Haikyu!! (season 4)

The fourth season of Haikyu!!, titled Haikyū!! To The Top (ハイキュー!! TO THE TOP),[2] was announced at the Jump Festa '19 event, with a "kickoff event" for the new series being held on September 22, 2019.[3][4] is an anime adaptation of a manga series written by Haruichi Furudate. It was produced by Production I.G and premiered on January 11, 2020 on the Super Animeism block.[5] It was later announced that the fourth season will be split-cour, with the second half airing in July 2020,[6] however it was delayed and premiered on October 3, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7][8][9][10]

Haikyu!!
Season 4
Country of origin	Japan
No. of episodes	25[1] + 2 OVA
Release
Original network	MBS
Original release	January 11 – December 19, 2020
Season chronology

The series uses four pieces of theme music: two opening themes and two ending themes. From episodes 1-13, the opening theme is "Phoenix" by Burnout Syndromes while the ending theme is "Kessen Spirit" by CHiCO with HoneyWorks.[11] From episodes 14 onwards, the opening theme is "Toppako" by SUPER BEAVER while the ending theme is "One Day" by SPYAIR.[12]

Episode list

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
OVA4	OVA4	"Land vs. Sky" Transcription: "Riku VS kū" (Japanese: 陸VS空)	Masako Satō	Taku Kishimoto	January 22, 2020
An intense battle rages on at the Tokyo Qualifiers for the three remaining spots in the national volleyball competition. Nekoma High School, Fukurodani High School, Nohebi Academy, and Itachiyama Academy all passionately strive to participate in the tournament. In the second semi-final, Nekoma was matched with Fukurodani. Itachiyama and Fukurodani respectively won both their sets and went to the finals, leaving behind Nekoma and Nohebi to compete for the final spot for the nationals.
OVA5	OVA5	"The "Path" of the Ball" Transcription: "Bōru no "michi"" (Japanese: ボールの"道")	Masako Satō	Taku Kishimoto	January 22, 2020
The match between Nekoma and Nohebi continues with Nohebi in the lead with 16-13! Yaku may have sprained his ankle when he accidentally stepped on a spectator's foot and landed awkwardly. Nohebi who are targeting Shibayama as the weak link on the team. Kenma gives instructions and words of encouragement to his teammates, and they continue the match. Shibayama apologizes to the team for being unable to save the ball and Lev tells him that he is not Yaku. Both teams refuse to drop the ball. To avoid Lev's block, Kuguri spikes to the side and Shibayama receives the ball. Yamamoto spikes the ball against the blocker's hands and it ricochets out of bounds meaning the end of the match. Nekoma has secured a spot to nationals! Meanwhile in the finals, Itachiyama edge out Fukurodani with 2-1 victory. Hinata received an email from Kenma stating that they have won and they will be heading for nationals.
Part 1
61	1	"Introductions" Transcription: "Jiko shōkai" (Japanese: 自己紹介)	Masako Satō	Taku Kishimoto	January 11, 2020
In preparation for Spring Nationals, the boys' measurements are taken, invoking friendly competition amongst the team. Kageyama is invited to the All-Japan Youth Training Camp, while Tsukishima is invited to the first-year only prefecture-wide training camp. In a fit of jealousy, Hinata sneaks into Tsukishima's camp. Despite the initial confusion, Shiratorizawa's coach allows Hinata to attend the camp as a ball boy to test his skills independent of Kageyama.
62	2	"Lost" Transcription: "Maigo" (Japanese: 迷子)	Takahiro Ōtsuka	Taku Kishimoto	January 18, 2020
Hinata is lectured after causing trouble by Sawamura Daichi, Coach Ukai and his teacher Takeda, who tells him, "He who climbs the ladder must begin at the bottom." Back at Shiratorizawa, Hinata observes the practice session as a ball boy. A surprise match against Shiratorizawa's third years and alumni is set up for the camp participants. In between sets, Hinata takes a moment alone in the equipment room.
