On March 2, 2025, during the eagerly anticipated "Haikyuu!! 10th Anniversary Event - NEXT STEP -" held at Tokyo's Ariake Arena, it was officially announced to the roaring delight of nearly 10,000 fans, the production of the latest film adaptation, titled "Haikyuu!! VS Small Giants." This momentous announcement marks the continuation of the beloved volleyball anime series conceived by Haruichi Furudate which has captivated audiences worldwide for over a decade.
The excitement from the audience was palpable as the event unfolded with extensive discussions and exclusive reveals surrounding the upcoming project. Not only is this new film anticipated to build upon the success of its predecessor, "Haikyuu!!: Battle at the Garbage Dump," which was released to tremendous acclaim, surpassing ¥20 billion at the global box office, but it will also spotlight the intense rivalry between Karasuno High School and Ougidai High School. Fans are buzzing with excitement for this dynamic matchup where main character Shoyo Hinata clashes with the Ougidai ace, Kourai Hoshiumi, who is renowned for being the "Small Giant"—a title once held by Hinata's idol, and the narrative's focus on overcoming obstacles.
Along with the film, the event showcased mesmerizing visuals and the debut of the "Super Teaser PV,” which left fans reeling with expectations. The teaser hints at action-packed sequences and the compelling storylines audiences have come to treasure. Following the teaser's release, the lead voice actor for Hinata, Ayumu Murase, expressed his enthusiasm: "'Haikyuu!!' has the power to change lives! I believe we’re all nervous but equally excited to deliver another chapter of this incredible saga."
The beloved franchise not only continues to thrive due to its captivating storytelling but also its engaging character development and animation quality. The series previously ran from February 2012 to July 2020, published weekly through "Weekly Shonen Jump." It attracted both comic readers and anime watchers, propelling its total illustrations—across all versions of the comic—to over 70 million copies worldwide.
Several prominent voice actors, each portraying key players from the series, joined Ayumu Murase on stage. Kaito Ishikawa, who voices Kageyama Tobio, declared, "I couldn’t believe the applause we received! Finally witnessing the clash with Ougidai gives me great joy. I’m determined to give my best during recording sessions!" The camaraderie among the actors reflected the essence of teamwork presented throughout the series, echoing the stories of perseverance and sportsmanship central to "Haikyuu!!".
Event attendees also learned about the exciting short anime titled "Haikyuu!!: Where the Monsters Go," featuring the fiery match between Fukuroudani Academy, led by Kotaro Bokuto, and Mugenzaka High School. This short film promises to bring intense rivalries to the screen as it also was announced for air time, captivating other dimensions of the series.
Fulfilling its objective of instilling thrill and nostalgia for fans, this anniversary occasion highlighted the development of the series through character arcs and its pivotal matches. Actor Ryohei Kimura, who gives voice to the vibrant character Koutarou Bokuto, remarked, "I can’t express how thrilled I am to deliver this project! It’s been something I hoped could become real, and finally, we’re bringing it to you!"
Another significant addition to the mix, Ryota Ousaka, who plays Akashi Keiji, expressed his eagerness for the new recording sessions, stating, "I feel overwhelmingly delighted! While I’m excited about the match, I must also rise to meet all expectations for my performance. I can’t wait to get started on recording!"
Wrapping up the electrifying event, Ayumu Murase addressed the audience on behalf of the cast: "When I started with 'Haikyuu!!', I was told it would change your life. Back then, I didn't understand it fully, but I do now—this series has altered my life. I know I can’t be the only one. I’m truly grateful to be part of such a remarkable work. Today, through this event, I felt deeply how much everyone loves 'Haikyuu!!'—thank you so much! Continue to look forward to the next chapter of our story!" with this heartfelt sentiment echoing throughout the venue, culminating with the catchphrase, "Otsukaresama deshita!" marking another successful fan event.
Indeed, the path illuminated by the resounding success of "Haikyuu!!: Battle at the Garbage Dump" has brought forth significant excitement as audiences now anticipate the forthcoming film and short anime adaptation. With passion fueling this adapted universe, fans should eagerly prepare themselves for thrilling new chapters to come!