The BEST episodes directed by Susumu Mitsunaka
#1 - The Absolute Limit Switch
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 24
Neither team is willing to let the other team get ahead. They're both reaching their limit, yet the match continues. They proceed into the final battle to determine who will make it to the finals.
#2 - Declaration of War
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 25
After defeating their fated rivals, the Karasuno High School Volleyball Club finally move on to the finals of the Miyazaki Prefecture Qualifiers of the Spring Tournament. They will be facing the strongest school in the prefecture, Shiratorizawa Academy. Their battle for the "absolute king" in order to get the one ticket to nationals beings!
#3 - Place to Play
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 15
Karasuno is finally playing in the qualifier prelims. Their first opponent is the 4th best team from the Inter-High prelims, Johzenji High School. Their motto is to play. What will Karasuno do against their rather unconventional playing method?
#4 - The Battle of Concepts
Haikyu!! - Season 3 - Episode 10
The battle goes well beyond 15, as the fifth set for both teams enters the 20's. Shiratorizawa shows off individual strengths, and Karasuno continues to show the strength as a team. In a battle of volleyball philosophy, Karasuno and Shiratorizawa fight for who moves on to Nationals.
#5 - An Annoying Guy
Haikyu!! - Season 3 - Episode 8
Tsukki injures his hand and has to leave for medical attention, which causes Karasuno's blocking to weaken. Karasuno steps up their attacks in his absence. Hinata's play finally makes Ushijima feel like he's worth playing against.
#6 - The Landscape with a King
Campione! - Season 1 - Episode 2
Erica moves to Japan and also transfers to his school, causing him trouble on her first day. Godou meets Mariya Yuri, a shrine princess, and learns of The Committee for the Compilation of True History, a magic organization based in Japan. Erica brings Godou to Italy to meet the representatives of the country's Society of Magicians, and show them his new powers by facing him in a duel. The representatives decide to entrust Godou with an important artifact upon seeing his abilities. He also finds out whether or not The Committee's beliefs for why Erica is staying by his side are true or not.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#7 - Tempo
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 6
Hinata and Kageyama are at oddds. Keishin decides to take Hinata to his grandfather, who lead Karasuno to the nationals. Meanwhile, Kageyama runs into...
#8 - The Volleyball Idiots
Haikyu!! - Season 3 - Episode 9
Just as Shiratorizawa gets to match point, Karasuno regains spirit as Tsukki returns to the court.. Players on both teams are at the end of their ropes, but they continue to give their all to the last part of the match!
#9 - Next
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 16
Johzenji's carefree rhythm almost breaks Hinata and Kageyama, but they manage to regain their cool with Sawamura's help, and continue the match. Meanwhile, Johzenji's manager, Misaki, tells the team how she really feels about them.
#10 - The Halo Around the Moon
Haikyu!! - Season 3 - Episode 4
Thanks to Tsukki and Nishinoya's blocking, Karasuno comes back at the end of the second set. It is a heated battle in the end, resulting in multiple deuces... Who will score the final point?
#11 - Cogs
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 10
The week-long training camp is finally on its last day. Karasuno's final opponent is Fukurodani High School, and they're determined to win at least one set against the powerhouse school. Are they going to be able to show the fruits of their labor?
#12 - A Simple and Pure Strength
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 13
Their first match to get through to the qualifiers is a match against Kakugawa High School. At the center of Kakugawa's team is a first-year named Hyakuzawa, who is 2 meters tall. At first, Karasuno has trouble dealing with Hyakuzawa's immense power and height, but...
Watch Now:Apple TV
#13 - The Losers
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 18
Karasuno can't get back into rhythm without Sawamura, and are having a hard time playing to their full potential. Meanwhile, Hinata battles it out in the air with Wakunan's ace, who has a similar playing style to the Little Giant.
#14 - Still Growing
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 14
Just about 2 more months until the qualifiers. Tsukishima's brother invites him to practice with his own team, Kageyama goes to observe a certain team, and Hinata and Kenma promise to have a match that they wouldn't be able to repeat.
