Why Haikyuu!! To The Top Looks Different Now

[@gabrielerajauskaite3822]

I don't care how much time a studio needs, I will wait as long as needed, if that means I get that Production I.G. level of quality

[@sunrayyourmom]

It doesn't seem that you understood the video, its a staff change which resulted in the change in artstyle, direction etc. No matter how much time they take, they can't mimic the original style shot for shot without the original staff. Now i would love for all the original staff to comeback and pretend season 4 never happened but, it did, and they probably won't come back. My only hope is that they put the same heart and soul into each shot like how it felt in the first 3 seasons. Whatever happens, we still have the manga so eh

[@CurtisJensenGames]

The question usually comes to how much money.

[@21dxminic13]

Go animate it if you want it

[@saofanidwi]

Well, it's not According to the audiences when an anime is about to start airing. There was a group Who decide which Series getting animation and when it's going to air. Even if the production house wants to take three years to animate a season, if the deadline was a year, then that's it. It's not as simple as film production like Marvel which they themself could set their own deadline for a project

[@yoongles6435]

@@21dxminic13 not everyone can "go animate". the staffs are skilled & trained just for that; why do you expect a random one to animate it the way they wanted

[@AiringAustin]

I just started season 4 and I can’t get over the art style change. I loved the style of the first three seasons! Every hit felt impactful, but now they feel like balloons. They’re shiny, almost like a beautiful filter was applied to each character.

[@Sekamui]

I'm definitely in agreement! I assume that the pandemic also put a lot of strain on the animators and required them to rush parts of the show. I'm curious how Season 5 will turn out if it ever happens.

[@RJ-8-]

I suggest reading the manga then if you’re looking for more fluid stuff

[@joshwilliams1155]

I’m just upset they made Nishinoya ugly

[@RJ-8-]

@@joshwilliams1155 how so

[@gintuner4371]

This is a pretty dumb comment, considering that everything looks more rugged in season 4, and actually looks more like the manga in terms of artstyle.

[@Sleepingow]

wtf?? this is so high quality for something that has 42 views. Immediately shared this with my friends, good shit

[@Sekamui]

Thank you for watching and sharing! I haven't uploaded a video in a couple months, but I am planning to return with a follow-up to this video in a couple weeks! :)

[@shahi6328]

23k now lol

[@mastacat1]

I didn’t mind the change in character design, except for ASAHI. I don’t care if that’s what he looks like in the manga, thought his previous design in the anime was way better. I also really missed those super intense animated shots that would be a different style each match. Was waiting for it the entire season of to the top.

[@michelepalermo5739]

Even hinata was way better to me

[@mastacat1]

@@michelepalermo5739 I agree! I also like Hinata’s first design anime wise. But until I saw him side by side both designs I didn’t think that, and I couldn’t tell what was different. But the SECOND I said asahi I knew something was wrong and that I hated it.

[@michelepalermo5739]

@@mastacat1 asahi wasn't that bad , hinata was completely different, the hair in the 4th season too high tips too big and few tufts, I hope that in the 5th season it will be improved

[@annierminx]

@@michelepalermo5739 I actually like Hinata's new design, as well as his original one, his new design gives me the impression that he has actually grown, longer hair (and I know that it isn't longer, it's just the art style, that's why I said impression) and muscles a little bit more noticeable. And just to add, Kageyama's new design is also a big yes for me. Before, he used to look "mad" all the time(and that's not bad either), but now it's like I can see his character development even in his design because of his expressions and stuff. Anyways, I just love S4's design as much as the original.

[@michelepalermo5739]

@@annierminx im happy for you man , at the first view I was shocked because I loved the previous art style, I think hinata was more badass, but recently I saw season 4 again And i noticed less difference to the previous artstyle, but to be honest I love and I still prefer the previous designs, especially with hinata, then it's obviously that season 4 was drawn worse than the other 3

[@the_h0wl1ng]

Personally, I cant get past how dirty they did my boy Asahi. I mean his head is rectangular now absbshsjk. Another thing tho, I would agree with that fact that the new style gives the ability for better/cleaner animations but I found that even the simple things like how Kageyama and his jacket moved when he dramatically turned around during his first encounter with Hinata were so well done and beautiful. It’s understandable that this was done for easier animation, but quality over quantity plays into it. I still do respect the fact that animation like this is a lot (like A LOT) of work and a huge team of people from the animators to VA’s is involved but in my opinion, seasons 1-3 were overall just better in quality Also very underrated channel, just subbed! Wishing the best :)

[@Sekamui]

Funnily enough I also thought that Asahi was the one character that got done really dirty compared to to the other characters. Even when I was reading the manga, I was disappointed that his appearance changed to slowly eliminate his hairline and change his face structure. And for sure, a lot of work definitely went into To The Top!, but there's no doubt in my mind that Seasons 1-3 will continue to stick out in my mind (and many others) more than Season 4 years from now

[@RJ-8-]

Read the manga if it looks any better to you

[@angela4835]

also the whole synchronised attack.... traumatic to watch

[@JULIANIZERBeWaReSuCkas]

Yea that hairline looks whack

[@910JuGGaLo]

MY BOYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[@iamautism420]

Season 4 Episode 15 watching this like 👁️👁️

[@Sekamui]

😂😂😂 also that profile pic is precious :D

[@adriane5279]

always ✋

[@cocotarot]

They say that the reason why S4 Ep15 looks like that was they had to outsource some of the animation in that episode to a Chinese studio due to the COVID lockdown.

