Season 1 poster

Season 1

(1993)

Cast

Takeshi Kusao as Hanamichi Sakuragi (voice)
Takeshi Kusao

as Hanamichi Sakuragi (voice)

Hikaru Midorikawa as Kaede Rukawa (voice)
Hikaru Midorikawa

as Kaede Rukawa (voice)

Kiyoyuki Yanada as Takenori Akagi (voice)
Kiyoyuki Yanada

as Takenori Akagi (voice)

Yoku Shioya as Ryota Miyagi (voice)
Yoku Shioya

as Ryota Miyagi (voice)

Ryotaro Okiayu as Hisashi Mitsui (voice)
Ryotaro Okiayu

as Hisashi Mitsui (voice)

Akiko Hiramatsu as Haruko Akagi (voice)
Akiko Hiramatsu

as Haruko Akagi (voice)

Eriko Hara as Ayako (voice)
Eriko Hara

as Ayako (voice)

Hideyuki Tanaka as Kiminobu Kogure (voice)
Hideyuki Tanaka

as Kiminobu Kogure (voice)

Hisao Egawa as Shin'ichi Maki (voice)
Hisao Egawa

as Shin'ichi Maki (voice)

Hochu Otsuka as Akira Sendo (voice)
Hochu Otsuka

as Akira Sendo (voice)

Tomomichi Nishimura as Anzai (voice)
Tomomichi Nishimura

as Anzai (voice)

Toshiyuki Morikawa as Yohei Mito (voice) / Kiyota Nobunaga (voice)
Toshiyuki Morikawa

as Yohei Mito (voice) / Kiyota Nobunaga (voice)

Yukimasa Kishino as Jun Uozumi (voice)
Yukimasa Kishino

as Jun Uozumi (voice)

Kozo Shioya as Nozomi Takamiya (voice)
Kozo Shioya

as Nozomi Takamiya (voice)

Yûji Mikimoto as Chuichirou Noma (voice)
Yûji Mikimoto

as Chuichirou Noma (voice)

Nobutoshi Canna as Yuuji Ookusu (voice)
Nobutoshi Canna

as Yuuji Ookusu (voice)

Hiromi Nishikawa as Matsui (voice)
Hiromi Nishikawa

as Matsui (voice)

Machiko Toyoshima as Fujii (voice)
Machiko Toyoshima

as Fujii (voice)

Episodes

The Birth of a Genius Basketman?!? poster

The Birth of a Genius Basketman?!? 8.4

October 16, 1993

After being dumped by Yoko, a girl he really liked in Junior High, Sakuragi Hanamichi was devastated. On the first day …

Die Basketball! Hanamichi vs. Rukawa poster

Die Basketball! Hanamichi vs. Rukawa 8.0

October 30, 1993

After Rukawa beats up those thugs, Hanamichi is shocked and asks him for his name. When he discovers that he is the one…

Gorilla vs. Hanamichi! Big Showdown! poster

Gorilla vs. Hanamichi! Big Showdown! 8.5

November 6, 1993

When Hanamichi calls basketball a 'dumb game', the captain of the basketball team challenges him because Hanamichi had …

Basketball Man Hanamichi Joins the Team poster

Basketball Man Hanamichi Joins the Team 8.8

November 13, 1993

Sakuragi mananges to dunk over/through Akagi. Akagi is intrigued by Sakuragi's raw power, but doesn't think he's got t…

A Gutless Afternoon poster

A Gutless Afternoon 8.5

November 20, 1993

Sakuragi Hanamichi has been training in the basics for two weeks under Ayako and he wants to play with the other. Akagi…

Rukawa vs. Akagi. The Real Showdown! poster

Rukawa vs. Akagi. The Real Showdown! 8.8

December 4, 1993

Akagi decides to test Rukawa's skills against his own to see if Rukawa really has the talent everyone says he does.

