Review | Salaryman's Club Episode 1-6

“Salaryman’s Club is a refreshing and enthralling sports anime. The story balances well the sports aspect and the worklife of this compelling group of salarymen. It’s undoubtedly one of the highlights of the winter season.”

Salaryman’s Club is an anime series produced by Liden Films.

STORY

Salaryman’s Club is a sports anime about badminton but it’s also more than just a sports anime. Indeed, as the name indicates it’s a badminton club of salarymen. Thus, it also tells the story of their lives at work and outside of work. They work at Sunlight Beverage. It’s actually quite original to have that in a series. So that’s what picked my interest.

And I have to say I really love the story. It balances well the sports storyline and the work storyline. In fact, both storylines are inherently connected. Because the bonds they create at work help them when they play badminton. Four of the characters do play as doubles team so it’s crucial for them to have good coordination. Plus, it’s not often that we see an anime telling the story of salarymen. It’s such a refreshing take. The first six episodes do a great job at setting up the story.

CHARACTERS

The focus is mainly on Mikoto and Tatsuru who are one of the doubles team. And they happen to be my favorite characters of the series. At first, they seem like an odd pairing because they have opposite personalities. Namely, Tatsuru is outgoing while Mikoto is more withdrawn. Plus, he actually doesn’t want to play on a doubles team. So everything seems to separate them. Though, it’s their differences that bring them closer together. And also, it helps that Tatsuru is his partner at work. Indeed, by being always together Mikoto starts to care for his partner.

The other members of the club are also intriguing characters. Although, we don’t spend as much time with them, they are enough developed for us to care about them.

VISUALS

This series has beautiful character designs. I especially love how the badminton matches are depicted. They are stylized but not too much. Indeed, they keep a touch of realism. The scenery is also quite stunning. All in all, it’s a pleasure for the eyes to watch this series.

OPENING AND END CREDITS

The opening theme is ‘The Warrior’ by Novelbright. It’s a dynamic opening that showcases the main characters and also the different teams of Badminton they encounter. In that way, it reminds me of Re-Main‘s opening theme. Though, the song reminds me of OLDCODEX’s songs in the Free! openings.

As for the end credits, it’s ‘Nisen Gohyaku Man no Ichi’ by Mafumafu. It’s a calmer song similar to SK8 The Infinity‘s end theme. Unlike the opening, it features only the main characters. Furthermore, it features them more in their everyday life than in the sports environment.

So for me, these are great credits. They do a good job balancing the sports element and showcasing the lives of the main characters. This way, it gives you an honest look at what to expect from the series.

VERDICT

Salaryman’s Club is a refreshing and enthralling sports anime. The story balances well the sports aspect and the worklife of this compelling group of salarymen. It’s undoubtedly one of the highlights of the winter season.