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Also Hirugami definitely one of my favorite side characters for just the depth of his arc which was presented so concisely, but also conveyed so strongly. I actually find it one of those lessons in Haikyuu that extends way past volleyball, the act of choosing your happiness +
Hirugami really had his whole life path decided before his birth, from his name and what his family does (his parents, his siblings!) The image of the volleyball with his name on it hits so hard. Sachirou, the first character means "happiness."
Hirugami follows the natural progression of his life as a child- go to a powerhouse school, fight for a place on the starting lineup. I thought the banners were interesting 'harmony', 'one for all'. Emphasizing teamwork and togetherness; setting the stage for his alienation
With the combined stress of expectations on himself (and hinted, external ones maybe familial pressure as well), we see Hirugami grow so fast before our eyes. He obsesses with playing volleyball "right" even at the expense of his happiness. The light literally leaves his eyes
Hirugami starts working excessively hard and it's reflected in his mental state. His first mantra is "I want...", to "Don't" to "As long as I/ I have to." More and more restrictive as time passes. Poor kid does not even realize he's depressed as he no longer cares about food even
Hirugami is so absorbed in this state that he doesn't feel connected to his teammates as all, perceiving them as hindrances even though he knows it's wrong, not even knowing Hoshiumi's name, self-blame, and fear of letting people out-do him. He's alone. He only blames himself
For a bit, it seems like Hirugami's efforts paid off. His team makes it to Nationals, he's the ace of his middle school team, and wins the Outstanding Athlete Award. Hirugami is an amazingly talented athlete-- in middle school, high school (even winning Nationals), he could do it
But it doesn't change the fact that he's absolutely miserable doing it, never happy with himself. Hirugami continues to spiral in his depressive state-- volleyball obscuring things he loved (his dog), his teammates save for Hoshiumi don't notice something is wrong with him.
Hirugami blames himself for losing a practice match. Specifically his inability to "connect to teammates". His thinking is muddled, his eyes are black with no light, there's a panel o him staring at his hand against a black background, like the darkness is closing in on him
tw self-harm //
Because he doesn't see his own team and only sees himself and his mistakes, Hirugami has backed himself into a corner. He's almost disassociated from his own sense of self in his depressed state, blaming his hands (like it's a person.) He physically harms himself
Because he doesn't see his own team and only sees himself and his mistakes, Hirugami has backed himself into a corner. He's almost disassociated from his own sense of self in his depressed state, blaming his hands (like it's a person.) He physically harms himself
I remember when I first saw this I was so shocked it was even covered in a sports manga, a very real depiction of mental health and pressure. It was such a juxtaposition from the cool-headed, detached middle blocker that we see in the Kamomedai match, but made so much sense
It's funny how Furudate also names Hoshiumi "Korai." Incoming light. That's exactly who he is to Hirugami, stopping himself from harming himself further. Both of them were "alone" in their own ways and Hoshiumi had noticed, but this is when Hoshiumi finally reaches him
The lights are back in Hirugami's eyes and he's horrified at what he's done. He's been pushed so far that he's hurt himself, and finally can say he doesn't like volleyball. It's probably the very first time he's admitted it outloud.
Hoshiumi tells him to quit. It's not a particularly DEEP piece of advice, but you need to factor in what this means to someone like Hirugami who NEVER saw a way out. Volleyball was always presented as his ticket to making a living, being happy. Someone tells him it's okay
Hirugami then decides to keep playing volleyball for a while longer. He mentions that it's a basket of its own problems if he decides to quit (he plans to, most likely will be difficult telling his family.) But he now plays unburdened. He's finally free, which makes him strong
With much of the chapters leading up to this showcasing Asahi's struggle, Hirugami's story is another event where we see someone from Kamomedai has learned a lesson that a Karasuno member has yet to learn. It's the antithesis to Asahi's struggle. An opponent who has learned.
But I think that Hirugami's backstory and lesson extends past just being a foil to Asahi's. It's two-fold: the importance of letting go, but also a story of doing what you love. We see him re-appear in Hoshiumi's memories, a prelude to Kourai's POV, re-amending his statement.
His words are pretty simple but frame Hoshiumi's mentality to facing his obstacles in the future. Doing what you love is the first step forward, but it's not the end of your struggles. In fact, sometimes it's even harder because you love it so much.
Hirugami's story comes back to say that this time, facing those obstacles is fine because you love what you're doing. His heart-to-heart talk with Hoshiumi imbues Kourai with more confidence to pursue volleyball, which he loves, even though it's a difficult environment for him
Both Hoshiumi and Hirugami's paths diverge at this point but they're still united in the fact that they're both going into new territory that isn't easy. The beginning of many future struggles, but both of them take it head on.
We see post-timeskip Hirugami did end up finding happiness--such a hopeful story. He's a practicing veterinarian and he gets to see the person that has helped him so much reach the world stage and inspire others. Furudate named him "Sachirou" so that he could be happy. He is. :)
(Damn this was a really overdue ramble, I've been meaning to talk about why exactly I love Hirugami so much as a character!! He's truly underrated or loved for other reasons, but his story is really beautiful! I think he is so amazing & wise! Look at his precious smile...)
