Download Salaryman’s Club
Introduction
Salaryman’s Club (Ryman’s Club) is a sports anime that brings a fresh perspective to the genre by merging high-stakes corporate life with intense badminton competition. Released in 2022 by LIDENFILMS, this anime offers an engaging mix of office dynamics, teamwork, and athletic spirit. Unlike traditional sports anime that focus on high school or professional athletes, Salaryman’s Club centers on adults balancing their passion for sports with the pressures of their corporate jobs. This blog delves into the anime’s story, characters, themes, animation, and overall impact.
Story of Salaryman’s Club
The series follows Mikoto Shiratori, a former badminton prodigy who was expelled from his high school team due to a traumatic past affecting his performance. Now an adult, he works for the Sunlight Beverage company, where he discovers that his job involves not just corporate duties but also playing for the company’s badminton team. Though initially reluctant, Mikoto gradually rediscovers his love for the sport, learning valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and self-growth along the way.
Unlike conventional sports anime that center around high school tournaments, Salaryman’s Club uniquely focuses on adult life, showcasing how sports teams function within a corporate environment. The anime explores the balance between professional responsibilities and athletic ambition, making it stand out in the genre.
Main Characters
- Mikoto Shiratori – The protagonist, a talented yet emotionally burdened badminton player who struggles with his past failures but slowly finds his place in the corporate sports world.
- Tatsuru Miyazumi – Mikoto’s senior partner at Sunlight Beverage, a skilled and reliable player who helps guide Mikoto both in the workplace and on the court.
- Souta Saeki – A lively and passionate member of the team who keeps the morale high and supports his teammates.
- Kouki Takeda & Touya Saeki – Key players in the corporate badminton scene, contributing to the team’s growth and development.
- Hayato Kirishima – A rival with a strong competitive spirit, pushing Mikoto to overcome his inner struggles.
Background Information
- Creator & Studio: LIDENFILMS, known for anime like Tokyo Revengers and Blade of the Immortal.
- Release Date: Premiered on January 30, 2022.
- Episodes: 12 episodes.
- Genre: Sports, Drama, Slice of Life.
Themes
- Balancing Work and Passion: The anime highlights the struggles of professionals juggling workplace responsibilities with personal aspirations.
- Overcoming Trauma and Failure: Mikoto’s journey of confronting his past and regaining confidence is a central emotional theme.
- Teamwork and Camaraderie: The show emphasizes the importance of supportive colleagues and teammates in both work and sports.
- Corporate Culture & Sports: It provides an insightful look into how Japanese companies support sports teams as part of employee engagement and branding.
Visuals and Animation
The animation quality in Salaryman’s Club is commendable, with fluid and dynamic badminton sequences that capture the intensity of the matches. The character designs are clean, and the corporate settings feel authentic. The blend of high-speed action and workplace interactions is well-balanced, making for an engaging viewing experience.
Sound and Music
- Opening Theme: “The Warrior” by Novelbright – A high-energy track that perfectly sets the tone for the anime.
- Ending Theme: “Nisen Gohyaku Man no Ichi” by Mafumafu – A song that complements the emotional undertones of the series.
- Voice Acting: The voice cast delivers solid performances, effectively conveying the characters’ personalities and struggles.
Review
Salaryman’s Club is an underrated gem that brings something new to the sports anime genre. Its unique premise of combining corporate life with badminton makes it refreshing and relatable, especially for an older audience. The character development, particularly Mikoto’s growth, is handled well, and the team dynamics feel genuine. While the series may not have the high school rivalries or grand tournament arcs of traditional sports anime, it makes up for it with meaningful storytelling and a realistic take on life after school.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a sports anime that goes beyond the usual teenage competition and explores the realities of adulthood, Salaryman’s Club is a must-watch. It offers an inspiring story of personal growth, teamwork, and perseverance, all wrapped in the fast-paced world of corporate badminton. Whether you’re a sports anime fan or someone who enjoys slice-of-life narratives, this anime is a refreshing and enjoyable experience worth checking out.
