Salaryman’s Club is a breath of fresh air in the world of sports anime! This isn’t your typical high school drama; it’s a mature and relatable story about adults chasing their dreams while navigating the challenges of the corporate world. Get ready for exciting badminton action, compelling characters, and a whole lot of heart. Join me as I break down what makes this anime a must-watch!

What is Salaryman’s Club about?

• Genre: Sports, Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama
• Type: TV Series
• Episodes: 12
• Duration: +/- 5 hours
• Bingeable: Yes
• Age Restriction: PG-13 
• Release Date: 2022
• Animation Studio: Liden Films
• English Dub: Yes
• Source: Original anime
• Kanji: リーマンズクラブ (Rīmanzu Kurabu)
• Alternative Title: Ryman’s Club
• Average Rating: 7.25/10
• Streaming: Crunchyroll, ANIPLUS, BiliBili
• Ryman’s Club Official Website
• Official Hashtags: #リーマンズクラブ #rymansclub

Ryman’s Club follows the story of Mikoto Shiratori, a former badminton prodigy who lost his passion for the sport after a traumatic incident in high school. Now working as a salaryman at Sunlight Beverage, he rediscovers his love for badminton when he joins the company’s badminton team. Alongside his quirky and talented colleagues, Mikoto faces challenges both on and off the court as they strive for victory in the corporate badminton league. 

My Thoughts on Salaryman’s Club

Salaryman’s Club offers a refreshing take on the sports anime genre by setting its story in the corporate world, where adult characters juggle professional obligations and personal passions. With a mix of slice-of-life and sports themes, it captures the struggles and joys of working adults striving to balance their careers with hobbies and personal growth. As an anime focused on badminton, it brings attention to a sport that doesn’t often receive much spotlight, while weaving in the relatable tension of adult responsibilities.

Plot and Themes of Salaryman’s Club

The storyline is engaging, centring on a group of office workers who form a badminton club within their company. Here, the corporate world isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the narrative. From project development to marketing strategies, the characters’ work lives are as fleshed out as their time on the badminton court. This dual focus gives Salaryman’s Club a slice-of-life quality, grounded in the realities of adult responsibilities, goals, and struggles. It’s a reminder of the importance of balance, friendship, and pursuing passions outside of one’s job.

Character Dynamics

The characters in Salaryman’s Club are thoughtfully crafted, each bringing unique quirks, strengths, and challenges to the story. Mikoto and Tatsuru’s dynamic, in particular, stands out. Mikoto, with his reserved nature, is perfectly balanced by Tatsuru’s easy-going attitude. Their partnership, both on and off the court, is compelling and showcases how team synergy requires patience, understanding, and growth.

Watching Mikoto and Tatsuru interact was a joy. Tatsuru’s free-spirited and carefree nature contrasts nicely with Mikoto’s reserved and quiet demeanour. Their growing understanding and synergy in playing together was one of the highlights of the series.

However, I do wish we had more time to delve into the relationships between the characters. With only twelve episodes, the series had limited time to explore these dynamics fully. It would have been a fantastic addition to see more of these interactions.

Additionally, each character faces personal trials, from career uncertainties to dealing with past injuries, making them highly relatable. Their journeys were satisfying to watch, and it was easy to connect with their struggles and triumphs.

Art and Animation

The animation quality enhances the enjoyment of each badminton match, with fluid, intense scenes that capture the speed and precision of the sport. The exaggerated motions—like powerful smashes and the detailed accuracy of the shuttlecock hitting the court—bring a sense of excitement reminiscent of more popular sports anime like Haikyuu!!, while also adding realism to the office setting. The attention to detail in both the sports scenes and the corporate environment was immersive and brought a sense of realism to the anime.

Sound and Atmosphere

The soundtrack supports the series beautifully, with energetic beats for matches and soothing tones for more reflective moments. Sound effects, such as the satisfying thwack of the racket hitting the shuttlecock, add authenticity to the badminton scenes. The voice acting, too, is commendable, breathing life and relatability into the characters, from their frustrations to their moments of victory.

Final thoughts on Salaryman’s Club:

Salaryman’s Club offers a refreshing take on sports anime by focusing on adults who balance work and competitive play. This series beautifully captures the day-to-day life of corporate employees while infusing it with the intensity of badminton competitions. The characters are highly relatable, dealing with real-life struggles that many adults face. Plus, the badminton scenes are fast-paced, visually engaging, and strategically intense.

It’s a breath of fresh air for those looking for a sports anime outside the usual high school setting. The unique focus on adult themes of work-life balance and personal fulfilment makes it highly relatable. While some plot points are admittedly cliché, the series handles them with enough sincerity and character depth to keep viewers engaged. If you’re after an anime that combines the excitement of sports with the more grounded realities of adult life, Salaryman’s Club is a must-watch.

The blend of workplace and sports themes makes Salaryman’s Club stand out in the sports anime genre. It’s a great pick for anyone looking to enjoy an adult perspective on sports, mixed with moments of humour and camaraderie among the team members. The balance between the office and the badminton court adds a unique flavour to the narrative, making it both entertaining and insightful.

Overall, Salaryman’s Club is not just a sports anime, but a story about finding balance and fulfillment in life.

My Favourite Character: Tatsuru Miyazumi

Tatsuru truly stands out with his free-spirited nature and quiet resilience. He brings not only levity to the team but also a steady source of support for his colleagues, making him more than just an athlete—he’s an anchor in the often tense office environment. His easy-going attitude and optimistic outlook make him instantly likeable and a compelling counterpart to the more introverted Mikoto. 

I found Tatsuru to be my favourite character because of how well he balances Mikoto. His sense of fun and spontaneity made their dynamic both on and off the court engaging and entertaining. And hey, I’m not gonna lie, the occasional shirtless scene didn’t hurt either! His dialogue throughout the series was an added highlight for me, always adding a bit of charm and humour to the story. His presence brought a sense of warmth and cohesion, making the series even more enjoyable.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, 100%! If you’re a fan of sports anime and enjoy character-driven stories, Salaryman’s Club is one to watch. The series stands out with its focus on adults balancing work and competitive badminton, offering a mature perspective that’s refreshing in the genre.

The blend of sports action with the everyday challenges of adult life makes it highly relatable. The pacing and storytelling are moderately well done, creating an enjoyable and satisfying experience. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a tad more realistic take on sports anime, with relatable characters and a unique setting.

Whether you’re already a badminton enthusiast or just looking for a new anime to enjoy, Salaryman’s Club is light-hearted, inspiring, and might even motivate you to pick up a racket yourself. So yes, I would 100% recommend it.

What do you think about the anime Salaryman’s Club? 

Date I watched the anime: 5 November 2024

My rating: 8.5/10