[@R0ckyoS0cks]

How did they give it to such a shit studio...

[@cocotarot]

@@R0ckyoS0cks Yeah it was a joke.

[@xuapril32]

I don't see how the style change was so jarringly bad to dislike the show or stop watching entirely, which I've seen a lot of people say. Like, I don't watch Haikyuu just for the realistic art and character design, I watch for the story and the matches and all the emotions from watching the characters grow. The new look, parts of which I like and dislike, doesn't change that fact.

[@randomnoob2031]

Well, you can just read the manga for all that.

[@12sikrabfinah]

@@randomnoob2031 there’s people that prefers anime

[@christopherholfeld8137]

I couldn’t even tell there was a change lol

[@Sekamui]

Yeah I agree that jarring isn't the best word. The anime has slowly shifted to be more like the manga, even during Seasons 2 and 3. I think the most obvious difference is that the staff changes since it adopted a new style of animation for certain scenes (i.e. Hoshiumi's moments look very different from past seasons).

[@Chocolettino]

I think that there is less actual story feeling and character interaction in the latest season, it’s just getting to be more and more gameplay. Together with the change in aesthetic and animation, it has a low rewatch value, for me. It’s just that the first three seasons were very good, so the latest ones pale in comparison.

[@thetrillianaire]

They changed some characters faces so much that it feels like they have different personalities than before--Suga and Asahi especially seem really F-ed up, Bokuto and Daichi also look especially dopey, but it even affects my perception of Kageyama's character now that he has big googly eyes instead of intense sharper ones. It's not that there aren't any shots that look ok, but I think the characters all look worse, it's less cinematic, the movements are less evocative of actual movements (I used to love the animations of serves especially), I don't think I ever would have gotten into the show in the first place if the first seasons looked like To the Top does. Watching To the Top I just didn't feel invested the way that I did very deeply in 1-3. The visual is the dominant aspect of the language of the medium so a jarring art style change for the worse is pretty unfortunate.

[@Sekamui]

Visuals are key in animation! It's funny how you brought up the character designs, because the new art style definitely helped and hurt some characters. Asahi and Daichi don't look as cool as before due to the lack of detail, but Kenma and Kuroo look pretty awesome. Either way I miss the detail (and will always be curious how Atsumu and Osamu would look in the OG style)

[@ahmadirfan8649]

I stopped watching To the Top bcs of that 😔

[@RJ-8-]

Try the manga out

[@Mayonnaiseluvr]

the character designs are different because thats what they looked like in the manga tho

[@thetrillianaire]

@@Mayonnaiseluvr well the art style looks a lot better in the manga than the way they translated it to the screen, and honestly after 3 seasons of the prior art style for the show it's too big of a continuity error imo. Plus they cut out a lot of the detail. The first 3 seasons they'd do cool stuff like atmospheric lighting and beautiful skies, and they certainly never put Daichi's head on backwards while he's diving for the ball LOL

[@taylor914ce]

I lowkey started Haikyuu in the few weeks before season 4, I binged the hell out of it and didn't notice the changes, until I read the manga and rewatched some parts of the anime after reading some related topics on forums.

[@clintlanderdejose4725]

I just realized the changes when the fans pointed it out too damn

[@shakira4223]

I LITERALLY completed season 3 ONE day before season 4 aired. Imagine my shock when I searched for Haikyuu in the anime site and found the new show called Haikyuu the top loll. I googled nd found out that new season was starting and hella hyped but couldn't wait for episodes and started the manga nd yea i didn't really mind the anime style change at all

[@Gokuroro]

"on THAT episode" *instant goosebumps*

[@doublesonly4]

I play competitive volleyball and I can attest, the new animation doesn't look faithful to actual volleyball physics. The prior seasons made me want to play asap and try to mimic the things they do, the new season gave no such feelings. At least when I read the manga I can visualize the movements and motions so I don't think the mangaka's change of artstyle is at fault for the mediocrity of season 4's quality.

