APOLOGIES FOR THE CUTS - PLEASE READ A few had to be made on 21/06 due to a copyright issue. Thankfully they're not too major and dont change the meaning of the video as a whole. Edit: In a few days, I'll be reuploading without the cuts - if you want to see that version instead, if you subscribe you'll get it pushed to you when it's ready
This video was a masterpiece. It still is, but to be completely honest, yes the jump cuts do dampen the lustre. Given that it’s a highly performing video for your channel and there would be effort to edit and upload a new version we totally understand if you don’t want to go down that route. Whatever you decide is ok. Don’t let this get you down and keep up the great work.
Does the uncut version still exist somewhere? maybe you could upload it unlisted or smthn? Some of the cuts feel very abrupt, you could maybe download this video and fill in the parts you had to cut with different scenes
I do think it’s interesting when people mention how a side character outshines a main character, especially in terms of Haikyuu because, at the end of the day, Oikawa and Hinata are very similar in their fears and anxieties and basically have the same arc; they just have different reasons for feeling the way they do. There is Oikawa who is working so hard in a sport he loves, while feeling like he can NEVER compete with and succeed against those who are just naturally GIFTED at the sport, and then there’s Hinata who was not able to participate in the sport he loved for years, feeling like he will NEVER be able to catch up to those who were GIFTED to be able to play the sport earlier than him. Both of them have the same feeling of anxiety. Of just not being good enough, of feeling that this might be their limit, of never being able to catch up or keep from being overtaken. Both have that drive to want to keep getting stronger. Doing and saying rash things in moments of fear. I think people do tend to lean towards Oikawa being more interesting and “better written” because we as an audience can his growth and fears in spurts. We get a lot of information in those moments. With Hinata, because he is the MC, his arc has to be taken from START to FINISH, in order to us to make that connection that he and Oikawa were not so different. Which is why (((SPOILERS))) Furudate having Oikawa and Hinata go overseas in order to get better and to have them meet each other in a time where both of them were feeling down just shows how very similar their arcs are meant to be. And that writer wanted to seal the deal. The fact Hinata and Oikawa helped remind each other, during that week in the Brazil arc, how much they both loved volleyball and why they were taking this chance. Their eventual friendship, the connection that they have that no other character has, is just so important to the story and their characters ❤ And I hope to God that arc gets animated. And we can finally see how much Oikawa and Hinata relate to one another. Rather than just Oikawa. But that’s just me gushing overall. Great video btw! ❤
I never realised until I sat down to make this video how similar the 2 are, and yeah I'm PRAYING it gets animated too because it's my favourite arc in manga lol
@@LessonsFromAnime tbh until the Brazil arc, I didn’t really make the connection. I had wanted them to interaction more outside of Kageyama ofc but it never occurred to me as to why lol. But the Brazil arc jumped in the top arcs for me, once I made that connection. In the end, that was accumulation of both of their arcs and them overcoming that last hump. The fact that both of them ending up proving themselves at the end is *chefs kiss* writing Me too! I need the Brazil arc and Jackals vs Adlers game so bad 😭 I pray we’ll at least get 1 last movie…
i love comments like these. just things that other people noticed that i haven't picked up yet. shows how much these artists and writers think about their art, and how much there is to learn from it.
THIS IS GOLD. I have just recently started rewatching haikyuu, with a new pair of eyes. I found myself enjoying greatly oikawa's character. What i had missed on the first and second time, focusing on karasuno, blinded me to what i then realized was the best character development, and you did a 30m analysis on everything I've been processing this las week. Thank you
It's the fact that he is an Ordinary man still standing on a court, which he lost to monsters... that honestly makes me admire him so much.... the entire time his only obstacle was himself and the only way he and I differentiate is that he beat himself and is currently moving on, while I'm still stuck here only just now realizing that fact
man the constant fear of someone being better than you, especially a prodigy is so damn relatable. I found him kinda annoying at first but then i slowly began to realize there was more to the picture than his huge pride.
Thanks for this analysis of Oikawa. I liked him from the start as I tend to enjoy arrogant antagonists a lot. This review shows just how much deeper Oikawa is. There are so many brilliant layers to his personality- especially his insecurities and his uphill struggle against many genius players.
I read this somewhere else but the original person but that if Oikawa went to Shiratorizawa, he'd just be another Semi for their team and I think about that a lot. Oikawa made the best decision to never go to Shiratorizawa
I adore Oikawa. I know he would lose because plot but I rooted for him every single second, on or off screen. Even YEARS after, I love him. I still watch the series again and again... for HIM.
@@kulilu663 Saying that they won because of the plot would be implying that they couldn't have beat them otherwise. Which is wrong. Their efforts, chara development showed that they beat Seijoh because this time, they had the stronger team. So yeah, sorry but Furudate isn't lazy enough to create characters and stroryline for fans to say that Karasuno beat their opponent because of the plot. If they were, they would have had Karasuno beat Seijoh in season 1.
Oikawa literally has nothing but courage on his end. He has to lead a group of admittedly very good team mates, but they all know that the players they are up against ARE ALL EQUALLY LOOKING TO FEAST ON HIS TEAM.
