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Blue Box (manga)

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Blue Box
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Chinatsu Kano (left) and Taiki Inomata (right)
アオのハコ
(Ao no Hako)
Genre
Manga
Written byKouji Miura
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintJump Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Jump
DemographicShōnen
Original runApril 12, 2021 – present
Volumes17
Anime television series
Directed byYūichirō Yano
Written byYūko Kakihara
Music byTakashi Ohmama
Studio
Licensed byNetflix
Original networkJNN (TBS)
Original run October 3, 2024 – present
Episodes8
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Blue Box (Japanese: アオのハコ, Hepburn: Ao no Hako) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kouji Miura. It has been serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump since April 2021, with its chapters collected in 17 tankōbon volumes as of October 2024. An anime television series adaptation produced by TMS Entertainment and animated by Telecom Animation Film premiered in October 2024.

Synopsis

[edit]

The series focuses on Taiki Inomata, a student at Eimei Junior and Senior High, an athletics-oriented school, where he is a member of the boys' badminton team and is considered simply average. Every morning, he trains to get better early in the gym, often at the same time and place as his upperclasswoman Chinatsu Kano, the star of the girls' basketball team. Taiki quickly develops a crush on her, but is initially too shy to speak to her despite their continual alone time together. His fortunes change, however, when Chinatsu moves in with Taiki's family after her parents leave Japan to work abroad. With Chinatsu now living with him, Taiki aims to slowly develop his relationship with her as they both strive to make it to the national championship with their respective teams.[5]

Characters

[edit]
Taiki Inomata (猪股 大喜, Inomata Taiki)
Voiced by: Shōya Chiba[6]
The main protagonist. An avid badminton player who strives to succeed despite setbacks. He greatly admires Chinatsu Kano for her dedication to basketball and harbors a huge crush on her. While often awkward and emotional his unwavering determination and sincerity slowly earns him respect from others. His goal is to reach the National Championships a dream he shares with Chinatsu in their respective sports. His mother was Chinatsu's teammate and friend, hence the decision for Chinatsu to move in with Taiki.
Chinatsu Kano (鹿野 千夏, Kano Chinatsu)
Voiced by: Reina Ueda[6]
The main female protagonist. She is the star player of the girls' basketball team. She is one grade above Taiki and is often the first person at practice. She was once a terrible basketball player but her dedication has helped grow into a strong player who hopes to make Nationals. She moves in with Taiki's family when her parents leave to work abroad, and her and Taiki slowly become friends supporting each other. She is oblivious of Taiki being in love with her, but enjoys his company and cares for him deeply.
Hina Chōno (蝶野 雛, Chōno Hina)
Voiced by: Akari Kitō[4]
Taiki's childhood friend who is on the rhythmic gymnastics team. She is quite theatrical and loves to tease Taiki. Although initially only seeing him as a close friend, she slowly develops feelings for Taiki later on, despite encouraging him to go after Chinatsu. Taiki is completely oblivious to her feelings, and is often annoyed by her playful teasing, though he does genuinely care for her.
Kyo Kasahara (笠原 匡, Kasahara Kyō)
Voiced by: Chiaki Kobayashi[7]
Taiki's best friend and fellow badminton player. Quiet and observant he often understands more than anyone else. Though sarcastic (especially with Taiki) he is a genuinely caring and wise person.
Kengo Haryū (針生 健吾, Haryū Kengo)
Voiced by: Yuma Uchida[7]
A skilled badminton player in Chinatsu's grade who ends up becoming a mentor and rival to Taiki. Though he is often hard on Taiki, he slowly grows to admire his tenacity and growing skill.
Ryōsuke Nishida (西田 諒介, Nishida Ryōsuke)
Voiced by: Shogo Sakata[8]
The captain of the badminton team.
Nagisa Funami (船見 渚, Funami Nagisa)
Voiced by: Anna Nagase[8]
A member of the basketball team alongside Chinatsu.
Niina Shimazaki (島崎 にいな, Shimazaki Niina)
Voiced by: Asaki Yuikawa[8]
A member of the rhythmic gymnastics team alongside Hina.
Shoichiro Kishi (岸 祥一郎, Kishi Shōichirō)
Voiced by: Kengo Kawanishi[9]
Haryū's previous doubles match partner.
Shōta Hyōdō (兵藤 将太, Hyōdō Shōta)
Voiced by: Yūki Ono[10]
A skilled badminton player from Sachigawa High who is the rival of Haryū. Haryū has never beaten him in badminton matches.
Shūji Yusa (遊佐 柊仁, Yusa Shūji)
Voiced by: Kensho Ono[10]
A skilled badminton player from Sachigawa High who is a teammate of Hyōdō.