63	3	"Perspective" Transcription: "Shiten" (Japanese: 視点)	Yasushi Muroya	Taku Kishimoto	January 25, 2020
With Coach Ukai's advice in mind to not underestimate what it takes to be a ball boy, Hinata comes out with a clearer mind. Hinata works on receiving the ball in different ways by reading the spikers' form, a skill that he learned in middle school. For personal training, Hinata volunteers to be on the receiving side in an effort to practice his split form. Back at Karasuno High, the boys have a practice match with Tokonami High while they practice their serves, realizing that they prefer to do the penalty whether they win or lose. Kageyama continues his practice at National Youth Camp and subconsciously sets his toss higher than usual.
64	4	""Taking it Easy"" Transcription: ""Raku"" (Japanese: "楽")	Hideya Itō	Taku Kishimoto	February 1, 2020
Tsukishima surprises Hinata by joining the blocking practice session. At the National Youth Camp, Kageyama is been the most reserved attendee. Sakusa is curious about the Karasuno-Shiratorizawa qualifying match, and he is challenged by another setter, Miya Atsumu. Back in Shiratorizawa, Tsukishima realizes that he isn't the tallest in the group. He tries to find various tactics to block future spikers in the upcoming national tournament. As a ball boy, Hinata has been observing Kunimi's characteristics. Being the newest and the tallest attendee, Hyakuzawa from Kadokawa High can’t keep up with the training. Hinata is able to encourage him by telling him to take things easy.
65	5	"Hunger" Transcription: "Kūfuku" (Japanese: 空腹)	Tomoe Makino	Taku Kishimoto	February 8, 2020
As a ball boy, Hinata has been observing each player, mirroring their playing styles and asking numerous questions about volleyball. In Tokyo, Kageyama has been exposed to various positions aside from being a setter and has made acquaintances who he will see at Nationals. Back at Karasuno, the boys have been practicing on their serves. Takeda has been contacting various schools for practice matches before the Spring Tournament. The next morning, Kageyama and Hinata reunite. Kageyama is pleasantly surprised that Hinata has been a ball boy at the camp and they both share information about the attendees. The team finds out that Date Tech will be the first school on the list for Karasuno.
66	6	"Enhancements" Transcription: "Kōyō" (Japanese: 昂揚)	Masayo Nozaki	Taku Kishimoto	February 15, 2020
On their first day back, the boys practice their serves. Kinoshita is able to float serve while Yamaguchi has yet to master a jump serve. Hinata surprises everyone by being able to receive Kageyama's powerful serve. For personal training, Kageyama coaches Hinata on his jump technique by using Hoshiumi as his reference. Date Tech comes over to Karasuno for a friendly match. The boys face various new challenges from Date Tech's newly evolved "Iron Wall" defense.
67	7	"Return" Transcription: "Henkan" (Japanese: 返還)	Hideya Itō	Taku Kishimoto	February 22, 2020
Kageyama has been very quiet and on edge since his return from Tokyo. Hinata manages to ease the tension by reminding Kageyama of his growth since they met. Coach Ukai uses this opportunity to encourage the team to have effective communication. Later, Kageyama experiments while tossing to Tsukishima to break through the "Iron Wall".
68	8	"Challenger" Transcription: "Charenjā" (Japanese: チャレンジャー)	Tomoe Makino	Taku Kishimoto	February 29, 2020
The practice match against Date Tech is now into the fourth set. Coach Ukai picks on Kinoshita after seeing him avoiding eye contact. Coach Ukai encourages Kinoshita by acknowledging his ability to score but warns him not to pull the vanishing act again. Karasuno continues to employ their newly learned techniques and finds them effective even against the Iron Wall. Ultimately, Asahi breaks through three blockers to clinch the final set, resulting in both teams having 4 wins and 4 losses.
69	9	"Everyone's Night" Transcription: "Sorezore no yoru" (Japanese: それぞれの夜)	Hiromichi Matano	Taku Kishimoto	March 7, 2020
It's New Years Day. Daichi is on edge due to the incoming Spring Inter-High, but a day of spending time with his teammates and friends helps him calm down. The team has arrived in Tokyo for Nationals. After getting some practice in at a local gymnasium, the team settles down at their lodging, where each member handles the last night ahead of the big day in their own way. The day after, Karasuno reunites with Nekoma, Fukurōdani, and other familiar faces at Nationals.