Hanamichi's Debut! Dunk Attack poster

Hanamichi's Debut! Dunk Attack 8.5

December 11, 1993

After successfully persuading Anzai to let him join the game, Sakuragi shows how much he has improved in basic skills s…

Hanamichi's Crisis! The Judo Man's Snare poster

Hanamichi's Crisis! The Judo Man's Snare 9.0

December 18, 1993

Impressed by Sakuragi's raw power and general brute force, the captain of the judo club tries to recruit him away from …

I Will Play Basketball! poster

I Will Play Basketball! 8.7

December 25, 1993

Sakuragi declines Aota's offer of joining the Judo club. Kogure and Ayako were overjoyed at Sakuragi's refusal and Akag…

The 'Beginner's Shot' ....Is Hard! poster

The 'Beginner's Shot' ....Is Hard! 9.0

January 8, 1994

After getting the permission to allow Sakuragi to learn the basics of shooting, Akagi asked Rukawa to demonstrate how t…

Special Secret Love Training for Two!? poster

Special Secret Love Training for Two!? 9.0

January 15, 1994

Having mastered dribbling and passing, Sakuragi moves on to shooting, which is a lot harder than he had anticipated. …

Beat Ryonan! Hard Training Before the Decisive Game poster

Beat Ryonan! Hard Training Before the Decisive Game 8.5

January 22, 1994

The night before their game with Ryounan, Akagi decides to try and teach Sakuragi basic defense, starting with reboundi…

Shohoku vs Ryonan the Fired Up Captain! poster

Shohoku vs Ryonan the Fired Up Captain! 8.5

January 29, 1994

Sakuragi is eager to play too, thinking of what Akagi has told him the previuos night. At Ryonan High, Anzai is greeted…

Super Basketball Match! Ryonan's Attack of Angry Waves poster

Super Basketball Match! Ryonan's Attack of Angry Waves 8.5

February 5, 1994

Sakuragi keeps begging Anzai to let him join the game. At 14 mins, Ryonan has a 0-15 lead, with everyone cheering for S…

Hanamichi's Nervous Big Start poster

Hanamichi's Nervous Big Start 8.3

February 12, 1994

Finally, Sakuragi got a chance to play when Akagi was hurt while playing. Now, there is only about 9 minutes left on th…

Who Is This Guy?! Taoka's Miscalculation poster

Who Is This Guy?! Taoka's Miscalculation 9.0

February 19, 1994

With just 8 minutes left in the second half, Ryonan is still leading. Taoka tells the Ryonan to continue to attack. Sak…

Rebound King. Hanamichi Sakuragi's Agony poster

Rebound King. Hanamichi Sakuragi's Agony 8.5

February 26, 1994

Ryonan is leading with 3 points ahead of Shohoku, Taoka said that the game will depends on how Sakuragi plays. Meanwhi…

The Last Two Minutes! I'm Taking Sendo Down! poster

The Last Two Minutes! I'm Taking Sendo Down! 9.0

March 5, 1994

Sendoh is amazed at how good Shohoku has become, thus begins to take the game seriously. Anzai then, calls both Rukawa…

Time Up! The Ryonan Game Is Over poster

Time Up! The Ryonan Game Is Over 10.0

March 12, 1994

Although Shohoku has lost the game, Sakuragi played very well for his first game. Sakuragi and Rukawa vowed that in the…

Basketball Shoes poster

Basketball Shoes 8.0

March 19, 1994

The next day, Haruko has to accompany Sakuragi to the sports shop to buy a new pair of shoes because his old shoes are …

Super Problems! Hanamichi vs. Miyagi poster

Super Problems! Hanamichi vs. Miyagi 8.3

March 26, 1994

Ryota Miyagi returns to basketball after beening injured in a fight. Ayako heard rumors that Miyagi was back in school,…

The Fool with the Worst Record, A Combination is Born poster

The Fool with the Worst Record, A Combination is Born 8.7

April 16, 1994

It seemed like a disaster for two trouble makers in Miyagi and Sakuragi to collide with each other, but it seems things…

Shohoku Basketball Team's Last Day poster

Shohoku Basketball Team's Last Day 8.0

April 23, 1994

A former member of the Shohoku team returns with a major axe to grind, which spells doom for the team.

