Haikyuu!! Season 2 (Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers) reviewed as a destination page: worth watching, arc structure, scores, and who it is for. Hub: Haikyuu!!. Episodes 1–25 this season.
Hook
Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers is 25 episodes of Production I.G sports storytelling that sends Karasuno to Tokyo, sharpens them against Nekoma cats and capital-level pace, then turns Spring High qualifiers into a weekly stress test.
This page is for sequential viewers deciding whether Season 2 is a binge, a weekly ritual, or a skip — spoiler-free advice up top, full-arc depth after the warning.
Quick Information
- Season: Season 2
- Episodes: 25
- Arc: Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers
- Studio: Production I.G
- Air window: October 4, 2015 – March 26, 2016
- Kagex score: 9.2 / 10
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix (region-dependent)
Should You Watch Season 2?
Yes if you finished prior seasons. Season 2 is not a random highlight reel — start at Season 1 Episode 1 if you are new.
Worth bingeing? If you like team chemistry, match-long tension, and characters who improve by listening. Who bounces? Viewers who only want final-set fireworks and skip practice / scout episodes — those hours are load-bearing here.
Spoiler Warning
Full Season 2 spoilers follow. Stop above for a clean first watch of this season.
Season Story Overview
After losing in Interhigh, Karasuno High is busy practicing. As Coach Ukai wishes for more practice matches for the team, Ittetsu Takeda barges in with great news: Karasuno has been invited to take part in Nekoma’s training camp! Kageyama and Hinata get lost during a run and ends up meeting with Shiratorizawa Academy’s Ushijima. After Ushijima claims that the only good player from Aoba Johsai High is Oikawa, Hinata challenges him. Hinata, Kageyama, Nishinoya, and Tanaka are devastated by the possibility of not going to Tokyō if they fail any of their exams. Daichi vows that the entire team will go and thus forces the four to study, though it proves to be much of a challenge. The second years study at Tanaka‘s place. Kageyama and Hinata are having a harder time, however, with Tsukishima reluctant to spend much time tutoring them. Luckily, Hitoka Yachi, the possible new manager, proves to be a great help at teaching the duo. Hitoka feels conflicted about joining the volleyball team. After watching their practice match against Ōginishi High, she starts to see the charm of the team. However, she is having a difficult time expressing her feelings to her mother, afraid that she might disapprove. Luckily, Hinata helps her overcome it by showing to her that even a small role such as a “Townsperson B” can be great. After Hinata and Kageyama finish their supplementary exam, Saeko Tanaka …
Episode 1 — “Let’s Go To Tokyo!!”
After losing in Interhigh, Karasuno High is busy practicing. As Coach Ukai wishes for more practice matches for the team, Ittetsu Takeda barges in with great news: Karasuno has been invited to take part in Nekoma’s training camp! Kageyama and Hinata get lost during a run and ends up meeting with Shiratorizawa Academy’s Ushijima. After Ushijima claims that the only good player from Aoba Johsai High is Oikawa, Hinata c…
Kagex note: Episode 1 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 2 — “Direct Sunlight”
Hinata, Kageyama, Nishinoya, and Tanaka are devastated by the possibility of not going to Tokyō if they fail any of their exams. Daichi vows that the entire team will go and thus forces the four to study, though it proves to be much of a challenge. The second years study at Tanaka‘s place. Kageyama and Hinata are having a harder time, however, with Tsukishima reluctant to spend much time tutoring them. Luckily, Hitok…
Kagex note: Episode 2 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 3 — “’Townsperson B’”
Hitoka feels conflicted about joining the volleyball team. After watching their practice match against Ōginishi High, she starts to see the charm of the team. However, she is having a difficult time expressing her feelings to her mother, afraid that she might disapprove. Luckily, Hinata helps her overcome it by showing to her that even a small role such as a “Townsperson B” can be great.
