance involved throughout the show which enables the show to become more diverse. Ao Ashi also provides arguments that athletes are also just humans at the end of the day which have their own issues, relationships, and complexity in their everyday lives. The attention to detail the author has when writing this story is one of the reasons why the show can be so impactful at sometimes too which helped create a better dynamic. The actual games, while very simplistic, offer an engaging dynamic which make it interesting. Although the art is nothing compared to Blue Lock and isn't as action-packed Ao Ashi still offers a great dynamic. It does this by showing how difficult soccer is through exhaustion, emotion, and psychological breakdown. It also provides how hard-working one has to be in order to just understand the basics of the sport like the drills that Ashito did in the first episode just to learn one very basic move. The realism and emotion throughout the story make Ao Ashi a must watch to many readers as it grasps human emotions when playing the sport.
HirakoKun
03/03/2024, 02:45 AM
This is my first review .It's been a long time since i saw an good sport anime, there have been some but not like this.This anime brings back the feelings Haikyuu gave me a few years back,that feeling of hard work and people trying to get to know each other so they can play better and win.No superpowers or anything like that ,just plain old football with a little bit of anime plot.I wish to see a season 2 of this one and fast .This deserver many seasons.The animation was good,just what i expected from an sport anime,maybe even better.I think if you liked Haikyuuor Diamond no Ace you should give this anime a chance.
quitethejoe
01/02/2024, 06:19 PM
I always thought the sports anime genre lacked a good football show and i'm glad i found Ao Ashi. Sure we have Blue Lock but i think this show really shows what football is and what is really all about. Ao Ashi has it all when we talk about sports anime. Good plot, funny moments, good drama moments, excellent characters and perfect football knowledge. This is a show you actually hear about the tactics used, why something work and something doesn't, how moral affects the athletes performances. Even in trainings, they will do something and explain to the viewer why they are doing it, what'sthe purpose and how it will roll out in the game. Maybe i'm overselling it but it truly goes in depth and beyond on certain aspects of football. I really enjoyed the characters and i this season really made excellent foundations for character development in the future of certain side characters. But... As nothing is perfect i'm really sad the animation couldn't keep up with it. Don't get me wrong! Animation was pretty good at some points but my main issue is during certain parts of the matches that feel like everything is happening in such slow mode. I really enjoyed the relationship between Ashito and Hana has it doesn't feel generic and it actually brings something good to the table. The soundtrack is simple but it's been stuck on my brain this last few days. It is a little bit generic but god damn it goes hard for me. If you enjoyed the aspect part of football in Blue Lock you really should watch this as it is more football focused than Blue Lock and it actually gives some insight about what it takes to go pro, mainly in Japan but it can be applied to experiences in other countries where it really is hard to breakthrough and pursue a career on the sport. It was really fun to watch this as i binged watched this and am now reading the manga since the finale left us curious about what comes next! Just watch it and find out for yourself!
OneTrueNep
07/16/2023, 12:49 PM
This anime is what would happen if Kuroko no Basuke and Haikyuu had a child, but the mother drank heavily, overdosed on crack daily and threw herself down every flight of stairs she saw for the whole pregnancy. I haven't used this account in years but I had to dig up the password and log back in just to write a review for this absolute pile of trash. Morbid curiosity was the only thing keeping me going throughout because lord knows the most boring cast, basic plot and impossibly generic main character weren't nearly good enough for something rated above 8/10 here. The animation isa slideshow at best, the voice acting is uninspired, the art is dull and most of all the football on display is just beyond bad. If you're from a country where football is popular, you probably know more than the protagonist of this show. If you've watched football more than once you're probably top 10% of all characters in the show. If you've played it then you're top 1%. I get suspension of disbelief for the sake of the narrative, but I can't believe a professional club's youth academy would sign someone who doesn't know what a diagonal run is, how defending works, what passing triangles are and much more. I half expected the offside rule to be explained to our mentally challenged MC at some point. It gets a 2 instead of a 1 because Hana is a cute and likeable character. That aside, if you are thinking of watching this sludge, take my recommendation: Ronaldon't.
Markhi
03/20/2023, 11:41 PM
I really love this anime, one of the best sports animes I've ever watched. Not a lot of sports anime dives into real world history of different moves and strategies. I am really excited for the future of this anime. The manga has many moments of family/real world situations that affect the characters that I don't really see too much in this genre (sports anime usually show flashbacks on to why the characters chose the sport and how their personality formed). If you like semi-realistic anime that soccer-heads can find relatable you will love this anime. Honestly this anime is on the slower side butI think that just adds to the story. If you are patient and want something a bit different from the shouneny Blue Lock and Haikyu then this one is just right for you.