[@Sekamui]

Great to hear from a volleyball player! There's a really great video from Mother's Basement who mentioned that this show encouraged a lot of Japanese students to give volleyball a shot. And honestly if this show came out earlier, I might be playing volleyball myself :)

[@ahendo5003]

It just gave me chills and made me eager to go to practice and get better like them!

[@m1ssingnote]

yeah, there are times when receives look like they're from the knuckles of their thumbs facing downward but they go up anyways..?

[@tissue-chan2360]

You know your into deep when you simp for there low quality shots.

[@kath3998]

LMFAOOO

[@fanto860]

Stillframes, go look at grass

[@oikawassmirk4242]

First of all, *Asahi's hairline* Second, Oikawa and Hinata's iconic *fluffy hair* you can't do both my main characters dirty like that. Third, Kageyamas eyes, it was intense and scary and now it's just weird and googly. Lastly, they made Nishinoya's hair into some sort of balloon shape bullsht

[@mybirthdayisjan2965]

IKR😭😭😭

[@mybirthdayisjan2965]

LIKE- WHYYYY

[@infinitexvoid7605]

And they took away Akaashi’s blue toned (?) highlight things. Low key made me mad 😭🏌️‍♀️

[@mybirthdayisjan2965]

@@infinitexvoid7605 FR

[@flwery_idit2512]

And Noya's hair looks very brown now too The first time I saw him in s1 it look black but when I saw To the Top it looked VERY brown at first sight and it is

[@dellawoo6045]

yeah, i remember when i watch to the top i felt very underwhelmed. it lost the home-liness touch that we are used to from season 1-3. i feel that the animation of the matches are good but the character designs make them feel less alive and flat. the only one who i think benefitted the most from to the top was bokuto LOL

[@cocosaccount8937]

Yeah I think Bokuto got an upgrade

[@Sekamui]

I agree with that; Bokuto looks a bit more buff and defined in this season than before, which fits his character

[@aatreyikanjilal5447]

and kuroo

[@zarwahassan5293]

“it lost the home-liness touch that we are used to from season 1-3” bro literally thank you for putting this into words

[@aynay8524]

this is exactly what im talking about- the old animation emphasized the good parts of the anime and gave me chills.. now, it just seems a little more bland and i don’t get as much bone chilling moments- yk ok now i sound crazy 💀

[@aynay8524]

don’t get me wrong- the newer animation is amazing but i just liked the first seasons art style

[@EXQUIS1T3]

I understand. Tsukki's moment would not have had as much of an impact, if it didn't have that amazing animation of that fistbump

[@kamehameha30]

I was just so blown away by the lack of care in soooooooo much of the drawing of the frames, like the most rudimentary drawings for so many moments that it was distracting and left and taste in my mouth when watching

[@JusticeExplorer]

Honestly, I was so focused on just enjoying the anime that I didn't really notice the change in art style until someone on disqus mentioned it...

[@GageKalleyGymnastics]

yea same. People do the same with aot. Like just enjoy the plot and characters. Why is that so hard

[@sim7926]

Same

[@michelepalermo5739]

It's impossible, you immediately notice that hinata and tobio are different

[@niharasheed]

Same I didn’t realize until I saw a picture of hinata s1-3 and hinata s4-5 side by side

[@Hannah-dd9fd]

same, i didn't even notice and it doesn't bother me too much tbh. the only one i saw that changed was asahi. i didn't even notice the change on shoyo, tobio, suga etc... i get why people are bothered by this, but in my opinion, the characters aren't changed to the point u have to stop watching the show or u start cringing at the anime. even if they are different, u can still see clearly which character is which.

[@dayini3222]

I just watched to the top p2 last night (and finished them lol). The first couple of episodes irritated me so much, i just hate that some of the characters looks different and more cartoon-ish and I can't properly focus on the show anymore.. but then the game between inarizaki and karasuno starts and i just couldn't care less about the character design anymore. I was so into it, that I forget about the weird character design.. at least the animation wasn't that bad.

[@Nonco-1]

Something I want to nitpick about To the Top part 2: they don't move how volleyball players actually move anymore. The show used to have staggering realism, and it isn't there anymore. This isn't about art style and strictly animation. Also this doesn't apply to To the Top p1 because the animation that season was insanely good.

[@springlesprongle9494]

Agree part 1 of to the top animation was very good. There were also some epic animation moments in part 2 nevertheless

[@Sekamui]

Agreed; the animation was much weaker pound for pound in Part 2 compared to Part 1. I also agree with your distinction of art style and animation; the latter can fall flat while the show is aesthetically pleasing (I actually liked how many of the still shots were drawn in To The Top!)

[@RJ-8-]

Try the manga out to see if it looks better

[@jiro6748]

@@RJ-8- manga definitely looks better but the animation isnt that bad so i don't know why everyone drop it

[@AATproducer]

Also part 2 had some really bad moments. And no not just "that" episode. But also the second to last episode. Hinates high receive was beautiful. But did you watch izarinaki after that how they looked to get ready? Or karasuno as they got ready for the synchro attack? Damn bad drawings. And these were stand stills even without animation...

