Ping Pong the Animation

Both are coming-of-age stories that use sports as a tool for character development and focus more on the depth of the characters involved in the games and matches (even the minor ones). 

A quiet protagonist who seem to be bounded with a mysteriously talented friend/demon whom he can't beat. It also have a very obscure animation style and is enjoyable to watch especially if you like 'weird' perspectives. 

This is mainly due to similarities in the animation style and how it conveys the characters emotions. They are both very "sketchy" and free-flowing, not scared to go off-model to convey a characters thoughts and feelings. Very well developed characters and detailed worlds. While the narratives are quite different, the do go over similar themes of self-discovery and growth, as well as freedom from an oppressive system.  

Facing obstacles and embracing the love of a sport, both series captures the essence of growth as it chronicles the journey characters go through to reach stardom. The characters go through tough experiences and learns from their mistakes from both series. And while they focus on different sports, there’s a similar feeling when it comes to the competitions. I recommend both of these series for sports fans especially those looking for a show that has appreciable development.  

Both series are normally overlooked for being in the sports genre, but really focus more in the growing and learning aspects of life, follow your dreams and the overlap between friendship and rivalry. 

- Similar fluid and exaggerated art-style - Energtic OST - Bowl-cut protagonist 

These shows are both thought-provoking sports anime heavily invested in the themes of natural talent and practice 

Sakamichi no Apollon and Ping Pong the Animation feature two bespectacled protagonists, Kaoru and Smile who are taciturn and withdrawn but have a skill and passion brought out by catalyst characters Sentarou and Peco. Sakamichi's common theme may be Jazz and Ping Pong's ping pong however, it's not about the topic itself, it's about people, their ambitions, their challenges, their relationships with others, and why they play.  

Both are good sports anime about kids working hard to be the best they can be at what they love and also the struggles that go along with that. It seemed to me that Ping Pong the Animation may have been partly inspired by Hikaru no Go as a lot of the smaller themes are identical. 

The anime that I consider closest to Ping Pong is definitely Ashita no Joe, same goes the other way around where I consider Ping Pong the modern equivalent to Ashita no Joe. While the themes of Ping Pong are Dreams and Talent, the themes of Tomorrows Joe (As you can partly guess from the english title) are Dreams and Passion. The two are also very similar stylistically both in visual direction (Namely Ashita no Joe 2's visual direction being similar to Ping Pong) and in that they're both not about the sport they cover but rather they are about the character's lives and how the sport transforms them. Another thing that connects them is that they're very harsh in how they treat their characters, simply not everyone can achieve their dreams, and some dreams have to be crushed for anothers to succeed. Ashita no Joe and Ping Pong both make their characters come to grips with the reality of that fact. If you like one you're nearly guaranteed to like the other so long as you give them a chance despite what make them unappealing at first glance (In Ping Pong's case it's the art style, and in Joe's case it's the episode length and age) I even can stand testament to this since both of these are in my top 3 anime of all time. read more 

While both are typically different at their core, they manage to take their portrayal of Ping Pong more seriously than other sports anime. Fast paced, full of sweat, tests of agility and the like without completely decaying off of realism. It's a moe series, yes, but its showcase ping pong is about as good, if not as good, as PPTA's. 

They share a similar, contemporary art style that needs to be looked past to truly enjoy the story. Both anime have great characterization not seen elsewhere often, and feature unique OSTs you also don't hear too often in the anime medium. Masaaki Yuasa is also the director for both. 

Protagonist for both shows are quiet and are also very talented in what they do. Both are about sports but more importantly a friendship of two great athletes.  

The Opening and the Ending reminds so much to Ping Pong each with a very characteristic beautiful animation. The fact that The protagonist has got an idol and does the same than him and in some point of the animation he could become better than his hero. 

Both Ping Pong and Hajime no Ippo are anime based on sports, with Ping Pong being about table tennis and Hajime no Ippo being about boxing. What makes these two anime similar is the character development: both Ping Pong and Hajime no Ippo focus on several character, all with unique personalities and skills. Both focus on exploring the motivations these characters have for practicing these sports. Ping Pong and Hajime no Ippo also deal with similar themes, like for example: talent vs effort etc. 

-Both feature two best friends with almost completely different personalities -Both feature an emotional backstory relating to these best friends -Both have a unique art style that emphasizes movements -Both have the same director and music composer -The music is similarly amazing in both -The mangas both are based off are cult classics in the industry.  