PixelB
02/24/2023, 02:29 AM
Ao Ashi features a pretty predictable and generic protagonist as well as a barely fleshed-out cast of characters that rely on flashback sequences for the viewer to empathize with their feelings. Why is it that, then, Ao Ashi manages to deliver as a show? Well, it's the character dynamics. The J-youth club that Ashito plays for, Esperion, resembles an actual sports club rather than a romanticized one that sports anime love to portray. People play for the purpose of going pro, not making friends. It's kind of cutthroat, and when people do make meaningful relationships with each other, it's exclusive. In this manner, Ashito breaks awayfrom the mold as a main character. Yes, he's pretty typical in his strengths and weaknesses. He's got overpowered--basically a cheat ability--with rather weak physical and ball control skills, but his ability makes up for it, and as a result, he's still really strong. Of course, his skill set is best suited for being a playmaker. What a coincidence that the protagonist is also the playmaker that coordinates the entire team. Wow. Yes, Ashito is clearly not a standout when it comes to either his skills, but his personality fares a bit better. He's pretty rambunctious and high-spirited most of the time, but he's also on edge and lacks self confidence on the other hand. And he actually needs other peoples' help to get back up; mental damage and pressure actually affect him more than a typical unyielding type protagonist would. Of course, what I described wasn't exactly unique, either. What really stands out about Ashito and our cast of characters really boils down to, well, I said it before, character dynamics. Despite Ashito having the makings of a captain-like figure, he isn't the captain, and nor does he really act like one outside of games. He doesn't actually befriend anyone, and he too has personal preferences. He takes charge in discussions that involve nuanced positions and expresses his opinion to take a player's side. He has his own inner circle and outer circle of friends he talks to, and this applies to every character. Similar to school and other clubs, in reality, it's pretty impossible for each character to mesh well in such a large group. People will break off into their own groups based on their personalities and circumstances. In the case of Esperion, it's a bit campy, but it really is a matter of an "us vs them" mentality. You have promoted players from the junior youth team vs the scouted and people who passed tryouts. You have people who prefer conventional methods vs people who do not. You have the A team vs the B team. Players snarl at each other when the game is taking a bad turn and there's bad chemistry between certain characters. The seniors don't lead the juniors by their hands, and neither do the coaches. They sometimes offer a little help here and there, but it's really up to that particular person's inner circle of friends to really prop them up. Ashito isn't super familiar with everyone on his own B team, let alone the A team that he barely has interacted with at all in this series. Of course, I'm exaggerating a bit here. It's not like everyone is at each other's throats all the time, and everyone makes a conscious effort to win and mesh together as a team. That said, I'm glad that Ashito isn't the captain role in a team where everyone links hands to win a game. Sure, everyone does link hands to win games, but it's not necessarily Ashito that makes that change, but everyones' own independent effort. The romance is pretty one-note and isn't anything special. Everything is so telegraphed, but it develops in a steady manner at least. There isn't a 500-chapter long run where the love interests just dawdle their hands and act embarrassed around each other. I'm happy at the change of pace in terms of character dynamics and the role of the main character, so I'll put my score where it is. Let's see what happens in season 2.
micho314
02/21/2023, 05:51 AM
short review so you'll read everything. OVERALL: 8 or 8.5 Personal Opinion: 9 ejoyed very much, can't wait for next seasons Plot: 8.5 good story, awesome twists and it's not just football Characters: 8.5 I really like all of them, also good development Animation: 9 super clean Music:7 normal very good, it's like football haikyuu with more slice of life. for now it's an 8, but it has the potential to become a 9. (haikyuu for me is 9.5) The concept of football in this anime relies more on tactical intelligence, positioning and vision rather than individual tecnique. it is semi-realistic compared to other football shows. In conclusion, super enjoyable season 1. not a masterpiece like haikyuu, but can become with more seasons. the lack of memorable ost brings it a step down haikyuu. RECOMMENDED.
boi1da
11/26/2022, 06:56 PM
What drives this anime apart from the cliche of a sports anime is the relatability one has with Aoi. Growing up playing football, every child has a dream to reach the pro leagues and loves the game for certain reasons. After watching 3 episodes of Blue Lock garbage, I wanted to watch an anime that was actually based on football. What resonates with me in this anime is the natural feeling of getting behind the mc, given that his ability is nothing more than any kid who grew up wanting to become the best. To see how this anime has blessed the mc withbang-average skills but with "talent" that can be nurtured through experiences makes you feel like you're part of the team. From a technical aspect the art and music are pretty average, however, what really hooked me to this anime is the way the MC seems to keep going regardless of the different hurdles thrown at him. With the World Cup hype seemingly hitting social media with "Blue Lock" I figure that more attention will be drawn towards actual football anime in "Ao Ashi" with true football fans with the possibility of the studio renewing the anime for a second season. Bring it on.