[@ub8dullr676]

The art style wasn't the bother for it was what we were missing out on animation For example kageyama learning how to do his amazing serve would have been animated like Oikawa's puffy cheek one if that sort of impact making the moment amazing - a suttle point is that kageyama learns from Oikawa's serves But we missed that cool impact and animation we would have gotten with the old studio and probably a few more moments that would have looks so hype wiht the old studio

[@CorpseSpill]

9:09 that neck is scary also how does this not have more views

[@Sekamui]

His neck strikes fear in the hearts of his opponents :)

[@dxm0nically..anqelicc699]

@@Sekamui HAHAHA LMFAO

[@like.an.annamal]

S4 gave us the beefy Bokuto we had been deprived of, so that makes it the best season

[@sestytoes389]

But asahi, why him

[@BatmanTDK117]

somehow the drawings got LESS detailed and MORE stiff. how tf does that happen

[@Sekamui]

Something tells me that the pandemic forced the show to rush its production; I think we'll have to wait for Season 5 to see if anything's changed (if it ever happens)

[@BatmanTDK117]

@@Sekamui it was already a downgrade in season 4 part 1

[@RJ-8-]

Try the manga out

[@alvinjibi1482]

@@Sekamui don't worry, the content for se 5 is too good for them to screw it up. I was able to tolerate the animation for part 2 se 4 (just barely), but if they screw up se 5 I'm gonna be mad

[@mikeesteves8427]

yall spoiled just look at the other volleyball anime. despite the idea that to the top mightve been worse animation wise, which i personally dont agree with but i could just be recency bias, the level of the animation is still absolutely stunning and head and shoulders above the competition

[@magacofi]

Great video! I don't think I'll ever like this animation as much as I love the previous one, but I can definitely get over it and still appreciate the work. I'll miss it so much tho :')

[@satyamparag4319]

I really want the old staff of haikyuu to come back for Season 5.....their animation quality and story is dynamic and too good.......the first the three seasons are masterpiece.....like literally. ❤️🔥

[@gramgramsausages189]

The intense scenes with the lines were my favorite part of the series because they just get me so hype. Hopefully they reprise that towards the end of the series

[@briannajenkins5139]

As someone who just binge watched the show; I cried thinking the pandemic had really ruined a good anime. I was so thrown off I couldn’t believe I was watching the same show with the same characters. All of a sudden Suga had this ranchy attitude and Kageyama looked so docile I was honestly tempted to buy the blue ray but because of this video I’m starting to understand why it changed. It makes sense but I still hope that they take as long as necessary from now on to animate so as it’s not so glaring obvious when some episodes go to different studios.

[@Kiwikick238]

I was fine with the art style change it was just the decrease in animation quality that hurt. The hits used to be so impactful but it felt lifeless in season 4

[@ahendo5003]

It also looks super “cutesy” now

[@PastriesAfloat]

Something else that I think is important to note is how S4's art style is much more consistent with the manga at this point in the story. S1's art style expertly mirrored Fudurate's style at the beginning of the manga. As the manga progressed, however, Fudurate's style gradually shifted into something akin to S4's animation. You don't notice it while you're reading, but if you were to compare panels from chapter 1 with panels from, say, chapter 290, you'd see a massive difference. Also, in S4, we see characters like Sakusa, Hoshiumi and the Miya twins introduced. If you were to try to depict them in the style of S1-S3, they'd look completely different than they do in the manga. With this style change, all the characters can look consistent with one another! Read the Haikyuu!! manga if you haven't-Fudurate's art is absolutely amazing. I sometimes miss the old animation, but I love how S4 is faithful to the shift in their personal style! (sorry for my rant lmao I'm very passionate)

[@Sekamui]

Thank you for commenting! Looking back at the previous seasons, I started to notice that the S2 and S3 also shifted a bit to match Furudate’s style, and it’s amazing to see how it’s evolved in retrospect. It’s fun to speculate what the Miya twins/Hoshiumi would’ve looked like if the show maintained the look of S3, but I’m pretty happy with how it is right now.

