

© Xebecwww.crunchyroll.com
Overview
Keijo!!!!!!!!, presented with an emphatic array of exclamation marks to reflect its vibrant energy, is a unique sports anime that masterfully intertwines elements of comedy, ecchi, and intense competition. The series unfolds in an imaginative alternate Japan, where the fictional, women-exclusive gambling sport known as 'keijo' has risen to immense popularity and cultural significance. At the heart of the narrative is Nozomi Kaminashi, a prodigious former gymnast who, having grown up in challenging circumstances, views keijo as her primary pathway to achieving financial independence and a stable future. The sport itself is characterized by its distinct and rather eccentric rules: participants, clad in minimal athletic attire such as leotards and swimsuits, engage in battles atop circular platforms, or 'lands,' that float in large swimming pools. The core objective is to dislodge opponents into the water using only their breasts or buttocks—a premise that provides both comedic potential and surprisingly intricate tactical depth. Keijo matches are portrayed as high-stakes events, attracting vast throngs of spectators and offering substantial monetary rewards. Nozomi's arduous journey commences at a prestigious keijo training academy, where she is immediately thrust into an environment of fierce rivalry and rigorous physical and strategic conditioning. Her path to becoming a top-tier keijo star involves not only overcoming formidable adversaries but also honing specialized techniques unique to the sport. She is supported and challenged by a diverse ensemble of characters, including the composed yet exceptionally skilled Miyata, the spirited and determined Sayaka, and the naturally gifted Non Toyoguchi, each contributing their distinct abilities and personalities to the evolving drama. The anime's undeniable allure stems from its exaggerated, almost satirical, embrace of conventional sports anime tropes, seamlessly merging strategic combat sequences with lighthearted slapstick humor and overt fanservice. The meticulously crafted world where keijo is a legitimate, highly respected, and widely televised athletic endeavor serves as a refreshing backdrop, simultaneously entertaining and offering a subtle critique of real-world sports phenomena. Through its dynamic animation and ingenious, often ludicrous, tactical maneuvers, Keijo!!!!!!!! manages to be both technically impressive and inherently amusing. Ultimately, the series stands as a boisterous ode to physical resilience, inventive strategy, and the power of female athleticism, all contained within a genre-bending framework that refreshingly avoids excessive self-seriousness.
Opinion
Keijo!!!!!!!! presents itself as a distinctive and arguably polarizing entry within the anime landscape, adeptly fusing elements of sports, comedy, and ecchi genres. The series' core strength lies in its unwavering commitment to an inherently outlandish premise, executing it with a level of dedication that cultivates an engaging viewing experience. While its appeal undeniably caters to enthusiasts of ecchi-infused comedy, the production transcends mere titillation through its proficient animation, inventive action choreography, and a surprising degree of character progression. The narrative, although adhering to a somewhat conventional sports anime structure, introduces a subversive element by centering on a sport that is ludicrous in concept yet afforded absolute seriousness within its fictional universe. This inherent contrast generates a unique comedic tension, enabling the series to simultaneously satirize established sports and fanservice anime tropes while consistently delivering thrilling, tactically-driven matches. The animation quality, spearheaded by studio Xebec, is commendably energetic throughout the series. It features fluid, often exaggerated action sequences that perfectly complement the show's over-the-top nature and unique athletic demands. The vocal performances from the cast are notably vibrant, imbuing the diverse roster of characters with distinct charm and personality. A particularly strong aspect of Keijo!!!!!!!! is its meticulous world-building; the intricate rules, specialized techniques, and broader cultural significance of the keijo sport are elaborated upon with a depth typically reserved for more traditional athletic endeavors. It is acknowledged that the show's prominent integration of fanservice may not appeal to all demographics; however, it is consistently portrayed not as exploitative, but rather as a celebration of physical prowess and individual determination. Each character's unique attributes and personal backstories contribute meaningfully to the overarching narrative, enriching the thematic depth. Ultimately, Keijo!!!!!!!! stands as a rare example of a series that navigates the line between unreserved silliness and unexpected intelligence, solidifying its status as a notable and often lauded title among anime viewers who value innovation and humor.
Characters
Nozomi Kaminashi
Voice: Sora Amamiya
Miyata
Voice: Yuka Iguchi
Sayaka Miyata
Voice: Ai Kayano
Non Toyoguchi
Voice: Yoko Hikasa
Kazane Aoba
Voice: Ayaka Suwa
Credits
Studio
Xebec
Cover Art
Daichi Sorayomi (Manga Cover Art); Xebec (Anime Key Visuals)
Publisher
Shogakukan
Producers
Sotsu, Lantis, Warner Bros. Japan, KlockWorx, Medicos Entertainment, Shogakukan, NichiNare, Radio Osaka