Haikyu!! Joins Volleyball Nations League 2026 Campaign

Haikyu!! franchise is expanding its real-world volleyball ties after renewing its collaboration with the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026, organizers announced on June 4. The 2026 VNL collaboration marks the third partnership, starting from 2024.

To commemorate the partnership, Production I.G has also released a new collaboration visual. The visual depicts Shoyo Hinata and Korai Hoshiumi in attacking form from Haikyu!!, alongside Japan's national team players.

Both characters are set to arrive as central rivals in Haikyu!! The Movie: VS the Little Giant, scheduled for 2027. Apart from the sheer popularity of Haikyu!! characters, the collaboration visual also highlights the reality of volleyball.

The collaboration visual connects the two characters with Japan’s national team, reflecting determination and competitive play that are central to international volleyball competitions. 

Haikyu!! x VNL 2026 Collaboration Aims to Connect Anime Fans with Volleyball

Created by Haruichi Furudate, Haikyu!! is one of the most significant sports manga and anime titles in the industry. The anime started airing in 2014. Even now, more than a decade on, it remains relevant to anime watchers.

Haikyu!! x VNL 2026 collaboration dropped a Volleyball Position Diagnosis test for fans on June 4. Participants can answer ten questions on the diagnosis test and find their appropriate position based on their personality.

Additionally, a play collaboration video, titled Play Collaboration Video, is set to release in mid-June. The video is reported to combine cross-cutting anime sequences with real match footage of Japanese players.

The campaign arrives as international volleyball continues to seek broader audience engagement beyond sports enthusiasts. Japan is known to collaborate with popular anime IPs to boost awareness among youth. Japan Football Association’s recent FIFA campaign saw collaborations with Blue Lock and One Piece.

The Haikyu!! collaboration will give VNL 2026 a significant visibility boost among anime watchers. VNL started on June 3 and will be running through August 2, with both Men’s and Women’s Finals set to take place in China.