Ao no Hako [Season 1 Episode 1 to 25]

Ao no Hako Season 1: A Rollercoaster of Love, Sports, and Heartbreak

If you’re into anime that blend romance, sports, and the messy emotions of high school, Ao no Hako (also known as Blue Box) is a must-watch. The first season, spanning 25 episodes, aired from October 2024 to March 2025, and it’s already left fans divided, obsessed, and desperately begging for a second season. Produced by Telecom Animation Film and aired on TBS, this adaptation of the popular manga has been praised for its vibrant animation, relatable characters, and a story that hits you right in the feels—whether you wanted it to or not.

The Story So Far

At its core, Ao no Hako follows Taiki, a high school badminton player with a crush on his senpai, Chinatsu, a basketball prodigy. The twist? She barely knows he exists. The series kicks off with Taiki’s awkward attempts to get closer to her, but things quickly spiral into a mix of sports rivalries, unrequited love, and friendships tested by emotions.

The first season covers Taiki’s journey from a shy underclassman to someone who finally takes charge of his feelings—though not without collateral damage. Along the way, we meet Hina, Taiki’s childhood friend who harbors her own unspoken love for him, and Haryu, the badminton team’s ace who serves as both rival and mentor. The dynamics between these characters drive the story, making every episode a mix of heart-fluttering moments and gut-wrenching drama.

What Fans Are Saying

After scouring forums and discussions (shoutout to MyAnimeList and Reddit), here’s the breakdown of how fans reacted to Season 1:

1. The Love Triangle That Broke Hearts

The biggest talking point? The Taiki-Chinatsu-Hina love triangle. Fans are divided.

• Team Chinatsu argues that her quiet, determined personality complements Taiki’s growth. One fan put it perfectly: “Chinatsu believed in Taiki when even he didn’t. That’s love.”
• Team Hina, however, is in shambles. Her rejection in the finale was brutal, and many fans felt her pain. “Hina’s crying scene destroyed me. Akari Kitou’s voice acting was too real,” one viewer lamented.

Some even called Hina the “best-written losing heroine” in recent anime history, praising her depth compared to Chinatsu’s more reserved role.

2. Sports vs. Romance: What’s the Focus?

While Ao no Hako is marketed as a sports-romance hybrid, fans noticed the scales tipping heavily toward romance as the season progressed.

• Some loved this shift: “The sports scenes were just a backdrop for the characters’ emotional growth. It worked.”
• Others were disappointed: “I came for badminton, stayed for the drama, but missed the sports intensity.”

Still, the badminton matches—especially Taiki’s showdown with Haryu—were highlights, showcasing the animation team’s ability to make even niche sports thrilling.

3. The Finale: Satisfying or Unfinished?

The season wrapped up with Taiki finally making a decisive move toward Chinatsu, leaving Hina heartbroken but mature about it. Reactions were mixed:

• Positive takes: “It felt like a natural stopping point. Taiki grew up, Hina faced reality, and Chinatsu finally got the spotlight.”
• Negative takes: “It didn’t feel like an ending. More like a pause. Where’s the closure?”

Many fans are now clinging to hope for a Season 2 announcement, especially since the manga continues beyond this arc.

Standout Moments

1. Hina’s Rejection Scene

2. Raw, emotional, and beautifully animated. Fans couldn’t help but sympathize with her, even if they rooted for Chinatsu.

3. Haryu vs. Taiki Match

4. A long-awaited showdown that delivered both sports hype and character development. Haryu’s growth from arrogant senpai to supportive mentor was a fan favorite.

5. Ayame’s Redemption

6. Initially seen as a meddling side character, Ayame won hearts by stepping up to comfort Hina post-rejection. “She messed up, but at least she tried to fix it,” one fan noted.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch?

Absolutely—if you’re ready for a story that balances lighthearted teen romance with moments of genuine heartbreak. Ao no Hako isn’t just about who ends up with whom; it’s about the messy, awkward, and sometimes painful journey of growing up.

Rating: 8.5/10
– Pros: Stellar animation, complex characters, emotional depth.
– Cons: Pacing issues in the middle, sports elements could’ve been stronger.

And hey, if you finish Season 1 and find yourself screaming at your screen for more, you’re not alone. The fandom is right there with you, waiting (im)patiently for that Season 2 announcement.

So, who’s your pick—Team Chinatsu or Team Hina? Drop your thoughts below!