Anime Review: Salaryman’s Club

Salaryman’s Club
Genre: Sports
Rating: PG-13

Salaryman’s Club is a sports anime that stands out from others in several ways. One of the main things that set it apart is its unique focus on the world of corporate sports. While many sports anime focus on traditional leagues such as high school, collegiate, or professional sports, Salaryman’s Club takes a different approach by focusing on the competitive world of corporate sports leagues.

One critical element that makes Salaryman’s Club stand out is its portrayal of the characters. The main cast comprises salarymen who work in various corporate jobs and participate in corporate sports leagues to blow off steam and bond with their colleagues. The cast gives the show a unique perspective and allows it to explore the lives and motivations of these characters in a way that other sports anime don’t.

Another standout aspect of Salaryman’s Club is its realistic portrayal of the corporate sports world. The show does an excellent job of capturing the intensity and competitiveness of these leagues, as well as the various challenges and sacrifices that the characters must face to succeed. It highlights how the players’ professional lives and office politics affect their athletic ability and vice versa. This adds depth and realism to the show, which is often lacking in other sports anime.

Visually, the animation for Salaryman’s could be better, and when I looked into the animation studio in charge of the anime, I wasn’t surprised. LIDENFILMS more popular shows include Tokyo Revengers (2021) and Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches (2015), both of which were primarily praised for their stories and characters rather than their visual appeal.

Without the appeal of stunning animation, the show relies on a compelling, well-written, engaging narrative with a strong focus on character development and relationships to garner an audience. Salaryman’s Club tells an exciting and emotional story about characters who pursue casual sports because of their passion and love for the game, even if they are past their physical prime and ineligible for professional leagues.

Overall, Salaryman’s Club is a standout sports anime that offers a unique and realistic portrayal of the world of corporate sports. Its focus on the lives and motivations of its characters, coupled with its strong storytelling, makes it a must-watch for sports anime fans and beyond.