Kyojin no Hoshi [Episodes 64-68]

Title: Why Kyojin no Hoshi’s Mid-Season Arc (Episodes 64-68) Still Hits Hard for Baseball Fans Today

Let’s be real—most of us haven’t heard of Kyojin no Hoshi (Star of the Giants) unless we’re into old-school sports anime. But trust me, this 1968 classic isn’t just some relic from your grandma’s TV. Its mid-season episodes (64-68) are where the story of Hyuma Hoshi, a kid with a fastball faster than his dad’s legacy, really starts to heat up. And even though it’s over 50 years old, fans are still geeking out about how raw and real those episodes feel.

First, let’s get the basics straight. Kyojin no Hoshi is a 182-episode series by Tokyo Movie Company (now TMS Entertainment), the same crew that later gave us Lupin III and Detective Conan. It ran from 1968 to 1971, back when anime was still figuring out how to make sports look cool. The show follows Hyuma, a pitcher who’s got big shoes to fill—his dad, Ittetsu Hoshi, was a legend in the Japanese pro league. But here’s the thing: Hyuma isn’t just chasing his dad’s shadow. He’s fighting to prove he’s his own star.

Now, episodes 64-68? That’s where the drama turns up to 11. From what die-hard fans on MyAnimeList remember, this arc is all about Hyuma’s “make-or-break” moment. He’s been training like a maniac—throwing pitches until his arm aches, running laps until his legs give out—but his team, the Giants, are struggling. The pressure’s on, and Hyuma’s dad is breathing down his neck, pushing him harder than ever. Some fans say this is when Hyuma stops being just a “promising kid” and starts becoming a leader. One user even called it “the arc where Hyuma’s fire turns into a wildfire.”

What makes these episodes stand out? For starters, the animation is surprisingly gritty. Back in the ’60s, anime didn’t have fancy 3D effects or smooth frames, but that’s part of the charm. The close-ups of Hyuma’s face when he’s on the mound—sweat dripping, eyes blazing—feel so intense you can almost hear the crowd roaring. And the sound design? The crack of the bat, the umpire’s shout, the team’s cheers—it’s like you’re right there in the stadium.

But the real magic is in the characters. Hyuma isn’t a perfect hero. He messes up, he doubts himself, and he argues with his dad (who’s low-key a total hardass). Fans love that he’s relatable. One commenter on a forum said, “Hyuma’s struggle isn’t just about baseball—it’s about wanting to make your parents proud, even when they’re tough on you.” That’s a vibe every teen can get behind, right?

Another thing fans can’t stop talking about is the emotional punch. Episode 67, in particular, is a tearjerker. Hyuma’s dad, Ittetsu, finally admits he’s proud of him—but not before Hyuma throws a game-winning pitch that leaves everyone speechless. The scene where they hug? Even the toughest fans say they teared up. “I didn’t expect to cry over a baseball anime from the ’60s,” one user wrote, “but here we are.”

Sure, Kyojin no Hoshi isn’t as flashy as Haikyuu!! or Ace of Diamond. The art is old-school, the pacing is slower, and there’s no English dub (which is a bummer—fans have been begging for subtitles for years). But that’s exactly why it’s special. It’s a reminder that good storytelling doesn’t need bells and whistles. It just needs heart.

So, if you’re into sports anime that’s more about character than cool moves, give Kyojin no Hoshi episodes 64-68 a shot. You might not understand every word (thanks, no subtitles), but you’ll feel every emotion. And hey, if you end up loving it, you can join the small but passionate fanbase that’s still talking about it 50 years later.

Final Verdict: 8/10. It’s not perfect, but it’s pure. And in a world of over-the-top anime, pure is exactly what we need.

P.S. If anyone finds English subtitles for these episodes, hit me up. We’re all desperate.