#15 - The Battle Without Will Power
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 17
As Daichi exits the court, a second year has to push through his self-doubt to lead the team in his stead. On top of that, Yamaguchi comes in to serve but gets nervous.
#16 - Letter
Bunny Drop - Season 1 - Episode 4
At nursery, Rin makes friends with a boy named Kouki Kitani, with Daikichi later meeting his single mother. Daikichi's workmates hold a farewell party for him, which he brings Rin along to. After enrolling Rin into elementary school, Daikichi looks through her health record and manages to find Souichi's will, containing Masako's contact details. After buying Rin a desk, Daikichi decides to call Masako.
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
#17 - Secretly Leaving Home
Bunny Drop - Season 1 - Episode 7
Daikichi's cousin, Haruko Maeda, appears on his doorstep alongside her daughter, Reina, saying she has run away from home following troubles dealing with her husband's family. As Reina enjoys spending time with Rin, Haruko laments her bottled up feelings to Daikichi. After spending a few nights at Daikichi's place, Haruko's husband comes to pick them up, with Haruko saying she plans to keep at it.
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
#18 - VS. Umbrella
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 9
The members of Karasuno continue to strengthen the new things they've learned while at the Tokyo training camp. However, Hinata and Kageyama still can't get their quick down. Kageyama is anxious about Hinata losing his spirit and tries to do a normal toss during a practice match, but...
#19 - The End & the Beginning
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 1
Young ace spiker Shoyou Hinata participates in his first ever volleyball match in junior high, but his first match is against Tobio Kageyama, a man known as the king of the court. Kageyama is recognized nationally as one of the best setters, but he pushes his teammates harder than any of them think should take place. He calls Hinata useless and tries to prove up with continual blocks against him. However Hinata manages to score some points with his speed and route alterations. In the end Kageyama easily advances 3-0 and Hinata vows revenge.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#20 - Moonrise
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 7
In order to achieve a new form, Hinata and Kageyama start practicing on their own. The other members of Karasuno have also started practicing on their own to better themselves, and they have shown some evolution. However, Tsukishima seems indifferent about change and one day after practice, he is asked to serve as blocker...
#21 - Above
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 11
The training camp comes to a close with a barbeque battle. Bokuto talks about rivals from all over the country and the prepare for the upcoming Spring Miyazaki Prefectural Tournament.
#22 - The Iron Wall Can Be Rebuilt Again and Again
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 19
Karasuno manages to make it to the semi-finals. Which ever team wins the match between Aoba Johsai and Date Tech will be their next opponent. Date Tech was considered to be the underdog against Oikawa and Aoba Johsai, but they have a new strength on their side...
#23 - Illusionary Hero
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 8
Tsukishima begins to think that he shouldn’t put so much effort in training anymore like his brother did, to avoid being disappointed if he fails. Despite practicing very hard, Akiteru failed to become a regular player for Karasuno due to the number of more talented players on the team, including Hinata’s idol, the “Little Giant”.
#24 - 3rd Match
Big Windup! - Season 2 - Episode 3
The episode begins with catching practice among the players of Nishiura, where through Sakaeguchi's speculations, the reason for Mihashi's obsession with the pitcher's mound is revealed! Just before the game begins,with Sakitama having chosen offence, Momoe tells Hanai that he can be the hero today, a statement which slightly throws him off.
Watch Now:Amazon
#25 - The Neko-Karasu Reunion
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 12
Nekoma and Karasuno begin their match with Kageyama and Hinata connecting on a quick attack that gives Karasuno the 1-0 lead. Nekoma realizes they're up against a genius setter, so they decide to start marking Hinata. Hinata's blocker gets used to his speed and feints and begins to start blocking his shots, allowing Nekoma to win the first set 25-22. However Kageyama uses the opportunity to teach Hinata how to do a straight attack and how to use his eyes to find the holes in the opponents defense. Hinata ends up managing to change his spike path in mid-air during set 2. It ends up going long, but Hinata realizes he has a new dangerous weapon to go along with his quick attack if he can master it.