The Allies of Justice, Sakuragi's Army Visits poster

The Allies of Justice, Sakuragi's Army Visits 7.7

April 30, 1994

After Ayako was slapped by one of the invading students, Miyagi joined in the fight, as well as Rukawa. However, Tetsu…

The Guy Who Wanted to Conquer the World poster

The Guy Who Wanted to Conquer the World 8.0

May 7, 1994

Mitsui and Tetsuo were defeated, but Mitsui still continued to fight. Though when Akagi enters, the atmosphere becomes…

Mitsui's Peak, Trouble at 15 poster

Mitsui's Peak, Trouble at 15 7.7

May 14, 1994

It seems that Mitsui was once a great basketball player himself before High School. Though something happened during p…

I Want to Play Basketball! poster

I Want to Play Basketball! 8.3

May 21, 1994

After suffering through his horrible injury, Mitsui quit on basketball. Though two years later, in his attempt to sabo…

The Beginning of Interhigh Preliminaries poster

The Beginning of Interhigh Preliminaries 8.3

May 28, 1994

The tournament is finally making its approach. Sakuragi is anxious to play against Sendo again, but Shohoku will have …

Hanamichi! Pennant Race Debut poster

Hanamichi! Pennant Race Debut 8.3

June 18, 1994

The match starts, and Anzai refuses to put Sakuragi, Rukawa, Mitsui, and Miyagi, in the starting line-up. For what rea…

The Introspective Army's Big Counterattack poster

The Introspective Army's Big Counterattack 9.0

June 25, 1994

With four of Shohoku's best players finally entering in the game, the tables turn quickly as they narrow the lead down …

Formidable Enemy Miuradai's Secret Weapon poster

Formidable Enemy Miuradai's Secret Weapon 8.0

July 2, 1994

Miuradai revealed a secret weapon of theirs that'll help them try and overcome Shohoku, and that's the ox Nato.

Genius Hanamichi! Certain Death Dunk poster

Genius Hanamichi! Certain Death Dunk 8.3

July 16, 1994

Miuradai started gaining control of the game, until Nato started finally guarding Rukawa instead of Sakuragi. Rukawa e…

Walkout King!? Sakuragi's Righteousness poster

Walkout King!? Sakuragi's Righteousness 8.3

August 6, 1994

Shohoku's next match is against Gohoku. While they have been exceeding almost everyone's expectations, Sakuragi contin…

Gorilla's Initiation, Kill with Your Eyes! poster

Gorilla's Initiation, Kill with Your Eyes! 8.0

August 20, 1994

Sakuragi and his fouling troubles continue. He unconsciously went to Akagi's house for help, and in order to help Saku…

Hot Blooded Guys poster

Hot Blooded Guys 7.7

August 27, 1994

Mitsui got himself caught up in a fight between Ryo and Tetsuo, and was eventually beaten himself. However, an unlikel…

A Well Seeded School, Enter Shoyo poster

A Well Seeded School, Enter Shoyo 7.3

September 3, 1994

Sakuragi is still upset at Akagi for telling him a false technique in defense, and tries harder the next game against T…

Hanamichi's First Start poster

Hanamichi's First Start 8.0

September 10, 1994

Anzai-sensei decides to start Sakuragi, much to everyone's shock. He figures that with his height and drive he'll be t…

Rukawa's Counterattack! poster

Rukawa's Counterattack! 8.7

September 17, 1994

With the the Shohoku offense stalled by Shoyo's defense, Rukawa takes it upon himself to lead the offensive charge.

Lightning Flash Ryota! poster

Lightning Flash Ryota! 8.3

September 24, 1994

With Rukawa taking the heat off of the rest of the team, Miyagi gets a chance to show off his skills as a point guard a…

Hanamichi the Genius shows off! poster

Hanamichi the Genius shows off! 8.0

October 1, 1994

With Mitsui's 3 point shot, Shohoku finally caught up with Shoyo. It seemed like Fujima had enough, but Hanagata asked…

Shoyo Coach Enters the Court poster

Shoyo Coach Enters the Court 7.7

October 14, 1994

Driven hard by by Rukawa's offense and Sakuragi's rebounding, Fujima comes off the bench to lead his team to victory.