rmkline
11/19/2022, 05:29 PM
Definitely a solid soccer anime to watch if you have been craving one I found the story to be very compelling with writing that really added to Aoi's character development. Aoi starts out as a very egotistical character that doesn't even understand the very basics of soccer. Throughout the duration of the anime, Aoi starts to realize all of his shortcomings which he desperately works hard to improve upon. Aoi's tenacity and willpower to never give up even in the face of unwinnable odds are what draw me to love his character. Aoi is the definition of "it's not over until it'sover" and when you see him pull off something badass you can't help but feel hyped. The other characters in this anime are very likable as well with some side characters definitely being more focused on than others. Regardless, you really do care about the team succeeding and seeing them develop a synergy to win games. The chemistry between Hana and Aoi was definitely a highlight within this show as well. As for the animation, this is where I found some of the problems within this show. None of it was blatantly bad but you can definitely notice the reduction in quality in some episodes. You can tell that most of their budget went into their set-piece scenes which were great as they really amplified the emotion you felt seeing the fruition of Aoi and the team's hard work. Overall a very enjoyable anime and excited to see where the second season will take us. Writing: 8/10 Story: 7/10 Animation: 7/10 Characters: 8/10
Sacerdotisa
09/30/2022, 11:19 PM
The best football anime I've ever seen. As a fan of this sport living in a soccer country like Argentina, I can say that it is the most real thing you will see on a field. The characters can be annoying or they are not to your liking but the best thing about this is how their skills, mentality, leadership, competitive, camaraderie, strategist, vision and among many things you need to be a soccer professional are gradually developed. On top of that what broke my heart the most is the bond that a mother has with her son, my favorite chapter without a doubt. This Anime deserves a lotof recognition because I want to see more of this beloved sport well done.
Galatory
09/27/2022, 09:50 AM
Ao Ashi Review (9.6) I learned a lot about how to play football and its rules and what techniques they used. Good animation but there are episodes where the animation is ugly. Characters who have the same dream of becoming a pro. And songs that you can feel the emotion and will be your favorite. STORY:9.5/10 The story and pacing are good, but when it comes to the ending, it doesn't seem like it can be hyped because the ending seems rushed. ANIMATION:9/10 The animation is different depending on the episode, sometimes it's beautiful, sometimes it's ugly, and sometimes it seems rushed, but there are still many beautiful scenes likehis bird's eye view. CHARACTERS:10/10 Each character has highlights, flashbacks and has their own talent. They all had character development not just the MC and especially when they trusted each other. SOUND:10/10 All the op and ending songs are beautifully detailed and you can feel the emotion of the songs.
Lefi1402
09/26/2022, 03:22 PM
I usually never write a review for animes. But Ao ashi really is something special for me as a soccer play myself. I had high expectations for this anime, which tries to be as realistic as possible, and I didnt get disappointed. This review is spoiler free Story- 9/10 Aoi Ashito is the main character in this anime, and we're getting to see his journey from being in a shool team, to participate in a pro team. The Up's & Down's were delivered really realistic, same goes for emotions. Every decicion and step Aoi took were understandable and not just ass pull to make the story moreinteresting. I also liked the rather slow pace of the anime, which delivered the story still very interesting. Art- 7/10 Nothing much to talk about the art. Nothing special, but not bad either Sound- 8/10 I enjoyed the opening alot. The ending was okay. They used the music during an episode in the right spots. Character- 9/10 This is where the anime shines. All side character we're built up really good. Lets take Togashi for example. He was kind of a bully when he was younger, but he learned that he had to play as a team to become better at the game. His character developement and emotions were really realistic. Same goes for almost every other character in the show. The "realtionship" between Hana and Aoi was also really enjoyable. It wasnt too much, and Aoi wasnt a dense brick. He didnt really get that Hana had some kind of feeling for him, but he still thanked her for pulling him up when he felt down. That made him feel something like love although he only thought about becoming better at soccer that time. Enjoyment- 10/10 As a soccer player myself i really enjoyed the show, because it was kept realistic. Espacially the understanding of soccer, the tactic's and different moves are similiar to the real game. The emotions and actions of the different characters were understandable and relateable. The tension was kept up even though the pace was slower than I'm used to. Definitely a must watch for any soccer fan! Reviewer’s Rating: 9
MauricioRH7
09/25/2022, 09:01 PM
The most realistic football story I've ever seen. One more sports story, one more soccer story. The truth is I didn't expect much from Aoashi, I was content to watch a good game, however I was surprised. Aoashi is the most realistic soccer story I've seen, it doesn't just focus on showing you great games, plays or shots, but it plays with what every child wants to be a professional soccer player. I love the first transition arc, how they emphasize the fact that you need money to fulfill your dreams, needing friends to motivate you, needing family to keep you going, and needing a special person tokeep you from falling. Aoashi is the only spokon that has made me cry, I look forward to continuing the story and seeing how Aoi becomes a professional player.
