Pavan is competing in the Tokyo Olympics alongside Melissa Humana-Paredes
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images AsiaPac
In between gasps, laughter and occasional tears, she breaks down the techniques and strategies demonstrated in the volleyball-themed show, and weighs in on the decisions made by coaches and players alike.As a result, she’s seen a whole new audience suddenly tune in to her career — and to volleyball as a whole.
“I think it’s cool because I have my volleyball fans and my volleyball community that really understand the sport, but now I have my ‘Haikyuu’ community who are equally supportive of my volleyball career, but they don’t necessarily understand it in the same way,” said Pavan, a former indoor volleyball player who switched to the beach game at 26.
Its impact on Japan’s popular and sports culture was on display at the delayed Tokyo Olympics, where several of the show’s theme songs have rung out over the loudspeakers during the Japanese men’s team’s volleyball matches — including this week’s game against Canada.Erik Shoji, the libero for the U.S. volleyball team, first discovered “Haikyuu” two years ago in Japan, when he and a few others walked into a store that had some of the show’s merchandise for sale.
“They’re now just volleyball fans after watching the anime or watching my channel and watching the reaction, so I love that. I’m kind of reaching a different audience and it’s been a really cool experience,” he said.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Penny Oleksiak misses 100-metre freestyle podium by a hairOleksiak sets new Canadian record, but comes up short against power-packed field
Read more »
Two-headed sea turtle hatchling found on South Carolina beachPark volunteers patrolling a beach in South Carolina on Wednesday stumbled upon an unexpected surprise: a two-headed baby sea turtle.
Read more »
British Canadians frustrated by exclusion from U.K.’s new quarantine exemptionsIn recent weeks, Canada has reported much lower new COVID-19 case counts than the U.S., the U.K. and many European countries, whose citizens will be exempt from quarantining upon arrival
Read more »
Sneaking a peek: Fans find creative ways to glimpse Olympics
Read more »
Canada's Kylie Masse becomes two-time Tokyo 2020 silver medalistMasse placed second in the backstroke 200m final, setting a new Canadian record time of 2:05.42. while she was at it
Read more »
Political parties still hope to hold rallies in widely expected pandemic electionCampaigns will look very different in 2021, but organizers will find new, physically distanced ways to drum up enthusiasm among supporters
Read more »