Iwa Kakeru!: Is The Anime On MyAnimeList Worth Watching?

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 57 views

Hey there, anime fans! Let's dive into the world of Iwa Kakeru! - Sport Climbing Girls - and see if this series, often discussed on MyAnimeList (MAL), is worth your time. We'll explore its plot, characters, animation, and overall reception to help you make an informed decision. So, grab your chalk bag, and let's get climbing!

What is Iwa Kakeru! About?

Iwa Kakeru! is a sports anime that revolves around the world of competitive sport climbing. The story centers on Konomi Kasahara, a brilliant puzzle game solver who discovers her talent for climbing when she enters Hanamiya Girls' High School. Intrigued by the climbing wall, she joins the school's climbing club and begins her journey into the competitive world of bouldering and lead climbing.

The anime showcases Konomi's rapid progression as she learns various climbing techniques and strategies. She is joined by a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique climbing styles and personalities. Together, they face challenges, overcome obstacles, and strive to reach the top, both literally and figuratively. The series highlights the physical and mental demands of sport climbing, as well as the camaraderie and competition among the climbers. It's a blend of athletic prowess, strategic thinking, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of vibrant climbing gyms and challenging outdoor routes.

Climbing into the Plot: A Detailed Look

The storyline of Iwa Kakeru! kicks off with Konomi Kasahara, a middle school genius at puzzle games, entering Hanamiya Girls' High School. Completely new to the world of sport climbing, she stumbles upon the school's climbing wall and is immediately captivated. Her innate ability to solve puzzles translates surprisingly well to climbing, allowing her to quickly grasp the basics and develop unique strategies.

As Konomi joins the climbing club, she meets other girls passionate about the sport. There's Jun Uehara, a seasoned climber with exceptional physical strength; Sayo Yotsuba, a technical climber known for her precise movements; and Nonoka Sugiura, a supportive and energetic member who brings the team together. Each character has their own backstory and motivations, adding depth to the narrative. Their interactions and rivalries create a dynamic environment that drives the plot forward.

The anime follows the team as they participate in various competitions, each presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth. Konomi's analytical skills, combined with her teammates' strengths, allow them to overcome seemingly impossible routes. The series delves into the strategies and techniques used in sport climbing, such as route reading, dynamic movement, and efficient use of holds. It also explores the mental aspect of the sport, highlighting the importance of focus, determination, and overcoming fear.

Throughout the series, the characters face personal struggles and learn valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and self-discovery. Iwa Kakeru! is not just about climbing; it's about the journey of these young women as they push their limits and strive to achieve their goals. The plot is well-paced, with a good balance of competition, character development, and lighthearted moments, making it an engaging and enjoyable watch.

Characters: Who's on the Wall?

Iwa Kakeru! boasts a colorful cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and climbing styles. Let's take a closer look at the main climbers:

Konomi Kasahara: The protagonist, a puzzle game prodigy who discovers her talent for climbing. She's analytical, quick-thinking, and determined to master the sport.
Jun Uehara: A strong and experienced climber with a competitive spirit. She serves as a mentor to Konomi and pushes her to improve.
Sayo Yotsuba: A technical climber known for her precise movements and strategic approach. She's quiet and reserved but a valuable asset to the team.
Nonoka Sugiura: An energetic and supportive member who brings the team together. She's not the strongest climber but makes up for it with her enthusiasm and positive attitude.

The supporting characters, including the coaches and rival climbers, add depth and complexity to the story. Each character has their own motivations and backstories, making them relatable and engaging. The interactions between the characters are well-written, and their relationships evolve throughout the series. Iwa Kakeru! excels at creating a sense of camaraderie and competition among the climbers, making it easy to root for them as they face challenges and strive to achieve their goals.

A Closer Look at the Key Climbers

Iwa Kakeru! really shines when it comes to its characters. Each one is crafted with care, bringing a unique flavor to the climbing team. Let's break down the main climbers a little more:

Konomi Kasahara: Our main girl! Konomi is more than just a protagonist; she's a puzzle-solving whiz who applies her mental skills to climbing. Her ability to analyze routes and find creative solutions makes her a formidable climber. What's cool is seeing her grow from a newbie to a confident competitor, learning from her mistakes and pushing her limits.
Jun Uehara: Jun is the powerhouse of the team. With her incredible physical strength and experience, she's a force to be reckoned with on the wall. She's also a bit of a tsundere, acting tough but secretly caring about her teammates. Her competitive drive pushes Konomi and the others to improve.
Sayo Yotsuba: The brains of the operation! Sayo is all about technique and precision. She studies each route carefully, planning her moves and executing them flawlessly. She might be quiet, but her strategic approach is essential for the team's success. Her dedication to climbing is truly inspiring.
Nonoka Sugiura: Nonoka is the heart and soul of the climbing club. She might not be the strongest or most skilled climber, but her energy and enthusiasm are infectious. She's always there to support her teammates, offering encouragement and a positive attitude. She reminds us that climbing is not just about winning; it's about having fun and building friendships.

These characters aren't just climbers; they're complex individuals with their own dreams, fears, and struggles. Their interactions and relationships are what make Iwa Kakeru! so engaging. You'll find yourself rooting for them as they face challenges, overcome obstacles, and grow as both climbers and people.

Animation and Sound: Does it Look and Sound Good?

The animation in Iwa Kakeru! is handled by Blade, and it's a mixed bag. The character designs are appealing, and the climbing sequences are generally well-animated, capturing the dynamic movements and techniques of sport climbing. However, there are moments where the animation quality dips, particularly in the background details and some of the more complex climbing maneuvers. Despite its flaws, the animation does a decent job of conveying the energy and excitement of the sport.