Chief_AJ
09/24/2022, 09:53 AM
THIS ANIME WAS GASSSSSSS! I can’t lie I didn't hear a lot about Ao Ashi before I saw that Production IG got it. That and the fact that we haven’t gotten a good soccer anime in a pretty long time, but this had to be the surprise of the season for me. It covered most of the boxes for me and is a really nice underdog story. I personally hope and can’t wait for a season 2. Art: 8 So the actual animation was a little lackluster at times, but almost everything else was perfect. I think the art style really complimented the anime and thesport in general, plus the character designs are kind of fun too. Also, the music was really good. Everything fit really well from the openings to the endings to the background music. Characters: 10 The characters are what made the anime for me, from the complex relationship with his family to his new teammates, to even his rivals, every person that was introduced had a point and a story behind them. As for Aoi himself even though he can get a little annoying at times, he has his own charm and was a pleasure to watch... Also Hana best girl. Story: 9 The story is what you would expect in a soccer anime except they go in much deeper with each part of the process. Without spoiling, what they did at first with how they surrounded a couple of episodes around his family was done so well that I had almost no complaints, and honestly, that's just for the pacing in general. The pacing is so good and I’m really glad this got 24 eps. Overall I dont have much more to say, a really good sports anime and I’d give it a 9/10.
Huskkay
09/24/2022, 08:45 AM
Ao Ashi dropped the ball on so many levels. From an outsider's perspective, it looked really promising but ended up being a letdown after diving into it. It's not a horrible sports anime but it is ridden with so many annoyances it sucks out all the fun. Well, watching Ao Ashi never really was accompanied by a high level of fun. At least for me, there was no feeling of hype or energy in the show. First of all, the characters. Aoi is almost a perfect cookie-cutter sports anime main character. Pretty much an always upbeat, goody two-shoes that values friendship and camaraderie above all else. Don'tinsult his friends or family, unless you want him to get really mad. Well, good guy mad. Personally, I also can't get used to his voice and his constant screaming. His gift, which, naturally, catapults him into a league of top-tier players, is highly stylized. Almost to a point, one could argue about it being supernatural. But I am just going to strike it off as an over-the-top visual representation for the viewer. As for the side cast, I don't have much to say. They had no substance and depth. We get a few hints and pieces dropped throughout the show's runtime, but most of it felt lackluster and only got set up to be put in the storeroom for later use. Both girls got a bit shafted as side characters. Once Hana's duty as an amateur therapist and nutritionist was done, she got put on the sidelines. It was time for Girl B, Anri, to move in. Thankfully she knew a few things about football, just in time to help Aoi out. Of course, just like Hana, Anri also developed some feelings for Aoi. Why the romance aspect? And I use romance lightly because it just felt so tacked on. What was the point besides needlessly forcing drama on the screen? If executed well, it could add value to the story, but don't start another subplot if you are already struggling with others. Speaking of drama, Ao Ashi really suffers from a constant flow of low-tier drama. The anime likes to add those extra layers for dramatic effects, which are completely unneeded. It didn't feel natural and most of it was blown out of proportion. Aoi could have thrown a canned coffee on the ground and they would show zoomed shots of everyone's faces with shocked looks on them, while melodramatic music was starting to play in the background. To quickly talk about the "bad" guys, they are written so poorly. They bully and look down on people for the sake of doing it. While the good guys stand up for their friends and ooze love and respect. We got to include that black and white morality somehow. I already mentioned the nonexisting hype, so let's focus on that one next. About 80 % of all the football scenes were boring screen time filler. They had no impact, no engaging hooks, and no remarkable scenes. The same goes for most of the strategy talks as well. Absolutely underwhelming. A handful of moments were pretty alright but they just get overshadowed by all the average filling around it. Every time they played football on screen, it was accompanied by a barrage of thoughts, never-ending dialogue and flashbacks. Establishing a good flow was never an option, it got dragged into a dark alley and shot. The anime is plagued by scenes that drag on way too long for the points they try to get across. Aoi and friends could recite the whole bible before making a play. To wrap it up on a positive note, I do want to mention some of the show's good aspects. The art is consistent and has some nice visuals from time to time. Both openings, as well as the endings, are good at setting the mood. The biggest aspect is the potential. If we get a second season and they handle the narrative and characters with enough care, it could have solid potential. Most side characters just seem way more interesting than our bog-standard main character and with enough finesse, they might even improve the romance subplot.