Media

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Manga

[edit]

Written and illustrated by Kouji Miura, Blue Box began its serialization in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump on April 12, 2021.[11][12] Shueisha has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was released on August 4, 2021.[13] As of October 4, 2024, 17 volumes have been released.[14]

On August 3, 2020, the one-shot version of Blue Box had been published on Weekly Shōnen Jump.[15][16]

Blue Box has been licensed for simultaneous publication in North America as it is released in Japan, with its chapters being digitally launched by Viz Media on its Shonen Jump website.[17] Shueisha also simulpublishes the series in English for free on the Manga Plus app and website.[18] In February 2022, Viz Media announced that they had licensed the series in print format; the first volume was released on November 1 of the same year.[19][20] The manga is also licensed in Indonesia by Elex Media Komputindo.[21]

Volumes

[edit]
No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1 August 4, 2021[22]978-4-08-882731-5November 1, 2022[20]978-1-9747-3462-7
  1. "Chinatsu Senpai" (千夏先輩)
  2. "You Have to Go to Nationals" (インターハイ行ってください, Intāhai itte kudasai)
  3. "Pretending to Be a Stranger" (他人のフリ, Tanin no Furi)
  4. "Chosen One" (選ばれし者, Erabareshimono)
  1. "What I Call Her" (呼び方, Yobikata)
  2. "At Least One Step" (一歩でも, Ippo demo)
  3. "You'll Be Fine" (大丈夫, Daijōbu)
2 October 4, 2021[23]978-4-08-882794-0January 3, 2023[24]978-1-9747-3611-9
  1. "Doubles" (ダブルス, Daburusu)
  2. "Gym Uniforms" (ジャージ, Jāji)
  3. "The Day Before" (前日, Zenjitsu)
  4. "Regional Preliminaries" (地区予選, Chiku Yosen)
  5. "If He Wins" (あいつが勝ったら, Aitsu ga Kattara)
  1. "Date" (デート, Dēto)
  2. "Aquarium" (水族館, Suizokukan)
  3. "An Ordinary Girl" (普通の女子, Futsū no Joshi)
  4. "Kindred Spirits" (同志, Dōshi)
3 January 4, 2022[25]978-4-08-883007-0March 7, 2023[26]978-1-9747-3626-3
  1. "No Problems" (問題ないです, Mondainai Desu)
  2. "Wish Me Luck" (がんばれって言って, Ganbarette Itte)
  3. "I'll Carry Your Bags" (荷物お運びします, Nimotsu Ohakobi Shimasu)
  4. "Eavesdropping" (盗み聞き, Nusumigiki)
  5. "Can I Have One?" (一つちょうだい？, Hitotsu Chōdai?)
  1. "Score!" (一本！, Ippon!)
  2. "I'll Definitely Get It In!" (絶対入れる！, Zettai Ireru!)
  3. "That's Just Sports" (それがスポーツだろ, Sore ga Supōtsu Daro)
  4. "Good Job" (お疲れ様, Otsukaresama)
4 March 4, 2022[27]978-4-08-883063-6May 2, 2023[28]978-1-9747-3641-6
  1. "I'll Be Rooting For You" (応援するよ, Ōen suru yo)
  2. "A Chance" (脈アリ, Myaku Ari)
  3. "Your Own House" (自分の家, Jibun no Ie)
  4. "It's Not a Good Thing" (良くないこと, Yokunai Koto)
  5. "Getting Closer" (お近づきに, Ochikazuki ni)
  1. "Is It a Date?" (おデートでしょうか, O Dēto Deshō ka)
  2. "Uncool!" (ダサいぞ！！, Dasai zo!!)
  3. "When the Underdog Wins" (大穴が勝ちをさらう展開, Ōana ga Kachi o Sarau Tenkai)
  4. "Girls..." (女の子って, Onnanoko tte)
5 June 3, 2022[29]978-4-08-883149-7July 4, 2023[30]978-1-9747-3741-3
  1. "Something Interesting" (おもしろいもの, Omoshiroi Mono)
  2. "Better Get Going" (行かないと, Ikanaito)
  3. "Helloooo" (もしもーし, Moshi Mōshi)
  4. "A Flirt" (人たらし, Hitotarashi)
  5. "Testing it Out" (実験中, Jikken-chū)
  1. "The One Who's Cool..." (かっこいいのは, Kakkoii no wa)
  2. "I Want a Back-and-Forth Rally" (ラリーしたいです, Rarī Shitai Desu)
