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okay so i started thinking about this bc i was talking about it with someone on tiktok (btw if you saw that no you didnt) so i just had to post my theories and analysis because i love the way haikyuu is written. also mind you that it is 4am and i’m typing this on mobile so i’ll go back and put in direct quotes/fix up any errors later + a lot if this is probably a reach but let’s talk about hunger in haikyuu!!

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD SEASONS 1-4

Let’s start off with the bonus chart Furudate published about the appetites of the characters, the top three with the largest appetites being Kamasaki, Daichi, and Noya and the smallest being Kenma, Tendō, and Tsukishima. Keep this in mind as we go along.

So the first scene that comes to mind about hunger is after the Aoba Johsai game defeat. Ukai takes them to dinner and all of them are just inhaling their food. This is their new found motivation after their loss, they develop hunger.

In season two we are formally introduced to the hunger metaphor. There is a scene where Yachi is trying out being a manager and she asks Hinata about their drive for volleyball. The conversation ends when (i think) Kageyama says something like, “Do you need a reason to eat when you’re hungry?” which obviously is comparing the volleyball passion with the innate and sometimes insatiable need to eat. And when Hinata and Kageyama ride with Saeko to Tokyo and Kageyama suddenly starts eating in the car to which Saeko says something like, “You just follow your instincts huh?” As we know, Kageyama is a player of natural skill and genius so his hunger is just rooted in him. (I mean it is in everyone but for him specifically he sees it as instilled in himself)

Later in season two (episode 7) around when we're being introduced to Tsukishima’s backstory he denies extra watermelon and also makes a snide remark to Nishinoya calling him a fatass essentially.If i remember correctly he also says “how do you eat all that” to Hinata during either breakfast or a lunch break. Tsukishima doesn’t have much of an appetite, and in episode 8 it is revealed to us why he is so hesitant with volleyball. His literal and metaphorical hunger are low. Yet near the end of the training camp arc we also get to see the food lovers such as Hinata, Kageyama, Noya, Bokuto, and Tanaka all of whom are very driven and passionate about volleyball. Even Yachi’s own bit of volleyball hunger is shown figuratively with her caution of participating in the barbeque. She is still hungry and wants to eat but is unsure, similar to how she wants to be a good manager but is still hesitant in her role. In this same scene Daichi and Kuroo offer both Tsukishima and Kenma food, both who decline. They haven’t really developed the hunger.

Fast forward a bit to season four where this metaphor really picks up. When Hinata sneaks into the first year camp he's not allowed to eat the food provided at Shiratorizawa. He is shown walking home from the school starving, representative of his wish to be on level with Kageyama, Tsukishima, and the other talented first yesrs, even saying something like, “I wonder what the food is like at Shiratorizawa”. In this same scene he mentions worry for Tsukki, saying that he doesn’t really eat much and even leaves food when the upperclassmen aren’t looking. I think this really is reflective of Hinata's worry that Tsukishima isn’t going to have the drive necessary for nationals. But, we as the viewer know that he’s starting to get an appetite because he had his moment blocking Ushijima’s spike in season 3. I believe it is the same scene, but Hinata ends up calling Ukai Jr. asking about what he should eat to fuel his body. During this arc, he’s starting to watch and break down how other talented players play and in doing so he’s learning technique. I think that this parallel between him actually starting to think about what he eats matches very well with him starting to think about how he plays.

As previously mentioned Kenma has the smallest appetite in all of Haikyuu. Coincidentally he really doesn’t even want to play volleyball he just kind of does it for Kuroo even though he deep down kind of likes the challenge. In the nekoma game in season 4 after beating the opponents targeting him Kuroo offers Kenma food to console him saying “You must be low on carbs” as well, nearing the end of the Inarizaki v.s. Karasuno march Tsukishima also mentions that he wants carbs. These two are getting that hunger. In addition let’s pay attention that instead of being necessarily hungry, the focus is on carbs specifically. From what I know, carbs produce glucose which is the brain’s main source of energy/fuel, and as we know both Tsukishima and Kenma happen to be the “brains” or the strategists of their teams, opting to outsmart opponents rather than physically outdo them.

Especially for Nekoma, this carb metaphor hits a little deeper. Kuroos corny little speech “Remember. We are blood. Never stop flowing. Keep moving. Keep bringing oxygen...So that our "brain"...can operate at his best.” has always kind of tripped me up, but when we factor in the carbs metaphor it makes a bit more sense. Insulin helps move glucose through the blood to the brain, and glucose also is a big factor in cellular respiration and oxygen production. In that specific game, Kenma carried a whole lot of the weight hence his need to restore carbs.