Fotsuan
09/24/2022, 03:34 AM
Sports anime might be fundamentally similar to each other, but the writing and deliverance can differ a lot. Ao Ashi creates a world full of lessons and hardships, in both football and life. And like most sports anime, it doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of football to appreciate it. The characters are there, the build-up is there, and the emotions are there too, like in any other good anime. The main purpose of this review is to express how well Ao Ashi excels in certain things compared to other sports anime, what it lacks compared to them, and how good it really is overall. Theprotagonist lives in Ehime, a prefecture of Japan that is located on an island and is not famous for its football players. Ashito, who is at a young age, is the best player in his school and is very passionate about football. He decides to try his luck and moves alone to Tokyo, to enter the football powerhouse called Esperion. What I love about Ao Ashi here is how well it portrays the hardships the athlete, their family and friends must struggle with, and how the athlete has to sacrifice everything and leave it all behind, focusing on a single thing – which is football, in our case. There is bittersweet drama and decent character writing. Other than that, there is the test Ashito must face as an outsider, the bullying, the rivalries, and the unsportsmanlike conduct of other players. While on the same time, he works hard, he progresses, and he makes friends and acquaintances. Another point to be made about why Ao Ashi is such a good sports anime is the on-point portrayal of different behaviours inside the football world (coaches, players, managers, nutritionists, etc.) and how everyone plays their own role in the greater image. How Ashito, who wants to improve, will have to face other people who care solely for their own benefit. This is sometimes shown in a harsh way, but at the same time, there are beautiful moments of team spirit and emotions. After all, we are not alone, and we need the strength and faith of people who care about us; this is something else Ao Ashi does well. But the most praiseworthy thing Ao Ashi succeeds in delivering is the difficulty of the sport. Most sports anime take their sports lightly and do not emphasize techniques and serious ways to improve, aside from team spirit and hard work. In Ao Ashi, we know how it is physically exhausting, mentally tiring, and may ruin both your body and psychology. How many techniques have to be taught, how much the athlete must do inside and outside the court, how he has to take care of himself and what huge an emotional capacity is needed. And at the same time, how the trainers can use you for their own benefit without caring about your opinions, and how your teammates can sabotage you or not care about you. As far as character writing is concerned, the most common problem Ao Ashi watchers face is Ashito’s personality. I agree that his behaviour might be annoying at times, but let’s not forget that he’s an immature, ambitious 15-year-old. He is realistic and I hope to see development in his personality in the next seasons; I think it is hinted that there will be. The protagonist matures little by little and views differently his friends, his love interests and even football as a sport. What about the side characters, though? Like I said before, we get to know all different perspectives and behaviours. The main and side casts are detailed, and everyone has a story to support and a dream to pursue. So, whether it is about the matches or the characters, it is not easy to get bored watching Ao Ashi. There is always something interesting going on, and the development is always there. Now, it is worth mentioning that Ao Ashi’s animation is plain and simple, and people who care about flashy animation and non-stop motion often complain about it. To me, the colourful art and the good character designs are enough to make Ao Ashi good visually and aesthetically, so I think there is absolutely no problem with the animation not being fabulous. In addition, the soundtrack is great and creates the perfect atmosphere. OST aside, the opening and ending songs are usually great. The opening sung by Alexandros in the first half is one of the best sports anime openings I have ever heard, since it fits the show’s vibes and radiates a feeling of “hype”. Sadly, the second opening song is not as good, but some people like it due to its good animation… while both ending songs are perfect for closing the episodes. Finally, I would like to mention the original voice-acting cast. It does not feature the most famous names in the industry, but it gives chances to younger voice actors. I do not think the choices were not well-thought though, because the result is positive and I consider the cast great as a whole. Katou Wataru, Yashiro Taku, Oosozu Kouki are all names that could be frequently included in the most-awaited anime in the future. So, what is it that Ao Ashi lacks? As you can understand, since it focuses on a technical and psychological viewpoint this much, some other things are expected to be missing. The first comparison that comes to my mind is with Haikyuu: in the latter, the character dynamics and development during the matches feel stronger, in both main and opponent teams. This is because of the focus on teamwork and the classic “nakama power” that shounen anime tend to show. On the other hand, there are also some scenes where a certain event has occurred before, or a certain technique has been explained to Ashito, and suddenly everyone starts talking about it in the matches – a kind of plot convenience to help the watcher learn more about the sport and see progress. To sum up, to me, Ao Ashi’s pros outnumber its cons and are very interesting, so I consider Ao Ashi a “top tier” sports anime in its own way. It is very different from other sports anime in aspects I have mentioned above, but that’s what makes it worth watching. In the end, it is all a matter of taste and aesthetics, so it is up to the watcher to decide if Ao Ashi is interesting or not – but what it does in terms of writing, it does more than well.