  3. "An Impossible Notion" (無理なお話, Muri na Ohanashi)
  4. "What's the Connection?" (どういう文脈？, Dōiu Bunmyaku?)
6 August 4, 2022[31]978-4-08-883192-3September 5, 2023[32]978-1-9747-4037-6
  1. "It Didn't Come True" (叶ってないよ, Kanattenai yo)
  2. "August 26" (8月26日, Hachigatsu Nijūrokunichi)
  3. "August 26, Part 2" (8月26日②, Hachigatsu Nijūrokunichi 2)
  4. "August 26, Part 3" (8月26日③, Hachigatsu Nijūrokunichi 3)
  5. "If We Weren't a Year Apart" (1年違えば, Ichinen Chigaeba)
  1. "At Morning Practice Again" (また朝練で, Mata Asaren de)
  2. "Unfair Woman" (ずるい女, Zurui Onna)
  3. "This is Just Right" (このくらいが丁度いい, Kono Kurai ga Chōdo Ii)
  4. "Of Course I Want to See It" (見たいでしょ, Mitai Desho)
7 October 4, 2022[33]978-4-08-883259-3November 7, 2023[34]978-1-9747-4072-7
  1. "Doing Great" (良くやってるよ, Yoku Yatteru yo)
  2. "Hydration" (水分補給, Suibun Hokyū)
  3. "Inomata" (イノマタ君, Inomata-kun)
  4. "Who Do I Think I Am?" (何様だよ, Nanisama da yo)
  5. "I Know" (私は知ってる, Watashi wa Shitteru)
  1. "Right or Left?" (右と左, Migi to Hidari)
  2. "We Didn't!" (してないですよ, Shitenai Desu yo)
  3. "Let's Go See It" (観に行こうよ, Mi ni Ikō yo)
  4. "I've Got Plans" (予定あるんだ, Yotei Arun da)
8 December 2, 2022[35]978-4-08-883389-7January 2, 2024[36]978-1-9747-4280-6
  1. "What'd You Say?" (なんて言いました？, Nante Iimashita?)
  2. "Help Me Out!" (力を貸してよ！, Chikara o Kashite yo!)
  3. "As One of Her Closest Friends" (親友として, Shinyū Toshite)
  4. "It's Not That" (そこじゃない, Soko ja Nai)
  5. "I'm Here to Lend an Ear" (話なら聞くぞ, Hanashi nara Kiku zo)
  1. "A Chance to Blossom" (花が咲くまで, Hana ga Saku Made)
  2. "Girl Manager" (女子マネージャー, Joshi Manējā)
  3. "Inota!" (いのた！)
  4. "An Exciting Event" (ワクワクイベント, Wakuwaku Ibento)
9 February 3, 2023[37]978-4-08-883433-7March 5, 2024[38]978-1-9747-4316-2
  1. "Joint Training Camp" (合同合宿, Gōdō Gasshuku)
  2. "Spinning" (ぐるぐる, Guruguru)
  3. "That's What I Know" (俺はわかってる, Ore wa Wakatteru)
  4. "I Don't Need an Answer" (いらないの, Iranai no)
  5. "A Roller Coaster" (ジェットコースター, Jetto Kōsutā)
  1. "Didn't Mean to Say" (言うつもり, Iu Tsumori)
  2. "Even So" (それでも, Sore de mo)
  3. "You Are Too" (お前もだろ, Omae mo Daro)
  4. "Shopping for a Tracksuit" (ジャージ買いに, Jāji Kai ni)
  5. "Because That's Who I Am" (それが私なので, Sore ga Watashi Nanode)
10 May 2, 2023[39]978-4-08-883539-6May 7, 2024[40]978-1-9747-4595-1
  1. "I Was Hoping You Could Try It" (食べてほしくて, Tabete Hoshikute)
  2. "Where It Hurts" (痛いところ, Itai Tokoro)
  3. "Déjà Vu" (デジャブ, Dejabu)
  4. "How That Made Her Feel" (どんな気持ち, Don'na Kimochi)
  5. "Because I Hate Her" (キライだから, Kirai Dakara)
  1. "Admiration" (感嘆, Kantan)
  2. "Excuses and Sound Arguments" (言い訳と健全な議論, Iiwake to Kenzen na Giron)
  3. "Can't Stay Like This" (このままではいられない, Kono ma Made wa i Rarenai)
  4. "Yumeka, You..." (ゆめか、あなた, Yumeka, Anata)
  5. "They're One and the Same" (それらは同じものである, Sorera wa Onaji Mono Desu)
11 August 4, 2023[41]978-4-08-883591-4July 2, 2024[42]978-1-9747-4596-8
  1. "The Most Powerful Feeling" (最強の感情, Saikyō no Fīringu)
  2. "Whenever You're Struggling" (悩んでいるときはいつでも, Nayan de Iru Toki wa Itsu Demo)
  3. "To Strip Away" (剥ぎ取る, Hagi Toru)
  4. "Has It Been Two Years?" (2年経ちましたか？, 2-Nen Tachimashita ka?)
  5. "It's Back" (イッツ・バック, Ittsu Bakku)
  1. "Christmas Eve" (クリスマスイブ, Kurisumasu Ibu)
  2. "Are You Having Problems?" (問題がありますか?, Mondai ga Arimasu ka?)