Tbh in my head canon i’ve always believed oikawa won that… it’s so Poetic how all his main monsters ushikawa-hinata-kageyama were in one team and he finally won against them even working together.
first time watching your video, immediately subbed. This, this is the kind of indept analysis I want, it is what I need. Because I get the feeling of the lessons but I cannot put them into words. Or simply, I just did not pay attention to the character because they're not the mcs
29:35 IS in the manga, by the way... drawn as a "sketch-y" extra at the end of volume 17 (i've got the physical book), they later animated it into the movie. Also ushiwaka's name is Ushijima Wakatoshi, not Ushiwaka Wakatoshi 😂 Thanks for making the vid. Oikawa and his sublimely powerful writing always brings me to tears 😭😭😭
Oikawa and Hinata meeting up in Brazil was very wholesome and I loved that small interaction so much! While Oikawa was an antagonist, he is still just another person that loves volleyball, and off the court, it is nice to see him being friendly with Hinata.
I have been spoiled beyond belief since I was the one who was like “nice essay, I’m enthralled and I don’t think I’ll ever watch Haikyuu anyway so it’s all fine” but now that I’ve finished I have been convinced to watch Haikyuu. Very well done. From that 30 second intro and a knowledge of my own person, I knew I was gonna be down bad for Oikawa’s journey. How am I ever going to watch the series normally for the first time now!?
incredible video!!! i've been a fan of haikyuu for 9 years now and couldn't figure out why as an adult (vs a middle schooler) my favorite characters changed so much throughout the show. oikawa somehow became one of my favorites over the span of almost a decade, but i think this video clearly spells out the reason why adults connect to his story so deeply. it's a story about struggle, winning, losing, getting lost, finding the forgotten love for an old passion, making peace with the past and moving on to greater heights. it's the same path every person figuring out their way in life faces. haikyuu as a story guided me into life by giving me many beautiful life lessons, and yet oikawa's story is my favorite because it's the most relatable, and the most inspirational. thank you for this video
what so great about Oikawa's character is that he's no genius, he's no prodigy whatsoever who got stucked in a world full of genius monsters but still able to keep up and even excels them at some point. his willingness to learn, do the hard work and practice hard, everything we're also trying to do so that we're not left behind.
It’s also due to his understanding. He works with what he’s got and those with him aren’t focusing on life revolving around volleyball. I don’t think anybody else continues to pro volleyball. You put him on his final team and it changes everything for him. Dudes an asshole but not. He’s understanding of his teammates and all their weaknesses and faults
If he played with these monsters he wouldn’t have pushed himself as much as he did. Was probably a good thing long term to be on that weak team. Hr wasn’t a genius so he played without geniuses to show he could make it himself If he had a genius he would rely on them more and wouldn’t have pulled a hinata and develop his entire game to make it pro
The ending made my so emotional. I haven't read the manga but am familiar with what happens in general. But I didn't know the details, and knowing the Oikawa finally made it to the top himself brought me to tears.
Could you do a video about Kageyama ?? He may be one of the main characters, a lot of people think they know him while they actually, don't. He's very well written but is misunderstood, and while there are a lot of videos debunking characters like Oikawa or Tsukishima, I never see videos about Kageyama, even though there are so many things to say.
Oh my, how I loved this, man. Not gonna lie, I love SO MANY characters in Haikyuu, but the sheer, unkillable intent of outperforming all his rivals and come out on top might set Oikawa as my number 1. And truthfully, I just love how this series made me think "I NEED to see Atsumu actually set for Hinata one day" and then "I ABSOLUTELY NEED to see Oikawa set for Hinata one day. Maybe we're going to get some more special chapters along the way, for example, when the next movie comes out or on some anniversary. I think Furudate-sensei might be up for this. And of course, I hope he's going to cook something new in coming years - I love his storytelling.
I suddenly realized that, I'm in sympathy with Oikawa. Like, I've been to VB for a very long time and honestly, I feel bad about myself. This is because, eversince I was young, I've been to VB (I started VB when I was in my 4th grade). And everytime, I would always see myself as: lacking, weak, and that I need to always compete so that I may also be recognized. But little did I know that, I'm starting to look away from things that "I can do", but I always compare myself to what others "can do". Honestly, this one is heartbraking yet liberating at the same time. This gave me a slap of realization. Because of this, I was able to finally internalize within myself that, not just in VB but also to life, that I too will have my own time. Time will come for me to able for me to fully shine and bring out the best in me. In Filipino we say, "darating din ang panahon para sa akin". Thank you for this wholesome content 😊🙏🏐
This made me cry! I have so much love for Oikawa but he is so often mischaracterized, hope everybody who misunderstands him could watch this! Thank you! You did an amazing job. ❤
I really wish the author will give us an extra game just to finish the final Olympic game, now that the 2024 Olympics is coming up and the haikyuu movie did so well, it's stupid not to invest on the show again
This essay resumes everything I love about Oikawa, he began as a character I really didnt like, until I get to know him better and what he represents. He's vulnerable, overly critical of himself, insecure but he's also bold, he faces every challenge head on. And as inspiration for the readers, hard work can pay off. You don't know how long it will take but it's worth it. Thanks for this.
But it was always about hard work. There isn't a single character in Haikyu who doesn't work hard. Oikawa's character development doesn't mean that hard work pays off (which has no sense, of course hard work pays off), it means that sometimes, to reach your goals, you may have to take another road.
