10 Most Beloved Setters from Haikyuu!!, Ranked by Fans

In Haikyuu!!, the setters are not just ordinary players on the court; they serve as the strategic brains behind every play and the backbone of their teams. Each setter also adds their own individual style to the game.

Haikyuu!! is a beloved series thanks to the diverse personalities and skills of its characters, from Toru Oikawa’s relentless pursuit of excellence despite setbacks to Kenma Kozume’s quiet brilliance. In this list, we will explore 10 of the most beloved setters from Haikyuu!!, known for their strategic thinking, compelling character development, and unwavering dedication.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.

Tobio Kageyama, Koshi Sugawara, Kenma Kozume, and others are some of the most popular setters from Haikyuu!! among fans.

10) Eita Semi

Elita Semi, hailing from Haikyuu!!’s Shiratorizawa Academy, is highly dependable and one of the most talented setters in the series. His competitive drive and strategic approach are widely recognized, as is his knack for adapting to various scenarios and his sharp tactical acumen. With these qualities, Semi plays an integral role on his team. His confident and occasionally boastful demeanor, coupled with his deep love for the sport, have won over fans.

Semi’s unwavering determination to prove himself and his competition with Shirabu for the starting setter position showcase his resilience and drive. On the court, he displays moments of brilliance and his dynamic personality makes him a captivating and unforgettable character. His ability to adapt and his sharp game sense are essential to his success as a setter, adding depth to his character that is admired by fans.

Yuutarou Kindaichi

Yūtarō Kindaichi (Image via Production I.G.)

Yūtarō Kindaichi, who is commonly known as Yahaba, is a setter in the popular anime Haikyuu!! known for his determined and direct demeanor. Despite not receiving as much attention as other setters, Yahaba is highly regarded for his supportive role in his team and his consistent presence on the court. His dedicated work ethic and composure in critical moments are greatly admired by fans.

Yahaba’s role in Aoba Johsai’s success is highlighted by his interactions with his teammates, especially Oikawa, and his strong commitment to improving his skills. His consistent reliability and impressive performances make him an integral member of the team. Additionally, his unwavering determination and steady presence during matches further emphasize his crucial contribution to the team’s success.

8) Kenjiro Shirabu

Kenjiro Shirabu (Image via Production IG)

Kenjirō Shirabu, a setter from Haikyuu!!, is known for his serious and disciplined attitude towards volleyball. His straightforward approach and complete focus on aiding ace player Ushijima Wakatoshi showcase his determination to excel. Shirabu’s attention to detail and skill in delivering accurate and impactful sets are highly praised by fans.

Despite the more flamboyant personalities on the court, Shirabu stands out with his stern demeanor and intense work ethic, making him a distinctive and captivating presence. He embodies the importance of diligence and precision in attaining success, showcasing his crucial role in his team’s performance through his strategic mindset and emphasis on efficiency.

Kanji Koganegawa

Despite being initially seen as uncoordinated and inexperienced, Kanji Koganegawa from Haikyuu!! is a determined and motivated setter who has gained admiration for his growth and perseverance. He has worked hard to improve his skills and deepen his understanding of volleyball, which has earned him the respect of fans. Koganegawa’s optimistic attitude and openness to learning from his mistakes make him a relatable and inspiring character that resonates with audiences.

Koganegawa’s journey of self-discovery and gradual growth as a setter deeply resonates with fans. His unrelenting perseverance and infectious enthusiasm perfectly embody the values of constant improvement and hard work. His impressive development and steadfast commitment to mastering his role provide a captivating storyline for audiences.

Professional Volleyball Player: Atsumu Miya

Atsumu Miya, the dynamic setter from Haikyuu!!, captures the spotlight with his flamboyant personality and exceptional skills. Despite his initial divisiveness caused by his arrogance, fans are captivated by his flashy playstyle, fierce competitiveness, and intricate bond with his twin brother, Osamu. Atsumu’s unwavering determination to become the top setter and his talent for motivating his team only adds to his appeal.