  3. "The End of the Year" (年末, Nenmatsu)
  4. "Don't Hesitate" (ためらわないで, Tamerawanaide)
12 October 4, 2023[43]978-4-08-883690-4October 1, 2024[44]978-1-9747-4871-6
  1. "I Wanna See Her" (彼女に会いたい, Kanojo ni Aitai)
  2. "Today Too" (今日も, Kyō mo)
  3. "It's So Beautiful" (それはとても美しいです, Sore wa Totemo Utsukushīdesu)
  4. "I Need to Tell You Something" (何か伝えたいことがあります, Nanika Tsutaetaikoto ga Arimasu)
  5. "January 4, Midday" (1月4日正午, 1 Tsuki 4-nichi Shōgo)
  1. "Let's Keep It a Secret" (秘密にしておきましょう, Himitsu ni Shite Okimashou)
  2. "So Nervous" (とても緊張, Totemo Kinchō)
  3. "Your Style of Love, Chii" (あなたの愛のスタイル、ちぃ, Anata no Ai no Sutairu, Chii)
  4. "It's Already Settled" (もう決まってるよ, Mō Kimatteru yo)
13 December 4, 2023[45]978-4-08-883790-1December 3, 2024[46]978-1-9747-4921-8
  1. "January 15" (1月15日, Ichigatsu Jūgonichi)
  2. "Interview" (インタビュー, Intabyū)
  3. "Reward" (褒美, Hōbi)
  4. "Got It All Sorted Out" (すべてを整理しました, Subete o Seiri Shimashita)
  5. "A Waste" (無駄, Muda)
  1. "Challenger" (挑戦者, Chōsen-sha)
  2. "Lucky" (ラッキー, Rakkī)
  3. "It's Rude" (それは失礼です, Sore wa Shitsureidesu)
  4. "A Big Step" (大きな一歩, Ōkina Ippo)
14 March 4, 2024[47]978-4-08-883848-9March 4, 2025[48]978-1-9747-5177-8
  1. "That Kind of Person" (そういう人, Sōiu Hito)
  2. "Almost Got the Wrong Idea" (危うく間違った考えをしそうになる, Ayauku Machigatta Kangae o Shi-sō ni Naru)
  3. "Outrageous" (法外な, Hōgaina)
  4. "Good Luck, Senpai" (頑張れ、先輩, Ganbare, Senpai)
  5. "Show Off Your Skills" (腕前を披露する, Udemae o Hirō Suru)
  1. "Difference Between Grades" (グレード間の違い, Gurēdo-kan no Chigai)
  2. "Great to Hear" (聞いてよかった, Kiite Yokatta)
  3. "You Know What That Means" (それが何を意味するか知っていますか, Sore ga Nani o Imi Suru ka Shitte Imasu ka)
  4. "Take Our Time" (時間がかかる, Jikan ga Kakaru)
15 June 4, 2024[49]978-4-08-884041-3——
  1. "Gives Me Goosebumps" (震えるね, Furueru ne)
  2. "With Hyodo" (兵藤さんと, Hyōdō-san to)
  3. "With the Right Effort" (正しい努力で, Tadashī Doryoku De)
  4. "I'm Borrowing One" (1つ借りています, Hitotsu Karite Imasu)
  5. "That Can't Be True" (それは真実ではありません, Sore wa Shinjitsude wa Arimasen)
  1. "I Get That" (わかります, Wakarimasu)
  2. "Why?" (なぜ？, Naze?)
  3. "Get On" (乗る, Noru)
  4. "That's Not True" (それは真実ではない, Sore wa Shinjitsude Wanai)
16 August 2, 2024[50]978-4-08-884133-5——
  1. "Go Eimei!" (ゴーエイメイ！, Gō Eimei!)
  2. "The Guy Who Carried Her" (彼女を運んだ男, Kanojo o Hakonda Otoko)
  3. "A Badminton Day" (バドミントンの日, Badominton no Hi)
  4. "I've Done My Fair Share" (やってきたこと, Yattekita Koto)
  5. "A Senpai's Love" (先輩としての想い, Senpai to Shite no Omoi)
  1. "You Can Do It!" (がんばれっ, Ganbare Tsu)
  2. "Final Game" (ファイナルゲーム, Fainaru Gēmu)
  3. "Forehead Flick" (デコピン, Dekopin)
  4. "Let's Replace It" (上書きしよっか, Uwagaki Shi Yokka)
17 October 4, 2024[14]978-4-08-884207-3——
  1. "She Really Is Tough" (やっぱり強ぇ, Yappari Tsuyo ~e)
  2. "The Feeling's Mutual" (お互いさまです, Otagai-sama desu)
  3. "Secret Someone" (ひみつのだれか, Himitsu no Dare Ka)
  4. "If We Hadn't Broken Up" (別れてなきゃ, Wakare Tenakya)
  5. "Deck of Kindness" (優しさの手札, Yasashi-sa no Tefuda)
  1. "Last Fireworks" (最後の花火, Saigo no Hanabi)
  2. "Hello" (こんにちは, Kon'nichiwa)
  3. "Because It's So Precious" (大切だからこそ, Taisetsudakara Koso)
  4. "Don't Eat Ice Cream" (アイスクリームを食べない, Aisukurīmu o Tabenai)
18 December 4, 2024[51]978-4-08-884383-4——