No because by the time the special chapter comes out, the main draw for oikawa to participate in the games isn’t beating ushiwaka or kageyama-it’s the opportunity to set for hinata. Not only does he no longer need to prove himself, after starting with no one to set for him, it shows hinata has truly become a hitter all the setters want to set for
And the perfect resolution to his arc is actually the special ending to the live action all stars game where oikawa and hinata win and there’s a beautiful interaction where oikawa asks ushijima what he thinks of his petty pride now, and ushiwaka simply grins and says he thinks it’s remarkable. It’s hard to find but it’s so good
I truly am beating myself for not finding this channel previously. However I am so glad that I finally found it. To be honest I have seen Haikyuu three to four times, but I have never really thought about the character of Oikawa so much in depth. I am truly impressed how well you analyze the characters and put forward your views in a very simple and easy language. Hats off to you.
This youtube channel has actually helped me alot I've always admired the idea of using people's favourite shows and favourite characters to teach valuable lessons Thank you ❤
i was emotional listening to this because I am currently in the slumps and dont know what to do but I always turn to haikyuu for inspiration so im crying a bit but then i heard the Kuroo and his con-man vibe and had to check the subtitles to make sure i heard it correctly, it lighten my mood a lot. thank you
I just finished rewatching and even though I know how it ends (manga reader too) I just wanted him to win. The list of people I could never hate from this show and he is two three
I love oikawa. He is also the reason i love michael kaiser from blue lock. Their epithets are similar. One is called "the great king " , the other is called "the god's chosen emperor". And yes both are "villains" in the stories, but such good characters.
37:20 The best part is that, even if Team Japan loses to Argentina and Oikawa, it would make sense both narratively and realistically, since Hinata and Kageyama has nothing to lose by losing this match, they're just as strong as the International players and Oikawa, if not even better, and both teams feel like the protagonist and antagonist, if Japan wins, Japan gets their revenge while Oikawa fails his yet again, and if Argentina wins, Oikawa finally gets his revenge, Team Japan crumbles yet again to sheer height and power, and yet either one winning won't be proof of anything. Argentina winning would mean Japan didn't lose because their best player (most likely the best) is from Japan, and Japan winning would mean they finally overcame that wall of height and strength, whilst beating one of their best players who's on the other team. But after everything that has happened, I truly believe that Oikawa and Argentina really did win this final match of the story.
When analyzing Oikawa's view on the "monsters" it's interesting to compare the facial expression of Atsumu after he experiences Hinata's attack for the first time with Oikawas. Atsumu's expression is one of admiration and pure, childlike admiration, whereas Oikawa's is one of fear. This is really interesting and highly relevant in real life, as those who do well can isolate themselves from the world and its expectations and be completely engrossed in the game. Physical ability is one part of the multivariate equation of performance. Oikawa has the skill, but he symbolizes those who are held back by their mentality. His development, and something as simple as his expression change when watching greatness on the other side of the net, portrays the importance of distancing yourself from self-destructing thoughts.
Oikawa is such an underrated character if they were to ever make a spinoff or manga series based on one haikyuu character it would have to be oikawa for damn sure
I think is very clear that Oikawa won. the last game 1- everyone in the time skip with the exception of Ushijima kept and fufilled their promise. Aone was able to block Hinata in the next year, and Datte Tech went to the nationals. Hoshiumi waited for Hinata in the pros Inarizaki defeated Karasuno in the next year and later Atsumu set to Hinata Hinata defeats Kageyama. Oikawa kept playing volleyball and he promised to defeat everyone. 2- we know Argentina was the stronger team, we are told that they defeated Japan in the last 3 games they played. 3- Ushijima never cared about defeating Oikawa, the rivalry was always one sided, and when Ushijima lost to Karasuno he told them that he would defeat them next, what does he tell to Kuroo in the 402.1 chapter? That he wants to play against Oikawa. He also does not look down on Oikawa's pride and tell him that he finds it awesome in the 402.2 chapter, and more telling than eveything Oikawa is happy with the anwser. He finally conquered everything that he needed. And Oikawa is showed to be more pissed at Atsumu than at Ushijima.
This vid got me teary with a lump in my throat almost the whole time. These themes hit really hard. As an illustrator, I love to gush over other people's works, but at the same time looking at them I often fall into the pit of "there are so many talented artists, look at this, how can I even compare, why should anyone pick me if I were to fully dedicate myself to this" etc. It's a mixed feeling, sometimes it drives me to practice more, study their style and what they do, sometimes while studying them and seeing how hard it is to replicate their techniques, I find it frustrating, to the point of almost giving up. It's not easy to accept your skills as what they are in the present, and it's even harder to think that you can improve to higher levels, reaching or even surpassing those you admire. But if you don't try, you never will.