Atsumu’s character is further developed through his journey of self-improvement, particularly through his interactions with Kageyama. With his impressive serves and versatile setting techniques, Atsumu becomes a standout player. As time passes, he gains more appreciation from fans, and with story arcs such as the time-skip arc, his popularity may even reach the level of beloved characters like Suga.

Koshi Sugawara

Koshi Sugawara, also known as Suga, represents the essence of Karasuno High as one of the dependable setters in Haikyuu!!. Despite Kageyama’s exceptional abilities, Sugawara’s extensive experience, strong leadership, and unwavering support for his teammates make him an irreplaceable member of the team. Suga is beloved by fans for his kind nature, ability to motivate others, and selfless dedication to the team’s goals.

Despite the passage of time, his love for the game is still evident through his impressive on-court skills and strategic thinking. Sugawara’s embodiment of teamwork and sportsmanship has garnered him immense praise since the beginning of the series. His vital role in guiding and mentoring Kageyama and Hinata showcases his significant contribution to Karasuno’s path to victory.

4) Keiji Akaashi

Keiji Akaashi, known as one of the composed and intelligent setters for Fukurodani Academy in the anime Haikyuu!!, is highly praised for his collected demeanor on the court. His composure in high-pressure situations, combined with his exceptional setting skills for the team’s ace, Bokuto Koutarou, showcases his crucial role within the team. Akaashi is greatly admired by fans for his dependable nature, keen game sense, and how he balances out Bokuto’s more exuberant personality.

Akaashi’s introspective and reserved demeanor brings complexity to his persona and makes him a beloved figure among those who admire a subtle and calculated approach to the sport. His precise and efficient setting, paired with his composed leadership, greatly contribute to his team’s accomplishments and garner support from fans.

Kenma Kozume

Kenma Kozume is known as the reserved and analytical setter for Nekoma High, standing out for his unconventional methods in volleyball. His reputation for strategic brilliance and calm composure makes him the mastermind behind Nekoma’s plays. Fans are drawn to his introverted personality, a refreshing change from the usual sports anime protagonists. His strong friendship with Tetsuro Kuroo and subtle growth as a character deeply resonate with viewers.

Kenma’s relatable and intriguing personality stems from his intelligence and love for video games. He proves that one does not need showy skills to excel, as his meticulous game strategies and ability to read opponents captivate viewers, making his gameplay truly engrossing. It is no wonder that he is a beloved setter in Haikyuu!!.

2) Toru Oikawa

Despite not possessing natural talent, Toru Oikawa, the captivating setter of Aoba Johsai High, impresses fans with his complex personality. He makes up for his lack of innate brilliance through unwavering diligence and strategic prowess. His admirers are drawn to his resilience when facing tough opponents such as Kageyama and Ushijima, as well as his exceptional leadership skills that uplift his team.

Oikawa’s journey, characterized by both successes and failures, strongly resonates with his fans. His unique combination of humor and determination, coupled with instances of vulnerability, provides insight into his character. Fans admire his dedication to outsmarting his opponents, aided by his powerful serve, which demonstrates that intelligence and mental strength are just as important as natural ability. As a result, he is regarded as one of the most beloved setters in Haikyuu!!.

Tobio Kageyama

Tobio Kageyama, also known as the “King of the Court,”is a crucial member of Haikyuu!! and the setter for Karasuno High School. Fans are drawn to his unyielding determination, exceptional abilities, and evolving personality. While he was initially perceived as distant, Kageyama’s transformation into a more cooperative player is deeply impactful. His bond with Shoyo Hinata adds depth to his character, highlighting his growth and development.

Fans praise Kageyama for his unceasing dedication to achieving excellence and respect his shift towards a more collaborative approach. His unwavering determination and physical abilities, combined with his accurate setting, are highly admired qualities.

In conclusion,

The setters in Haikyuu!! serve as symbols of strategic thinking, determination, and progress. Fans have witnessed their struggles, their growth, and their successes that inspire us with their passion and resilience.

These setters from Haikyuu!! not only captivate audiences with their determination and love for the game, but also showcase their resilience and triumphant moments on the court. This anime is more than just a volleyball story; it brilliantly portrays the captivating journey of these setters. Both on and off the court, these players are true heroes in the eyes of fans.