#26 - Rival
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 13
Nekoma and Karasuno play the second set to an epic 25-23 showdown, but in the end Karasuno falls just short. However the two schools reform a rivalry that is better than time could imagine. The two come to realize they each have similar personalities on their teams, and they each have first years with goals and ambitions. Best of all they realize they are starting to unite as a team. Despite being thoroughly crushed, Karasuno vows to get revenge on the national stage. In the end Ukai agrees to become the Karasuno regular full-time coach.
#27 - Formidable Opponents
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 14
The bracket for the Inter-High is announced. Karasuno has its final practices and works on back-end spikes and signals. The lost Karasuno flag that says Fly is revealed. Hinata and Kageyama reveal they've had a race every morning to the gym since they've been teammates. Kageyama currently leads 32-30, but Hinata vows to defeat him in every way possible until they can faceoff in a match against each other again. Yamaguchi secretly works on mastering the jump float serve so he won't be the only first year without an ability to contribute to the team. Ukai begins farming in the morning as another source of income for the family store.
#28 - Decision
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 11
Karasuno heads off to training camp. During a jog on one of the days Hinata gets lost and runs into a volleyball player in a red jersey named Kenma. Before Kenma reveals which team he plays for one of his teammates shows up and leads him off to a practice match. After hesitating to decide a starting lineup, Ukai goes with Sawamura, Yu, Azumane, Ryuunosuke, Tsukishima, Kageyama, and Hinata. Ukai reveals in the past Nekoma hasn't had outstanding players, but they have been a team that thrives on receives and kills. Karasuno's players receive their jerseys, and Hinata has the number 10, the same number as his idol the "Little Giant." He learns the Little Giant was on the only Karasuno team that has made nationals and thinks it is fate. Finally it's practice gameday. Nekoma and Karasuno line up outside and meet each other face-to-face.
#29 - Winners and Losers
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 16
Karasuno's boys team wins set one 25-12, but the Captain's old friend delivers one phrase that makes Karasuno stay serious for set 2. Kageyama gets five quick service aces, and Karasuno's boys team wins set two 25-14. The girls team isn't so lucky as they fall in two sets and wonder what they could've done to be able to keep playing. After some promises are made to those who have lost, Karasuno's freshmen learn how just three months before Karasuno was shutdown by Dateko, their second round opponent. Ukai goes with the same lineup from game 1 and Yu deleivers a speech that boosts the morale of the upperclassmen. It's now time for match 2. Can Karasuno find a way to defeat the Iron Wall of Dateko?
#30 - The Iron Wall
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 17
Dateko and Karasuno battle it out in the second round. Dateko's giant reveals he is targeting Hinata, forcing Kageyama to reveal the super quick attack. The super quick attack seems to give Karasuno a slight advantage, allowing them to take an 18-16 lead. When the giant targets Hinata on a super quick attack, Karasuno is able to reveal their last ace. Karasuno perfects their version of Nekoma's "The Pipe" by getting a delayed set to Azumane, who is set up behind Hinata. Karasuno has now played all their trump cards, or so everyone else thinks. Does Karasuno still have one trick left from the bench?
#31 - Guarding Your Back
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 18
Karasuno manages to get on a roll in set 1 and steals the game 25-21. For set two they perform a double rotation to get Hinata away from the Giant #7. While this free's up Hinata for more quick attacks, it also means the matches result will rely heavily on Azumane's ability to blast through the Iron Wall as he faces #7. When Hinata becomes the vanguard up front, Karasuno is able to slowly increase their lead. However Hinata rotates to the back with the score 24-22. Should they go to a third game, Karasuno knows they will be at a disadvantage. It all relies on Azumane's skills to get past the wall. As the match ends and Karasuno is leaving the gym, they look over to see Aoba Johsai is up 24-13 in their 1st round match first set.
#32 - Revival
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 15
Karasuno arrives for their first matches on both the men's and women's sides of the tourney. On the men's side people talk about how Karasuno did well in the past bu they were now crashed ravens. On the women's side they contemplate how they should have practiced more. Aoba Johsai watches from the stands and wonders how the addition of a coach and two new players will change Karasuno's attack. As the match begins Kageyama sets to Ryuunosuke for the quick spike and kill. The second point goes to the ace, Azumane. Finally the quick attack of Kageyama and Hinata is unveiled on the third point. It is only set 1. Karasuno now leads 3-0, but others have just realized that Karasuno is back and possibly better than ever.