I know people have theories but i can't help it, reminds me of the fandom's internal joke when we just assumed Argentina won-because in reality, Tokyo Olympic 2020, Argentina DID win against Japan 😭😭😂😂 so much satisfying memes, oh my god.... 😂🤣🤣 P.s. I love the way furudate-sensei fulfil promises. 😭💖
This is an excellent analysis, thank you! Oikawa was my favourite for the first two seasons, and you make many great points about his character. Though to be fair, Haikyuu is chock-full of great characters; It's impossible to choose just one. There's much one can from Furudate sensei about writing. Haikyuu is a masterpiece. My favourite manga/anime. I can't think of a story, in any medium, that packs so much inspiration, so many valuable lessons, in a frame so seemingly simple. I'll treasure it for as long as I live.
i am genuinely obsessed with your video essays. they have so much heart and soul and they genuinely make me so happy. the tsukishima one made me cry, because your take made me realize i related to him in a way i never knew. i’ve been a fan of haikyuu for 4 years, but rewatching the show and watching these essays have made the show so much more. please continue to make these videos. they mean a lot to so many people. thanks for all you do 🩷
Incredible, Oikawa is such a fantastic antagonist and him literally beating EVERYONE (all the monsters, everyone he was terrified of and some he didn’t get to play, but would've been terrified of if he did) is the perfect ending
At 17:20 I felt like you were talking directly to me. I dedicated my life to sport, realizing that I wanted to make it a professional career too late. Now at 26, I often feel like I'm finished, cooked and boiled. However what you say is correct: I DIDN'T hit the limit of my abilities. That's for sure. Thank you a lot for this video, I loved it from the beginning to the end.
As someone who is studying in a conservatory and facing something similar to Oikawa, I learned that talent can only get you so far. If you don't practice or hone your skill you will fall off. I hope I get similar results as Oikawa one day.
i have been watching your haikyuu videos almost religiously for the past week or so and haikyuu is that one anime and manga that has tremendously changed my life. oikawa has been my favourite character and you got the characterization and was able to pick up and articulate so many things and i'm just so happy i got to see the masterpiece of this video. and also that you did go into the manga chapters because they are all so instrumental to his character!! looking forward to more haikyuu ones :"))
APOLOGIES FOR THE CUTS - PLEASE READ
A few had to be made on 21/06 due to a copyright issue. Thankfully they're not too major and dont change the meaning of the video as a whole.
Edit: In a few days, I'll be reuploading without the cuts - if you want to see that version instead, if you subscribe you'll get it pushed to you when it's ready
I watched the video now, and didn't notice any abrupt cuts as such. This was still a good vid, though I haven't watched the previous version
This video was a masterpiece. It still is, but to be completely honest, yes the jump cuts do dampen the lustre.
Given that it’s a highly performing video for your channel and there would be effort to edit and upload a new version we totally understand if you don’t want to go down that route. Whatever you decide is ok.
Don’t let this get you down and keep up the great work.
Does the uncut version still exist somewhere? maybe you could upload it unlisted or smthn? Some of the cuts feel very abrupt, you could maybe download this video and fill in the parts you had to cut with different scenes
I also wanted him to win more than anything, So bad I didn't care who really was the main character, He reminds me a whole lot of me.
Will be reuploading soon
Behind every insurmountable "talent" there's an unfathomable drive to climb higher than what’s possible.
Very great way of summarizing the concept concisely
What's that old saying? Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard?
@@warren1078 It is a very misleading quote, unlike what the OG comment said which practically summarizes Oikawa's story about talent and hardwork
I do think it’s interesting when people mention how a side character outshines a main character, especially in terms of Haikyuu because, at the end of the day, Oikawa and Hinata are very similar in their fears and anxieties and basically have the same arc; they just have different reasons for feeling the way they do. There is Oikawa who is working so hard in a sport he loves, while feeling like he can NEVER compete with and succeed against those who are just naturally GIFTED at the sport, and then there’s Hinata who was not able to participate in the sport he loved for years, feeling like he will NEVER be able to catch up to those who were GIFTED to be able to play the sport earlier than him.
Both of them have the same feeling of anxiety. Of just not being good enough, of feeling that this might be their limit, of never being able to catch up or keep from being overtaken. Both have that drive to want to keep getting stronger. Doing and saying rash things in moments of fear.
I think people do tend to lean towards Oikawa being more interesting and “better written” because we as an audience can his growth and fears in spurts. We get a lot of information in those moments. With Hinata, because he is the MC, his arc has to be taken from START to FINISH, in order to us to make that connection that he and Oikawa were not so different.
Which is why
(((SPOILERS)))
Furudate having Oikawa and Hinata go overseas in order to get better and to have them meet each other in a time where both of them were feeling down just shows how very similar their arcs are meant to be. And that writer wanted to seal the deal. The fact Hinata and Oikawa helped remind each other, during that week in the Brazil arc, how much they both loved volleyball and why they were taking this chance. Their eventual friendship, the connection that they have that no other character has, is just so important to the story and their characters ❤
And I hope to God that arc gets animated. And we can finally see how much Oikawa and Hinata relate to one another. Rather than just Oikawa. But that’s just me gushing overall.