[@koschei2467]

okay honestly, i think i'd been looking at too much fanart and had a break between 3 and 4 (since i'm only jsut watching them now) (and alos i'm just not the most observant sometimes), but the art change wasn't that big a deal for me. i also think i'm used to less realistic styles, and i'm not super versed in sports animes, so i honestly don't mind the new style. it does seem cuter and more soft, but i don't mind. i like both styles quite a lot. i do miss the intensity of some of those moments - like oikawa's serves and ushijima's spikes for example - but i'm so invested in the characters that sometimes i just completely miss the visuals, if that makes sense? idk, i still like, everyone had different tastes tho

[@Sekamui]

Totally agree! The character work is Haikyuu!!’s greatest strength tbh

[@FictionalAlarm]

I'm glad I'm not the only person upset by this. I kept noticing the animation quality in the 2nd half of season 4 and it genuinely lessened my enjoyment. It was at times so bad, that it took me out of the story. It was especially disappointing given how great the animation was in the first 3 seasons. Aside from the good writing, engaging story, and lovable characters, the wonderful animation in the first 3 seasons was why I loved Haikyuu soooo much. High quality animation deepens the impact of any given seen, making it feel even larger than it is. I was deeply disappointed with the 2nd half of season 4 in particular. It hurt my heart to see the anime I loved look so bad.

[@locusxe1411]

I actually loved to the tops animation. Also the designs were made closer to the mangas.

[@HidinginPublic]

Very pleasant

[@Sekamui]

OMG thank you for watching! I really love your Haikyuu!! videos (Yachi and Tsukki deserve it!) and your most recent one on Hinata's character arc was fantastic! I'd love to see you make a video on the Karasuno vs. Nekoma match if it ever gets adapted :)

[@pintmanplays53]

Dude,you are such a legend for doing this much research for haikyuus animation.

[@sathwikkanneganti]

I would like nothing more than the style to go back to what it looked like tho😭

[@koiiian3994]

Yeah, that's not happening though. The manga is already finished, and it's not like the studio animating Haikyuu can change it back. Furudate's style has grown, and that's just something you're gonna have to deal with :>

[@sathwikkanneganti]

@@koiiian3994 as long as the animation gets back to that high level I'm fine XD art style isn't bad, but the inconsistency is

[@soymilk2015]

underrated

[@Sekamui]

Thank you! I hope to do more to improve my editing in the future

[@classicallover8153]

I love haikyuu season 4 animation still. The scenes where they make epic plays, like hoshiumi or tanaka’s cross spike r absolutely amazing.

[@SheriffArthurMorgan]

The problem is that the animation doesn't give the weight to the matches like before.

[@jasmynejones1015]

I understand why they changed the style, but I'm so used so the more detailed part of the show in seasons 1-3 and now that they changed the style it sorta feels cheep. And like other people in the comments have said, the show does look shiny and not as rough as before, I don't think I'll be able to go back to the show, but this is just me tho please don't comment saying you disagree, agree to disagree

[@J_saan_Vlogs]

i love video essays especially on topics like this so thanks for entertaining me today!

[@Sekamui]

Of course! I'll do my best to create more in the future

[@mlagathomason2555]

man, the style animation really does change the feel of anime edit:i wrote this comment when i was starting the first few episodes of to the top after the hype of season 3 and i was disappointed, that is why i wrote this comment, but after watching to the top i didn't mind as much, i still loved it just a bit upset so i do not mean nay harm from this comment to the animators or studios that made haikyuu to the top

[@malaikabuendia3437]

Y’all this is literally how they look like in the manga... 😭 no one was done dirty

[@nikky377]

Well if I wanted to see the manga then I would’ve read the manga! I liked the way the anime was 😟

[@tigirao5926]

@@nikky377the anime looked how the manga looked at the time.

[@nikky377]

@@tigirao5926 oh welp I still like the old style better this style just annoys me

[@michelepalermo5739]

@@tigirao5926 yes but the drawings of the manga are not the best ... The drawings and the style of the first seasons for me was much more beautiful and cool

[@tigirao5926]

@@michelepalermo5739 fair enough. I do prefer the look of season 3 but that style evolved over 3 seasons and they had more time. I like the style of season 4 and understand why it changed but the colors are brighter and would have prefered if they kept the more "cozy" colors and lighting of the previous seasons.

[@boiimcfacto2364]

Jesus it's a crime that this video has under a million views. The production quality, scripting and narration is ON POINT, you're gonna make it big man!

[@spartanking1405]

I don't mind the changes of the new season, besides my boy Hinata and kageyama definitely look much bigger and toned compared to the previous season and although 1 or 2 episodes had low budget animation, animation was just as godly here like in the last seasons

[@ImKarl]

Season 4 has grown on me after rewatching Haikyuu for the third time and seeing footage here on KZbin. It doesn't have that "cinematic" flair as you say, but the fluidity of some of the scenes are very iconic as well.

[@bbkikie]

I'm glad the inter-high arc in season 1 bcoz I can't imagine Oikawa would looks like in season 4 art style

[@hutaoism624]

Channel is underrated

[@Sekamui]

Thank you! I appreciate the support and I'll do my best to upload more videos in the future.