LordSozin
09/24/2022, 03:01 AM
I like Ao Ashi. What I like about Ao Ashi is the emphasis that in the world of football, not everyone is instantly a top star football player who only plays in the frontline like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. In the world of football, a team consisting of multiple talented players in different positions is what makes different players stand out and valuable in the eyes of many football enthusiasts. When a show like Ao Ashi breaks this false perception in the established norm media, it’s a welcoming thing to see because that means a show like Ao Ashi can explore other aspects offootball other than the conventional route. Ao Ashi begins like any other sports series: A high schooler who’s passionate about the sport he plays and strives to be the best at the sport in the hopes of going professional. Aoi Ashito is, by all means, presented to be the usual run-of-the-mill shounen sports series’ protagonist. A character who embodies all of the positive traits there can be. Thankfully, however, the series does break him down and allows him to go through transition phases and progression while maintaining the said traits. What differentiates Ao Ashi from other sports anime alike is the approach in which this is done. The show is very much grounded in reality. It doesn’t have the over-the-top edginess shenanigans to it like many other shounen sports series out there. This then in turn allows Aoi Ashito’s eventual growth as a player and as a person to feel authentic to the viewers. In earlier episodes, besides the struggle in understanding his own capabilities as a football player, Ashito’s also weighed in by the burden he has on his mother and brother. The series emphasizes the importance of his family and how much they have sacrificed for his dreams. Ashito as a player and person is very much molded by his family’s influences. This is why he feels that if he doesn’t succeed in his dreams, it would be a waste of his family’s hard-earned money, time, and devotion to him. This level of investment that the series has for a part of Ashito’s motivation as a character is humbling to me. Because of the series' strong emphasis on this part of him, we can see why he acts the way he does and the drive he has for his passion. It’s this understanding that makes him much more nuanced than what it may appear on the surface. And the series isn’t afraid of reminding Ashito and the viewers about his upbringing from time to time, which is crucial to the journey that Ashito continues to undergo as a football player. This anime develops Ashito and then immediately breaks him down. Similar to Ace of Diamond, Ashito in this series goes through transition phases and that’s how the development of his character comes into play. Throughout the first half of Ao Ashi, we see how Ashito grows comfortable in his position and play style. He’s very forward-minded. All he ever wants to do on the field is to play the striker positions and score goals—a very typical depiction of main leads in football-related media. He wants to become the best of the best solely in that position and when he’s stripped of that position, he’s left distraught and breaks down. Ashito felt as if his soul was ripped from him because scoring goals and playing the forward position was all he ever conditioned himself to do. This further exacerbated his mentality when his friends and family in the past also encouraged him in his so-desired playing style. But changing his desired position also paved a way for a new perspective. Football is a team sport, which is why it was important for Ashito to finally grasp this concept. It’s part of his character development in the series. This also initiated a much-needed contemplation on his part. Upon reflecting on his past, Ashito realized he was selfish and naive before he entered the academy, and after he entered the academy. He realized he never understood what football was despite being his passion. He felt guilty for blindingly indulging in his friends and family’s trust and praises in him for all those years that he preached about becoming a renowned footballer. By playing in a fullback defender position, Aoi Ashito not only learned the lessons that were needed but also about himself—what defines him as a footballer and his abilities. Ao Ashi as a sports anime presents things on a more microscopic level for viewers to understand. Ao Ashi’s majority of the episodes consist of demonstrating the sport on the side of tactical and strategic plays. But it’s largely presented through the eyes of Ashito as he’s the playmaker on the field. This also inevitably leads him to be a “protagonist” who lacks the fundamental knowledge of football even though he was recruited to a supposed prestigious football academy in Japan. Thus when watching the earlier episodes of the series, the pacing can feel really slow even though it’s decently paced given the amount of content from the original source material that was cut in the sacrifice of time. One can argue the quality of the series in this sense. Ao Ashi is very much on the side of presenting strategies, tactics, and how a game of football is played in different scenarios depending on each team’s approaches and the subtle tactical maneuverings on the field. In doing so, not only the pacing is slow, but it’s also at the risk of losing viewers’ attention if the emphasis on the tactical plays doesn’t interest them. For that, it’s up to each individual’s perception. But to me, this aspect of the series adds a great level of depth and it’s meant to be appreciated as there’s a level of enjoyment it holds. The second major setback to Ao Ashi during the earlier episodes is that of animation–or lack thereof. What consists of the fluid animation is not of football matches or character movements, but of slide-show. The directing was subpar to the like of other Production I.G’s sports series. This inevitably adds to the detriment of some viewers' enjoyment. However, evidently, much of that is gone by the second half of the series. The newfound directing and animation reinvigorated Ao Ashi in my eyes. This is also compelled by the fact that the plot was solely focused on moving forward from its trial arc. Much of Ao Ashi lies in the foundations of football. The ways in which some parts are presented aren’t something to be awed over as it does subsume to the wider anime tropes in some aspects. The characters are much of that case. And I can’t say that I’m fond of it. But it does its job given the writing of these characters is true and down to earth—one other thing that keeps the series from indulging into the edgy territory. In the end, the strong suits in Ao Ashi also compensate for it, which makes it more appealing in my eyes. All in all, I really do recommend Ao Ashi. It is something of its own and it does hold its own integrity to the likes of Haikyu and Ace of Diamond.