Kagex note: Episode 3 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 4 — “Center Ace”
After Hinata and Kageyama finish their supplementary exam, Saeko Tanaka takes them to join Karasuno team at Tokyo training camp. Now they’re on the team, Karasuno wins their first match on the day; however Eikichi from Shinzen High manages to touch on Hinata‘s quicks. Later on, Hinata meets the half Russian player from Nekoma Lev Haiba; Lev promises him that he will be the first one to stop his quick.
Kagex note: Episode 4 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 5 — “Greed”
Hinata expresses how he wants to improve so that he would be capable of competing by himself, but Kageyama replies that in doing so he would break the team apart. Hinata interprets him as being unsupportive of his wishes, and they argue to the point they ignore each other. The team worry about the situation and hope that the two would reconcile soon.
Kagex note: Episode 5 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 6 — “Tempo”
Kageyama seeks out Oikawa for help regarding Hinata‘s wish to hit the quick on his own will. Coach Ukai takes Hinata to see the former coach of Karasuno’s volleyball club to get some advice on how to improve his skills and learn to fight on his own. The two first-years learn that Hinata has the absolute leadership in the attack, so Kageyama has to learn to give Hinata the tosses he wants, and Hinata has to learn more…
Kagex note: Episode 6 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 7 — “Moonrise”
Karasuno arrives at Saitama for the training camp. They practice against Fukurōdani, and Hinata realises that Kageyama‘s tosses have changed so now the latter will have to work harder in order to hit them. However, the two first-years aren’t the only ones who are trying new moves, and the other schools recognise their efforts in doing so.
Kagex note: Episode 7 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 8 — “Illusionary Hero”
Tsukishima begins to think that he shouldn’t put so much effort in training anymore like his brother did, to avoid being disappointed if he fails. Despite practising very hard, Akiteru failed to become a regular player for Karasuno due to the number of more talented players on the team, including Hinata’s idol, the “Small Giant.”
Kagex note: Episode 8 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 9 — “Umbrella”
Karasuno is up against Nekoma in a practice match, and Hinata recognises that Kageyama had subconsciously tossed the ball the way he used to when Hinata‘s eyes were closed. The middle blocker points this out, so Kageyama decides to practice on his own in order to give Hinata the exact tosses he wants. This causes Hinata to be free to join Tsukishima‘s practices with Kuroo, Akaashi and Bokuto. Lev joins in, and their …
Kagex note: Episode 9 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 10 — “Gears”
For the last practice match of the training camp, Karasuno is against Fukurōdani again. This time, they have somewhat polished their moves to the point where they are able to gain points and become neck-to-neck in the scores. Takeda likens their mastering of the new skills and executing them to gain points as cogs working together. Their ability to have improved so much in a week and catch up with their team in terms…
Kagex note: Episode 10 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 11 — “Up Above”
With Bokuto in his dejected mode, Karasuno learns from first-hand experience why Fukurōdani is considered one of the top volleyball teams in Tokyo. Fukurōdani ends up winning the match, with Bokuto scoring the final point. The training camp comes to an end with a barbeque for the players. Karasuno returns back to school to continue practising and honing in their skills, and other volleyball teams of Miyagi are busy p…
Kagex note: Episode 11 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 12 — “Match Begins!!”
Karasuno’s first opponents are Ohgiminami High, one of the teams Shiratorizawa had defeated in the Interhigh. Former Coach Ukai comes along to watch Karasuno play, and the general public comment on how much Karasuno has changed from the rumors. Hinata bumps into Yoshiki Towada in the bathroom and vows that Karasuno would beat their team and their future opponents in order to make it into the nationals.
Kagex note: Episode 12 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 13 — “Simple, Pure Strength”
Karasuno’s second opponent is Kakugawa, a volleyball team that has a player who is 201cm tall. Former Coach Ukai comes to watch the match, and Karasuno tries their best to work around the height advantage their opponent has . After their win, Karasuno bumps into Johzenji, who is fated to be their next opponent.