[@roob3400]

In the 1st 3 seasons . Whenever a volleyball match start we can easily feel connection like what thay fells we fells the same . We can easily connect to the stress,happiness and it can also make emotional to you and animation is whole on different level story as always great. But in season 4 it's hard to connect with characters . Only because of the story season 4 is nice but 8 cannot say it is legendary like 1st 3 seasons. I wish if we could old art style in season 4 then it is more amazing but now it is impossible in season 5 we have to see the same artwork. And yah I noticed that in season 4 they focused more on Shoyo . But season 1st 3 season they focused equally on other characters like if . If Shoyo and Tobio had new quick attack so Shuke has new blocking skills and Tadashi have new Serve style.

[@tojimop3211]

WHAT THEY DID TO ASAHI'S HAIR LINE SHOULD BE FUCKING ILLEGAL LIKE BRO WTF??? Also like while watching season 1-3 I would end up crying about the littlest scenes that gave me impact and gave off every characters emotions also I'm not the type of person to cry over anime I didn't even shed a tear till the 3rd season of attack on titan but like honestly while watching it the show always gave a really hard feeling on my chest most likely cause they've been through so much just for everyone to stop playing in matches together when they pass the 3rd year or probably knowing that their all minors and will probably drift apart one day and when I saw the new art style I never really had much of a problem not until it didn't give me the same feeling the first 3 seasons did I originally really liked it cause it was similar to the Mangas but when I finally started watching it that feeling Hinata gave off when he did a spike was automatically gone. I honestly never thought that the art would be part of the reason I was so invested into the anime but it was a really big part of it and the new art style just makes me lose that feeling that you get to continue the new season. I'm not quitting it I just wish we had the original art style :/ for One- Kageyma doesn't give off that "intimidating" feel as much as before Second- characters like nishinoya,hinata,bokuto or just any lively character you can think of that was showed in season 1-3 didn't give off that powerful impact like before. Yes, they still look and act very much passionate and lively but the problem is you barely can FEEL it like the feeling as if your the one tossing the ball to hinata or the feeling of asahi serving you just felt like you were the one hitting the ball back in season 1-3 now I barely could find moments that give me that feeling. I understand some people liked it cause it was similar to the mangas or they just prefer it but the original art style just gave me so much passion even to the point I even considered trying to play volleyball with my body that I barely can move.

[@suneruna]

I'm not mad over the art style change, I'm mad over the fact that certain frames were absolutely SLAUGHTERED in a way I didn't think was possible for professional animators- - tanaka had an armadillo face at one point, and his follow-through on a receive looked like he was dancing the nutcracker - tsukki looked like he was wearing night vision/swimming goggles with out-turned lenses, and in another frame his neck was so long I literally thought i was looking at a giraffe - osamu had a sharp triangular pinocchio nose i would share screenshots if I could but unfortunately I can't on a youtube comment

[@Sekamui]

I know what you're talking about! They ended up fixing the less-than-stellar looking frames for the Blu-Ray, and it looks consistent with the rest of the show.

[@rengo6152]

Well I thinks we all agree that the first three season design was better; the character design was much more detailed and fluffy and cool. But even if I prefer it to the season four one, I must say that I found the movement more dynamic and expressive. Like yeah they were already amazing but I think in this season all was more smooth. So yeah I didn't particularly liked it at first but then I was pretty ok with it.

[@acehealer4212]

I’m a new fan of a Haikyu!! The art style change in season four is a little jarring, but I like it. Like you said, it really shines during actual games, when you can really see the impact of jumps, receives, etc.

[@thepianoman9947]

I have to say I REALLY dislike the way to the top looks and I hate that it looks less realistic. Might have even ruined it for me. In the 3 first seasons you got so involved and could really feel the power of Oikawas serves and feel good when Tsukishima blocks a spike. It was amazing. I was constatly focousing hard while watching and never got distracted by anything. Then we have to the top. I feel nothing. I honestly felt really bored and whipped out my phone in a lot of the scenes. The entire season just feels lame which is a horrible way of representing nationals that should be the highlight of the show.

[@mirai6409]

Same! When kageyama and hinata got into fights, I used to laugh so hard, but now, it’s not really as funny. I agree with you on the motions; I think that’s what got everyone hooked.

[@lexi5970]

Yes 🤧 you said it all

[@Sekamui]

Thanks for commenting! I totally understand how you felt; there were a couple episodes of To The Top! that weren't as fun to watch as previous ones. Strangely enough, my favorite parts happened outside the volleyball match (i.e. when they focused on Kenma and Kita) where I though the new art style got a chance to shine. Perhaps there were some growing pains, but I seriously hope that if Haikyuu!! gets another season, it'll turn out better visually.

[@damianc669]

Harsh critique but I completely agree tbh, of course some scenes are great but most aren't and it doesn't feel like haikyuu anymore.