KANLen09
09/24/2022, 02:56 AM
As a sports connoisseur, I would like to ask you a genuine question: "When was the last time that we actually got a really good sports show, most particularly concerning about soccer/football?" Sure, you have the constant answers of either the modern Inazuma Eleven or the much beloved classic Captain Tsubasa series, but if both aren't your cup of tea, there should be something on the plane of a realistic, young adult-ish setting that showcases all the nerfs of growing in a soccer team. And no, I'm not talking about superpower types like Blue Lock (which is coming next season) nor this season's original "reboot"of Aoki Densetsu Shoot!'s "Shoot! Goal to the Future" which is just plain effing abominable. And we have long since waited for the coming that's released now in the form of Ao Ashi, a manga that since its release in 2015, is still to this day, quite popular in Japan with sales raking in with the latest volumes, and even won in Shogakukan's 65th Manga Awards held in 2020 in the general category. Ao Ashi can mean a lot of things, but most particularly according to its mangaka Yugo Kobayashi, Ao (青 in Kanji) means blue, which is the colour of the Japan National Football team (nicknamed the Samurai Blue) and simultaneously the team's 1st colours (or uniform attire), while Ashi (アシ) means feet. But while Ao also comes from "青春" (Seishun) meaning "youth" or "blue spring"), it also means "blue reed", which represents immaturity, and which is exactly showcasing the story of a young Ashito Aoi on his growing-up journey to play in a soccer team: the prestigious Tokyo City Esperion FC, which is based on the real-life J-League club Kashiwa Reysol, competing in Japan's top-tier J1 League football division. For a trivia, while the Reysol's main sponsor is Hitachi, Esperion's sponsor is Kaido. Both companies have similar mottos: "Inspire the Next" for Hitachi, and "Inspiration Works" for Kaido, despite the former being based in Chiba while Esperion is (clearly) in Tokyo. This is thanks in part to Naohiro Ueno who is a sports journalist, but also the manga's original concept creator and the supervisor/consultant to Yugo Kobayashi on replicating the minute details of soccer/football as closely as possible. So, all of the soccer action that you see in the Western world (UEFA, FIFA, Premier League etc.), you can expect to see it all here in Ao Ashi (which as of this review) is 29 volumes in and is still going strong. And most certainly with the anime's promotion thanks to famed sports studio Production I.G and its broadcast in Japan's national TV station NHK (specifically NHK Educational TV (abbreviated as NHK E), the sister service providing educational content), it wouldn't be surprising if Ao Ashi (like Mairimashita! Iruma-kun, also broadcast on NHK E) could be seen as a potential for a multi-season run for its edutainment purposes. But, backing up to Ao Ashi's premise. It's a simple "rags to riches" story about Ashito Aoi, this talented but difficult to handle boy who is interested in soccer and has been thriving in his home state of Ehime to take his dream into the international stage. However, the tryouts at potential soccer/football teams have crossed him out due to his unorthodox, self-centered way of playing the sport, and he is left with nowhere to go. That's where the rag-tag, messy adult by the name of Tatsuya Fukuda meets him at his downfall, and with a pep talk and an offer to join one of the most prestigous football clubs in Japan: Tokyo Esperion FC. Aoi doesn't make a hesitation to accept his offer and join the club that's brimmering with insane talent across the board, and despite the poor life of a family with a large cashflow sacrifice, with the talent he brings to the club, this is his life-changing story of a thriving changing soccer/football career. Ashito Aoi is akin to a lot of a lot of similarly specced protagonists who have walked the talk before, from the likes of Haikyuu!!'s Shoyo Hinata, Hajime no Ippo's Ippo Makunouchi and Diamond no Ace's Eijun Sawamura. All of them are pure talents at what they do best, but it's at their very own respective institutions that they engage the SWOT analysis: knowing their strengths, working on their weaknesses, improving on their opportunities and alleviating any threats that come their way, be it on an individual or team level with teammates that work alongside them. Yes, there may be not much of a plot to follow, but like every sport, it's essentially a character development story that's based on the protagonist, which in this case is Ashito Aoi and his endeavours in growing in Tokyo City Esperion, learning from the all-time greats and its bunch of team players, working out all the nooks and crannies of each and every strategy and plan, whether in agreement or disagreement that spikes out in celebration or arguments abound. This is the base foundation and hallmark of a growing protagonist, one that's not doused in generic Shonen traits nor tropes, just some pure sportmanship goodness. Similarly, for a growing protagonist to work, there are countless team members working alongside Ashito Aoi on his conquest to reach for the stars and take the world stage by storm, one match at a time. Namely (those that appear the most): Yuuma Motoki, Togashi Keiji, Tachibana Souichirou, Ohtomo Eisaku, Asari Matthews Jun, Kuroda Kanpei and Takeshima Ryuichi, along with the Esperion B Team's Coach Nozomi Date and naturally Tatsuya Fukuda himself, acting as the club's manager and head coach. It's a hard gruelling journey for each and every player (not just with their coveted numbers, Aoi especially with the team's trademark No. 10 in the B team), for everyone learns differently according to their positions that are given and tutored by Coach Nozomi and the fare few seniors overseeing their progress, mastering their crafts and skills to become the best players possible. It's the same when you see your favourite soccer/football players like Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Paul Scholes, Zlatan Ibrahimović and the like training to their very best and then replicating that same training onto the playing field which earns them their prestige titles and insane fame. And this is not just Ashito Aoi's objective, but is something that everyone shares as a goal, for individuality could only get you so far before teamwork becomes essential to reach for the stars. And