Haikyuu!! Season 4 — To the Top (Nationals (To the Top)) reviewed as a destination page: worth watching, arc structure, scores, and who it is for. Hub: Haikyuu!!. Episodes 1–25 this season.
Hook
Nationals (To the Top) is 25 episodes of Production I.G sports storytelling that moves the fight to Nationals (To the Top) — new opponents, national-stage volume, and a Karasuno that finally looks like it belongs in the big gym.
This page is for sequential viewers deciding whether Season 4 — To the Top is a binge, a weekly ritual, or a skip — spoiler-free advice up top, full-arc depth after the warning.
Quick Information
- Season: Season 4 — To the Top
- Episodes: 25
- Arc: Nationals (To the Top)
- Studio: Production I.G
- Air window: January 10, 2020 – December 18, 2020
- Kagex score: 9.1 / 10
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix (region-dependent)
Should You Watch Season 4 — To the Top?
Yes if you finished prior seasons. Season 4 — To the Top 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 4 — To the Top spoilers follow. Stop above for a clean first watch of this season.
Season Story Overview
As Karasuno prepares for the Spring Tournament, the team receives news that Kageyama and Tsukishima are invited to exclusive training camps. Not wanting to lose to anyone, Hinata sneaks into the camp, but must now introduce himself not as a spiker nor decoy, but as a humble ball boy. Having agreed to be the ball boy for the First Year Training Camp, Hinata quickly finds difficulty in the position as he struggles to keep up with others and is constantly under harsh criticisms. Despite the challenges, Hinata is still determined to find something at the camp that only he can do and to not underestimate what it means to be a ball boy. While Hinata, Kageyama, and Tsukishima are gone, the Karasuno High School Volleyball Team do practice matches with Tokonami High School. Meanwhile, as the other boys are doing a practice match with the Shiratorizawa third-years, Hinata watches them play and begins to realize that all he’d ever concentrated on is chasing after the ball. Thanks to Tsukishima, Hinata is able to join in the free practice and quickly impresses several others with his abilities. As he continues to observe and learn new tactics, Hinata soon tries to help a certain player who is continually struggling to keep up with everyone else. At the All-Japan Youth Camp, Kageyama finds himself targeted by several of the other players. The last day of training camp has come. Hinata is de…
Episode 1 — “Self-Introduction”
As Karasuno prepares for the Spring Tournament, the team receives news that Kageyama and Tsukishima are invited to exclusive training camps. Not wanting to lose to anyone, Hinata sneaks into the camp, but must now introduce himself not as a spiker nor decoy, but as a humble ball boy.
Kagex note: Episode 1 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 2 — “Lost”
Having agreed to be the ball boy for the First Year Training Camp, Hinata quickly finds difficulty in the position as he struggles to keep up with others and is constantly under harsh criticisms. Despite the challenges, Hinata is still determined to find something at the camp that only he can do and to not underestimate what it means to be a ball boy.
Kagex note: Episode 2 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 3 — “Perspective”
While Hinata, Kageyama, and Tsukishima are gone, the Karasuno High School Volleyball Team do practice matches with Tokonami High School. Meanwhile, as the other boys are doing a practice match with the Shiratorizawa third-years, Hinata watches them play and begins to realize that all he’d ever concentrated on is chasing after the ball.
Kagex note: Episode 3 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 4 — “Take It Easy”
Thanks to Tsukishima, Hinata is able to join in the free practice and quickly impresses several others with his abilities. As he continues to observe and learn new tactics, Hinata soon tries to help a certain player who is continually struggling to keep up with everyone else. At the All-Japan Youth Camp, Kageyama finds himself targeted by several of the other players.
Kagex note: Episode 4 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 5 — “Hunger”
The last day of training camp has come. Hinata is determined to finish strong with a higher skill level and as many newly acquired techniques as possible. At his own training camp, Kageyama is enjoying playing with many highly skilled players but is showing signs of struggling from his confrontation with Atsumu.
