Anime Review: Run With the Wind Episode 1

Run With the Wind Episode 1

Studio: Production I.G

Genre: Sports, Drama

Stream: Crunchyroll

Production I.G is a studio known for creating some of the most iconic sports series in anime. Haikyuu!!, Kuroko no Basket and Ballroom e Youkouso are just a few of the hits that the studio is known for. Their latest endeavor is Run With the Wind (Or Kaze ga Tsukyuo Fuiteiru), and the first episode successfully establishes the series as one to keep an out for this season.

The series follows Kakeru, who is running away from robbing a convenient store. Rather than being caught and arrested, he is found by Haiji, a Kansei University runner. After asking “You like running,” Haiji convinces Kakeru to live with him and eight other students, with the intention to form a team for the Hakone Ekiden marathon.

For those who are unfamiliar, the Hakone Ekiden marathon is a 200 km relay race for collegiate runners. It spans from Tokyo to Hakone and is one of the most revered sporting events in Japan. With such long distance divided over ten athletes, it is naturally full of changing leads and momentum. The drama created by this event is perfect for a series like Run With the Wind.

The opening episode doesn’t have much running, and it doesn’t need to. Instead, the spotlight shines on the ensemble cast, which is delightful, to say the least. The team is varied, with many personalities that have both chemistry and variety. Like most sports anime, Run With the Wind‘s heart lies in the characters. The constant banter present in the opening episode will have viewers laughing out loud throughout. The contrast between the two main characters, Kakeru and Haiji, is the most interesting part of the episode. Kakeru has an interesting past, with a somewhat moody personality. Meanwhile, Haiji is lively and knows much more about everyone in his group than he lets on.

Outside of the fun cast, the show is simply full of atmosphere. Throughout the episode, there are shots of Tokyo with ambient music that evokes a calm feeling. The art is gorgeous, with fine animation to match. The music throughout, including the energizing OP by Unison Square Garden and the calming ED, suits the series exceptionally well. Overall, Run With the Wind has the quality that you would expect from Production I.G.

Run With the Wind is off to a great start, with an emphasis on the cast rather than the sport. While I’m not sure if a marathon can drum up the excitement that other sports anime has, there is plenty of potential for quality drama thanks to the cast alone. I’m already invested in these guys and will continue to watch this one for the next 22 episodes.