Great video btw! ❤
Yeah this is the same thoughts I have about this two everytime I re-read the series I always amazed buy the fact how similar their journey's are
One of the greatest stories ever told
I never realised until I sat down to make this video how similar the 2 are, and yeah I'm PRAYING it gets animated too because it's my favourite arc in manga lol
@@LessonsFromAnime tbh until the Brazil arc, I didn’t really make the connection. I had wanted them to interaction more outside of Kageyama ofc but it never occurred to me as to why lol. But the Brazil arc jumped in the top arcs for me, once I made that connection. In the end, that was accumulation of both of their arcs and them overcoming that last hump. The fact that both of them ending up proving themselves at the end is *chefs kiss* writing
Me too! I need the Brazil arc and Jackals vs Adlers game so bad 😭 I pray we’ll at least get 1 last movie…
I love this insight so much. It's the same for me, I've never really thought much about their similarities up until that arc. They better animate it 🥹
I like how there are no animals reprensting oikawa its like he's the only human in the world of monsters
i love comments like these. just things that other people noticed that i haven't picked up yet. shows how much these artists and writers think about their art, and how much there is to learn from it.
That's a nice detail
He’s a tree
Pretty sure that Aoba Johsai is represented by plants
seijoh is a castle and oikawa is the king/commander
"No matter how hard I try I'll never be good enough",
"If you try hard enough you'll gain something far greater"
Roger that
Negative mindset
Never forget that value of finding someone vastly better than you as a mentor.
They definitely should’ve given Oikawa a chance to shine after the entire series. I always thought he gave off that “final-boss” vibe.
*SPOILERSSSSSS*
The fact that he was one of the major factors as to why the Argentinian team was defeating Japan, I think we got what you wanted lmao
Who's gonna tell him 😭
Oh SNAP
Boy, I got some good news for you
@@sarthakvarshney7784 It wasn’t really fleshed out though in the manga. Also, that part of series might not receive the opportunity to be animated.
So glad that you just unlisted this video instead of fully making it private
With his "Useless Pride", The Great King reclaimed his crown.
THIS IS GOLD. I have just recently started rewatching haikyuu, with a new pair of eyes.
I found myself enjoying greatly oikawa's character. What i had missed on the first and second time, focusing on karasuno, blinded me to what i then realized was the best character development, and you did a 30m analysis on everything I've been processing this las week. Thank you
Fantastic video right there buddy ! Made me feel the hot blooded passion I felt through watching the anime for the first time !
Glad you enjoyed it!
It's the fact that he is an Ordinary man still standing on a court, which he lost to monsters... that honestly makes me admire him so much.... the entire time his only obstacle was himself and the only way he and I differentiate is that he beat himself and is currently moving on, while I'm still stuck here only just now realizing that fact
Oikawa was never a villain. Only a rival and a good one at that.
Pinned comment
I am crying 😭 I love Oikawa so much, I am so happy to see he probably got what he was fighting for at the end
Great content; have you ever thought of doing videos for Kuroko no Basket characters?
man the constant fear of someone being better than you, especially a prodigy is so damn relatable. I found him kinda annoying at first but then i slowly began to realize there was more to the picture than his huge pride.
Thanks for this analysis of Oikawa. I liked him from the start as I tend to enjoy arrogant antagonists a lot. This review shows just how much deeper Oikawa is. There are so many brilliant layers to his personality- especially his insecurities and his uphill struggle against many genius players.
I read this somewhere else but the original person but that if Oikawa went to Shiratorizawa, he'd just be another Semi for their team and I think about that a lot. Oikawa made the best decision to never go to Shiratorizawa
I adore Oikawa. I know he would lose because plot but I rooted for him every single second, on or off screen. Even YEARS after, I love him. I still watch the series again and again... for HIM.
Don't insult the author's writing by saying Oikawa lost because plot... 🤦♀
@@Nuneliiit's not an insult tho. Karasuno needed to beat Oikawa and his team in that arc because the plot wouldn't have continued otherwisw
@@kulilu663 exactly this. i didn't insult anything.
@@kulilu663 Saying that they won because of the plot would be implying that they couldn't have beat them otherwise. Which is wrong. Their efforts, chara development showed that they beat Seijoh because this time, they had the stronger team. So yeah, sorry but Furudate isn't lazy enough to create characters and stroryline for fans to say that Karasuno beat their opponent because of the plot. If they were, they would have had Karasuno beat Seijoh in season 1.
@@Nunelii ok whatever helps you sleep at night i guess
Glad the video is back after the copyright claim.
Oikawa: Hard work beats talent when talent doesnt work hard
Hinata: *sometimes, it pays to be absolutely obsessed*
Oikawa literally has nothing but courage on his end. He has to lead a group of admittedly very good team mates, but they all know that the players they are up against ARE ALL EQUALLY LOOKING TO FEAST ON HIS TEAM.
I randomly read a Haikyu book from the middle of the series and found it really hard to root for the main characters instead of the “villain”
Tbh in my head canon i’ve always believed oikawa won that… it’s so
Poetic how all his main monsters ushikawa-hinata-kageyama were in one team and he finally won against them even working together.
I can't even imagine his expression after he did haha
first time watching your video, immediately subbed. This, this is the kind of indept analysis I want, it is what I need. Because I get the feeling of the lessons but I cannot put them into words. Or simply, I just did not pay attention to the character because they're not the mcs
Awesome, thank you!
