Attack Number One (1969)
A landmark sports anime following one girl's relentless pursuit of volleyball greatness, from school courts to the world stage.
Attack Number One - Series Information
- Original Title: アタックNo.1
- First Air Year: 1969
- Last Air Year: 1971
- Created by: Chikako Urano
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (26 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 104
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: December 7, 1969 (United States - TV-PG), December 7, 1969 (Germany - 12), December 7, 1969 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: Mila, a szupersztár (HU), Attack No.1 (US), アタックNo.1 (JP), 女排No.1 (CN)
- Production Companies: Tokyo Movie
- Production Countries: Japan
Attack Number One - Plot
The story is about Kozue Ayuhara, a girl who transferred to Fujimi College and tried out for the school volleyball team. She develops a friendship with her teammate Midori Hayakawa, and her talents impress coach Hongō more and more each day. Though she showcases extraordinary volleyball skills, she makes enemies with Yoshimura, the star of the current team. Kozue discovers that being at the top would bring stress, incompatibilities and other dilemmas into her life. Her high expectations of becoming the best volleyball player in the school, Japan and eventually the world, set the tone for the drama to follow.
Where to Watch Attack Number One
Looking for where to watch Attack Number One?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Attack Number One - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Chikako Urano
Main Cast
- Sumie Sakai
- Kurumi Kobato
- Masahiko Murase
- Katsuji Mori
- Keiko Yamamoto
- Masako Ebisu
- Reiko Mutoh
Attack Number One - FAQs
What is Attack Number One about?
Attack Number One follows Kozue Ayuhara, a determined young girl who transfers to Fujimi College and joins the volleyball team. Driven by an extraordinary talent and fierce ambition, she navigates rivalries, friendships, and personal hardships on her journey to become the world's greatest volleyball player.
Is Attack Number One based on a true story?
Not directly, but the series was inspired by the real-life success of Japanese women's volleyball during the 1960s, particularly Japan's gold medal win at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Creator Chikako Urano channeled that national excitement into a fictional story that resonated deeply with audiences of the era.
When did Attack Number One first air?
Attack Number One premiered on December 7, 1969, on Fuji TV in Japan. The series ran until 1971, spanning a single season of 104 episodes. It aired during a golden period for sports anime and helped establish the genre's conventions for decades to come.
How many episodes does Attack Number One have?
The series consists of 104 episodes across one season, with each episode running approximately 26 minutes. It aired from December 1969 to January 1971 on Fuji TV, making it one of the longer-running sports anime productions of its era.
Who are the main voice actors in Attack Number One?
The principal voice cast includes Kurumi Kobato as protagonist Kozue Ayuhara, Sumie Sakai as her close friend Midori Hayakawa, Masahiko Murase as Daigou Inokuma, Katsuji Mori as Jirō Yushima, Keiko Yamamoto as Kaori Yagisawa, Masako Ebisu as Masako Kakinouchi, and Reiko Mutoh as Michiru Sanjou.
Is Attack Number One a pioneer of sports anime?
Absolutely. Attack Number One is widely regarded as one of the founding titles of the sports anime genre, and specifically the shōjo sports subgenre. Its emotional storytelling, focus on female athleticism, and themes of perseverance laid the groundwork for countless sports series that followed in subsequent decades.
What is the content rating for Attack Number One?
Attack Number One carries a TV-PG rating in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers. The series deals with themes of rivalry, friendship, and personal sacrifice, but remains appropriate for family viewing.
What anime series are similar to Attack Number One?
Fans of Attack Number One may enjoy Medalist (2025) and Blue Box (2024) for their heartfelt sports drama, or Assassination Classroom (2015) and Cyborg 009 (1979) for classic anime storytelling. Horimiya: The Missing Pieces (2023) and The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity (2025) also share its emotional, character-driven spirit.
More About Attack Number One
Explore further details about Attack Number One on these authoritative resources.