Netflix’s newest sports-romance anime, “Blue Box,” is the story of Taiki Inomata. He is a badminton athlete at Eimei Private High School. Taiki has a crush on Chinatsu Kano, the MVP of the female basketball team. When Chinatsu’s parents moved abroad because of work, Taiki’s parents let Chinatsu live with them, leading Taiki to become much closer to his crush and have a chance to confess. But because they have different statuses in school and Chinatsu focuses on going to nationals, Taiki decided to build his reputation as an athlete – first to become worthy of Chinatsu. With three episodes out (as of this writing), let’s see what the anime has given us so far:
Provides wholesome vibe
From Taiki and Chinatsu exchanging encouraging words to their training scenes, Blue Box subtly inspires us to realize that mental and physical health are important while pursuing our dreams. “Blue Box’s” health influence gets better with new episodes. In episode one, the anime caresses our mental health through positive affirmations from Taiki and Chinatsu.
Then, in episode two, we got a tip that can help us take care of our physical and mental health simultaneously, and that is Taiki’s sudden rule of exercising every time distracting thoughts occur in his head. Also, in episode two, the show vicariously granted our constant desire to have a true friend when Taiki’s best friend, Kyo Kasahara, complimented Taiki behind his back – giving us serenity while watching the show.
Displays an elaborate slow-burn romance
Taiki and Chinatsu’s romantic pace is slow. Still, viewers enjoy and cringe at Taiki’s overthinking and agitation whenever he is with Chinatsu. Still, it’s not only Taiki and Chinatsu who have slow-paced romances. Behind them, Hina Chono somehow gives a “silent contemplation vibe” if she renovates her friendship with Taiki and turns it into romance.
Remind us of life’s paradoxes
First, Taiki’s admiration for Chinatsu inspires him but also pressures and distracts him. Two, Chinatsu is comfortable having a male friend, like Taiki and Haryu, but automatically assumes that Taiki and Hina have something romantic going on. Lastly, Hina believes she’s terrible at working hard but shows great discipline in maintaining her weight.
Boosts our motivation to achieve our goals
Taiki’s eagerness to measure up with Chinatsu, Chinatsu’s consistency in her early morning training, and Hinatsu’s intentional deprivation of weight gain foods are some of the ways this anime boosts our motivation to achieve our goals.
In-depth presentation of our inner battles
Aside from Taiki’s badminton practice and tournament, his inner battles are also exhilarating. They’re relatable, and it feels like our capacity to give others the “benefit of the doubt” is blooming as we watch Taiki arduously try to understand Chinatsu.
Besides puppy love feels, Blue Box is, so far, giving us a cheerleader and an inspiration to go outside our comfort zone, such as taking care of our health, overcoming our inner battles, handling paradoxes in life, and achieving our goals.
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Featured Image Credit: aonohako_PR Official Twitter