like every team player, they do have their fair share of fans as well. For Aoi, other than his own family with his very supporting mother Noriko (honestly, one of the best mothers in anime), he/she comes in the form of Hana Ichijo, whom despite the different family name (which later got joint together), is actually Manager Fukuda's younger stepsister. Her essence of presence got its start as a football fan, someone whom she admires when she was young (which is actually Manager Fukuda) and supporting rising stars like Haruhisa Kuribayashi whom made his professional debut at the ripe age of 16, she's now dead set on becoming a sports surgeon with her vast knowledge on nutrition to help the Esperion players grow better. How she got acquainted with Aoi is merely a coincidence that he in his earlier stages would not stand out amongst the crowd to excel if he continues that way, and Hana famously proclaiming that she is his "first fan in the world" sets the journey of the two in the soccer/football space as through the thick and thin, the genuine and the misunderstandings (which has a hint of romance to it, but only as a minor thing), they both grow in their own individual ways, closer to one another but yet maintaining that distance as to not impede the protagonist on his way to the world stage. In some ways, they do look well together, but secretly inside, it's the Aoi × Hana ship that both the manga and (now) anime fans can look forward to the most. I really love Hana's character of what she brings to the table, and she is a dynamic dynamite girl whom Aoi could be proud of her standing and supporting by his side. Of course, there's the Esperion's sponsor Kaido Electric's daughter Anri Kaido, though she has inept on-the-ground experience to try and coach Aoi in improving his skills, none can touch the one-hit wonder that is his and Hana's relationship as the biggest fan and the constantly improving player. When it comes to sports shows, you can always trust Production I.G to go above and beyond to make justice or even exceed the experience of the source materials, as it always has been for Haikyuu!!, Kuroko no Basket and Tennis no Ouji-sama a.k.a Prince of Tennis. And Ao Ashi is certainly no different in the studio's ethos to always respect the roots of whatever they are adapting and keeping it to the high standards of consistency. Most particularly, this is newbie director Akira Sato's 2nd directorial work after Lay-Duce's 2018 show Release the Spyce, and he certainly has used the former to learn of his shortcomings and improve all of it on Ao Ashi, which it really shows. I would love to see him come back for future seasons to continue the great work, as is Production I.G doing a knock-out "GOAL!!!" job of replicating the feeling of exhilaration on the matches as realistic as possible. The music...eh, I would either take it or leave it as it definitely feels Shonen-ish at best. Don't get me wrong, [Alexandros]'s 1st Cour OP is a good song to kickstart Ashito's career and show his growth in the beginning stages, and Rinne's "Blue Diary" is a fairly good one in spots as well. But the 2nd Cour, while it has better visuals to back up, the OST for that is pretty forgettable. Think that I'm too used to Haikyuu!! once having BURNOUT SYNDROMES for an OP, and that OP slapped like power inflicting onto the volleyball. This is the minor nitpick and where the show falters, but not enough to diminish the enjoyment of the anime as a whole. I hope that this is only the beginning for more great things to come, because mangaka Yugo Kobayashi is definitely not slowing down on the weekly chapter serialization, and the anime at this juncture can last for at least 2 more seasons strong. Nevertheless, a great return to form for soccer/football anime...and gotta pass through the Blue Lock first before getting back into the Blue Reed's mature standpoint.
N1ghtWalker
09/24/2022, 02:52 AM
The story follows Ashito Aoi, the protagonist of the story, who is arrogant and self-centered. He initially thought his ability to score goals would be the difference-maker for his team, but eventually realized the value of playing as a team, now his prior understanding of football has to be revised. However, because of his stubbornness and his unwavering desire to succeed as a professional football player so that he can support his family, he is very dedicated to learning and making a career in football work. The story feels realistic, with solid character development and decent pacing. Life isn't a Disney ride, if you wantsomething, you will have to earn it through hard work, dedication, and determination. It explores the challenges, every player has to face on and off the field to achieve their goal of becoming a professional football player. Additionally, It highlights the significance of coaches and their effect on players as well as the obstacles every player must overcome in order to succeed. Furthermore, you'll be moved to tears and laughter, and come to appreciate the value of family and friends. Overall a very well-written sports anime. No anime is perfect, and this one is no exception. Though there aren't many noticeable flaws within the characters or the sports aspects, some plots lack depth. Especially the tactical and analytical portions of the story are poorly arranged, and simple things are overly exaggerated which made some of the story's scenes incredibly irritating to watch. Furthermore, while the story is mainly aimed at mature audiences because it belongs to the Seinen demographic, it doesn't always feel like it. It's one of those shows that will make you wonder about its target audience. At the end of the day, it's still fictional writing, the story has its own unique approach. It wasn't trying to be a masterpiece; it simply wanted to be an entertaining sports anime, which it succeeds at.

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Ao Ashi アオアシ

Second Season of 'Ao Ashi' Announced for 2026

North American Anime & Manga Releases for June

North American Anime & Manga Releases for May

'Ao Ashi' Announces Supporting Cast, Theme Song Artists

Spring 2022 Simulcast List [Update 6/1]

Spring 2022 Preview

'Ao Ashi' Reveals Additional Cast, Theme Song Artists, First Promo

'Ao Ashi' Announces Additional Cast

'Ao Ashi' Announces Pair of Additional Cast

'Ao Ashi' TV Anime Unveils Staff, Cast, Teaser Promo

Manga 'Ao Ashi' Receives TV Anime for Spring 2022