Baby Steps

Eiichirō Maruo, nicknamed Ei-chan because his grades are straight A's, is a studious, rule-following teen whose world has been books and exams. When he decides he needs physical strength, he signs up for tennis lessons and slowly discovers he actually enjoys the sport. He starts as an underpowered beginner, so he makes up for that with careful observation, methodical analysis, and study-style practice. The show follows his awkward but earnest attempts to learn technique, read opponents, and improve his fitness, while friendships and rivalries form around the court. The tone mixes schoolroom humor with sports training, keeping the focus on steady growth and smart problem solving rather than spectacular athleticism.

Released in 2014, the animated series was created by Hikaru Katsuki and Mao Abe. The voice cast includes Taishi Murata as Eiichirō, Minako Kotobuki as Natsu, Daisuke Namikawa, Asami Seto, and Hiro Shimono, and the show kept a light, school-based production style throughout its run.

The series did not register major industry awards in available records. It did earn modest viewer praise, reflected in fan ratings and small community recognition rather than big prize nominations.

Among tennis anime and sports-comedy fans, Baby Steps found a modest but loyal audience. Viewers appreciated the focus on technique and realistic practice sequences, and the show inspired online discussion about strategy and drills. It didn't break into mainstream pop culture, but it carved out a niche for viewers who like methodical, earnest protagonists.

Critical reception highlighted the show's sensible approach to sports, its gentle humor, and its emphasis on learning through analysis, with a 7.6/10 average from viewers. Themes include discipline, balancing academics with extracurricular life, and how patience and study can compensate for raw talent. Fans often point to its steady pacing and character-driven episodes as the series' strongest points.