On February 25, 1986, 39 years ago, Mila and Shiro – Two hearts in volleyball was broadcast for the first time on Italia 1, an anime that won the hearts of many Italian children. This cartoon, based on the manga by Jun Makimura and Shizuo Koizumi, has entered the hearts of entire generations, becoming a point of reference for all sports and anime fans.
The anime was broadcast in the afternoon as part of “Bim Bum Bam”, a program that accompanied the childhood of many. The story followed the adventures of Mila Hazuki, a young country girl who moves to the city to attend middle school, where she discovers her love for volleyball. Thanks to this sport, Mila became a loved and admired champion, so much so that her name is still synonymous with determination, passion and grit.
The success was extraordinary and the cultural impact of Mila and Shiro did not stop only at its broadcast, but became a true childhood icon for many.
Because we loved Mila and Shiro
Mila and Shiro – Two hearts in volleyball was an anime that made the history of children’s television in Italy, not only for its engaging plot, but also for the way in which it was able to deal with themes such as friendship, perseverance and personal growth. Mila, the protagonist, was not only a volleyball champion, but also an example of how determination and teamwork can lead to overcoming any difficulty. Her journey from a shy and insecure girl to becoming a leader in her sport has been truly inspirational.
Another aspect that made Mila and Shiro a beloved anime was the relationship between the characters. Mila and Shiro, despite the difficulties and challenges, have always maintained a special connection, a bond that went beyond simple teamwork. Their love story, although delicate and not very explicit, fascinated the fans, who saw a deep affection in their gestures and words, which was the backdrop to the sporting growth of both.
Also, let’s not forget the importance of music. The opening theme has become iconic, and is still one of the most loved songs by those who lived through that period. The soundtrack sung by Cristina D’Avena was truly an important piece of the success of the series, so much so that every time it started, all the children ran to sit in front of the TV, ready to follow the adventures of Mila and her teammates.
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