7.9 / 10 (based on 9 reviews)
Asuna is a girl who loves tennis to the point where she practices her swings with a pitchfork while working on the family farm. At school she is a member of the Soft Tennis Club along with the enthusiastic Kotone, food-crazy Chitose and bizarre yet talented Kurusu. With a big tournament approaching, the girls are taking practice more seriously than ever, but with Asuna’s strange and perverted logic surfacing at every turn and Chitose’s inability to win a single match, can the club emerge triumphant and make it to the nationals?
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Sport
Main Cast: Kanae Itô, Eri Kitamura, Satomi Akesaka, Shizuka Itô
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1 season, 18 episodes
Shows Most Like Softenni! (2011)
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6.6 / 10 (based on 2844 reviews)
In a world where humans co-exist with fantasy beings, a young man must share a flat with a bevy of beastly beauties.
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1 season, 14 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
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5.3 / 10 (based on 164 reviews)
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Genre: Animation, Action, Drama, Sport
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1 season, 18 episodes
Onii-chan Dakedo Ai Sae Areba Kankei Nai yo ne- (2012)
5.9 / 10 (based on 296 reviews)
After 6 years of living apart due to the death of their parents, the Himenokoji twins, Akito and Akiko, are finally reunited when Akito desires to live as a family once more. Although things are fine at first, Akiko begins to express her incestuous love for her older brother, who only sees her as his little sister.
Genre: Animation
Main Cast: Ryôta Ôsaka, Sumire Morohoshi, Eri Kitamura, Minori Chihara
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1 season, 12 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Kuzu no honkai (2017)
6.8 / 10 (based on 2108 reviews)
A perfect couple struggles under a secret longing each has for someone else.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Brittney Karbowski, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Molly Searcy, Aya Hisakawa
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1 season, 12 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Nande Koko ni Sensei ga!? (2019)
6.3 / 10 (based on 1674 reviews)
A comedy about female teachers who can’t help developing romantic interests in their male students.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Ryouta Suzuki, Toshiki Masuda, Sumire Uesaka, Yûko Gotô
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1 season, 13 episodes, 12.0-minute runtime
Megami-ryou no Ryoubo-kun. (2021)
6.1 / 10 (based on 623 reviews)
Nagumo Koushi. His house burned down on his birthday. His father has never had a job and a single dollar behind him. At the age of 12, he becomes homeless. Having wondered around the city for some time, a girl named Minerva finds him lying on the sidewalk, having absolutely no power to even move a finger. She treats him some ramen and finds out about his helpless situation. Minerva invites Koushi to be a Dorm Supervisor in a women’s only college. How will his life change now?
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Misuzu Yamada, Ayaka Nanase, Fukuyama Asaki, Yuki Yomichi
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1 season, 10 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Owarimonogatari (2015)
8.3 / 10 (based on 1771 reviews)
The end of the saga of Araragi Koyomi. What are they fighting against? What will happen to them? And who- or what- is the darkness?
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery
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2 seasons, 19 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
High School DxD (2012)
7.6 / 10 (based on 11703 reviews)
After being killed on his first date, idiotic and perverted Issei Hyodo is resurrected as a demon by Rias Gremory only to be recruited into her club of high-class devils.
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Yûki Kaji, Yôko Hikasa, Shizuka Itô, Azumi Asakura
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4 seasons, 59 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Black Clover (2017)
8.3 / 10 (based on 26116 reviews)
Asta and Yuno were abandoned together at the same church and have been inseparable since. As children, they promised that they would compete against each other to see who would become the next Emperor Magus.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller
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4 seasons, 170 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Introduction to Softenni
“Softenni” is a unique blend of sports and comedy, an anime that aired in 2011. It’s a show that might not have made waves like some of its contemporaries, but it has its charm and a dedicated fan base. The series revolves around a group of high school girls who are part of their school’s soft tennis club. Soft tennis, for those unfamiliar, is a variant of tennis played primarily in Asia, with softer balls than the traditional game. This might sound like a setup for a straightforward sports anime, but “Softenni” injects a healthy dose of humor and slice-of-life elements, making it stand out.
The Core of Softenni: Characters and Dynamics
At the heart of “Softenni” are the characters, each bringing their unique flavor to the mix. The protagonist, Asuna Harukaze, is as enthusiastic and clumsy as they come, often leading to comedic situations but also showing her determination. Then there’s Kotone Sawanatsu, the serious and skilled player, Chitose Akiyama, the wealthy and somewhat air-headed girl, Kurusu Fuyukawa, the shy one with a hidden talent, and Elizabeth Warren, the foreign exchange student with a mysterious past. Their coach, Misaki Shidou, has her quirks, balancing between being supportive and hilariously inappropriate.
The dynamics within the team are a central part of the show. Their interactions range from typical teenage concerns about school and relationships to the more absurd, like dealing with bizarre training regimens and even supernatural elements. These relationships and the growth of the characters are what drive the narrative forward, more so than the soft tennis matches themselves.
The Blend of Sports and Comedy
What sets “Softenni” apart from other sports anime is its approach to the genre. While it has its moments of seriousness and tension typical of sports competitions, the show leans heavily into comedy. The matches often serve as backdrops for character development or comedic set pieces rather than the climax of tension-filled arcs. This isn’t to say the sports aspect is treated flippantly. The matches are well-animated and show a clear understanding of soft tennis, providing enough to satisfy sports enthusiasts while keeping it accessible for those less interested in the sport.
The comedy ranges from slapstick and visual gags to more situational and character-driven humor. It’s the kind of show where you might find the characters accidentally summoning a demon in one episode and participating in a high-stakes match in the next. This unpredictability and willingness to embrace the absurd are part of its charm.
Themes and Messages
Beneath the comedy and sports, “Softenni” explores themes of friendship, determination, and personal growth. The series showcases how working towards a common goal can bring people together, helping them overcome personal flaws and grow. It emphasizes the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of having fun along the way. These themes are common in sports anime, but “Softenni” presents them in a light-hearted manner, making the messages more digestible and relatable.
Visuals and Soundtrack
The animation in “Softenni” is bright and colorful, fitting the show’s overall tone. Character designs are distinctive and appealing, with a good balance between realism and the exaggerated expressions needed for the comedy to land. The soft tennis action scenes are surprisingly detailed, showing that the animators did their homework.
The soundtrack complements the visuals well, with upbeat tracks that enhance the comedic and action scenes. The opening and ending themes are catchy and encapsulate the show’s fun spirit, likely to stick in your head long after you’ve finished watching.
Why Watch Softenni?
So, who should watch “Softenni”? It’s perfect for viewers looking for a light-hearted series that blends sports, comedy, and slice-of-life elements. Fans of other sports anime might enjoy the unique focus on soft tennis, while those looking for a good laugh will appreciate the show’s humor. It’s a feel-good series that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it a great palate cleanser between more intense shows.
Conclusion
“Softenni” is a hidden gem in the realm of sports anime, offering a unique mix of humor, heart, and soft tennis. Its strength lies in its characters and their interactions, the blend of comedy and sports, and the themes of friendship and growth. While it might not have the depth or intensity of some of its peers, it’s a show that knows what it is and embraces it fully. For those looking for something different in the sports genre or just a good laugh, “Softenni” is worth checking out.