8 Anime Like Blue Box You Must See

‘Blue Box’ or ‘Ao no Hako’ is an anime based on the manga series written and illustrated by the show’s creator, Koji Miura. It follows Taiki Inomata, a badminton player at Eimei Academy who arrives early for practice every morning to improve his skills. However, he is also eager to share the gym with Chinatsu Kano, an older student and the girls’ basketball team’s rising star, whom he secretly loves. Despite their differences in popularity and athletic ability, Taiki gradually gets closer to Chinatsu when she moves into his house after her family relocates overseas.

Inspired by her ambition to compete nationally, he pushes himself to achieve the same goal in badminton. With encouragement from Chinatsu and his childhood friend Hina Chouno, a gymnast, Taiki works harder to earn a place on the starting team and prove himself. If the premise appealed to you, these anime, similar to ‘Blue Box,’ feature layered characters and storylines that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

8. Horimiya (2021)

Directed by Masashi Ishihama and written by Takao Yoshioka, ‘Horimiya’ or ‘Hori-san to Miyamura-kun’ is based on the manga series of the same name, penned by Hiroki Adachi and illustrated by Daisuke Hagiwara. The story centers on Kyoko Hori, a popular student who balances school with household responsibilities, and Izumi Miyamura, a quiet classmate whose appearance hides his tattoos and piercings. Although they seem unlikely to get along, a chance meeting reveals the sides of themselves they keep hidden from their peers. Hori discovers that Miyamura is different from the distant boy he appears to be at school, while Miyamura learns that Hori’s life extends beyond her polished public image.

As they spend more time together at Hori’s home, the two form a close friendship that gradually develops into romance. Despite their contrasting personalities, their unexpected connection allows them to open up, navigate school, and explore life. Like Taiki in ‘Blue Box’, Miyamura develops a meaningful connection with a girl whose life initially seems quite different from his own, gradually building a closer bond.

7. The Dangers in My Heart (2023-)

‘The Dangers in My Heart’ or ‘Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu’ is the saga of Kyotaro Ichikawa, a socially awkward middle schooler who secretly fantasizes about killing his classmates. His dark thoughts often turn towards Anna Yamada, the popular girl in his class, but their frequent encounters in the library gradually change his perspective. Ichikawa discovers that Anna, despite being a model student, is rather absent-minded and often struggles to understand social situations. While they spend more time together, his murderous fantasies give way to affection and a growing desire to protect her.

Their unexpected connection challenges Ichikawa’s view of himself and raises the possibility that his feelings could develop into something deeper. Directed by Hiroaki Akagi and written by Jukki Hanada, the show is based on the manga series written and illustrated by Norio Sakurai. Taiki in ‘Blue Box’ works harder at badminton partly because of his feelings for Chinatsu, while Ichikawa’s growing affection for Anna in ‘The Dangers in My Heart’ transforms his dark fantasies into a desire to protect her.

6. Tsuki ga Kirei (2017)

‘Tsuki ga Kirei’ or ‘Tsukigakire’ delves into the experiences of Kotaro Azumi, an aspiring writer, and Akane Mizuno, a track team member who becomes classmates during their final year of junior high. Initially strangers, the two begin developing romantic feelings through a series of chance encounters and quiet moments together. Their growing connection brings happiness, but uncertainty about each other’s feelings and others’ attention complicates their relationship.

Meanwhile, their classmates Chinatsu Nishio and Takumi Hira also navigate their own feelings and friendships as the group approaches the transition to high school. Kotaro and Akane must somehow find the courage to express their feelings. Written by Yūko Kakihara and directed by Seiji Kishi, the show explores first love, friendship, and personal growth as young characters face emotional uncertainty, much like ‘Blue Box’ does through Taiki and Chinatsu’s journeys.

5. Insomniacs After School (2023)

Based on the manga written and illustrated by Makoto Ojiro, ‘Insomniacs After School’ or ‘Kimi wa Hōkago Insomnia’ is helmed by Yūki Ikeda and penned by Rintarou Ikeda. Ganta Nakami is a high school student whose insomnia leaves him exhausted and irritable during the day. Seeking a quiet place to rest, he discovers Isaki Magari, a cheerful classmate who secretly struggles with the same condition, sleeping inside their school’s abandoned astronomy observatory. Their shared experience brings them closer, and the secluded room becomes a place where they can find comfort in each other’s company.