Kagex note: Episode 13 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 14 — “Growing Fast”
After the match, Karasuno reflects on their performance and seeks areas they could improve on. Tsukishima seeks help from his brother and coach on learning how to block spikers who are taller and stronger than him. Kageyama spies on Aoba Johsai and is astonished by Oikawa‘s skills as a setter. Karasuno goes back to Kanto and practise perfecting their new skills, showing their opponents how much they had improved sinc…
Kagex note: Episode 14 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 15 — “Playground”
Karasuno arrives at the stadium to play their game against Johzenji. They win the first set, but expect the next set to be harder because the Johzenji team takes many risks and are unpredictable.
Kagex note: Episode 15 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 16 — “To the Next”
Johzenji tried a spirited fightback after a stern talk by Hana Misaki, but failed as Terushima’s attempt to copy Karasuno’s Minus Tempo Stop Toss Spike went out of bounds. This would cost them the match, prompting Hana to resign as their manager. Karasuno are now against Wakutani Minami, a team that has a captain with skills similar to the Small Giant, as noted by Coach Ukai. A little over halfway through the first s…
Kagex note: Episode 16 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 17 — “The Fight of the Spineless”
Daichi is injured and has to go to the infirmary, so Ennoshita takes the captain’s spot in the game. Ennoshita reflects on how he had abandoned the volleyball club when he was a first-year, and decides that he would not run away from this match. Yamaguchi is subbed in as an ace server, and he is able to get one float serve past the net.
Kagex note: Episode 17 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 18 — “The Losers”
As Aoba Johsai’s match against Date Tech starts, Karasuno’s match against Wakutani continues. Despite the weakened defense with Daichi‘s absence, Ennoshita finds a way for the team to continue scoring. Hinata incorporates the new moves he learnt during the Tokyo training camps, and Karasuno is able to gain victory against Wakutani.
Kagex note: Episode 18 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 19 — “The Iron Wall Can Be Constructed Any Number of Times”
Date Tech is up against Aoba Johsai. Karasuno watches on from the stands, and sees the new setter, Koganegawa, on the courts amongst the remainders of the team they had played against last time. His height makes the match intense, but from his lack of experience as the trademark iron wall, Aoba Johsai is able to gain victory with their ace’s strong spike earning them the winning point.
Kagex note: Episode 19 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 20 — “Wiping Away”
Aoba Johsai starts the match with Oikawa‘s serve, and the team is able to recognise that Karasuno have improved immensely as a team. Despite Hinata and Kageyama‘s new quick having been altered slightly, the Seijō third-years are able to think of a tactic to narrow its path to one they can handle more effectively. Karasuno pulls ahead in the first set, but a new player from Seijō is subbed in and completely changes th…
Kagex note: Episode 20 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 21 — “The Breaker”
Karasuno recognises that Kyōtani is a double-edged sword in the match: he makes just as many mistakes as he does attacks, and if Aoba Johsai does not use him successfully, his presence in the game can backfire their intentions to increase their offensive power. Sugawara is subbed into the game to help Karasuno gain more points, but is soon switched back out when the formation changes. Coach Ukai considers bringing Ya…
Kagex note: Episode 21 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 22 — “The Fight of the Previously Spineless”
Yamaguchi is subbed in as the pinch server and his serves are able to gain Karasuno more points. The gap between the two teams have shrunk, but Oikawa‘s strong serves win Aoba Johsai the second set. Now they have to get to the third set to determine the winners.
Kagex note: Episode 22 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 23 — “Team”
The two teams are battling to win the third set, and Kyōtani’s efforts are starting to become more reckless. He gets switched out, and has to calm down in order to play again. With the help of Yahaba, he does get back on to continue scoring points against Karasuno, and is finally able to play with Aoba Johsai as a teammate. With Karasuno in the lead, would they be able to win the match to proceed?