Kagex note: Episode 5 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 6 — “Enhancements”
Now reunited, the Karasuno players begin working on strengthening themselves and their skills in preperation for Nationals and Kageyama begins assisting Hinata in trying to improve his jump. As Kageyama continues to struggle with being labeled as a Goody Two-Shoes, Karasuno faces off against Date Tech in a practice match.
Kagex note: Episode 6 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 7 — “Return”
As they continue to play against Date Tech, the Karasuno team struggles with trying new methods, facing Date Tech’s improved blocking, and Kageyama‘s change in behavior.
Kagex note: Episode 7 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 8 — “Challenger”
The match between Karasuno and Date Tech stretches into an eighth set. With their time limited, Karasuno begins having Hinata blend into attacks in the attempt to overcome Date Tech. Meanwhile, Kinoshita finds himself aiding the team in various ways.
Kagex note: Episode 8 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 9 — “Everyone’s Night”
On the first day of the New Year, Daichi is disturbed by a foreboding dream that burdens him as the time to head to the Spring Tournament draws near. The Karasuno team finally departs to Tokyo for the nationals tournament where nerves and excitement begin to arise as the players prepare for their first games and reunite with old friends.
Kagex note: Episode 9 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 10 — “Battle Lines”
A minor crisis strikes when Hinata‘s shoes suddenly go missing before the team’s first game. Kiyoko embarks on the task of retrieving the shoes as she remembers how she first became the manager of the team and the bonds that have been formed. Karasuno faces Tsubakihara Academy in their first game and another crisis takes place when Kageyama seems to be off his game.
Kagex note: Episode 10 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 11 — “A Chance to Connect”
With Kageyama back on track, Karasuno begins to power through the rest of the set and show they are not to be underestimated. At the same time, the Tsubakihara team starts doing all they can to ensure that they did not come to the Spring Tournament as mere participants.
Kagex note: Episode 11 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 12 — “Vivid”
Karasuno has won their match and are advancing to the second round of the Spring Tournament. The Fukurōdani team hit a snag in their game when Bokuto falls into a depressed state and Akaashi does what he can to bring the ace back to top form.
Kagex note: Episode 12 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 13 — “The Second Day”
Karasuno prepares for their first match in the second round against the team that is second favorite to win the tournament, Inarizaki High and their team of unique players.
Kagex note: Episode 13 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 14 — “Rhythm”
Inarizaki begins building pressure on Karasuno with the help of the famous Inarizaki cheering squad using music and timing to throw their opponents off balance. Karasuno begins to feel the affects of Inarizaki’s methods until help arrives in the form of a familiar face.
Kagex note: Episode 14 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 15 — “Found”
With the Miya twins successfully copying the freak quick attack, Inarizaki begins to take the lead. As Karasuno struggles to find ways to stop them, Hinata is given an important task with the hope of allowing Karasuno to gain control of the game.
Kagex note: Episode 15 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 16 — “Broken Heart”
As Karasuno inches closer to taking the first set, Tanaka begins to falter in his play when he is repeatedly blocked, denied sets, and unable to perform a cross shot.
Kagex note: Episode 16 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 17 — “Cats vs. Monkeys”
In the second round of the Spring Tournament, Nekoma faces Sarukawa Tech High for the chance to advance to the third round. With Sarukawa and Nekoma both being masters of defense, it becomes apparent that Sarukawa’s real plan is not to quickly rack up points but to instead get Kenma to exhaust himself.
Kagex note: Episode 17 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 18 — “Trap”
Now in the second set, Kenma continues to be made to run about and further tire himself. As Sarukawa Tech continues to build pressure with their tenacious plays and believing they have manipulated the Nekoma team to play how they want, signs begin to show that Sarukawa Tech may not actually be in control of the game.
