Haikyu!! is known for its well-developed main characters, with Toru Oikawa standing out as a compelling antagonist in the series. Oikawa's presence serves as a major driving force for the Karasuno volleyball team, motivating them to surpass his skills.
Oikawa's strained relationship with Tobio Kageyama, the series' deuteragonist, is a key plot point in Haikyu!! Their history dates back to their time playing together in junior high, where Oikawa's feelings of dislike towards Kageyama were established.
After a big game where Oikawa had a tough time playing for his team, he started feeling insecure. His doubts increased when the skilled Kageyama joined the team, sparking their rivalry early on in the series.
Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers for the Haikyu!! series. Any views expressed here are the author's own and not of Sportskeeda.
Explaining the reason Toru Oikawa dislikes Tobio Kageyama in Haikyu!!
Twitter article posted by i cannot do this anymore (i got iwaoified)
Toru Oikawa had a deep love for volleyball ever since he was a young child. He excelled in junior high, becoming one of the top setters before the events of the Haikyu!! series.
During a crucial match against Shiratorizawa Junior High, Oikawa and his team suffered a heavy defeat. He was outplayed and overpowered by their star player, Wakatoshi Ushijima.
Oikawa's confidence was greatly affected by the arrival of first-year Tobio Kageyama, who was seen as a more natural talent and prominent setter than him. This led to feelings of jealousy and anger in Oikawa, culminating in a near physical altercation between the two.
After the incident, Kageyama and Oikawa went their separate ways in high school, with Kageyama joining Karasuno and Oikawa joining Aoba Johsai. Despite being older, Oikawa held onto his grudge and constantly sought to prove himself as the superior setter to Tobio, resulting in a sense of vendetta whenever they faced off against each other.
The premise of Oikawa as a character in Haikyu!!
Oikawa in the anime (Image via Production I.G.) - The premise of Oikawa as a character in Haikyu!!
Toru Oikawa plays a significant role in Haikyu!! as he greatly impacts the main cast in Karasuno whenever he appears in the story. One of the clearest examples of this is his dynamic with Tobio Kageyama. Both characters are setters who have a history of playing together and share a competitive rivalry.
Oikawa posed a significant challenge for Karasuno whenever they faced off against him, especially due to his skills as a setter. In the Inter-High match at the start of the series, Karasuno players had to adapt and improve in order to match his abilities, enhancing their performance throughout the game.
Many fans consider Oikawa to be the top rival in the Haikyu!! series because of his well-developed character and captivating personality. He is also seen as one of the most memorable figures in the entire franchise, especially among those not on the Karasuno team.
Final thoughts
In the Haikyu!! series, Toru Oikawa has a dislike for Tobio Kageyama. This stems from their time playing together in junior high, where Oikawa struggled with his confidence. Feeling insecure after a defeat, Oikawa grew jealous of Kageyama, who played the same position but was more talented.
Related articles:
Oikawa defeats Sukuna and Madara Uchiha to win Best Anime Villain title
Toru Oikawa from being featured amongst villains in Jump Giga cover causes Twitter to erupt
: Why Kageyama's backstory was sadder than fans realise
: Hinata's true foil was never Kageyama, but another teammate
Editor's P/S:
The article delves into the intricate relationship between Toru Oikawa and Tobio Kageyama in the popular anime series Haikyu!!. It effectively portrays Oikawa's insecurity and jealousy towards Kageyama, stemming from a significant defeat and a perceived sense of inadequacy. The rivalry between the two setters becomes a driving force for both characters, propelling them to strive for excellence.
The article also highlights Oikawa's impact on the Karasuno volleyball team, serving as a formidable opponent who challenges their abilities and pushes them to improve. His well-developed character and captivating personality make him a fan favorite, solidifying his position as a memorable figure in the Haikyu!! franchise. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive analysis of Oikawa's motivations and his role as a catalyst for character development and growth in the series.