[@RJ-8-]

You could try the manga out to see if it’s better

[@xinlu3526]

I noticed the change at I think episode 13, where I thought "WTF is wrong with Kageyamas face" why is is looking so weird... Then I looked it up, and ppl said it was an art change... But is was not only that, the quality simply cant compare to the other 3 seasons... I stopped watching at episode 15... Im satisfied with having read the manga and the first 3 seasons...

[@sage_mode_ant6203]

I watched haikyuu like a year ago up to the end of karasuno vs shiratorizawa and I rewatched the whole show this year and I didn’t even realize the animation difference

[@human7865]

They brought us back beefy bokuto so thats a good thing but the way they did asahi’s hairline is unforgivable

[@neilmcshane7388]

this should have wayy more views its so good, keep up the great work!

[@Sekamui]

Thank you! I hope to upload more content soon!

[@wesleytabak1190]

I think the new art style also gives a more mature depiction of the third years, which does help accepting the new art style.

[@Ravhi07]

Woah, just from the introduction, I know I just discovered a great channel.

[@shio7482]

Hope they will make a remake of this season

[@MRCY223]

In my opinion it took so long for season 4 to come out, that at the time I was impressed, I still am. I know they were in a tough time during covid and I respect them still putting out episodes

[@joelleiwaizumi3937]

I seriously like both styles 🧍🏻‍♀️ I think they are amazing

[@Sekamui]

I like both styles too! Each of them brings their own strengths to the table

[@pkdesuwu]

Before To the Top, I have never read the manga. Seeing this change in art style, I didn't quite understand it at first, though I slowly grew to like it. After waiting for 100,000 years for season 5, I decided to read the manga and have now finished it. I'd say the art style that To the Top brought into Haikyuu is more similar to the manga's art style, thus my love for the new art style has increased way more.

[@piebeaten]

yo only 40 subs? this is incredibly high quality good work man, i subbed

[@Sekamui]

Thank you! I'll make sure to upload more content in the future!

[@paintcapsule8048]

I was thinking this as well… why they look different

[@kazech5225]

I remember when it was airing, I just stop mid episode. i think im ready to pick up again

[@parcival3016]

So i know i’m way behind on this video but i just watched all of Haikyuu and having seen all 4 seasons binging and i honestly didn’t find the change to be that jarring. I loved season 4 just as much as the last 3 seasons and i feel like the animation was still phenomenal and didn’t find it to be that out of place or even super noticeable

[@Sekamui]

Thank you for commenting! I check back on videos once in a while, so you're not behind :)

[@NimishaRaizada]

Damn, this video is so well made and explained so well. How do you only have 1.3k subscribers, I thought I was watching a creator in the 100ks or something! Your voice is great too! Hope more people discover this channel soon!!

[@raphaelcheng2254]

Great video, here to hopefully boost this video in the algorithm

[@Sekamui]

I really appreciate it! Even though this video focuses on Season 4, I hope more people will want to watch Haikyuu!! after seeing this video.

[@raphaelcheng2254]

Whenever I watched season 4, I always felt something off but I couldn't really put my hand on it since I didn't care too much to really dive into it. This video explains a lot and is also reassuring to me that this new style isn't just because of laziness. I was always of the opinion that I didn't like anime artstyles being too faithful to the manga since I felt that if I wanted to see manga artstyle, I would just go read the manga. But maybe how I think about anime will change with next season.

[@ryuxaki7680]

honestly rly rly honestly- i like the new style more. in the first place i didnt even notice the change ;-;

[@junky7646]

i didn't even notice the change until now

[@trycethomas939]

Yeah, the design change took an episode for me to get used to but I was always all in from the start. Love Haikyuu and I like both animation styles.

[@itsmexoxurmom]

i still really like the anime and s4 had a huge impact on me still (those last few episodes wow i almost cried) but yeah, the animation just feels lacking compared to how it was before tbh. aside from the style i think the coloring and shading throw me off most probably? luckily the more important shots have good lighting and shading now so they still have that effect the old ones did, but you don’t see it much in most of the shots

[@Sekamui]

This is something I forgot to mention in the video! I agree the lighting and shading is extremely good in Season 4 for its best parts and added a lot more weight to those scenes.

[@bastoka3280]

I feel like I'm the only one that didn't actually notice the art change I just thought it got brighter 😭

[@kath3998]

Only 102 subs?? Dude needs more!!

[@Sekamui]

Thank you for subscribing! I'm looking forward to creating more content for you and everyone else to enjoy!

[@krispyykrab]

Hey! You deserve way more subs! Keep up the great work, you'll get there!