The soundtrack is upbeat and energetic, complementing the fast-paced action on the climbing wall. The opening and ending themes are catchy and memorable, and the background music effectively sets the mood for each scene. The voice acting is also well-done, with each character's personality shining through in their performance. Overall, the audio-visual presentation of Iwa Kakeru! is decent, but it's not the anime's strongest point.

Digging Deeper into the Visuals and Audio

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of how Iwa Kakeru! looks and sounds. Visually, the anime has its ups and downs. On one hand, the character designs are really cute and expressive, making it easy to connect with the climbers. The animators clearly put effort into capturing the specific movements and techniques of sport climbing, which is a huge plus for authenticity.

However, the animation isn't always consistent. There are moments where the quality dips, especially in the background details and during some of the more intricate climbing sequences. Sometimes, the characters can look a little stiff, and the overall animation feels a bit lacking compared to other sports anime.

Now, let's talk about the sound. The soundtrack is definitely a highlight! The opening and ending themes are super catchy and get you pumped up for each episode. The background music does a great job of setting the mood, whether it's the tension of a competition or the camaraderie of the climbing club. The voice acting is also solid, with each actor bringing their character to life. You can really feel the emotions and personalities of the climbers through their voices.

Overall, the animation and sound in Iwa Kakeru! are decent, but they're not the anime's strongest points. While the character designs and climbing sequences are well-done, the animation quality can be inconsistent at times. However, the soundtrack and voice acting are definitely highlights, adding to the overall enjoyment of the series. If you're looking for stunning visuals, this might not be the anime for you. But if you're more interested in the story and characters, the animation and sound are good enough to keep you engaged.

Reception on MyAnimeList (MAL): What Do the Fans Say?

On MyAnimeList, Iwa Kakeru! has received mixed reviews. While some viewers praise the anime for its engaging plot, likeable characters, and accurate portrayal of sport climbing, others criticize it for its inconsistent animation and lack of depth. The overall score on MAL reflects this divide, with the series currently sitting at a respectable but not outstanding rating.

Many fans appreciate the anime's focus on the strategies and techniques of climbing, as well as the camaraderie and competition among the climbers. They find the characters relatable and enjoy watching them grow and overcome challenges. However, some viewers feel that the plot is predictable and that the characters lack depth. Others are disappointed by the inconsistent animation quality, which they feel detracts from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, Iwa Kakeru! has a dedicated fanbase who appreciate the anime for its unique premise and positive message.

Diving into the MyAnimeList Community's Thoughts

So, what's the buzz around Iwa Kakeru! on MyAnimeList? Well, it's a mixed bag of opinions, to be honest. Some people absolutely love it, while others are not so impressed. Let's break down the main points of discussion:

Positives:
- Accurate portrayal of sport climbing: Many viewers who are familiar with climbing appreciate the anime's attention to detail when it comes to the techniques, strategies, and equipment used in the sport. They feel that Iwa Kakeru! does a good job of capturing the essence of climbing and making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Likeable characters: The characters in Iwa Kakeru! are generally well-received, with many viewers finding them relatable and engaging. People enjoy watching them grow, overcome challenges, and form strong bonds with each other. The camaraderie and competition among the climbers are also praised.
- Engaging plot: While some find the plot predictable, others appreciate the anime's focus on the strategies and techniques of climbing, as well as the personal struggles of the characters. They enjoy watching the team compete in various competitions and overcome obstacles.
Negatives:
- Inconsistent animation: This is the most common criticism of Iwa Kakeru!. Many viewers feel that the animation quality is inconsistent, with some scenes looking great while others look rushed or poorly drawn. This can be distracting and detract from the overall experience.
- Lack of depth: Some viewers feel that the plot and characters lack depth, with the story being too predictable and the characters not being fully developed. They want to see more exploration of the characters' backstories and motivations.
- Predictable plot: Some viewers find the plot to be too predictable, with the outcome of each competition being fairly obvious. They want to see more surprises and unexpected twists.

Overall, the reception of Iwa Kakeru! on MyAnimeList is mixed. While many people enjoy the anime for its accurate portrayal of sport climbing, likeable characters, and engaging plot, others are disappointed by its inconsistent animation and lack of depth. If you're a fan of sports anime or interested in climbing, it might be worth checking out, but be aware of its flaws.

Is Iwa Kakeru! Worth Watching?

So, after all that, is Iwa Kakeru! worth your time? Well, it depends on what you're looking for in an anime. If you're a fan of sports anime with a unique premise and likeable characters, then Iwa Kakeru! might be right up your alley. The anime does a decent job of portraying the world of sport climbing, and the characters are engaging and relatable. However, if you're looking for stunning animation or a deeply complex plot, you might be disappointed.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. If you're curious about sport climbing or enjoy watching characters overcome challenges and achieve their goals, then give Iwa Kakeru! a try. Just be aware of its flaws and don't expect it to be a masterpiece. It's a fun and entertaining anime that's worth watching if you're in the mood for something lighthearted and inspiring.

Final Verdict: Should You Climb On Board?

Okay, let's cut to the chase: Should you watch Iwa Kakeru!? Here's the deal:

You might love it if:
- You're into sports anime, especially those with a unique twist.
- You're curious about sport climbing and want to learn more about it.
- You enjoy watching characters grow and overcome challenges.
- You appreciate a lighthearted and inspiring story.
You might want to skip it if:
- You're expecting top-notch animation.
- You're looking for a complex and unpredictable plot.
- You're not a fan of slice-of-life elements.
- You prefer anime with more mature themes.

Iwa Kakeru! is not a perfect anime, but it has its charms. It's a fun and entertaining series that can be enjoyed by a wide audience. If you're willing to overlook its flaws and appreciate its strengths, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. So, if you're looking for something different to watch, give Iwa Kakeru! a try. You might just discover a new favorite anime!