29:35 IS in the manga, by the way... drawn as a "sketch-y" extra at the end of volume 17 (i've got the physical book), they later animated it into the movie. Also ushiwaka's name is Ushijima Wakatoshi, not Ushiwaka Wakatoshi 😂
Thanks for making the vid. Oikawa and his sublimely powerful writing always brings me to tears 😭😭😭
Oikawa and Hinata meeting up in Brazil was very wholesome and I loved that small interaction so much! While Oikawa was an antagonist, he is still just another person that loves volleyball, and off the court, it is nice to see him being friendly with Hinata.
my faourite haikyuu characters :
number 1: oikawa toru
number 2: bokuto
number 3: takeda sensei
number 4: hinata shoyo
number 5: daichi
This is where so many story tellers fail. Making the villain too likeable.
For today you happen to be the defeated one but what will you become tomorrow these is one best quotes in anime history
I have been spoiled beyond belief since I was the one who was like “nice essay, I’m enthralled and I don’t think I’ll ever watch Haikyuu anyway so it’s all fine” but now that I’ve finished I have been convinced to watch Haikyuu. Very well done. From that 30 second intro and a knowledge of my own person, I knew I was gonna be down bad for Oikawa’s journey. How am I ever going to watch the series normally for the first time now!?
It'll still be brilliant dw!
Midousuji Akira from Yowamushi Pedal still my favorite antagonist in sport anime.
Oikawa come second for me
Thank you for the spoil warning
incredible video!!! i've been a fan of haikyuu for 9 years now and couldn't figure out why as an adult (vs a middle schooler) my favorite characters changed so much throughout the show. oikawa somehow became one of my favorites over the span of almost a decade, but i think this video clearly spells out the reason why adults connect to his story so deeply. it's a story about struggle, winning, losing, getting lost, finding the forgotten love for an old passion, making peace with the past and moving on to greater heights. it's the same path every person figuring out their way in life faces. haikyuu as a story guided me into life by giving me many beautiful life lessons, and yet oikawa's story is my favorite because it's the most relatable, and the most inspirational. thank you for this video
every year the relevance of oikawa’s brilliance takes place in another video essay
Man come on , I am emotionally destroyed , no words even to say ,u blow my mind
Oikawa isn’t a villain, he’s more of an antagonist
Pinned comment
No shit, he ain't a bad guy
Oikawa "Finger pointing" scène and that play is my top 5 moment of the series till now.
Yoshikage Kira was that charcater for me.
Talent is overrated. Ken Watanabe… I mean, Oikawa is a “villain” who became my hero.
This video made me cry
what so great about Oikawa's character is that he's no genius, he's no prodigy whatsoever who got stucked in a world full of genius monsters but still able to keep up and even excels them at some point. his willingness to learn, do the hard work and practice hard, everything we're also trying to do so that we're not left behind.
It’s also due to his understanding. He works with what he’s got and those with him aren’t focusing on life revolving around volleyball. I don’t think anybody else continues to pro volleyball.
You put him on his final team and it changes everything for him.
Dudes an asshole but not. He’s understanding of his teammates and all their weaknesses and faults
If he played with these monsters he wouldn’t have pushed himself as much as he did. Was probably a good thing long term to be on that weak team. Hr wasn’t a genius so he played without geniuses to show he could make it himself
If he had a genius he would rely on them more and wouldn’t have pulled a hinata and develop his entire game to make it pro
You're so criminally underrated it's annoying. Your level of content deserves way way more attention
Lit
Preach
First time finding this channel, what an amazing video
Agreed
New to channel and I agree
Now I want them to do a Haiykuu OVA from Oikawa’s perspective
The ending made my so emotional. I haven't read the manga but am familiar with what happens in general. But I didn't know the details, and knowing the Oikawa finally made it to the top himself brought me to tears.
Could you do a video about Kageyama ?? He may be one of the main characters, a lot of people think they know him while they actually, don't. He's very well written but is misunderstood, and while there are a lot of videos debunking characters like Oikawa or Tsukishima, I never see videos about Kageyama, even though there are so many things to say.
Definitely will one day!
@@LessonsFromAnime Great !!
I like this video but the amount of ads that are in here is annoying
I had no idea this anime would ever have such an impact on me
He's MY GOAT!. Oikawa!. The best character in the whole series
Oh my, how I loved this, man. Not gonna lie, I love SO MANY characters in Haikyuu, but the sheer, unkillable intent of outperforming all his rivals and come out on top might set Oikawa as my number 1. And truthfully, I just love how this series made me think "I NEED to see Atsumu actually set for Hinata one day" and then "I ABSOLUTELY NEED to see Oikawa set for Hinata one day.
Maybe we're going to get some more special chapters along the way, for example, when the next movie comes out or on some anniversary. I think Furudate-sensei might be up for this. And of course, I hope he's going to cook something new in coming years - I love his storytelling.
It makes me sad these chapters are not going to get adapted properly. It was one of the best manga endings IMO.
I suddenly realized that, I'm in sympathy with Oikawa. Like, I've been to VB for a very long time and honestly, I feel bad about myself. This is because, eversince I was young, I've been to VB (I started VB when I was in my 4th grade). And everytime, I would always see myself as: lacking, weak, and that I need to always compete so that I may also be recognized. But little did I know that, I'm starting to look away from things that "I can do", but I always compare myself to what others "can do".
Honestly, this one is heartbraking yet liberating at the same time. This gave me a slap of realization. Because of this, I was able to finally internalize within myself that, not just in VB but also to life, that I too will have my own time. Time will come for me to able for me to fully shine and bring out the best in me.