Kagex note: Episode 23 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 24 — “Switch for the Utmost Limit”
It’s the last set and Karasuno is in the lead. Aoba Johsai and Karasuno try their hardest to win, with the thought that the strongest six would be the ones who claim victory. But triumph is with Karasuno, as they win the match with Kageyama and Hinata‘s quick spike. Oikawa reflects that it might never be possible for someone with no natural talent to beat any volleyball “genius”, no matter how much they train, strate…
Kagex note: Episode 24 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 25 — “Declaration of War”
Karasuno are through to the finals to determine the Miyagi representative for the Spring High Tournament. Aoba Johsai lament on their loss, but vow to beat Karasuno the following year. Oikawa bumps into Ushijima, in which the latter tells him that he had chosen the wrong path, but the former tells him that there is no one team that can guarantee victory. Later on, Ushijima approaches Karasuno at the entrance of the g…
Kagex note: Episode 25 sits inside Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers. Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Story Analysis
Tokyo Expedition / Spring High Qualifiers works because Haikyuu!! treats volleyball as a language: tosses are sentences, blocks are arguments, free balls are panic. Season 2 balances setpiece matches with gym politics, rivalry etiquette, and the slow craft of becoming a team that can survive a third set.
Story score 9.3: the season earns its peaks by making earlier practice hours matter. Production I.G does not soft-reset Karasuno between arcs — skills stick, egos linger, and scouting notes become plot.
Compared with generic sports power fantasies, Season 2 keeps constraints visible: height, rotation, stamina, and trust. When Karasuno looks miraculous, it is usually a system trick you were taught earlier — not a random aura.
Character Analysis
Core: Hinata, Kageyama, Daichi, Sugawara, plus the gym’s specialists (Noya, Tanaka, Tsukishima, Yamaguchi, Asahi). Nekoma’s Kenma/Kuroo and the Tokyo trip widen the cast; Spring High qualifiers test whether Karasuno can stay loud without getting sloppy.
Characters score 9.3: growth is positional and social. Setters learn to trust. Aces learn to receive help. Bench players learn that noise can be a job.
World Building
Season 2 expands Miyagi → Tokyo practice culture → Interhigh qualifier reality. Clubs feel like institutions with alumni ghosts, coach philosophies, and scout gossip — not costume sets.
Animation
Production I.G Season 2: elastic athleticism, readable formations, and faces that sell panic between whistles. Score 9.1.
Music & Voice Acting
Season 2 opens with “I’m a Believer” (SPYAIR) — Tokyo trip swagger before Spring High turns every rally into a homework assignment.. Score 9.0.
Best Moments
- Episode 1 — “Let’s Go To Tokyo!!”
- Episode 5 — “Greed”
- Episode 10 — “Gears”
- Episode 13 — “Simple, Pure Strength”
- Episode 15 — “Playground”
- Episode 20 — “Wiping Away”
- Episode 25 — “Declaration of War”
Pros & Cons
Pros: Peak team volleyball storytelling; clear seasonal identity; characters who improve for real.
Cons: Requires prior seasons; dialogue-heavy scout/practice hours before some finales.
Final Verdict
9.2 / 10 for Season 2.
- Story: 9.3
- Characters: 9.3
- Animation: 9.1
- Music: 9.0
- Enjoyment: 9.3
Season 2 is required sequential viewing if you care about Karasuno’s climb.
What Comes Next
Continue to Season 3.
FAQ
Episode count?
25 episodes in Season 2.
Watch order?
Sequential from Season 1 Episode 1 — do not start at Season 2 cold.
Where to watch?
Crunchyroll / Netflix (region-dependent).
Is Season 2 the peak?
It is a load-bearing chapter; peaks depend on whether you value formation, Tokyo growth, Shiratorizawa war, or Nationals scale.
Movies?
Later Haikyuu!! films continue beyond the TV seasons — finish the TV order first for clean context.
Keep exploring
Your turn
Where does Season 2 rank in your Haikyuu!! list?
Favorite matchup this season — and why?
