Haikyu!!’s main canon romance still shocks everyone

Despite being primarily a sports manga, fans of Haikyu!! never anticipated seeing any of its ships become canon. However, to the surprise of many, series creator Haruichi Furudate made one of the most unlikely ships in the series official.

Despite having a crush on his senior and Karasuno High Volleyball team’s manager, Kiyoko Shimizu, since the beginning of the manga, Ryunosuke Tanaka’s relationship with her never seemed to progress beyond friendship. Fans were therefore surprised when manga creator Haruichi Furudate revealed that the two characters would become a couple.

This article contains spoilers from the Haikyu!! manga.

The Surprising Romance Between Tanaka and Shimizu in Haikyu!!

Shimizu, Nishinoya, and Tanaka as seen in the anime (Image via Production I.G)

Fans had always been aware of Ryunosuke Tanaka’s admiration for his senior, Kiyoko Shimizu. However, despite their interactions, it was never hinted in the manga that the two would eventually become a couple.

After Karasuno High’s loss to Kamemodai High in the Nationals, the manga hinted at a potential relationship between Tanaka and Shimizu. Surprisingly, this was also the final hint given to readers as the next time they appeared, the two characters were already married.

Shimizu and Tanaka as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Despite the lack of romantic development between the two characters, fans were skeptical about Tanaka’s ability to establish a deeper relationship with his long-time crush.

Despite fans’ initial shock, there was another factor contributing to their surprise. While Tanaka had feelings for Shimizu, many believed he had a better chance at a relationship with his childhood friend Kanoka Amanai. This was due to Amanai’s crush on Tanaka, in contrast to Shimizu who appeared uninterested in him.

Kanoka Amanai as seen in the anime (Image via Shueisha)

During her childhood, Kanoka struggled with feeling insecure about her height due to the bullying she experienced from her classmates. However, her neighbor and friend Ryunosuke Tanaka came to her aid and defended her against the bullies. He encouraged her to stand up for herself and not let their hurtful words bring her down.

Kanoka’s personality continued to evolve due to these interactions, leading her to gain confidence and overcome her insecurities about her height. She no longer felt the need to slouch to hide her height, as Tanaka had played a significant role in her personal growth. As a result, she developed a crush on him, which was evident in her blushing and stuttering whenever he was around.

Shimizu and Tanaka as seen in the Haikyu!! manga (Image via Shueisha)

Despite fans’ expectations, Tanaka did not end up with Kanoka Amanai as many believed. Instead, he remained loyal to his crush, Kiyoko Shimizu, much to everyone’s surprise.

Despite this, Shimizu and Tanaka’s relationship was unlikely given their circumstances. Despite only being a year apart in age, this difference could potentially affect their relationship, especially in the context of a school romance.

Despite Shimizu being Tanaka’s senior, which initially discredited him as a potential love interest in Haikyu!!, manga creator Haruichi Furudate ultimately chose to have the two end up together in the conclusion of the manga.

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