#33 - Oikawa Toru Is Not a Genius
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 20
Oikawa and Kageyama continue to match up head-to-head a s they try to prove whose the superior setter. Their junior high days competing against each other are shown, and when Aoba Johsai begins to predict Kageyama's moves a shocking move is made as Sugawara is subbed in for Karasuno. Will this be a blow for Kageyama's ego that he can't overcome?
#34 - Senpai's True Abilities
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 21
Sugawara subs in for Kageyama, sealing the first set for Aoba Johsai. Kageyama is shocked as he watches the real ability of Sugawara in setting. Sugawara gives his best to set. Aoba Johsai is shocked when Hinata didn't speak or call for the sets that Aoba Johsai knows. Karasuno takes the lead in set 2, but Oikawa's predictions start coming true and allow Aoba Johsai back into the match.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#35 - Evolution
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 22
After being subbed back in Kageyama begins to try to communicate with each of his teammates. He begins to learn where the best setting point is for each of them, and Tsukishima comes up with a new attack that proves Karasuno can be a threat from all fronts.
#36 - Conductors
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 19
Karasuno observes Aoba Johsai's second match and decide to focus on attacking Noya, especially after a local tv interview focuses solely on Noya's skills. The match takes place the next day, and Karasuno seems to be more motivated than ever. Noya does a quick setter dump to give Aoba Johsai a 1-0 lead, and he follows it up with a fake dump serve giving them a 2-0 lead. However Kageyama reveals he has tricks of his own that haven't been revealed and pulls a server dump off right back cutting the lead down to 2-1.
#37 - Removing the "Solitary King"
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 24
Kageyama begins to match Toru point for point. The teams become dead even at 25 a piece. Long sets begin to drain both teams, and Toru acknowledges that Kageyama has realized what teamwork is all about and is no longer the solitary king. The game winning points are shown.
#38 - The Third Day
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 25
After suffering a heartbreaking loss to Aoba Johsai, the third years must decide if they will retire or participate in the spring tournament. Kageyama and Hinata vent their frustration on the court after their practice has been cancelled. The winner of the fall tournament is revealed, and Karasuno begins their first real practice to get ready for the spring tournament.
#39 - Karasuno High School Volleyball Club
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 2
Hinata arrives at Karasuno High School determined to join the volleyball club and defeat Kageyama. He is shocked when he walks into the gym and finds Kageyama is a potential member of the Karasuno team. The two personalities clash, and when captain Daichi Sawamura arrives he throws the two out and tells them they can't join the club until they start to get along. A few days pass and the two get envious. Instead of agreeing to work as a team though, they challenge the 3rd years to a match on the condition if they win, they join the team. If they lose, they are out for their entire high school careers.
#40 - Let's Go To Tokyo!!
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 1
After losing in Interhigh, Karasuno High is busy practicing. As Coach Ukai wishes for more practice matches for the team, Ittetsu Takeda barges in with great news: Karasuno has been invited to take part in Nekoma's training camp! Kageyama and Hinata get lost during a run and ends up meeting with Shiratorizawa Academy's Ushijima. After Ushijima claims that the only good player from Aobajōsai High is Oikawa, Hinata challenges him.
#41 - The Point That Changes the Momentum
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 23
Aoba Johsai begins to pull away in set 3, forcing Coach Ukai to make some drastic decisions. Yamaguchi is subbed in as an ace server, but the pressure proves to be too much to overcome. A service error occurs, but the error allows Karasuno to calm down and climb back within two.
#42 - Townsperson B
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 3
Yachi feels conflicted about joining the volleyball team, but after watching their practice match against Ōginishi High, she begins to see the charm of the team. However, she is having a difficult time expressing her feelings to her mother, afraid that she might disapprove. Luckily, Hinata helps her overcome it by showing to her that even a small role such as a "Townsperson B" can be great.