Chapters not yet in tankōbon format

[edit]

These chapters have yet to be published in a tankōbon volume.

  1. "Into That Box" (あの箱には, Ano hako ni wa)
  2. "Could It Be" (もしかして, Moshikashite)
  3. "Winning" (勝つ, Katsu)
  4. "The Beach in Summer" (夏のビーチ, Natsu no Bīchi)
  5. "Ten Challenges" (10本勝負, 10 pon Shōbu)
  6. "Guest of Honor" (主賓, Shuhin)
  7. "A Wish" (願い事, Negaigoto)
  8. "Thanks for Taking Care of Us" (お世話になりました, Osewa ni Narimashita)
  9. "It Might Work Out" (うまくいくかもしれない, Umaku iku Kamo Shirenai)
  10. "Show Up When Someone's in Trouble" (誰かが困っているときに現れる, Dareka ga Komatte iru Toki ni Arawareru)
  11. "Socially Awkward" (社会的に不器用, Shakai-teki ni Bukiyō)
  12. "The Haunted House" (お化け屋敷, Obake Yashiki)
  13. "This Feeling Is" (この気持ちは, Kono Kimochi wa)
  14. "If It's Not Too Late" (まだ間に合うなら, Mada Maniaunara)
  15. "This Is Who I Am" (これが私だ, Kore ga Watashida)
  16. "Your Stamp" (あなたのスタンプ, Anata no Sutanpu)
  17. "A Year Since Then" (あれから一年, Are kara Ichinen)
  18. "Are You Over Him?" (諦めついた?, Akirame tsuita?)
  19. "What's in Front of You Right Now" (眼の前の"今", Me no Mae no" ima")
  20. "Let Me Carry That Weight" (持たせてください, Mota sete Kudasai)
This incomplete list is frequently updated to include new information.

