Hoshiai no Sora

Stars Align

Characters

Touma Shinjou

MAIN

Maki Katsuragi

MAIN

Ryouma Shinjou

SUPPORTING

Takayuki Sakurai

SUPPORTING

Kazumi Miwa

SUPPORTING

Aya Katsuragi

SUPPORTING

Yuuta Asuka

SUPPORTING

Ayumu Ooi

SUPPORTING

Taiyou Ishigami

SUPPORTING

Toma no Haha

SUPPORTING

Namie Ameno

SUPPORTING

Nao no Haha

SUPPORTING

Tsubasa Soga

SUPPORTING

Kanako Mitsue

SUPPORTING

Kenji Kyoubate

SUPPORTING

An Takenouchi

SUPPORTING

Nao Tsukinose

SUPPORTING

Kei Takada

SUPPORTING

Arashi Ouji

SUPPORTING

Sora Itsuse

SUPPORTING

Itsuki Ameno

SUPPORTING

Kinuyo Kasuga

SUPPORTING

Takeru Tanaka

SUPPORTING

Riku Itsuse

SUPPORTING

Rintarou Futsu

SUPPORTING

Stars Align Season 1: A Heartfelt Blend of Sports and Human Drama

Stars Align (Hoshiai no Sora), a 2019 original anime by Studio 8bit, directed and written by Kazuki Akane, is far more than your typical sports anime. Airing from October 10 to December 26, 2019, this 12-episode series follows the struggling boys’ soft tennis club at Shijo Minami Middle School, weaving a poignant narrative that balances athletic ambition with deeply personal stories of adolescence, trauma, and identity. With its unique approach to character-driven storytelling and sensitive exploration of heavy themes, Stars Align Season 1 became a cult favorite, despite its abrupt ending due to production challenges.

A Story Beyond the Court

At its core, Stars Align centers on Toma Shinjo, the passionate captain of the boys’ soft tennis club, who is desperate to save his team from disbandment due to their poor performance compared to the girls’ club. Facing a lack of skilled players, Toma recruits Maki Katsuragi, a transfer student with remarkable reflexes, showcased when he catches a stray cat in class. Initially reluctant, Maki agrees to join the club under the condition that Toma covers his expenses, setting the stage for the team’s transformation.

What begins as a seemingly straightforward sports narrative quickly evolves into a profound exploration of the personal struggles of its young characters. Maki, the series’ protagonist, comes from a broken home marked by domestic abuse, living with his mother after his parents’ divorce and shouldering household responsibilities. Toma, the only member initially serious about soft tennis, grapples with his own pressures, while other teammates, like Itsuki and Yuu, face issues ranging from family dysfunction to gender dysphoria and bullying. The series tackles heavy topics—domestic violence, LGBTQ+ identity, and the weight of societal expectations—with a raw, compassionate lens, making it stand out in the sports anime genre.

A Unique Take on Sports Anime

Unlike traditional sports anime that focus heavily on competition and triumph, Stars Align uses soft tennis as a backdrop to explore the emotional lives of its characters. The sport itself, described by some as “unofficial tennis,” is less about high-stakes matches and more about fostering camaraderie and personal growth. The anime’s matches are engaging, but the real heart lies in the team’s off-court moments—discussions about birthdays, personality tests, or impromptu endurance training sessions during the rainy season. These slice-of-life elements ground the series, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs feel relatable and authentic.

Critics and fans alike praised Stars Align for its emotional depth. Anime News Network reviewers, including Jacki Jing and Lynzee Loveridge, named it one of the best anime of the Fall 2019 season, calling it a “tear-jerker” with a focus on the players’ personal struggles. S.M. Balding of Anime Feminist lauded its ability to go beyond typical sports tropes, examining the characters’ relationships with authority figures and their personal identities. The series’ subversive first episode was rated the second-highest premiere of the season, only behind Kono Oto Tomare! 2nd Season, highlighting its immediate impact.

Animation and Voice Acting

Studio 8bit delivers solid animation, with fluid soft tennis sequences and expressive character designs that enhance the emotional weight of the story. The voice cast, featuring talents like Natsuki Hanae (Maki Katsuragi), Tasuku Hatanaka (Toma Shinjo), and Yoshitaka Yamaya (Yuu Asuka), brings nuance to the characters’ complex emotions. The English dub, licensed by Funimation, has been particularly well-received, with some fans preferring it over the sub for its heartfelt delivery. The soundtrack complements the series’ tone, blending upbeat tracks for sports scenes with melancholic melodies for its heavier moments.

Reception and Impact

Stars Align resonated with audiences for its realistic portrayal of adolescent struggles, earning a strong following despite its niche status. On MyAnimeList and Anime News Network, it garnered positive reviews for addressing sensitive topics like queer identity and domestic abuse with care and authenticity. Fans on platforms like Reddit expressed emotional investment in the characters, with many moved to tears by their backstories. IMDb reviews echoed this sentiment, with viewers appreciating the series’ departure from sports anime clichés and its focus on “slice-of-life” drama.

However, the series’ abrupt ending left fans wanting more. Originally planned for 24 episodes, Stars Align was cut to twelve due to a last-minute scheduling change, resulting in a cliffhanger that frustrated some viewers. The finale’s dip in ratings reflected this, though the series maintained a strong average score. A Special Fan Movie, released in May 2020 and set two years after the series, offered glimpses of the characters in high school but didn’t resolve the main story. Director Kazuki Akane has expressed ongoing commitment to continuing the series, but as of 2025, funding issues have stalled a second season. In 2023, Akane considered releasing the script for episodes 13-24 online in Japanese to provide closure, though he noted challenges with translation accuracy.

Legacy and Hopes for the Future

Stars Align Season 1 remains a standout for its bold storytelling and emotional resonance. Its exploration of marginalized characters and real-world issues like abuse and identity sets it apart in a genre often dominated by lighter themes. Fans continue to advocate for a continuation, with Blu-ray purchases seen as a potential lifeline for a second season. While Akane’s health struggles and industry challenges have delayed progress, his dedication to the project keeps hope alive for a resolution to the cliffhanger.

Where to Watch

Stars Align Season 1 is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, and can be purchased on Apple TV and Amazon Video. Its accessibility has helped maintain its cult following, with fans revisiting the series for its compelling characters and heartfelt narrative.

Final Thoughts

Stars Align Season 1 is a gem that transcends the sports anime genre, offering a moving portrait of adolescence and resilience. While its incomplete story leaves a bittersweet aftertaste, its emotional authenticity and relatable characters make it a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas. As Kazuki Akane continues to fight for its continuation, Stars Align remains a testament to the power of anime to tell meaningful, human stories.