Anime Hajime Review: Free - Dive to the Future

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Free – Dive to the Future. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Haruka Nanase (voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki), the prodigy swimmer, has graduated from Iwatobi High and his beloved Iwatobi Swim Club. Although his high school career is over, his professional one has just begun. Haruka now has his sights set on the international stage.

During his time with the Iwatobi Swim Club, Haruka had to face many challenges, and rediscover why he loves the water so much. However, it turns out he still has much to learn.

The competitors Haruka faces are the very best of the best. Everyone has put in the time. Everyone has faced their own struggles. Everyone is gunning for the top. To slow down here would mean undoing years of growth.

That is a prospect Haruka cannot accept.

If being the greatest were easy, then everyone would do it. Therefore, Haruka is determined to prove to the world he has what it takes.

Anime Hajime Review: Free Eternal Summer

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Free Eternal Summer. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

A year has passed since the last prefectural swimming tournament where Haruka Nanase (voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki), Rin Matsuoka (voiced by Mamoru Miyano), Makoto Tachibana (voiced by Tatsuhisa Suzuki), and Nagisa Hazuki (voiced by Tsubasa Yonaga) came together to reform the ultimate relay team. Although their actions resulted in a disqualification, this moment rejuvenated their love for the sport.

Split once again, the Iwatobi Swim Club, which also includes Rei Ryugazaki (voiced by Daisuke Hirakawa), prepare for their next season.

For Haruka, Makoto, and Rin, this is the trio's final year of high school. Along with swimming, the three must focus on what they want to do in the future. The pressure is at its peak when one of Rin’s oldest friends returns, Sousuke Yamazaki (voiced by Yoshimasa Hosoya).

Rin and Sousuke have set their aspirations on swimming at the international level, but Haruka and Makoto have yet to decide on a path. Things are especially hard for Haruka since everybody expects nothing less than greatness from him

For everyone though, it’s time for them to realize what it is they are swimming for.

Anime Hajime Review: Free

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Free. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Haruka Nanase (voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki) has always found peace in the water. That passion stems from his time with his swim team back in elementary school. Since then, Haruka has never lost that connection with his teammates Makoto Tachibana (voiced by Tatsuhisa Suzuki), Nagisa Hazuki (voiced by Tsubasa Yonaga), and Matsuoka (voiced by Mamoru Miyano).

Following a resounding team victory, Rin moved abroad to a prestigious swimming academy. Thus, the group has remained broken until they entered high school.

Learning of Rin’s return, Haruka, Makoto, and Nagisa revive the Iwatobi High School Swim Club. Haruka, in particular, hopes to share the water with Rin once again. Even if that means they will be on opposing teams.

However, a three-member club won't cut it. The trio, therefore, manages to recruit newcomer, Rei Ryugazaki (voiced by Daisuke Hirakawa).

Unbeknownst to the Iwatobi Swim Club, they have set off a chain of events. Events that will test if their friendship was more than a simple victory.