Shoyo Ace Fujima's Real Ability poster

Shoyo Ace Fujima's Real Ability 7.7

October 15, 1994

Fujima is leading a strong charge for Shoyo against Shohoku, taking the lead once again. Though Shohoku has other prob…

Has Mitsui Reached His Limit!? poster

Has Mitsui Reached His Limit!? 8.5

October 22, 1994

Shohoku's problems continue piling up. Mitsui can't get a 3 pointer to go in, forcing all the burden on Rukawa. Plus,…

Mitsui! Stormy 3 Points poster

Mitsui! Stormy 3 Points 8.5

November 3, 1994

Mitsui, reminiscing upon the past, gets the energy to play and lead his team. In just a matter of time, he scored 9 co…

Imminent Walkout!? Hanamichi's Pinch poster

Imminent Walkout!? Hanamichi's Pinch 8.5

November 26, 1994

While Mitsui has increased his efficiency during the game, Sakuragi still faces the brink of being dismissed. After a f…

Hanamichi, Hot Dunk poster

Hanamichi, Hot Dunk 10.0

December 3, 1994

Thanks to a basket from Rukawa, Shohoku has finally taken the lead in a critical time. Sakuragi, wanting to feel impor…

Challenge from a Rival poster

Challenge from a Rival 8.5

December 10, 1994

Shohoku has defeated Shoyo, and Sakuragi is quick to spread the word, especially after his ferocious slam dunk on Hanag…

The Guy Who Pledged to Defeat Kainan poster

The Guy Who Pledged to Defeat Kainan 8.0

December 17, 1994

Sakuragi skips practice in order to investigate on why Yohko was acting so strangely. When they get to Takezono, he is…

Takezono, Last Fight poster

Takezono, Last Fight 8.0

December 24, 1994

The match between Takezono and Kainan starts. Kainan only put in two starters the entire game, but it seemed like it w…

Challenge to the King poster

Challenge to the King 8.5

January 7, 1995

NA

Outside Accounts!? Hanamichi at His Best! poster

Outside Accounts!? Hanamichi at His Best! 8.5

January 14, 1995

The match between Shohoku and Kainan has been tight and intense all the way through, but it was Sakuragi who stood out …

Sakuragi's Confinement's Secret Weapon poster

Sakuragi's Confinement's Secret Weapon 8.0

January 21, 1995

Takato seemed to have devised the perfect plan to counter-attack against Sakuragi, which is sending in the extremely sm…

The Gorilla's Injury! Desperate Situation!? poster

The Gorilla's Injury! Desperate Situation!? 9.0

January 28, 1995

Shohoku isn't about to let their chances slip away against Kainan, however, things quickly changed when Akagi injured h…

King Kong, Younger Brother poster

King Kong, Younger Brother 9.0

February 4, 1995

Sakuragi did a pretty good job of filling in for Akagi, though it was Rukawa who pushed Shohoku into a fierce comeback …

The One that Dominates the Game poster

The One that Dominates the Game 8.7

February 11, 1995

Rukawa's strong performance made it seem like Shohoku has a chance of winning, but what got everyone's attention was wh…

Ace Shepherd, Full Throttle poster

Ace Shepherd, Full Throttle 8.3

February 18, 1995

Akagi coming back in for Shohoku seemed like they would be in great position to win, but Maki displayed to everyone why…

Anzai, Bet on Victory! poster

Anzai, Bet on Victory! 8.7

February 25, 1995

Anzai formulated a plan to destroy Kainan's formidable backcourt combo of Jin and Maki by playing zone defense, and the…

Stubborn Guys! poster

Stubborn Guys! 9.0

March 4, 1995

Shohoku and Kainan refuse to give up on each other with the match going back and forth like a see saw.