70	10	"Battle Lines" Transcription: "Sensen" (Japanese: 戦線)	Toshiyuki Sone	Taku Kishimoto	March 14, 2020
After the opening ceremony, the team goes to warm up for their first match at another gymnasium. When they return to the official venue, Hinata discovers that he has grabbed the wrong bag and is missing his shoes. Kiyoko goes to retrieve Hinata's lost bag while the team warms up for their first match. As Kiyoko runs to the station, she recalls her memories of when she first became the manager and her journey with the volleyball team. Kiyoko returns to the gym just in time ahead of Karasuno's match against Tsubakihara Academy. Just like Coach Ukai expected, the match is very tough. Kageyama is having a hard time adjusting to his surroundings, which has a negative effect on Karasuno's first match against Tsubakihara Academy. The team holds out until Kageyama recalibrates. Yamaguchi is switched in with Hinata as a pinch server and manages to change the momentum for Karasuno. Finally after trial and error, Kageyama and Hinata manage to successfully pull off their quick. The score is currently 13-15 with Tsubakihara in the lead.
71	11	"A Chance to Extend the Rally" Transcription: "Tsunagareru chansu" (Japanese: 繋がれるチャンス)	Hitomi Ezoe Masako Satō	Taku Kishimoto	March 21, 2020
Former Karasuno members appear to cheer on the new team, impressed by their growth. Kageyama, in particular, attracts attention for his superior technique and sharp game sense. Meanwhile, Atsumu Miya observes the match. Tsubakihara perseveres, but just when they seem to have broken through Karasuno's defenses, Hinata manages to keep the ball in play by receiving it with his chest. Asahi follows up with a spike to even the score 18-18. Though Hinata still has trouble finding the right position to receive, his improvements are becoming noticeable to his teammates. Tsubakihara's new player Himekawa is switched in as a pinch server at a crucial moment. Under pressure, Himekawa accidentally underserves the ball into Teradomari's head, allowing Karasuno to win the set. The second set also ends with Karasuno in the lead, 15-14. Himekawa is switched again, but this time he successfully pulls off a ceiling serve. Daichi completely misses the ball because of the gymnasium lights, allowing Tsubakihara to regain some momentum. Karasuno initially struggles with the serve, but they soon adapt and halt Tsubakihara's momentum, making their comeback. The game continues in a intense rally with both teams scoring back and forth. With the score at 23-23, Karasuno makes a miscoordination but Daichi saves it just in time to put his team at match point. For the last play, Sugawara joins the match as the pinch server, aiming to cause a disarray in their opponent's formation. The match ends with a finishing blow from Karasuno's ace, Asahi, and Karasuno moves on to the second round.
72	12	"Vivid" Transcription: "Senretsu" (Japanese: 鮮烈)	Hideya Itō	Taku Kishimoto	March 28, 2020
Karasuno has won their first match at Nationals. The team celebrates. The third years get to catch up with their upperclassmen who are amazed by Karasuno's current first years. While Karasuno eats lunch, they decide to watch Nekoma's first match. Nekoma wins their first match at Nationals and is also be moving on to the second round. Meanwhile, Fukurōdani is just starting their first match against Eiwa and Bokuto is already in "dejected mode". However, the team is well-adapted and once Bokuto regains his composure, he leads Fukurōdani to an overwhelming victory over Eiwa. Hinata and Yamaguchi meet Kourai Hoshiumi, and Hinata and Hoshiumi have a staring competition. Kageyama introduces Hoshiumi, as they met at the National Training Youth Camp. Later, Karasuno watches Hoshiumi's team, Kamomedai, and are amazed by their skill. Hoshiumi shows off his all-rounder prowess, leading the game commentators to call him the "Small Giant". Hinata is inspired by Hoshiumi's play. As the first day of the Spring Inter-High comes to a close, Karasuno encounters their rival Nekoma. Daichi and Kuroo remind each other to survive the next day before separating. As Karasuno gets some rest, Tanaka finally gets the chance to talk with his childhood friend, Kanoka Amanai.