When a notice threatens their access to the observatory, the pair decides to revive the school’s astronomy club. As they work together to preserve their secret refuge, their friendship deepens, and the challenges of living with insomnia become easier to face. Much like Taiki in ‘Blue Box,’ Ganta is a high school student working through personal challenges while trying to make the most of his school life and build meaningful connections.

4. Chihayafuru (2011-2020)

In ‘Chihayafuru,’ as a child, Chihaya Ayase dreams of seeing her elder sister become Japan’s leading model. Her priorities change after she meets Arata Wataya, a quiet classmate who introduces her to competitive karuta, a card game based on classical Japanese poetry that demands memory, speed, and endurance. Alongside Arata and her childhood friend Taichi Mashima, Chihaya develops a passion for the sport and sets her sights on becoming the top female player, known as the Queen of Karuta. Years later, she reunites with Taichi and decides to establish a karuta club at her high school.

With their teammates, they work towards competing in the national championship at Omi Shrine while striving to improve their skills. Crafted under Morio Asaka’s direction, the show is based on the manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Yuki Suetsugu. ‘Blue Box’ and ‘Chihayafuru’ combine athletic competition with developing feelings, showing how young people navigate relationships while striving to improve their performance.

3. Suzuka (2005-2006)

‘Suzuka’ is based on the eponymous manga series illustrated and penned by Koji Seo, who also serves as the show’s creator. Yamato Akitsuki is a teenager who moves from rural Hiroshima to Tokyo for high school and stays at his aunt’s. He becomes captivated by a high jumper practicing at a nearby school. He soon discovers that the athlete Suzuka Asahina is his neighbor and a fellow student, but her perfectionism clashes with his carefree nature. Determined to win her affection, Yamato joins the school’s track and field team after discovering his own talent for sprinting.

Through training and interactions with his teammates, he strives to improve as an athlete and become someone Suzuka might see differently, even as his determination pushes him to his limits. Both ‘Blue Box’ and ‘Suzuka’ feature dedicated female athletes whose commitment to their sports shapes their daily lives. The shows follow young men who pursue their athletic goals while trying to get closer to the girls they admire.

2. Baby Steps (2014-2015)

‘Baby Steps’ or ‘Beibī Suteppu’ is brought to life by Masahiko Murata and Kiyoshi Murayama, with Katsuhiko Chiba handling the writing, based on the manga series by Hikaru Katsuki. It follows Eiichiro Maruo, a studious honor student who decides to exercise more after worrying about his lack of physical fitness. A flyer leads him to the Southern Tennis Club, where he meets Natsu Takasaki, a fellow first-year student who dreams of becoming a professional tennis player. Initially, Eiichiro joins without much interest in the sport, but playing alongside Natsu soon sparks a genuine passion for tennis.

Despite his limited experience and poor physical conditioning, he uses his sharp observation skills and disciplined work ethic to improve his game. As his abilities grow, Eiichiro sets his sights on competing with the sport’s top players. ‘Blue Box’ and ‘Baby Steps’ combine sports with complex developing relationships, showing how admiration for someone can motivate young people to work harder and pursue personal goals.

1. Cross Game (2009-2010)

‘Cross Game’ chronicles the life of Koh Kitamura, whose family runs a sports shop, and Aoba Tsukishima, a talented baseball player whose family operates a batting center. Although their families are close, the two frequently clash. Koh has little interest in playing baseball despite his natural batting ability, while Aoba excels at pitching and takes the sport seriously. Their shared affection for Wakaba Tsukishima, Aoba’s older sister and Koh’s crush, further complicates their relationship. Wakaba dreams of seeing Koh pitch at the national high school championship at Koshien Stadium, but tragedy changes their lives.

With Aoba and his teammates by his side, Koh must find a way to fulfill Wakaba’s dream while confronting his own challenges through baseball. The show is based on the manga series written and illustrated by Mitsuru Adachi, who also created the show. Taiki trains to reach the national level in ‘Blue Box,’ while Koh strives to fulfill Wakaba’s dream in ‘Cross Game,’ giving both characters a deeply personal reason to persevere. The two shows explore how relationships, setbacks, and sporting challenges help young characters mature and discover what matters most to them.