10 best anime to watch if you like Tonbo!

Tonbo! has captured the hearts of both sports fans and anime lovers with its emotional storytelling and realistic portrayal of golf. It follows the journey of Tonbo Ōi, a talented high school girl golfer living on the Hinoshima Island. She has a natural talent for golf and is self-taught with a single club inherited from her late father.

Her life changes when she meets Kazuyoshi Igarashi, a former professional golfer seeking redemption. Igarashi becomes Tonbo's coach and mentor, helping her refine her abilities and navigate personal challenges. Through their relationship, both characters find healing through the transformative power of golf.

The anime excels in realistic sports animation and emotional storytelling, highlighting passion and dedication to one's craft. So whether you enjoyed Tonbo! for the in-depth golf action, the well-developed characters, or the triumphant spirit, you're bound to fall in love with these other anime gems.

10 must-watch anime for fans of Tonbo!

1. Birdie Wing: Golf Girls' Story

Birdie Wing: Golf Girls' Story (Image via Bandai Namco Pictures)

Much like Tonbo!, Birdie Wing centers on a promising female golfer chasing her dreams. The protagonist is Eve, a skilled underground golfer who secretly practices at a local driving range.

When her talent catches the eye of a former professional golfer, Eve dreams of a bigger future in the sport. With realistic golf technique animation and an underdog heroine who fights social stigma, Birdie Wing beautifully complements Tonbo!.

Eve and Tonbo share a natural affinity for golf and a tireless work ethic to improve their skills. If you've been delighted by Tonbo's progress under Coach Igarashi, you'll surely be inspired by Eve's growth.

2. Cross Game

Cross Game blends sports drama with romantic comedy, focusing on Kō Kitamura, whose family runs a sporting goods store known for their baseball bats. Kō's lifelong love for baseball is deeply tied to his childhood spent playing the sport with the Tsukishima family, especially his friend Aoba.

After joining the school's baseball club alongside Aoba Tsukishima, Kō aspires toward a future in the famous Koshien national baseball tournament. Cross Game beautifully captures the spirit of competitiveness, teamwork, and young ambition.

Much like Tonbo!, it succeeds through excellent character writing rather than relying solely on sports action.

3. Big Windup!

For another excellent baseball anime like Tonbo!, look no further than Big Windup!. This series follows rookie pitcher Ren Mihashi, who loses confidence after being bullied for his previous team's poor performance.

He transfers schools and joins their baseball team, keeping mostly to himself at first. But as catcher Takaya Abe reaches out and encourages him, Mihashi steadily improves his pitching form and social skills.

Like Tonbo!, this show highlights an insecure yet talented athlete who overcomes self-doubt under the guidance of a more experienced mentor. It's sure to inspire anyone who can relate to Tonbo's journey.

4. Haikyuu!!

Haikyuu!! is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports anime in recent years, known for its electrifying volleyball matches and lovable characters. It centers on Shōyō Hinata's goal to become a star volleyball player despite his short stature proving disadvantageous.

He eventually joins his high school team alongside the aloof yet brilliant setter Tobio Kageyama. The duo starts off as rivals but evolves into an unstoppable team, complementing each other's abilities and driving the squad towards championship glory.

Like Tonbo!, Haikyuu!! features amazing mentorship fueling young talents. You'll easily get hooked on Hinata and Kageyama's infectious passion for volleyball.

5. Major

For a sports anime epic, look no further than Major. Spanning six seasons, it chronicles the life of Gorō Honda, who discovers baseball as a child and dreams of being a professional player.

After losing his father, Honda Shigeharu, a professional baseball player who died tragically after being hit by a pitch during a game, Gorō works tirelessly to excel as a pitcher. He pushes past tragedy after tragedy, evolving from a Little Leaguer to a minor league player over many years.

Major echoes Tonbo!'s emotional weight while spotlighting the dedication it takes to go pro. The meticulous games and Gorō's unrelenting spirit make this show a must-watch.

6. Chihayafuru

Still from the anime (Image via Madhouse)

Don't let the unfamiliar sport of competitive karuta turn you off. At its core, Chihayafuru is a profoundly moving drama highlighting the bonds formed through this card game. The main heroine, Chihaya Ayase, reunites with her childhood friend Taichi in high school.

Together they revive their school's defunct karuta club, while their friend Arata Wataya supports them from afar in a different prefecture. Chihaya, in particular, connects karuta to her most cherished memories with Arata, fueling her passion.

Like Tonbo!, this anime balances sports commentary with sentimental backstories driving the central trio. You'll easily be drawn into Chihaya's emotional karuta journey.

7. Hanebado!

For a female-led sports anime that tackles heavier themes, check out Hanebado!. Protagonist Ayano Hanesaki is a talented badminton player who lost her passion after enduring years of emotional neglect from her mother.

She clashes with gifted freshman Nagisa Aragaki, who helps rekindle Ayano's competitiveness. Sensitively exploring the lingering effects of trauma alongside the psyche of athletes, Hanebado! echoes Tonbo!'s more solemn notes.

At the same time, gorgeous animation spotlights badminton similar to how Tonbo! captures golfing technique. If you enjoy emotional sports dramas, don't skip this one.

8. Yowamushi Pedal

Yowamushi Pedal (Image via TMS Entertainment)

For an incredibly wholesome sports anime, turn your eyes towards Yowamushi Pedal. Protagonist Sakamichi Onoda is an avid anime fan and otaku who lacks athletic ability, hence his nickname of "weakling."

After joining his school's competitive cycling club, he discovers a natural talent for riding bikes aided by his anime-trained stamina. Starting as rivals in the same year, Onoda and fellow freshman Shunsuke Imaizumi push each other to improve through their fierce competition.

You can expect the same heartwarming character bonds with thrilling sports action. It excellently balances competition intensity with lighthearted camaraderie.

9. Ahiru no Sora

Here's another inspirational underdog story worth checking out. In Ahiru no Sora, protagonist Sora Kurumatani has tremendous basketball potential, but his diminutive height poses challenges. After transferring schools, he joins the basketball club and leads them towards competing in a national tournament.

With Sora requiring unconventional yet clever plays to compensate for his short stature, Ahiru no Sora echoes Tonbo!'s emphasis on honing natural talents. It also highlights friendship and teamwork in overcoming perceived limitations. Any fan of sports anime uplift will find something to love here.

10. Ping Pong: The Animation

Ping Pong: The Animation (Image via Tatsunoko Production)

Last but not least, Ping Pong: The Animation offers a more avant-garde yet poignant take on sports anime. Don't let its unique visual style turn you off. It captures the psychological elements of competitive ping pong while spotlighting friends Peco and Smile, who take different approaches to their sport.

Despite the different athletic settings, Ping Pong shares Tonbo!'s journey of self-discovery through character-driven sports action. It explores ambition, rivalry, talent, regret, and more in impressive philosophical depth. If you like cerebral stories, put this artsy gem on your radar.

Conclusion

From emotional triumphs to hard-fought victories, these 10 anime all echo the inspirational essence of Tonbo! Whether you crave more motivational golf content or want to branch out to other sports, you can't go wrong adding these series to your watchlist.

Just like Tonbo! captured your heart through Tonbo's journey, these anime will speak to your soul thanks to their captivating casts. Get ready to ride an uplifting wave of passion and perseverance.

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Edited by Shreya Das