73	13	"Day Two" Transcription: "Futsuka-me" (Japanese: 2日目)	Yumi Kamakura	Taku Kishimoto	April 4, 2020
Before the second day of Nationals, Karasuno prepares to play against their next opponent, the runner-up of the Inter-High Tournament, Inarizaki High. Coach Ukai briefs the team about the players to look out for, especially Atsumu Miya, who attended the Youth Training Camp with Kageyama. Karasuno quickly realizes that the match will be incredibly tough, but things get worse when they learn that one of Atsumu Miya's teammates is his twin brother, Osamu. As the match draws closer, Tanaka runs into Kanoka to clear up the misunderstanding with her cousin from the night before. The match between Karasuno and Inarizaki begins. Karasuno notices the popularity of their opponents as they step onto the court to deafening cheers from Inarizaki supporters. Miya Atsumu starts off with a powerful serve, but not before he silences the crowd, as any noise affects his ability to focus. However, when it comes to Karasuno's turn to serve, the Inarizaki cheering squad starts booing their opponents. As the game continues, Hinata manages to jump higher than ever before, but is so caught up in the jump itself that he forgets to spike the ball. Although Hinata receives harsh criticism from Kageyama, the Inarizaki players are surprised and impressed that he would experiment at a time like this and all set their eyes on Hinata.
Part 2
74	14	"Rhythm" Transcription: "Rizumu" (Japanese: リズム)	Hitomi Ezoe	Taku Kishimoto	October 3, 2020
The second round of spring high with Inarizaki High School, which finally opened. Karasuno High School is overwhelmed from inside and outside the court with the attacks centered on the strongest twins "Miya Brothers" and the support of Inarizaki High School. What appeared in the Karasuno cheering seat...
75	15	"Found" Transcription: "Mitsukeru" (Japanese: 見つける)	Rokō Ogiwara	Taku Kishimoto	October 10, 2020
Karasuno High School was regaining its rhythm with the support of Saeko and others, but Inarizaki High School gained momentum after the Miya brothers decided to have a "eccentric haste". What measures did Karasuno take against unexpected attacks?
76	16	"Broken Heart" Transcription: "Shitsuren" (Japanese: 失恋)	Yūji Horiuchi	Taku Kishimoto	October 17, 2020
At the end of the first set, Yamaguchi's service ace also gained momentum, and Karasuno High School took the set point in advance. However, Inarizaki begins to aim for Tanaka, who is not in good shape in this game. Tanaka is in an unprecedented predicament. After a few slip ups, Tanaka feels the intense pressure. Questioning his contribution to the team, he tries to push, but Inarizaki's middle blocker seems to be a step ahead. As Karasuno enters another match point after Azumane pulls through on a spike from Tsukishima, Tanaka feels helpless since it was he who actually called for it but was ignored. Just when he is down, Hinata's cheering fires him up and he scores the winning point for Karasuno. As the team celebrate the win for the first set, Kamano looks on proudly at Tanaka and also says her heart might have been broken.
77	17	"Cats vs Monkeys" Transcription: "Neko VS saru" (Japanese: ネコＶＳサル)	Pyeon-Gang Ho	Taku Kishimoto	October 24, 2020
In the second round against Inarizaki High School, Karasuno High School took the first set. Meanwhile, at the next court, Nekoma High School was facing the second round with Ishikawa Prefecture representative, Hayakawa Technical High School. Whereabouts of the battle between teams that are both proud of their strong defense.
78	18	"Trap" Transcription: "Wana" (Japanese: 罠)	Hitomi Ezoe	Taku Kishimoto	October 31, 2020
In the second round of the spring high school volleyball, Nekoma High School played a tenacious game with Hayakawa Technical High School. In contrast to the strategy of Haya Rukawa, who tries to reduce his physical strength and crush the setter, Nekoma's setter Kozume.
79	19	"The Ultimate Challengers" Transcription: "Saikyō no chōsen-sha" (Japanese: 最強の挑戦者)	Pyeon-Gang Ho	Taku Kishimoto	November 7, 2020
Nekoma High School, which won the battle with Hayakawa Technical High School and advanced to the third round. On the other hand, the battle between Karasuno High School and Inarizaki High School, which entered the second set, was inferior as Nishinoya was targeted by Miya's serve and made many receive mistakes.
