Inazuma Eleven

As I grow older and more cynical, anime like Inazuma Eleven are just the escapism I need every now and then, like an annual emotional cleanse. It's my go to summer anime--I'm rewatching this series for the fourth time now, and I stand firm in my evaluation that Inazuma Eleven is peak power of friendship and hopes and dreams. Friendship power is something that become somewhat of a staple in anime, especially shounen, and even though series like Blue Lock have started to combat this trope by pushing its egoism agenda, sometimes there is just something so hopeful and uplifting about watching young boys overcome adversity to pursue and eventually reach their dreams. Inazuma Eleven is no where near as grounded or grim as Blue Lock, but it is a show brimming with love and affection for soccer.

Inazuma Eleven’s story is pretty in line for sports anime. Because it’s a kids show, the plot isn’t particularly complex; each arc is basically just a reskinned tournament arc. However, it gets the job done, allowing the opportunity for lots of unique matches and setting the stage for character growth. Like all sports anime, the games are the catalyst for character development. Players face each other and themselves on the field, and a majority of the series' conflicts are resolved during matches, whether it be a plot or character-centric conflict. Because of this, every match runs high with emotions and it's easy to get invested in them. Additionally, the show does a good job balancing matches with training and other miscellaneous fun things. What could be considered filler episodes are also extremely enjoyable as they show the characters in an environment outside the field. Personally, the day off episode in the FFI arc is one of my favorites!

And of course, as a sports anime, Inazuma Eleven also has its fair share of adrenaline-filled moments. The show is known for its iconic hissatsu techniques like Fire Tornado and God Hand, and the creative direction some of these hissatsu take is honestly really incredible. Some of the hissatsu techniques just blew my mind, like Tenkuu Otoshi, Mugen the Hand, or like any hissatsu from The Kingdom. In fact, the moments where characters are able to master a new technique mid-match are some of the most hype in the entire show. Additionally, the animation is also pleasant on the eyes, with lots of bright colors and satisfying choreography. Furthermore, the character designs are extremely diverse (albeit some being quite outdated especially the sausage mouths on black/darker skinned characters). There are many different body types, skin colors, ethnicities, and cultures throughout the show, meaning character designs never get boring or stale and hissatsu techniques are always fresh. Overall just a really fun show to look at in terms of animation and creative direction.

The character writing is undoubtedly Inazuma Eleven's strongest suit. Despite having an extremely large and diverse cast of characters, the show does an incredible job of juggling all the different character arcs, backstories, and conflicts they each face, either individually or as a team. Our main character Endou embodies a pure heart that you can only find in shounen anime, and you can't help but want to root for him as he overcomes challenges with the rest of his team. The concept of having the MC as a goalie is unique, as Endou is responsible for watching his teammates' backs instead of scoring goals like a flashy forward, but he doesn't let this position limit his plays or his presence on the field. He is the keystone of the team's morale, and embodies the idea that true strength comes from one's own hard work and effort. It's honestly really satisfying to watch his growth as a captain.

The other main characters, including but not limited to Fubuki and Kidou, have extremely iconic and well written character stories. Fubuki's journey to overcome his horrific childhood trauma and Kidou's toxic codependent relationship with Kageyama are fan favorites for a reason; they are tackled in a digestible way for the show's intended audience, but don't lack the nuance one would expect from a kids show.

And it's not just the main characters that get the spotlight. Even side characters have intriuging stories, development, and their own motivations for doing things. Of course, not all characters are written equally, but Inazuma Eleven does an admirable job giving attention to so many of its characters. Personally, I found Roneijo and Fidio's stories from the FFI arc extremely captivating, and the story behind Fudou's behavior to be really endearing. Characters you thought you'd hate for sure, like Saginuma, Aphrodi, and even Kageyama, are often much more nuanced than they first seem, and of course sunshine Endou's infectious enthusiasm for soccer is often pivotal to their development. It's a simple and predictable formula, yet it never feels tedious to get through, and since the characters are vastly different from each other it never really feels repetitive either. Endou's ability to forgive and see the best in people is one of his best qualities, and the show highlights this by giving many of the antagonists redemption arcs.

Of course, with good character writing also comes good character chemistry, and Inazuma Eleven does not disappoint. The relationships that are developed and explored throughout the series are all extremely diverse and interesting. From Endou and Gouenji's ever-so-slightly-more-than-bros relationship, to Tobikata and Toramaru's unexpected brotherly connection, to Kidou and Fudou's enemies to rivals dynamic, there are many different kinds of relationships explored across the 127 episodes. Rivalries and healthy competition is a big thing, and the showrunners take good care to emphasize the importance of good sportsmanship. In my opinion, the show is worth watching for the character interactions alone; they're just that good.

Inazuma Eleven also touches on themes like body-enhancing drugs, trauma, exploitation, and debilitating injuries in a way that isn't too much to process for younger audiences, but will still have enough nuance that it leaves more mature audiences satisfied. The overarching plot conflicts usually involve some sort of body-enhancing drug or exploitation which is a little repetitive, but they're different enough in nature and content that it's not too bad.

The OST is also fantastic, with each one of the OPs and EDs being absolutely iconic and certified karaoke classics. A lot of the ED illustrations (especially towards the end of the series) are really cute, and there is even one ED where the VAs of Endou, Kidou, Gouenji, Fubuki, and Kazemaru sing. The BGM also does the job in setting the mood, and there are some memorable melodies in there.

Inazuma Eleven is by no means an earth-shattering piece of media, but it does what it sets out to do incredibly well. It has some of the best character writing I've seen in kids' media, and I guarantee you won't find an ensemble cast that makes you feel so much love anywhere else. It's pure-hearted and complete unadulterated joy. Endou's love will cleanse your soul. Maybe it's my nostalgia speaking, but his victories feel like your victories and his struggles feel like your own struggles. By the time I finish this series, I'm always left wishing I had just a couple more moments with these cherished characters.