#43 - Direct Sunlight
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 2
Hinata, Kageyama, Nishinoya, and Tanaka are devastated by the possibility of not going to Tokyō if they fail any of their exams. When forced to study, the second years go to Tanaka's place, but Kageyama and Hinata are having a harder time with their reluctant tutor, Tsukishima. Luckily, Hitoka Yachi, the new manager Shimizu is trying to draft, proves more helpful at teaching the duo.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#44 - The Formidable Ally
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 3
Sawamura accepts the proposal match of Hinata and Kageyama, but he alters it. Instead of being a match against the 3rd years, it will be a 3-on-3 frst years match. Sawamura reveals he will play on the team that Hinata and Kageyama aren't on and designates Tanaka Ryuunosuke as their teammate for the match. Kageyama and Hinata meet fellow first years Kei Tsukishima and Tadashi Yamaguchi. Tsukishima reveals he is a blocker that no one has been successful against, and he reveals why Kageyama was known as the "King of the Court" in junior High. Hinata refuses to accept his explanation though, and at secret practices in the morning Kageyama, Hinata, and Ryuunosuke begin to improve Hinata's serve receive and fine tune his spike attack.
#45 - The View From the Summit
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 4
The practice match that will determine the future of Kageyama and Hinata begins as Kageyama, Hinata, and Ryuunosuke battle Tsukishima, Yamaguchi, and captain Sawamura in a 3-on-3 first years match. Kageyama begins to fall into his old setting habits, making it hard for Hinata and Ryuunosuke to spike the ball. When he does get in tune, Tsukishima is predicting his moves and is managing to block all their points. It looks like it will be an easy win in set 1 for the captain's team, but then Kageyama and Hinata start to succeed with their quick attack, which could completely change the outcome of the match.
#46 - Center Ace
Haikyu!! - Season 2 - Episode 4
After Hinata and Kageyama finish their supplementary exam, Saeko Tanaka takes them to join Karasuno team at Tokyo training camp. Now they're on the team, Karasuno wins their first match on the day; however Eikichi from Shinzen High manages to touch on Hinata's quick's. Later on, Hinata meets the half Russian player from Nekoma Lev Haiba; Lev promises him that he will be the first one to stop his quick.
#47 - A Coward's Anxiety
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 5
Kageyama and Hinata begin to get in sync. As Kageyama's sets start hitting Hinata's hands every time, Tsukishima is forced to change his tactics at blocking. This frees Ryuunosuke up on the other side, and the team of Kageyama, Hinata, and Ryuunosuke is able to rally and win the 3-on-3 first year match. With the win Kageyama and Hinata are acepted as official team members. Just then advisor Ittetsu Takeda arrives and says he has been able to arrange apractice match with Aoba Johsai. However there is one condition. Tobio Kageyama must act as the setter for the entire match.
#48 - An Interesting Team
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 6
Karasuno goes with the team of Daichi Sawamura, Tanaka Ryuunosuke, Tobio Kageyama, Shouyou Hinata, Kei Tsukishima, and Tadashi Yamaguchi for their practice match against Aoba Johsai High. Before the match even begins Kageyama runs into his old teammate, Kindaichi, who continually calls him king of the court and promises they will defeat. Once the match gets underway though, the quick attack of Kageyama and Hinata proves to be an effective weapon. However Kageyama reveals he doesn't think Aoba Johsai is using their true setter.
#49 - Versus the Great King
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 7
The Hinata-Kageyama combo is back in form again, they won the next set, Karasuno has cornered Seijoh, and they're one step closer to victory. But at that time, Seijoh's captain Oikawa who was out on hiatus visits the court. How does Karasuno respond to super-offensive setter Oikawa's powerful serves?
#50 - He Who Is Called "Ace"
Haikyu!! - Season 1 - Episode 8
Yu Nishinoya returns and helps the team start getting better with receiving the ball. However Yu refuses to play in any game until theri ace, Asahi Azumane retuns. Meanwhile advisor Ittetsu Takeda continues to pursue Keishin Ukai as the next coach of Karasuno High. Keishin tells him he isn't like his grandfather and has no interest in coaching a bunch of brats, but Ittetsu comes up with a plan he believes will pull Keishin into the world of coaching.