Anime

[edit]

An anime television series adaptation was announced in November 2023.[6] Planned and produced by TMS Entertainment,[a] it is animated by Telecom Animation Film and directed by Yūichirō Yano, with Yūko Kakihara handling series composition, and Miho Tanino designing the characters.[4] The series premiered on October 3, 2024, on TBS and its affiliates, and will run for two consecutive cours.[7][52][53] The opening theme is "Same Blue" by Official Hige Dandism, and the ending theme is "Teenage Blue" (ティーンエイジブルー) by Eve.[52] Netflix licensed the series and is streaming it worldwide.[54]

Episodes

[edit]
No.Title [55][56]Directed by [55]Written by [55]Storyboarded by [55]Original air date [57][b]Ref.
1"Chinatsu Senpai"
Transliteration: "Chinatsu-senpai" (Japanese: 千夏先輩)		Keiko OyamadaYūko KakiharaYūichirō YanoOctober 3, 2024 (2024-10-03)[59]
Taiki Inomata rushes to school in order to see Chinatsu Kano, whom he has a crush on. He confides to his friends Kyo Kasahara and Hina Chōno about his feelings for Chinatsu, who then comment how she is out of his league. Despite this, they offer Taiki tips on how he can break the ice. Sometime later, Taiki encounters Chinatsu on a cold morning and offers his scarf to her. Charmed, she begins calling Taiki by his full name. Feeling pride, Taiki further pursues this endeavor and meets with Chinatsu to know her better, opening up how he felt inspired to improve his badminton skills after seeing Chinatsu practicing her basketball skills when she missed the nationals. Taiki learns from his mother, who is close friends with Chinatsu's mother, that she and her family will be moving abroad, prompting him to run to the gym and bid good luck to Chinatsu. Chinatsu clears the confusion by stating she will be living with an acquaintance. The next morning, Taiki finds out Chinatsu will be staying in his house, much to his shock.
2"You Have to Go to Nationals"
Transliteration: "Intāhai Itte Kudasai" (Japanese: インターハイ行ってください)		Hitomi EzoeYūko KakiharaYūichirō YanoOctober 10, 2024 (2024-10-10)[60]
Chinatsu is welcomed into the Inomata household as Taiki attempts to process the sudden change in his status quo. At school, Kyo picks up on Taiki's cheerful attitude and advises him to keep it a secret. Taiki also expresses his desire to join the nationals to be able to reach Chinatsu's level, surprising Kyo. Chinatsu later learns of this and gifts him a good luck bracelet as she shows her own. The next day, Hina encounters Taiki exercising at the gym and suspects it has something to do with Chinatsu, teasing him in the process. Afraid of Hina learning the secret, Taiki distances himself from Chinatsu and later admits to her his worry of people gossiping over them if they are seen together, confusing Chinatsu as she was under the impression that Taiki and Hina liked each other. At the start of the school year, Taiki strives to work hard to achieve his goal. Hina bumps into him after school and they see Chinatsu walking towards their direction but then notice her talking to Taiki's badminton upperclassman Kengo Haryū, shocking him.
3"Chii"
Transliteration: "Chī" (Japanese: ちー)		Harume KosakaYūko KakiharaYūichirō YanoOctober 17, 2024 (2024-10-17)[61]
Despite reassurances that Haryū and Chinatsu are classmates, Taiki is troubled as he continues to see them talk and hears Haryū call Chinatsu "Chii". When Chinatsu notices his behavior and worries for him, Taiki calms down and tries to clear his mind to focus on the upcoming matches. This, however, fails after hearing his upperclassmen comment on Haryū and Chinatsu hanging out lately. This is further exacerbated when Taiki plays a match against Haryū. Taiki manages to finish the game with a better performance despite losing to Haryū, which Chinatsu commends when she and Taiki practice playing badminton after the game. He also learns that "Chii" is a nickname given to Chinatsu by her classmates. Taiki is notified the following day he will be playing doubles with Haryū. His heart sinks when Haryū hears him mentioning Chinatsu and teases him as they rigorously practice. Haryū then introduces him to his and Chinatsu's friend group, praising his skills. Taiki later learns that Haryū already has a girlfriend and Chinatsu was assisting him, realizing he was being toyed with by Haryū, much to his annoyance and frustration.
4"If He Wins"
Transliteration: "Aitsu ga Kattara" (Japanese: あいつが勝ったら)		Masato KitagawaYūko KakiharaMasayoshi NishidaOctober 24, 2024 (2024-10-24)[62]