In Filipino we say, "darating din ang panahon para sa akin".
Thank you for this wholesome content 😊🙏🏐
This made me cry! I have so much love for Oikawa but he is so often mischaracterized, hope everybody who misunderstands him could watch this! Thank you! You did an amazing job. ❤
I really wish the author will give us an extra game just to finish the final Olympic game, now that the 2024 Olympics is coming up and the haikyuu movie did so well, it's stupid not to invest on the show again
Maybe he will
This essay resumes everything I love about Oikawa, he began as a character I really didnt like, until I get to know him better and what he represents.
He's vulnerable, overly critical of himself, insecure but he's also bold, he faces every challenge head on. And as inspiration for the readers, hard work can pay off. You don't know how long it will take but it's worth it.
Thanks for this.
But it was always about hard work. There isn't a single character in Haikyu who doesn't work hard. Oikawa's character development doesn't mean that hard work pays off (which has no sense, of course hard work pays off), it means that sometimes, to reach your goals, you may have to take another road.
This genuinely made me happy. Great video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Crazy Hinata made it on the national team even though he was never called up for youth
Same with Oikawa!
this video is so beautifully explained🥹 thank you for making this!
You're so welcome!
No because by the time the special chapter comes out, the main draw for oikawa to participate in the games isn’t beating ushiwaka or kageyama-it’s the opportunity to set for hinata. Not only does he no longer need to prove himself, after starting with no one to set for him, it shows hinata has truly become a hitter all the setters want to set for
And the perfect resolution to his arc is actually the special ending to the live action all stars game where oikawa and hinata win and there’s a beautiful interaction where oikawa asks ushijima what he thinks of his petty pride now, and ushiwaka simply grins and says he thinks it’s remarkable. It’s hard to find but it’s so good
I truly am beating myself for not finding this channel previously. However I am so glad that I finally found it. To be honest I have seen Haikyuu three to four times, but I have never really thought about the character of Oikawa so much in depth. I am truly impressed how well you analyze the characters and put forward your views in a very simple and easy language.
Hats off to you.
Glad you enjoy it!
He’s my crush out of everyone in Haikyu :)
This youtube channel has actually helped me alot
I've always admired the idea of using people's favourite shows and favourite characters to teach valuable lessons
Thank you ❤
Glad you like them!
i was emotional listening to this because I am currently in the slumps and dont know what to do but I always turn to haikyuu for inspiration so im crying a bit but then i heard the Kuroo and his con-man vibe and had to check the subtitles to make sure i heard it correctly, it lighten my mood a lot. thank you
Hahaha yeah, that's a quote from Daichi (I think, might have been Sugawara) lol, glad you enjoyed it!
I just finished rewatching and even though I know how it ends (manga reader too) I just wanted him to win. The list of people I could never hate from this show and he is two three
Nishinoyaa next please.....
One of my favourite videos ever,i never taught about oikawa the way you explained. I am a big fan of miya atsuma so can you make a video on him too
Will do!
Probably your best work mate. I've always wanted a long form video on Oikawa. He is up there in terms of my favourite antagonists of all time.
I just cried so much omg
For me THAT Character rn is Michael Kaiser from Blue Lock
I love oikawa. He is also the reason i love michael kaiser from blue lock. Their epithets are similar. One is called "the great king " , the other is called "the god's chosen emperor".
And yes both are "villains" in the stories, but such good characters.
Great conclusion for Oikawa. All's well that ends well.
Wow thanks so much again!
Earned a sub🫡
37:20
The best part is that, even if Team Japan loses to Argentina and Oikawa, it would make sense both narratively and realistically, since Hinata and Kageyama has nothing to lose by losing this match, they're just as strong as the International players and Oikawa, if not even better, and both teams feel like the protagonist and antagonist, if Japan wins, Japan gets their revenge while Oikawa fails his yet again, and if Argentina wins, Oikawa finally gets his revenge, Team Japan crumbles yet again to sheer height and power, and yet either one winning won't be proof of anything.
Argentina winning would mean Japan didn't lose because their best player (most likely the best) is from Japan, and Japan winning would mean they finally overcame that wall of height and strength, whilst beating one of their best players who's on the other team.
But after everything that has happened, I truly believe that Oikawa and Argentina really did win this final match of the story.
haikyuu is so fucking good bruh wtf
Really good work here, really felt like you did my favorite anime character justice. Thank you for making my day.
Glad to hear it :)
Dude I really enjoy longer form videos because I play them while I work out! Keep making these longer videos!!
I appreciate the spoiler warning 👏
When analyzing Oikawa's view on the "monsters" it's interesting to compare the facial expression of Atsumu after he experiences Hinata's attack for the first time with Oikawas. Atsumu's expression is one of admiration and pure, childlike admiration, whereas Oikawa's is one of fear. This is really interesting and highly relevant in real life, as those who do well can isolate themselves from the world and its expectations and be completely engrossed in the game. Physical ability is one part of the multivariate equation of performance. Oikawa has the skill, but he symbolizes those who are held back by their mentality. His development, and something as simple as his expression change when watching greatness on the other side of the net, portrays the importance of distancing yourself from self-destructing thoughts.
time to rewatch haikyu
Oikawa is such an underrated character if they were to ever make a spinoff or manga series based on one haikyuu character it would have to be oikawa for damn sure
Oh this was great man. You literally brought tears to my eyes.
