Rising Impact Review – Golf Anime Hits Emotional Sweet Spot

Genre: Sports / Shōnen / Drama
Release Date: Season 1 – June 22, 2024; Season 2 – August 6, 2024
Format: 2 seasons, 26 episodes total (12 in S1; 14 in S2)
Episode Runtime: ~22–28 minutes each
Studio: Lay‑duce
Director: Hitoshi Nanba
Writer: Michihiro Tsuchiya
Composer: Masaru Yokoyama
MPAA Rating: TV‑PG (Netflix)

Cast:

Misaki Kuno as Gawain Nanaumi

Yumiri Hanamori as Lancelot Norman

You Taichi as Kiria Nishino

Supporting cast includes Atsumi Tanezaki, Kaede Hondo, Yūto Uemura, and others

Third-grader Gawain Nanaumi, a rural kid with physical prowess and a passion for making balls soar, crosses paths with pro golfer Kiria Nishino. Discovered for his raw talent, he’s thrust into the elite world of golf at Camelot Academy, competing against prodigies worldwide to become the best . Inspiring Underdog Energy: Gawain is pure sunshine—a courageous, empathetic child whose optimism and love of the game resonate deeply. His presence even moved some fans to compare him to a “Jesus-like” inspirational figure who uplifts opponents.

Accessible Shōnen Arc: It follows familiar shōnen beats—training sequences, rivalries, tournament arcs—with a beginner’s perspective driving both exposition and emotional investment. Creative Powers in Golf: Known as “Rising Impact,” Gawain’s ability to perfectly strike the ball injects flair into what could be mundane golf gameplay—each character’s “stand” or special skill keeps the stakes fresh. Gawain’s Age & Premise Stretch: Some struggle to believe a third-grade child navigating professional schools; viewers report this blunt portrayal as both refreshing and occasionally jarring.

Golf’s Narrative Limitations: As a solo precision sport, golf lacks the dynamic interactions seen in anime like Haikyuu! or Yuri on Ice, making it a weaker canvas for rival clashes . Seasonal Structure & Secondary Cast: The shift to Camelot Academy introduces multiple new rivals whose character arcs sometimes feel undercooked, leaving emotional connections a bit thin . Lay‑duce delivers clean, expressive visuals that shine during intense swings or serene outdoor moments. The soundtrack complements well with uplifting crescendos during big plays. Reddit commenters praised the audio, saying,

“The sound … makes this show on another level of divine” .

Rotten Tomatoes scores it a solid 92% audience approval, with many calling it an “absolute must‑see” despite low expectations.

Rising Impact is a heartfelt, if quirky, addition to the sports anime realm. Its biggest triumph is Gawain himself—a joyous, earnest hero who infuses every fairway with positivity and charm. While golf may be a tougher sport to dramatize, clever powers and high-stakes rivalries help elevate the narrative. Fans of underdog sports stories with infectious optimism will find themselves cheering hard.

Ratings Breakdown:

Story / Pacing: 7/10

Characters: 8/10 (Gawain steals the show)

Animation / Sound: 8/10

Originality in Sport: 6.5/10

Rising Impact is a feel-good, family-friendly binge with shōnen spirit and surprising emotional depth. It might not redefine the genre, but it’s a blast for anime fans who need an uplifting break—and yes, even golf can be exciting in the right hands.