Taiki begins to get accustomed to living with Chinatsu after a month has passed. He later receives a text message from Chinatsu informing him that he accidentally grabbed her gym uniform, which he eventually returns. That night, Taiki continues practicing for the upcoming badminton preliminaries at home. Seeing this, Chinatsu asks him to take it easy and rest. When Chinatsu adds he can attempt again the following year, however, Taiki is left despondent, knowing Chinatsu will graduate by that time. On the day of the preliminaries, Taiki and Haryū begin advancing through the matches when they meet Haryū's previous doubles partner Shoichiro Kishi. Kishi calls Haryū out for not giving him Chinatsu's number and he challenges Haryū to a singles match to uphold the deal. Haryū accepts and lets him play against Taiki, much to the latter's annoyance. Arriving home, Taiki overhears Chinatsu share her insecurities of discouraging him to his mother, motivating him to win against Kishi. Taiki and Kishi begin their match the next day as Haryū and Kyo watch on. When Chinatsu and her teammates arrive, Kyo shares to her the stakes involved and how much she motivates Taiki.
5"Aquarium"
Transliteration: "Suizokukan" (Japanese: 水族館)		Keiko OyamadaYūko KakiharaYūichirō YanoOctober 31, 2024 (2024-10-31)[63]
Kyo proposes to Chinatsu on taking Taiki to an aquarium as Taiki wins the match against Kishi. As his peers congratulate him, Taiki receives Chinatsu's offer, surprising him. Witnessing this, Hina congratulates him on getting closer with Chinatsu and calls their upcoming outing a date, though one of her friends takes note of her looking sullen after separating from Taiki. Taiki nervously prepares for the outing, but he oversleeps and rushes to the aquarium. Chinatsu apologizes to Taiki for discouraging him the previous day, which he accepts, adding he is open for Chinatsu to talk about her worries. At school, Taiki thanks Kyo on setting up the outing as Kyo brings up the possibility of Chinatsu liking him back, taking Taiki off-guard and Kyo and Hina make him focus back on practicing. Hina later has a chance meeting with Chinatsu and sees a keychain from the aquarium, making Hina believe Taiki has a chance with Chinatsu while Hina fondly recounts her interactions with Taiki. Chinatsu leaves but forgets her phone, prompting Hina to return it when she discovers Chinatsu entering Taiki's house and talking with him, disconcerting Hina as she begins to develop feelings for Taiki.
6"Wish Me Luck"
Transliteration: "Ganbarette Itte" (Japanese: がんばれって言って)		Yasuro TsuchiyaYūko KakiharaIssei IbaNovember 7, 2024 (2024-11-07)[64]
Hina confronts Taiki and Chinatsu on their relationship, forcing Taiki to explain the circumstances. While she understands the situation, Hina expresses her dismay that Taiki kept it a secret from her. Hina becomes distracted with the revelation during practice while being put under pressure from the expectations of her peers and is further troubled upon learning Taiki and Chinatsu motivate each other in reaching the nationals, hindering her ability to perform well. Noticing her shortcomings, Hina practices more, but while thinking on where to improve after a session, Hina bumps into a student and sprains her ankle, sending her into a panic before Taiki comes to her aid. He lends an ear to Hina's worries as she also subtly references her jealousy for Chinatsu. After recovering, Hina asks Taiki to wish her luck on her practice; Hina achieves first place in the qualifiers. At home, Chinatsu shares to Taiki on encountering Hina where Taiki shows his enthusiasm for her, making Chinatsu assume she is getting in the way of their relationship.
7"Can I Have One?"
Transliteration: "Hitotsu Chōdai?" (Japanese: 一つちょうだい？)		Hitomi EzoeYūko KakiharaHitomi EzoeNovember 14, 2024 (2024-11-14)[65]
Taiki begins vigorously practicing for the qualifiers. When Chinatsu mentions her qualifiers and Taiki's coinciding on the same day, Taiki wonders if she is looking forward to his match. They later cross paths while walking home and they head to a shrine and pray on reaching the nationals. The next day after their team's qualifiers, Chinatsu and her friend Nagisa Funami overhear their rivals from Kagohara Academy comment on Chinatsu's lackluster performance. Taiki later notices the team's melancholic behavior and eavesdrops on Nagisa's frustration with the situation. Chinatsu spots him and shares on wanting to prove Kagohara wrong with her skills. Inspired by Chinatsu's drive, Taiki practices harder with Haryū. After wrapping up, Kyo questions Taiki if he plans to ask Chinatsu out when he reaches the nationals, but Taiki wishes to not yet force his feelings on her. They encounter Haryū at a convenience store and are later joined by Hina, Chinatsu, and their friends. Hina grabs a bite from Taiki's snack and expresses on wanting to give him gifts. Seeing this, an envious Chinatsu also grabs a bite, leaving Taiki perplexed with her intentions.