[@Sekamui]

I appreciate it! I'll do my best to create enjoyable content. Also I like the profile pic! Bakugo's always been my favorite in MHA, but Todoroki is a close second :)

[@carlesmolins3269]

Kudos for keeping it spoiler free

[@carrietay7704]

Now I know... I was wondering why I was drawn to certain sports anime when I'm not a sports anime/manga fan - all but two were done by Production IG. 😅

[@Sekamui]

Production IG is the GOAT of all things sports

[@Cody-tk9nw]

1:57-2:07 I was waiting all series long for Kageyama or even Hinata to get animated like this but I feel like they never got that thick line full power looking shot

[@merrick2792]

Seeing a KZbinr who isn’t completely brain dead when it comes to the production side of anime is so refreshing omg

[@pumpkingamebox]

That’s all and good. But when you come back to your favorite restaurant and it just doesn’t taste the same. No amount of valid reasons from the cooks will ease my disappointment and a desire to look for a new restaurant. Because this old one just reminds me too much of what has changed.

[@ublahuaalooo]

bruh wtf this is so high quality for someone with 50 subscribers you deserve more ugh

[@jonahamvs7229]

after watching all of part 2 i can say that even though I def prefer the earlier art style, the new one isn’t bad at all. (Except for that one ep)

[@kanikasinghchourasia4310]

CAN'T BELIEVE YOU HAVE JUST 150 ODD SUBS

[@chrisrey0018]

Thank you for this

[@jmky180]

season 4 daichi deadass looks likes an elementary school kid

[@infinitexvoid7605]

💀

[@sibella6051]

Oh wow I hope you get some more subs this is quality !

[@Sekamui]

Thank you so much! I'm happy you enjoyed the video.

[@caylah4361]

I think the new art style makes them look older, it’s not terrible and at least we got a s4

[@emmyyy7363]

i like the new art style 😭

[@astro7220]

To be honest, I loved the animation in the first 3 seasons, but once I started season 4 I didn't really mind the change. The change in the details are very easily noticeable, but something I noticed that didn't show that much before is that how much their eyes changed. Whenever a character is super concentrated you can see their eyes getting much darker and their spark getting extremely light, and that personally gave me chills. Another part is when characters pull off an amazing attack/block/serve/whatever the spark in their eyes gets light and it trails off in a little line (Im bad at describing and im sleepy) (SPOILERS FOR SEASON 4) When Karasuno was having that very hard moment at the match with Inarizaki where everyone was going way too fast, and they were too into the game to notice their coach yelling at them to go back a few steps, everything around them kept turning darker and darker. That would make you believe that they would lose that point. Then, right before it gets super dark, a sudden light from Hinata comes. Anyway thats all, thanks if you read through all of that. I just think that this new animation style has probably more advantages than disadvantages.

[@bfg4573]

how dyu only have 60 subs the editing of the vids rlly good n ur research is rlly informative, gonna share dis vid asap

[@Sekamui]

Thank you! Uncovering some of the staff changes behind the show had to be one of the most interesting parts of making the video.

[@Patches4000]

I’m sure there’s a lot that goes into production of shows like this. I can only imagine how hard the animators work. But, at the same time there are so many moments in To the top where it goes from being a new style, to seemingly out right lazy. Characters don’t look done, or are visually ridiculous in many frames, and while there may be more movement in the animation itself, there are still so many moments where the characters look like gumby people. I know a lot of it comes down to preference, but there are distinct moments in the latest seasons, compared to previous ones, where I thought to myself, “OK you guys really couldn’t have cleaned that up even just a little bit more?”

[@drishticatiwi4081]

I didn't even know there was a change

[@damattboii5495]

The way I think of this is like a gaming pc your pc can handle 1080p but its at 80°c but at 720p still looks pretty good but its alot easier on the pc at something like 65°c with the quality being well the quality of the animation but with it being easier on the pc it can handle more frames being 144 hz instead of 60 hz and with the animators they can make motion more fluid hit deadlines easier make more things happen amp up the energy more in tight situations as this guy highlighted and all in all I think its for the best

[@ManuelMO11]

"That episode" is the best!

[@thisisnotmyname4499]

I didn't really notice a shift in art style, but I did take a break between s3 and 4, but when I started watching I did think about just how bright/sparkly(?) the first opening was

[@jakabas]

I do agree with you, but i also would like to give another perspective. I feel that, (intentional or not) there is a certain symbolism in this change. We see less of those really scary amd shocking spikes, and I like to think that this could be because the team is getting most accustom to them. At first these big spikes were scary and they had never seen them, but now... Theyve more than seen them. They know them. And they know not to get overwhelmed or caught up in the spike. Just a thought!

[@mansfaye1084]

"With Each New Game" at the end just feels right

[@Sekamui]

I listen to this song a lot when I need to lift my spirits, but I guess that goes for Haikyuu!!'s entire OST!

[@lu-gc7gm]

awesome video

[@jaysonibanez1088]

Actuallly I didnt really noticed the difference between them when I watched them and even after rewatching it from the Season 1. The only thing I noticed was Shoyo's Hair