Kagex note: Episode 18 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 19 — “The Ultimate Challengers”
In the continuation of the match between Karasuno and Inarizaki, Nishinoya starts to struggle as he is repeatedly targeted by Atsumu’s serves. As Inarizaki continues to widen the gap with their variety of attacks, Karasuno begins to target one of Inarizaki’s players with the hope of turning things around.
Kagex note: Episode 19 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 20 — “Leader”
Team captain Shinsuke Kita is sent into the match and Inarizaki’s plays immediately take a new atmosphere that continues to put Karasuno in a difficult situation.
Kagex note: Episode 20 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 21 — “Hero”
Karasuno continues to hold the lead in the score as Suna and Tsukishima begin to form a rivalry. Nishinoya finally admits to the team that he is scared of Atsumu’s serves and Aran’s history with the Miya twins is revealed.
Kagex note: Episode 21 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 22 — “Pitons”
Inarizaki begins to take the set back with unexpected and powerful attacks, with each play continuing to chip away at the spirits of the Karasuno team. When all begins to seem hopeless, a miraculous play made by the last person they expected brings a new wave of hope.
Kagex note: Episode 22 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 23 — “The Birth of the Serene King”
The match between Karasuno and Inarizaki is nearing the end. Each team continues to fight for the winning point with surprising methods and fierce determination.
Kagex note: Episode 23 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 24 — “Monsters’ Ball”
The grueling match between Karasuno and Inarizaki comes to a conclusion as one team finally emerges victorious and moves onto the third round of the Spring Tournament.
Kagex note: Episode 24 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Episode 25 — “The Promised Land”
Karasuno has claimed victory and will be advancing to the third round of the Spring Tournament. Emotions are on display from all teams as some are eliminated from the tournament while others prepare for their next battle.
Kagex note: Episode 25 sits inside Nationals (To the Top). Watch for how Karasuno’s system (or lack of one) changes under pressure — not just who spikes the loudest.
Story Analysis
Nationals (To the Top) works because Haikyuu!! treats volleyball as a language: tosses are sentences, blocks are arguments, free balls are panic. Season 4 — To the Top balances setpiece matches with gym politics, rivalry etiquette, and the slow craft of becoming a team that can survive a third set.
Story score 9.1: 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 4 — To the Top 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). Nationals brings Bokuto, Akaashi, and a deeper field of monsters — Karasuno is no longer the only interesting underdog in the building.
Characters score 9.2: 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 4 — To the Top expands Miyagi → Tokyo practice culture → Shiratorizawa powerhouse ideology → national-stage brackets. Clubs feel like institutions with alumni ghosts, coach philosophies, and scout gossip — not costume sets.
Animation
Production I.G Season 4 — To the Top: elastic athleticism, readable formations, and faces that sell panic between whistles. Score 9.2.
Music & Voice Acting
To the Top (Season 4) swaps national-stage OPs in — “Phoenix” / “Toppakou” era energy. Nationals sound design sells crowd volume as a character.. Score 9.0.
Best Moments
- Episode 1 — “Self-Introduction”
- Episode 5 — “Hunger”
- Episode 10 — “Battle Lines”
- Episode 13 — “The Second Day”
- Episode 15 — “Found”
- Episode 20 — “Leader”
- Episode 25 — “The Promised Land”
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
9.1 / 10 for Season 4 — To the Top.
- Story: 9.1
- Characters: 9.2
- Animation: 9.2
- Music: 9.0
- Enjoyment: 9.2
Season 4 — To the Top is required sequential viewing if you care about Karasuno’s climb.
What Comes Next
TV batch ends at Nationals (To the Top); movies / later material continue the story beyond this season page.
FAQ
Episode count?
25 episodes in Season 4 — To the Top.
Watch order?
Sequential from Season 1 Episode 1 — do not start at Season 4 — To the Top cold.
Where to watch?
Crunchyroll / Netflix (region-dependent).
Is Season 4 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 4 — To the Top rank in your Haikyuu!! list?
Favorite matchup this season — and why?