Last 10 Seconds! A Perfect Conclusion poster

Last 10 Seconds! A Perfect Conclusion 10.0

March 11, 1995

The last ten seconds of the game are approaching, and Shohoku is only down by four. The one who'll decide this match w…

To relieve guilt: Shave Head ?! poster

To relieve guilt: Shave Head ?! 8.0

March 18, 1995

Sakuragi is in an emotional hangover after the events of the previous match, so in order to come to himself, he decides…

Baldy attacks back! poster

Baldy attacks back! 8.5

March 25, 1995

Sakuragi's new haircut was the news of the school the next day. During practice, he decided to work twice as hard in o…

Three-day super training poster

Three-day super training 8.0

April 8, 1995

Akagi really wants Sakuragi to become part of their offense, so he trains him for three days straight on his shooting. …

Ryonan's genius plan poster

Ryonan's genius plan 7.7

April 8, 1995

The anticipated match up between two of the best teams in the region commences. One of the biggest surprises was how S…

Kainan rebounds! poster

Kainan rebounds! 8.0

April 15, 1995

Sendoh is the entire pillar that's pushing his team forward right now, but the tables turn when Uozumo decides to argue…

The strongest rival poster

The strongest rival 8.3

April 29, 1995

Due to Uozumi being fouled out, and Fukuda being a terrible defensive player, Sendoh was forced to carry Ryonan on his …

Sendoh's scheme poster

Sendoh's scheme 9.0

May 13, 1995

Shohoku's representatives rush to Anzai's aid, and are surprised at how efficiently Sakuragi acquired a doctor. Meanwh…

The final battle! poster

The final battle! 8.7

May 20, 1995

One of the more exciting matches in the tournament is about to start, as it's Ryonan vs. Shohoku. Though people have a…

Sakuragi Hanamichi comes to rescue! poster

Sakuragi Hanamichi comes to rescue! 9.3

May 27, 1995

Due to Fukuda's terrible defense and Sakuragi's equally atrocious offense, Taoka thought it'd be a harmless idea to mat…

Gorilla goes astray poster

Gorilla goes astray 8.3

June 3, 1995

Something appears to be wrong with Akagi; after getting knocked down by Uozumi, he started playing horribly. Kogure wa…

King Kong number two! poster

King Kong number two! 8.3

June 10, 1995

In order to make Akagi come back to his senses, Sakuragi pulls off his cocky routine that more than motivates him back …

Gorilla revives! poster

Gorilla revives! 8.7

June 17, 1995

It seems that things are back to normal psychologically for Shohoku as Sakuragi wasn't as raged as expected by his frie…

The greatest shame of one's life poster

The greatest shame of one's life 9.3

July 1, 1995

Ryonan's offense was concentrated around Fukuda, who has been constantly defeating Sakuragi. He was forced to sit out,…

Rukawa Kaede, gambling on the 2nd half poster

Rukawa Kaede, gambling on the 2nd half 8.3

July 8, 1995

Everyone was confused on Rukawa's performance so far, scoring only two points. Though it became apparent in the second…

The most dangerous challenger! poster

The most dangerous challenger! 8.0

July 15, 1995

With Rukawa and Sendoh at full strength against each other, they've both carried their teams, advancing point by point …

Peak performance poster

Peak performance 9.0

July 22, 1995

Sendoh and Rukawa continue to push against each other in the second half, but the highlight of it so far is Uozumi bein…

The feeling of victory poster

The feeling of victory 8.3

August 5, 1995

Uozumi gets a flashback of Coach Taoka's promise of bringing him to the national scene, but that promise is looking a l…

You guys are strong! poster

You guys are strong! 8.7

August 12, 1995

Uozumi has to sit out due to his fouls, which causes Akagi to dominate the paint and score easy baskets.

Uozumi Revives poster

Uozumi Revives 8.0

August 19, 1995

Coach Taoka's patience ran dry as he subbed Uozumi back in to help shoulder some of Sendoh's responsibilities on the co…

Blue waves - Ryonan attacks back! poster

Blue waves - Ryonan attacks back! 8.3

August 26, 1995

The shift of momentum started turning into Ryonan's favour as soon as Uozumi came back with four fouls, making defensiv…

Shohoku's problems poster

Shohoku's problems 8.7

September 2, 1995

Coach Taoka exploited Shohoku's foul trouble problem, and made good use of it. Shohoku will continue to be in the hot …

Sendoh attacks! Shohoku loses poster

Sendoh attacks! Shohoku loses 8.7

September 23, 1995

Sendoh's strong offensive play continues to push Ryonan closer to Shohoku, and their defensive stops aren't allowing Sh…

Amateur Sakuragi Hanamichi shows off! poster

Amateur Sakuragi Hanamichi shows off! 9.3

October 21, 1995

Mitsui collapsed due to exhaustion, and while his lost presence was dire for Shohoku, they remained formidable behind S…

Kogure's determination poster

Kogure's determination 8.7

October 28, 1995

Kogure spotted up for a 3 pointer. During the ball's journey there to the net, Kogure gets flashbackes of the basketba…

Win or Lose poster

Win or Lose 9.3

November 4, 1995

Kogure's 3 pointer put Shohoku up, but Sendoh wouldn't let his team get defeated so easily.

