Stars Align

Aired: 2019

An original TV anime produced by Eight Bit, with Kazuki Akane serving as original creator, director, and scriptwriter. A coming-of-age ensemble drama set in a boys' middle school soft tennis club on the verge of being disbanded. Transfer student Maki Katsuragi joins the club at the invitation of Toma Shinjo, but each member carries serious family problems. Maki himself faces a father who is physically abusive. The diverse club members—Itsuki Ameno, Rintaro Futsu, Tsubasa Soga, Shingo Takenouchi, and others—deepen their bonds through soft tennis as they search for a place where they belong. An ambitious work that tackles social themes including domestic violence and gender identity. 12 episodes (originally planned for 24 episodes but ended at 12, leaving the story unfinished). Aired on TBS's "Animereco" block. Music: jizue. Main cast: Natsuki Hanae, Tasuku Hatanaka, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Gen Sato. Production cooperation by Yonex. ©Kazuki Akane, Eight Bit/Stars Align Production Committee