Ahiru no Sora

Name: Ahiru no Sora
Rating: 3.8 (89 reviews)
Author: Takeshi Hinata

3.8

Author: Takeshi Hinata

Publisher: Kodansha

Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Magazine

Volumes: 51

Release Date: 2004-05-15

Age Rating: All Ages

Ahiru no Sora Synopsis

Here's the translated summary for Ahiru no Sora: Ahiru no Sora is a coming-of-age basketball manga about Sora Kurumatani, a passionate yet undersized high school basketball player. Standing just 149 cm (4’11”), Sora enrolls at Kuzuryu High School (nicknamed "Kuzu High") with a promise to his chronically ill mother—that he will win his first high school basketball tournament. Upon arrival, however, he discovers the school's basketball club has become little more than a hangout for delinquents, including the notorious Hanazono brothers, Momoharu and Chiaki, who show no interest in actually playing the sport. Through his unwavering dedication and passion for basketball, Sora gradually inspires the former players like the Hanazono brothers, along with the gifted ace Kenji "Tobi" Natsume and skillful center Kaname "Mokichi" Shigeyoshi, to rekindle their love for the game. Together, they overcome personal hardships and family issues, rebuilding the basketball club from scratch. Despite continuous setbacks and conflicts, they strive toward their ultimate dream: competing in the inter-high tournament.

Ahiru no Sora Rating Metrics

Story

4.2

Characters

4.1

Artwork

3.8

World Building

3.6

Themes

3.6

Pacing

3.3

Ahiru no Sora Editorial Reviews

A Realistic, Authentic Basketball Manga

Ahiru no Sora is an authentic basketball manga focused on realism. The protagonist, Sora, is significantly shorter than the typical basketball player, making his height a considerable disadvantage in a sport where stature often matters. Sora’s primary weapon to compensate for his lack of height is his accurate three-point shooting, reminiscent of NBA superstar Stephen Curry’s high school days. This physical limitation and personal obstacle make Sora’s hard-earned growth and victories incredibly rewarding, allowing readers to feel deeply moved as they follow his journey. The obstacles set in Ahiru no Sora are exceptionally well-crafted. Initially a club overrun by delinquents, the basketball team gradually transforms as unique and compelling characters join, each striving to reach the national tournament. Unlike the fantasy-driven basketball scenes in Kuroko’s Basketball, Ahiru no Sora portrays realistic struggles, authentic practice regimens, and believable game situations. Another major appeal is the cast of distinctive characters—like Momoharu, whose jump height is unmatched despite his inability to score consistently, and Kenji, sporting cornrows reminiscent of Allen Iverson (it’s rare to see high school students with dreadlocks in Japan). If you enjoy authentic sports manga where delinquents genuinely dedicate themselves to basketball, growing both emotionally and physically, Ahiru no Sora is highly recommended!

July 16, 2025

The latter half gets a bit overly philosophical

Initially, the manga delivers everything you'd want from a sports series—Sora’s inspiring growth, the camaraderie and development of teammates, and thrilling basketball matches. Up until this point, I personally found it incredibly enjoyable. However, as the manga progresses into its later chapters, it shifts from being a pure sports manga to exploring deeper philosophical themes, losing some of its youthful energy and straightforwardness. Of course, this is my personal opinion, and some readers may find this philosophical element adds greater depth and enjoyment to Ahiru no Sora.

July 16, 2025