New Challenge: the national championship! poster

New Challenge: the national championship! 8.5

November 11, 1995

Expectedly, the Shohoku basketball team is all the talk at Shohoku school, and everyone won't leave them alone, especia…

Rukawa Kaede's Ambition poster

Rukawa Kaede's Ambition 8.0

November 18, 1995

Hikiochi's sister desperately wants to interview Sendoh, but when doing so, eavesdropped on the announcement of Uozumi …

Japan's number basketball player poster

Japan's number basketball player 8.0

November 25, 1995

Sakuragi goes with Maki to scout out some teams who'll also be heading into the national tournament. One freshman cent…

The basketball kingdom - United States of America poster

The basketball kingdom - United States of America 8.0

December 2, 1995

Rukawa pleads to Anzai about his decision to play in America, though he rejects the idea. Rukawa is told the emotional…

Rukawa Kaede's spirit poster

Rukawa Kaede's spirit 8.0

December 9, 1995

Understanding Anzai's words, Rukawa immediately makes it his goal to become the best player in Japan, even taking it at…

Shohoku's real ace poster

Shohoku's real ace 8.0

December 16, 1995

It's a battle between Mitsui and Rukawa to see who the real ace is for Shohoku.

The sudden barrier to the nationals poster

The sudden barrier to the nationals 8.0

December 23, 1995

It seems that some of Shohoku's players have more things to worry about other than the fearful opponents at the nationa…

Guys - Sakuragi Gang poster

Guys - Sakuragi Gang 7.7

January 13, 1996

The Sakuragi gang look for jobs in order to collect money to afford train tickets to the national games.

Going toward 20000 shoots poster

Going toward 20000 shoots 8.7

January 20, 1996

Anzai decides to incorporate Sakuragi into the Shohoku offense, making him go through rigorous shooting training.

Shohoku vs. Jousei poster

Shohoku vs. Jousei 8.5

January 27, 1996

Sakuragi continues his shooting practice while his team is off at Josei, battling equally with the former eight ranked …

The day when Sakuragi's fired up! poster

The day when Sakuragi's fired up! 8.0

February 3, 1996

Haruka decides to reward Sakuragi for his hard practicing by taking him to the festival. Sakuragi sees this as an oppor…

Basketball Shoes Part II poster

Basketball Shoes Part II 8.7

February 10, 1996

Sakuragi has been working hard for the past months to improve his basketball skills, but as a result, his shoes have to…

Mixed Feelings, Uozumi returns poster

Mixed Feelings, Uozumi returns 8.5

February 17, 1996

When a couple of Shoyo players decided to give their goodlucks to Shohoku, Sakuragi comes up with a suggestion; a game …

Shohoku vs. Shoyo/Ryonan poster

Shohoku vs. Shoyo/Ryonan 8.5

February 24, 1996

Rukawa garnered all the attention with his strong start to the game, but it was Sendoh who soon stole that spotlight wh…

Facing the strongest team, Shohoku in danger! poster

Facing the strongest team, Shohoku in danger! 8.5

March 2, 1996

The combination team has become even more formidable by adding Sendoh and Fukuda to their lineup, and while Sakuragi is…

The one who brought forth a miracle - Sakuragi! poster

The one who brought forth a miracle - Sakuragi! 9.0

March 9, 1996

Fujima starts passing more and shooting less 3 pointers, giving hims teammates more open looks and easy opportunities t…

SLAM DUNK! poster

SLAM DUNK! 9.5

March 23, 1996

The battle between the combo team and Shohoku has reached its climax, and the one deciding its conclusion is Sakuragi w…