8"Score!"
Transliteration: "Ippon!" (Japanese: 一本っ！)		Shunji YoshidaYūko KakiharaMasayoshi NishidaNovember 21, 2024 (2024-11-21)[66]
Chinatsu sees Taiki exercising for his qualifiers and joins him. While discussing their upcoming matches, Chinatsu asks him what kind of cheer Taiki's badminton club uses. At the qualifiers, Taiki and Haryū watch the doubles match of competitor Shōta Hyōdō and take note of his playing style. Taiki and Haryū play against Hyōdō as Hyōdō's teammate Shūji Yusa observes their gameplay, taking special attention on Taiki's playing. Chinatsu later learns that Taiki lost the match and while thinking of how to cheer him up, she sees his notes and writes words of encouragement. The next day, Taiki plays a singles match against Yusa but also loses. Hina visits the qualifiers and hears about Taiki's performance, leading her to check up on him; Taiki opens up to Hina on doubting his ability to reach the nationals. After the qualifiers conclude, Taiki strives to continue improving. Taiki overhears Chinatsu reaching the nationals upon arriving home, frustrating him further despite being proud of her.
9"I'll Be Rooting For You"
Transliteration: "Ōen suru yo" (Japanese: 応援するよ)		Yuka YamatoYūko KakiharaYuka YamatoNovember 28, 2024 (2024-11-28)[67]
Upon learning about the upcoming exams, Taiki begins to study as he observes Chinatsu's team practicing for the nationals; seeing this, Taiki instead practices his badminton skills, leaving Kyo and Hina worried. The badminton club is tasked to write their goals, which Taiki uses to write on improving his skills. Taiki balances his studies and badminton practice as he continues to hear of Chinatsu's progress, discouraging him. Sometime later, Taiki falls ill after overworking himself and wonders if he failed to achieve his promises. Chinatsu reassures him and tends to his health despite Taiki warning she might contract his illness. Chinatsu asks why he did not write reaching the nationals on his goal note after seeing it during the club activity, leading Taiki to open up on being overconfident with his expectations. Chinatsu shares she harbors the same doubts as Taiki and replies he should still aim for his goal while setting expectations. Hearing this, Taiki feels calmed by her empathy and states on writing Chinatsu's advice on his goal note before losing his balance, prompting Chinatsu to catch him as she also falls on top of him, and they lock eyes.

Reception

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Popularity

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In August 2021, the first volume of the manga had over 170,000 copies in circulation in less than a week after its release.[68]

In June 2021, Blue Box was nominated for the seventh Next Manga Award in the Best Print Manga category;[69] it placed eighth out of 50 nominees, but won the Global Prize.[70][71] The series ranked fourth on the Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2022.[72]

Critical response

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Anthony Gramuglia of Comic Book Resources (CBR) stated, "Blue Box is a sentimental story about human connection. It's beautifully drawn, at times resembling a shōjo manga more than a typical shōnen. If Blue Box continues, it will likely become an earnest, sincere entry in Shōnen Jump's romantic catalog".[73] Timothy Donohoo of CBR compared Blue Box to Kenta Shinohara's Witch Watch and Shigure Tokita's Don't Blush, Sekime-san! due to both series having concepts and romantic aspects similar to Blue Box's.[74]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b Under the "Unlimited Produce by TMS" brand[4]
  2. ^ The first two episodes were released simultaneously on Netflix Japan. Succeeding episodes are released a week before their televised airings.[58]

References

[edit]
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