80	20	"Leader" Transcription: "Kashira" (Japanese: 頭)	Yūji Horiuchi	Taku Kishimoto	November 14, 2020
Karasuno High School gradually breaks the flow of Inarizaki's dominance with Kageyama's serve. Inarizaki throws in captain Shinsuke Kita to adjust the disturbed rhythm to Karasuno who is gaining momentum.
81	21	"Hero" Transcription: "Hīrō" (Japanese: ヒーロー)	Yumi Kamakura	Taku Kishimoto	November 21, 2020
The battle with Inarizaki, which has entered the third set of fate and is becoming more intense. Karasuno, who is struggling with Miya's serve and Rintaro's haste, throws in a pinch server Kinoshita.
82	22	"Pitons" Transcription: "Hāken" (Japanese: ハーケン)	Masako Satō	Taku Kishimoto	November 28, 2020
Inarizaki regains momentum inspired by the devoted setup of Miya. In such an inferiority of Karasuno, a play that changes the flow of the game pops out.
83	23	"The Birth of the Serene King" Transcription: "Shizukanaru ō no tanjō" (Japanese: 静かなる王の誕生)	Rokō Ogiwara	Taku Kishimoto	December 5, 2020
Inarizaki sends captain Shinsuke back in. Karasuno regains some momentum through the efforts of Sawamura and Azumane, but the Miya twins return in kind. Kageyama and Tanaka show off the results of their recent evolutions. After several long rallies, Hinata scores an unconventional point, allowing Karasuno to take the lead as the match begins to draw to a close.
84	24	"Monsters' Ball" Transcription: "Bakemon-tachi no utage" (Japanese: バケモンたちの宴)	Yumi Kamakura	Taku Kishimoto	December 12, 2020
Kageyama pushes himself to new heights as Hinata shows newfound abilities on the court. The intense rallies continue as Azumane brings Karasuno to break point, but Inarizaki persists. When the game passes 30 points, Karasuno begins to lose control of their pacing. Finally, it's the Miya twins versus Kageyama and Hinata for the final play of the match.
85	25	"The Promised Land" Transcription: "Yakusoku no Chi" (Japanese: 約束の地)	Hitomi Ezoe	Taku Kishimoto	December 19, 2020
Karasuno has officially moved forward into the third round. The teams use the evening to reminisce on their previous games and explore their hopes for future matches. Karasuno and Nekoma's long-standing dream, the Battle of the Garbage Dump, is about to begin!

References

1. "Haikyu!! To The Top Anime Listed With 25 Episodes". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
2. "Haikyu!! Anime's 4th Season Reveals Full Title, Visual, 2 New Cast Members". Anime News Network. September 22, 2019. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
3. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 22, 2018). "Haikyu!! Manga Gets New TV Anime Series". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
4. Chapman, Paul. "Volleyball TV Anime Haikyu!! Serves Up Season Four". Crunchyroll. Retrieved 2018-12-23.
5. Loo, Egan (August 18, 2019). "Haikyu!! Anime Season 4 Reveals New Cast Member, January 2020 Debut, Designs". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
6. Crystalyn Hodgkins (November 29, 2019). "Haikyu!! Anime's 4th Season Reveals January 10 Premiere, Continuation in July 2020". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
7. Crystalyn Hodgkins (January 11, 2020). "Haikyu!! To The Top Anime Listed With 25 Episodes". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
8. Pineda, Rafael Antonio (May 21, 2020). "Haikyu!! To The Top Anime's 2nd Half Delayed Due to COVID-19". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
9. "Haikyuu Season 4 Confirms Fall Return with New Trailer". comicbook. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
10. "Haikyuu Confirms Season 4 Midseason Premiere Date". comicbook. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
11. Rafael Antonio Pineda (November 17, 2019). "Haikyu!! Anime's 4th Season Reveals Theme Song Artists". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
12. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (August 16, 2020). "Haikyu!! To The Top Anime's 2nd Half Reveals Theme Song Artists, October 2 Debut, Promo Videos". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 16, 2020.