Different genre but same theme, where both character contemplate about the purpose of existing. Visually they both take this minimalist approach in the setting to enhance the narrative, capturing a dystopic world instead of not overwhelming the design of not having it to be photorealistic just simple color pallet. The character designing is something i've never seen for along time where the facial, anatomic structure are pretty formative but pretty simplistic.  

-Pretty intense and dramatic (moreso with Hanebad!) for a sports anime -Both anime feature sports with a net and a racket (Hanebad! focuses on badminton while Ping Pong obviously focuses on table tennis) -Both protagonists have similar traits and personalities (Peco = Ayano, Smile = Aragaki) 

Bespectacled protagonist with an immense talent struggles to actually be able to use it. Two main characters must brave the gulf that has started in between them. Both protagonists are sympathetic and wonderfully designed. 

Both shows have the same director in Yuasa Masaaki. Kaiba is an original anime written by Masaaki whereas Ping Pong is adapting source material by Taiyou Matsumoto. The shows are very different in terms of what they are actually about, but if you like the visuals in Ping Pong or Kaiba then you would definitely appreciate the other. I get more "Kaiba-vibes" from Ping Pong than I do Kaiba's sibling, The Tatami Galaxy, in terms of aesthetics, and especially when Smile is "Entering the Hero".  

Both series portray action in a realistic high school setting, revolving around how the main characters who are initially indifferent to sports, despite having the required talent, gradually develop a liking towards it and start playing more seriously. Both shows leave you with an understanding of how talent, hard-work and genuine interest are not independent factors of success but complement one another. 

I would say these are both masterpieces. They have character driven stories and are so heartwarming. Interesting characters and themes 

Both are coming of age stories with similar art style used for similar purpose. Well, Fuujin Monogatari is more artistic and aesthetically pleasing but they both carry similar meaning with their visuals. Both are engrossing and endearing. A strong sense of affection coats them both. 

Hoshino - hero Tsukimoto - robot Nozomi - blue bird Mizore - Liz both use motifs to depict the beautiful friendships between characters music by Ushio Kensuke my favorite animes 

They both show how the players grow, and the value of the game for them changes. Shows what they gain and what they lose, when the game affects their lives. 

They're both short series with unique animations. I guess it also has to do with growing up in some ways, despite FLCL being known for "being random." This recommendation comes from a pretty visual standpoint alone, considering both are unique.  

Same director, both are about people doing what they are passionate about in their teenage years and both have that kind of quirky make you think plot. Overall if you like Eizouken you will probably like Ping Pong. It isn't as upbeat though. 

Abstract story telling and a unique art style, this short film strikes a similar tone to Yuasa's Ping Pong 

They might seem different at first - the one is about the art of storytelling (rakugo) the other one is about sports (ping pong/table tennis). But you should easily recognize they are similar if you watch them both. I'd never recommend any other generic sports anime to Ping Pong. Ping Ping is more than just sports. Also ganbatte anime are different from this. Ping Pong and Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu are both character-driven and about two guys that are connected by ping pong (Ping Pong) and rakugo (Shouwa Renroku Rakugo Shinjuu). While they are friends they also are rivals. You don't need to know anyting about ping pong/rakugo to enjoy the anime. You don't even need to like that stuff. (I don't even like sports at all and I loved Ping Pong.) It's about the guys and as a guy myself I like such stories about guys and friendship and conflict that is not overshadowed by action stuff or romance which usually takes the main part in most of other animes. read more 

High School sports club weirdos have an emotive time creating memories to suck on like vampires when old. 

Both series use sports as a vehicle to tell a beautiful and captivating story for its characters rather than have the sport as the main focus. Both series highlight the personal growth of its characters as a result of the sport each story revolves around. 