I think is very clear that Oikawa won. the last game
1- everyone in the time skip with the exception of Ushijima kept and fufilled their promise.
Aone was able to block Hinata in the next year, and Datte Tech went to the nationals.
Hoshiumi waited for Hinata in the pros
Inarizaki defeated Karasuno in the next year and later Atsumu set to Hinata
Hinata defeats Kageyama.
Oikawa kept playing volleyball and he promised to defeat everyone.
2- we know Argentina was the stronger team, we are told that they defeated Japan in the last 3 games they played.
3- Ushijima never cared about defeating Oikawa, the rivalry was always one sided, and when Ushijima lost to Karasuno he told them that he would defeat them next, what does he tell to Kuroo in the 402.1 chapter? That he wants to play against Oikawa.
He also does not look down on Oikawa's pride and tell him that he finds it awesome in the 402.2 chapter, and more telling than eveything Oikawa is happy with the anwser. He finally conquered everything that he needed. And Oikawa is showed to be more pissed at Atsumu than at Ushijima.
You weren't lying when you said this was going to be your best video yet. Thanks for making such amazing and inspirational content
What i love about Oikawa, is that he continuously states he thought of quitting volleyball, yet something happens that reminds him of how fun it is.
This vid got me teary with a lump in my throat almost the whole time.
These themes hit really hard. As an illustrator, I love to gush over other people's works, but at the same time looking at them I often fall into the pit of "there are so many talented artists, look at this, how can I even compare, why should anyone pick me if I were to fully dedicate myself to this" etc.
It's a mixed feeling, sometimes it drives me to practice more, study their style and what they do, sometimes while studying them and seeing how hard it is to replicate their techniques, I find it frustrating, to the point of almost giving up.
It's not easy to accept your skills as what they are in the present, and it's even harder to think that you can improve to higher levels, reaching or even surpassing those you admire.
But if you don't try, you never will.
Oikawa shouldve atleast made it to nationals once
Oikawa really beat everyone on his list in one shot at the biggest stage in the world
Wouldnt describe anyone in Haikyuu as villains honestly. Antagonists sure, but describing them as villains makes them sound evil.
Pinned comment dude
@@LessonsFromAnime I watch the video and move on, I usually dont read the pinned comment.
I fucking cried. You made me remember how much I related so much with oikawa and why I kept haikyuu so dear to me.
I know people have theories but i can't help it, reminds me of the fandom's internal joke when we just assumed Argentina won-because in reality, Tokyo Olympic 2020, Argentina DID win against Japan 😭😭😂😂 so much satisfying memes, oh my god.... 😂🤣🤣
P.s. I love the way furudate-sensei fulfil promises. 😭💖
This is an excellent analysis, thank you! Oikawa was my favourite for the first two seasons, and you make many great points about his character. Though to be fair, Haikyuu is chock-full of great characters; It's impossible to choose just one. There's much one can from Furudate sensei about writing.
Haikyuu is a masterpiece. My favourite manga/anime. I can't think of a story, in any medium, that packs so much inspiration, so many valuable lessons, in a frame so seemingly simple. I'll treasure it for as long as I live.
OIKAWA THE GREATEST ANTAGONIST IN SPORTS ANIME HISTORY!
It's sad, bc he doesn't know he also has a gift
Ironically he’s the final boss in the time skip vs Japan finest
Why ironically?
@@LessonsFromAnime Oh I was trying to reply to a comment
i think the aoba joshai match was better than the shiratorizawa match it felt like a higher stakes match and the symbolism of beating the "Great King"
I agree
i am genuinely obsessed with your video essays. they have so much heart and soul and they genuinely make me so happy. the tsukishima one made me cry, because your take made me realize i related to him in a way i never knew. i’ve been a fan of haikyuu for 4 years, but rewatching the show and watching these essays have made the show so much more. please continue to make these videos. they mean a lot to so many people. thanks for all
you do 🩷
Incredible, Oikawa is such a fantastic antagonist and him literally beating EVERYONE (all the monsters, everyone he was terrified of and some he didn’t get to play, but would've been terrified of if he did) is the perfect ending
19:05 bro really snuck a kuroko line into a Haikyuu vid
Haven't seen it
At 17:20 I felt like you were talking directly to me. I dedicated my life to sport, realizing that I wanted to make it a professional career too late. Now at 26, I often feel like I'm finished, cooked and boiled. However what you say is correct: I DIDN'T hit the limit of my abilities. That's for sure.
Thank you a lot for this video, I loved it from the beginning to the end.
As someone who is studying in a conservatory and facing something similar to Oikawa, I learned that talent can only get you so far. If you don't practice or hone your skill you will fall off. I hope I get similar results as Oikawa one day.
i have been watching your haikyuu videos almost religiously for the past week or so and haikyuu is that one anime and manga that has tremendously changed my life. oikawa has been my favourite character and you got the characterization and was able to pick up and articulate so many things and i'm just so happy i got to see the masterpiece of this video. and also that you did go into the manga chapters because they are all so instrumental to his character!! looking forward to more haikyuu ones :"))
PLEASE MAKE A VIDEO OF THE HINATA VS KAGEYAMA WHOLE GAME