Days

Days follows two boys who stand at opposite ends of the talent spectrum. Tsukushi Tsukamoto is quiet, unremarkable in a class that celebrates standout players, while Jin Kazama is hailed as a soccer prodigy. On a stormy night their paths cross and a strange push pulls them into the world of competitive soccer. Tsukushi may not shine through flashy moves, but he brings a stubborn honesty and a willingness to learn that catches Jin off guard. The two form an unlikely partnership, learning to read each other on the field, trust their instincts, and grow alongside teammates who push them to try harder. The show balances humor with heart as it treats sport as a means to grow, not just win.

A 2016 animated series directed by Konosuke Uda, Days comes from an original concept by its creator. It aired as an independent project rather than an adaptation, with a concise production team and a voice cast that anchors the humor and emotion.

The show centers on themes of perseverance, friendship, and teamwork, using soccer as a stage for personal growth rather than mere scoreboard drama. It treats being average as a starting point, not a limitation, and keeps the tone light with quick banter that never loses sight of genuine moments of doubt and resolve. While Jin represents natural talent, Tsukushi embodies hard work and steadiness, and their evolving dynamic offers a steady through line for both fans of sports and character driven comedies. The result is a breezy, approachable take on competition that still lands emotional beats.

Voiced by a solid lineup including Takuto Yoshinaga as Tsukushi Tsukamoto, Daisuke Namikawa as Hisahito Mizuki, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Jin Kazama, Kaito Ishikawa as Tetsuya Nitobe, and Daisuke Ono as Atsushi Kimishita, the series benefits from energetic performances that sell the friendship and rivalry on screen. While the show occupies a niche corner of the anime world, fans appreciate its upbeat tempo and the way it treats sports as a platform for growth rather than glory. Certain scenes linger because of the chemistry between the leads.