I'm surprised no one has made this recommendation yet. The animes are kindred in that both use the medium first and foremost as artistic, exploratory tools. Thus, both Mononoke and Ping Pong the Animation are characterized by singular, readily identifiable animation styles: for Mononoke, each animation cell is treated as its own painting: the color palettes, the composition, etc, suggest meticulous attention to detail—not to mention the clear allusions to actual plastic arts—the Ukiyo-print references in both composition and backgrounds, the kimono references in the layering of patterns, and the Gustav Klimt, the kiss, reference in the second series. Additionally, sound is also uniquely utilized: there's a blend of Japanese sound effects integral to the animation itself, as well as the morphing compositions, which range from classical to pop to traditional Japanese. Ping Pong the Animation is, as I stated in the opening, similar in spirit of artistic exploration. The big difference is that while Mononoke is attempting a synthesization of Ukiyo and all of modern art—there's an active dialogue there—Ping Pong the Animation is trying to capture the feeling of a real life moving comic. Thus, dynamic, fast shifting angles are emphasized, more buoyant soundtracks, etc—everything is geared to creating a sense of dynamism. Additionally, Ping Pong the Animation is more coherent in regards to its narrative; it explores story-telling, as opposed to Mononoke, which likewise seems to embrace the traditional Japanese tradition of a collection of short stories. Nevertheless, Ping Pong the Animation and Mononoke should be grouped together under the category of animes who view themselves as art rather than entertainment. I'll include a few additional recommendations here which aren't at the top of the list in case anyone makes it to this recommendation: 1001 nights Ginga Tetsudou no Yoru Kurenai no Buta Tenshi no Tamago Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei All these in my opinion fall into the category of viewing style as a ends in an of itself. Style here being an all-encompassing concept which embraces not only actual animation style, but the treatment of symbols, the structuring of narrative, etc.  read more 

Stylized animation and a lot of focus on developing a wide range of characters. Ping Pong did it better, but both shows strive for the same thing. 

Although their stories are miles apart from one another, what both shows really excel in is their characters. The way they behave, think and feel is depicted in such a nuanced, realistic and human-like manner that you can’t help but care for them and their struggles. Highly recommended if you appreciate layered and complex characters. 

Both make a faithful representation of the treated themes (ping pong and DJ music), this representation is shown in a way that inspires you to do it yourself. Characters with the same desire to evolve their talents. An unusual graphic art, but when you get used to it you start to like it. However completely different genres PPTA is a drama and Tonkatsu is totally a comedy. 

The theme of the two animes are completely different, but they were made with the same spirit—a spirit of complete artistic integrity; a desire to expand the boundaries of what anime is. The art in Ping Pong the animation is daring, and while not obvious when taken at face value, the personality of the anime has a decent amount of depth. It's intellectual and philosophic components aren't explicitly discussed as it is in Lain, but it's there in how they tell the story, the character development, and the relationships within the anime. While not as superb as Lain in terms of philosophic stimulation, it's still an anime worth watching.  read more 

Both have unique art styles / make use of specific animation techniques that wouldn't conventionally be associated with anime. Their simplicity and exaggeration can be comical (in a good way), which also serve to amplify the mastery of certain scenes. Very clearly experienced animators having fun with their craft. Ongaku ("music") and Ping Pong are similar story-wise as well. MCs who are extremely talented but are only temporarily motivated. In Ping Pong there's more character growth, while in Ongaku the way the characters are so shockingly good with barely any practice can be seen as either unconvincing or hilarious. 

Although Ping Pong the Animation is much shorter than Diamond no Ace, both tell compelling stories about rivalries in school sports teams. Even with no knowledge of the sports in question, the emotional journeys that the young players go through as they work on improving as both people and athletes are inpirational. 

Both Works aim to demonstrate the relationship between their respective characters with the sport in question, Loses is fun? Am I really good for this? does hard work pay off? winning is everything? these two works address these questions and each character has a different answer. They bring out much more than the action, but the emotion linked to the sport, be it the beyblade or the ping pong  

Sato = Tsukimoto Misaki = Hoshino Both main character are saved by his friend to a better world. Both show are really enjoyable and has an outstanding storyline... 

Both are sports and seinen anime that revolve around the characters. Though Giant Killing isn't as character focused and doesn't feature an interesting art style. 

Both stories show characters trying to make the most out of their lives, their struggles, and their great determination. Also, they both use unusual art styles. That might put off some viewers but in my opinion makes the anime more unique, memorable, and impressive in ways that you just won't see coming. 

Koi wa Ameagari is not about age gap romance. Its about keeping yourself faithful to your vocation and to yourself. Ping Pong is about that, but also about discovering your vocation by passing for trials until you reach ripeness. 

Both share a similar type of story in terms of maturity and elegance, as well as distinct art styles.  

If the relationship between Killua and Gon was very important to you in HxH, or conversely, if the relationship between Peco and Smile was the fundamental to you in Ping Pong, then you'd definitely enjoy the other show beyond measure, genres be damned.  

"Sport is amazing." You will get the feling when you watching these two shows.. When many of sport anime/mangas still using shounen approach when a main character will win unrealistically after got owned one second before, these two anime/mangas using realistic but entertaining ( much more entertaining for me ) way to win a sport match.. Not to forget, realistic character developments are at best in these shows.. 

