Haikyuu!! isn’t just a story about volleyball; it’s a tale brimming with hope, embodied by its protagonist, Hinata Shoyo. But while Hinata radiates positivity, the series’ creator, Haruichi Furudate, harbors a starkly different outlook. When Haikyuu!! was picked up for serialization, Furudate wasn’t elated; he was anxious.
The fear of his manga being axed loomed large, overshadowing any sense of accomplishment. Weekly Shonen Jump’s reputation for cutting underperforming series fueled his apprehension.
Yet, Furudate’s pessimism didn’t paralyze him; it fueled his determination to ensure Haikyuu!! received the opportunity it deserved. Despite his doubts, the mangaka poured his heart into the story, driven by a desire to avoid a premature ending.
The joy he found was in the impact his work had on readers, especially those inspired to take up volleyball. As he immersed himself in research and attended school matches, he witnessed firsthand the connection fans felt with Haikyuu!!, reaffirming his dedication to the craft.
