Haruichi Furudate’s Haikyuu!! follows protagonist Shoyo Hinata throughout his journey to become a professional volleyball player. Hinata’s love for volleyball began during his junior high career. After watching a match on television from the All Japan High School Volleyball Championship Tournament, Hinata knew that he wanted to be on that court.
A high school from Hinata’s prefecture was competing in the tournament, and the star of the show was player number 10, who was given the name “Tiny Giant” along with other variations of the title such as “Small Giant” and “Little Giant.” The player is given that name due to his lack of height but incredible volleyball skills. As a short boy, Hinata is immediately inspired and knows where he wants to end up: on the same exact court, with the same exact team, and seen as the same exact powerhouse as the Tiny Giant.
But Who Is the Tiny Giant?
There have been many theories as to who the Tiny Giant could be. Some fans believed that Ittetsu Takeda, a contemporary Japanese literature teacher at Karasuno and the faculty advisor and head coach for the boys’ volleyball club, could be Hinata’s inspiration. However, that theory and others were proven wrong once the real Tiny Giant showed up in the manga. While fans have yet to see this reveal in the anime, manga readers have discovered who the Tiny Giant really is. In Chapter 388, titled “The Decider Match for the Little Giant,” Karasuno has made it to the quarter-finals. Karasuno is facing Kamomedai, who also has an extremely talented short player, but little do they know that one of their biggest inspirations is there to watch them on the court.
The Tiny Giant spots some familiar faces from his years at Karasuno and follows them to the arena. It is revealed that his name is Tenma Udai and that he has retired from playing volleyball after graduating from high school. Due to other interests and failing to gain the attention of college and professional teams, Tenma Udai fuels his hope for success toward becoming a manga writer. However, not being involved in volleyball anymore does not stop Udai from inspiring Hinata once again. Before Hinata rushes to the court, Udai wishes him good luck, even coining him as “the new Little Giant.” Even though Udai is nothing like what Hinata thought he would be, Hinata isn’t disappointed. Instead, Hinata feels the courage to play the best he can, knowing that he’s following the path he is most passionate about.
There are many excellent things about Haikyuu!!’s “Tiny Giant” Tenma Udai. Although he was an incredible volleyball player, he shows that effort is necessary to move forward. Udai also reveals that talent isn’t everything and that his passions lie elsewhere, directing him to where he wanted to go. Udai sparked Hinata’s interest but didn’t create his passion for volleyball. At the end of the manga, it reveals that Udai is successful in his own interest. Even if it took Udai longer than others, he got to live his dream too.
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