Another time hunger is mentioned is with the twins. The both of them make references to food a lot nearing the end of the game. They both have a lot of passion for the sport, mainly because of competition with the other but we know that ultimately Atsumu loves volleyball more. I know this is such a reach but with the running metaphor of hunger we can also observe this literally. There’s that scene where Atsumu steals Osamu’s pudding and another scene where Osamu tells his brother that their teammates don’t like him, Atsumu is shown stuffing his face while Osamu is talking his time eating. Subtly it shows that Atsumu’s hunger is just that much greater than Osamu’s.

The final parallel I would like to draw is Hianta’s digestive issues. Obviously these are common physical symptoms of nervousness but I think it also has to do with his hunger. Hinata’s main thing is that he’s had the passion for volleyball but never the proper training. And in turn, he has the hunger and he can eat but come game time suddenly all that food and hunger is either coming out his mouth or his ass. He hasn’t learned to control this hunger and hasn’t learned what to do with all that he consumes; he has the passion but he doesn’t know what to do with his technique, skill, etc. This tummy trouble begins to fade throughout the anime and by season 4 it is pretty much completely gone, and volleyball wise Hinata has matured greatly in technique and skill by this time.

This is all I can really think of for now and I have no idea if any of this was intentional by Furudate or if Im just really overthinking things but here is my ideas on the hunger metaphor.

thinking about how deep the hunger metaphor runs in haikyuu

HAIKYUU!!

except it’s a 2018 american high school football game

CONGRATULATIONS ON 100 FOLLOWERS THATS AMAZING. The event and its aesthetic is so cool, I love it so much. I’d like to participate in the dance floor, if that’s alright :)

I’m 16, use she/her pronouns, and either gender is fine. I’d like a platonic and romantic dance partner, if you’d prefer just one I’d like a romantic partner :) Id prefer my picture not be posted if that’s possible, thank you so much!!

About me: I have a taurus sun, cancer moon, and a scorpio rising. I really like indie music and it’s sub-genres too (indie pop, indie rock, etc), punk/riot grrl, hozier/mitski/phoebe bridgers vibes. I like to read, bake, and spend time with friends. I’m hardworking, smart, independent, loving, strong, I speak my mind, thoughtful, confident, and have a really big heart, I’m an empath. I have anxiety, I can get very overstimulated in loud, crowded, overwhelming areas. I love to dance, so as long as I have some space and can breath I’m fine in crowds. Thank you so much!! I hope you’re doing well, congratulations again!! :)

thank you so much, lovebug!!! 💖💖💖 reading your description was like looking in a mirror like,, omg we are very similar!!! i feel ya, i love to party but my anxiety always makes it hard :/ also, i didn’t see any photo with this ask, please let me know if it’s just my phone acting up lol. anyways, i hope you like your matchups and thank you so much for this request!! make sure you take care of yourself and cut out some time to have a little dance party in your room :)

Platonically, I match you up with:

Now Playing: Undercover Martyn - Two Door Cinema Club

Now Sipping: Cinderella Mocktail

Okay, okay hear me out. Every anxious person at a party needs an outgoing bestie to help guide them through it.

I feel like you both would get along super well no matter where you are. And when it comes time to go out and hit the town, you both are ready to serve. Jaws are dropping when the two of you walk through the door!

She helps you focus and remain positive when the noise level rises or the room begins to feel smaller. In addition, Saeko’s wild side often draws out yours, her energy being addictive and helping you come out of your shell to abandon any worries.

All in all, this duo is the life of the party!

Romantically, I match you up with:

Now Playing: Dance With Me - Cabin

Now Sipping: Mulled Cider

Keiji makes sure he’s glued to your side at parties, always so attentive to the way your shoulders shift.

If he senses even an ounce of discomfort from you, you best believe he’s nudging you to a quiet corner of the room so you can regroup- even before you can tell him that you need a break.

When mingling with other guests, he’s affectionately squeezing your hand, letting you know that you’re grounded. I feel like the two of you would switch on and off with who is more extroverted at these types of functions.

One second Keiji’s introducing you to the host so you can hold a shy conversation, and the next you’re coaxing him into dancing with you while he chips away at his fingernails.

The two of you feed off of each other really well! So, at the end of the night, the two of you head back to the house and laugh over what a great time you had over a pan of brownies you both made.

wanna join the fun?