DAYS

DAYS

Aired Date:2016-07-03

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:67/100

Genres:Comedy, Drama, Sports

Season:1

Total Episodes:24

Duration:24 min/ep

Studio:MAPPA

Source:MANGA

Format:TV

Director:Kounosuke Uda

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Official Site Twitter Crunchyroll

Synopsis

The anime centers on two boys who were never meant to meet: Tsukushi Tsukamoto, who has no special skills but secretly hides a passionate heart, and Jin Kazama, an isolated soccer genius. On a stormy night, the two meet, and that meeting creates a whirlwind in the world of high school soccer. (Source: Anime News Network)

Trailer

Characters

Tsukushi Tsukamoto MAIN

Jin Kazama MAIN

Nozomi Tsukamoto SUPPORTING

Sayuri Tachibana SUPPORTING

Hiroyuki Kurusu SUPPORTING

Genichirou Taira SUPPORTING

Hisahito Mizuki SUPPORTING

Tetsuya Nitobe SUPPORTING

Takafumi Kai SUPPORTING

Atsushi Kimishita SUPPORTING

Days: A Heart-Pounding Soccer Anime That Scores Big

Days, a 2016 sports anime produced by Studio MAPPA, is a love letter to soccer, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Adapted from Tsuyoshi Yasuda’s manga, this 24-episode series follows an underdog’s journey from benchwarmer to key player on a high school soccer team. With its infectious energy, relatable characters, and gripping matches, Days captures the thrill of the sport while delivering an emotional coming-of-age story. Whether you’re a soccer fan or just love a good underdog tale, here’s why Days is a must-watch.

The Premise: From Nobody to Somebody

Days centers on Tsukushi Tsukamoto, a timid, unathletic high school freshman with zero soccer experience but a heart full of determination. After a chance encounter with Jin Kazama, a prodigious soccer player with a mysterious edge, Tsukushi is roped into joining Seiseki High School’s competitive soccer club. Despite his lack of skill and stamina, Tsukushi’s unwavering grit and selflessness earn him a spot on the team, where he faces fierce rivals, grueling training, and his own insecurities.

The story follows Seiseki’s quest to dominate the national high school soccer scene, with Tsukushi growing alongside his teammates. The anime blends intense matches with slice-of-life moments, showing how soccer shapes the players’ bonds and personal growth. It’s a classic sports anime setup—think Haikyuu!! or Kuroko’s Basketball—but Days stands out with its focus on sheer perseverance over natural talent.

The Characters: A Team You’ll Root For

Tsukushi is the heart of Days, a protagonist who’s easy to cheer for despite (or because of) his flaws. He’s clumsy, slow, and often out of his depth, but his refusal to give up, even when he’s collapsing from exhaustion, makes him inspiring. His growth from a nervous rookie to a vital team player feels earned, grounded in hard work rather than sudden power-ups.

Jin Kazama, the team’s genius midfielder, is the perfect foil to Tsukushi. Cool-headed and strategic, Jin’s quiet intensity hides a complex past that unfolds slowly. Their unlikely friendship drives the story, blending humor (Tsukushi’s hero-worshipping antics) with depth (Jin’s trust in Tsukushi’s potential). The supporting cast shines, too:

• Hisahito Mizuki, the cocky but talented captain who demands excellence.
• Atsushi Kimishita, a gruff senior with a soft spot for his teammates.
• Kiichi Ōshiba, a cheerful defender who lightens the mood.

Each player gets moments to shine, with backstories that add emotional weight to their roles on the field. Rivals from other schools, like the powerhouse Tōin Academy, are equally compelling, with their own dreams and struggles. The ensemble feels like a real team, with rivalries, banter, and camaraderie that make every match feel personal.

The Tone: Passionate, Emotional, and Fun

Days nails the sports anime formula: pulse-pounding games, heartfelt character arcs, and just enough humor to keep things light. The soccer matches are the highlight, packed with dramatic plays, strategic breakdowns, and nail-biting tension. While some moments lean into anime exaggeration (think superhuman stamina or flashy moves), the focus on teamwork and effort keeps it grounded.

Off the field, the show balances intense training montages with quieter moments, like teammates bonding over meals or Tsukushi’s awkward attempts to fit in. The humor—often from Tsukushi’s over-the-top enthusiasm or Kimishita’s deadpan snark—lands well, while the drama, like injuries or team conflicts, hits hard without feeling forced. Days also avoids romance subplots, keeping the focus squarely on soccer and friendship, which feels refreshing.

Visuals and Sound: A Dynamic Game Plan

MAPPA’s animation brings the soccer field to life with fluid movement and vibrant energy. The matches are a visual treat, with dynamic camera angles capturing every goal, tackle, and save. Character designs are distinct, from Tsukushi’s wide-eyed innocence to Mizuki’s smug grin, making the cast instantly recognizable. The animation quality dips slightly in non-match scenes, but the emotional moments and game sequences more than make up for it.

The soundtrack, composed by Yoshihiro Ike, elevates the intensity with rousing orchestral tracks during matches and softer melodies for character-driven scenes. The opening theme, “Higher Climber” by HOWL BE QUIET, is an upbeat anthem that pumps you up, while the ending, “Akashi” by The Sketchbook, adds a reflective vibe. The Japanese voice cast is stellar, with Takuto Yoshinaga’s earnest delivery as Tsukushi and Daisuke Namikawa’s cool restraint as Jin standing out.

Themes: Grit, Teamwork, and Self-Belief

At its core, Days is about what it means to chase a dream when the odds are stacked against you. Tsukushi’s journey reflects the power of perseverance, showing that hard work can rival raw talent. The anime also celebrates teamwork, with every goal or victory feeling like a group effort. Themes of self-worth and overcoming doubt resonate, especially in Tsukushi’s struggle to prove he belongs and his teammates’ growth through trust and sacrifice.

The show subtly touches on class and privilege, too—like how some players come from wealthier backgrounds with better training, while others, like Tsukushi, scrape by on sheer will. These layers add depth without overshadowing the soccer action.

The Verdict: A Winning Goal

Days is a standout sports anime that delivers everything you want: thrilling matches, lovable characters, and an underdog story that tugs at your heart. It’s not flawless—the pacing can drag in early episodes, and some rivals get shortchanged—but its passion for soccer and focus on teamwork make it a joy to watch. Fans of Haikyuu!! or Blue Lock will find plenty to love, while newcomers will be hooked by Tsukushi’s relentless spirit.

By the final whistle, Days leaves you cheering for Seiseki and craving more (the manga continues the story, and OVA episodes add extra games). Whether you’re a sports nut or just love a good story, Days is a goal worth celebrating.