Haruichi Furudate's volleyball manga (Weekly Shōnen Jump, 2012-2020) and its acclaimed Production I.G anime: small but tireless Shōyō Hinata joins Karasuno High to fly like the 'Little Giant'. The story is set in Miyagi Prefecture (Sendai), and the author's home town of Karumai (Iwate) is considered the model for Karasuno's surroundings, and the town itself welcomes fans with a map of its spots.
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Karumai High School — the model for Karasunoconsidered the model
model / inspiration · unconfirmed identification
The high school in the home town of the author, Haruichi Furudate, in Iwate, is considered the model for Karasuno: the view of the building from the gate and the position of the covered walkway match Hinata's arrival in episode 1. There is no official confirmation. It is a working school: look only from outside the gate.
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Karumai Town Gymnasium — the rematch stairsHinata and Kageyama's promise
model / inspiration · unconfirmed identification
Its outdoor staircase closely resembles the gymnasium stairs in episode 1, where middle-school Hinata and Kageyama, after facing each other, vow a rematch. It is a resemblance, without official confirmation. The stairs are always open, making it the town's classic photo spot.
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Tatesaka Denki — the shop-window TVwhere it all begins
model / inspiration · unconfirmed identification
This electronics shop in the town is a dead ringer for the one in episode 1, where young Hinata watches the national spring tournament on the shop-window TV and discovers volleyball. It is a resemblance, without official confirmation. It is a working shop: do not disturb.
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Kamei Arena Sendai (Sendai City Gymnasium)the Miyagi qualifiers
location
Sendai's municipal gymnasium is the model for the venue of the Miyagi qualifiers for the Spring tournament: its exterior and stands appear in Karasuno's matches. It is about 10 minutes on foot from Tomizawa Station (Namboku subway line). Closed for a full renovation until 15 March 2027 (planned).
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Sumida City Gymnasium (Higashin Arena) — the Tokyo qualifiersthe Tokyo qualifiers
location
It is the model for the Tokyo qualifier venue where Nekoma and Fukurōdani face each other. Its name appears in the collaboration credits of the manga volumes, so the link is confirmed.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium — the Orange Courtthe orange court
location
This Sendagaya arena, opposite the National Stadium, hosts the national spring high-school volleyball tournament (the "Harukō"), Hinata and Kageyama's dream, and appears as such in the fourth season. The real tournament is played here every January on the famous orange court.
Source & evidence
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