When I started to watch Ping Pong the art style from Aku no Hana popped in my mind. I didn't really like Aku no Hana that much, but if you like this "realistic" type of art give it a try. Note: Aku no Hana is a lot darker than Ping Pong and isn't recommended for children. Also completely different besides the art.  

World record, and Kid's Story share a similar art and animation style. Even though unrelated story wise, if you enjoyed the art from one you will enjoy the other as well. 

Euphonium is just Ping Pong but with the Kyoani artstyle and yuribait. Although the two shows deal with different subject matter, they are very similar in the themes that they explore. 

The portrayal of youths as they grow and struggle to achieve their dreams and find meaning in their lives is wonderfully conveyed in both series. The cast of well developed characters and their realistic depiction is brilliantly perceived in both. The various roller coaster rides of emotions that are felt in both will leave you sympathizing and relating to the characters. The two series are very good coming of age series that are about finding what matters most in life. 

Ping Pong The Animation is more heavy-handed in its seriousness, but it uses ping pong like Hana to Alice uses its mystery to develop its characters. Of course, that's not the only similarity they share--they both also have a similarly unique art/animation style rarely seen in anime, so if you're seeking somewhat experimental art/animation styles, Ping Pong The Animation is a good bet. To add to that, Ping Pong The Animation is also a really great character-driven series. It is strong in every aspect, including its story and plot progression, which is something that Hana to Alice fell short in. 

Althrough these two anime are different in story, there is one major thing linking them - the animation. Both have original artistic, experimental and sometimes abstract animation you will remember. Both animation techniques have hand-drawing feeling. Also both anime have deeper meaning in general. If you liked one, there is a chance you´ll like the other one. 

Both change the way you'll see life after watching them. Both are also masterpieces. 

I'm surprised how no one has related this two series. I think they're really alike in how they present their sport; with passion, dynamism, good animation and exaggerated metaphores. If you liked ballroom e youkoso you'll really love ping pong. 

Both are sports anime, which focus a lot on character development. Both feature energetic characters, who gain new experiences and meet new people while practicing their sport, leading to a better understanding of themselves, their talents, and their surroundings.  

Both anime revolve around a group of protagonists, each with their own distinct personalities and issues, but all of them connected by the same sport (skating vs ping pong). Through practicing said sport and competing against each other in a tournament, their perspectives on life change and they evolve as people, which is something that both anime are quite good at depicting. 

Also a short slice-of-life story about childhood friends, where they seem to forget about how important their bonds are. 

- Both are sports stories, that tackles the life of pros, the dreams and efforts that goes into professional sports. Differences: - Ping pong is fast and concise, QZGS requires a long prep time but contains far larger scope. - Art style and action  

Forget that one series is about sport and another is about drawing manga. Neither of these shows are about those subjects at hand on the surface (at least not as main points), they are first and foremost about the hardships of life and trying to get to the top in your respective field while having support from your peers and friends/family. These shows are mostly about the characters themselves, being branded as geniuses but still having to work hard to achieve their goals and be at the very top (whether it's being a top ping-pong player or top mangaka). Neither of the characters from either series can accomplish their goals through just skill; they also need friends to support them and put hard work into it (whilst having some luck). If you value the actual message that the shows give you will enjoy it if you enjoyed the other one. Applies to bakuman 1,2,3 not just the first one. read more 

I consider Megalo Box to be a"quote sports unquote" anime, the premise and setting does involve boxing, but the sport is hardly the focus of the show. Yes the art has it's charm, and the action is pretty solid, but it's really about the drama, and the 1v1 battle format is really stinkin' good for simple cathartic drama. I think Ping Pong The Animation recognizes this and absolutely runs with it, it is a less fantastical world, and the art might be a bit too, lets say, "distinctive" for some people. But the direction is laser focused, and it feels like everyone involved was giving it their all. Even the dub is great, check this anime out for Haruhi's sake. read more 

while not similar in plot or world build, both shows have an incredibly strong usage of art and animation, as well as individual stories in cinematic and non-cinematic ways to percieve their stories and motifs in the best way. both are incredibly well built and thought out, and heavily rely on atmosphere as a way of passing the story to the viewers. 

Both are sport anime that deal with the the psychology of the players instead of just focusing on the flow of the game. Both anime show you the complexity of simple-looking games.