SK8 the Infinity

SK8 the Infinity (Japanese: SK∞ エスケーエイト, Hepburn: Esu Kē Eito, stylized as SK∞ the Infinity) is a Japanese original anime television series produced and animated by Bones that premiered on January 10, 2021 on ABC and TV Asahi's ANiMAZiNG!!! programming block. A comedy manga spinoff started serializing on the Young Ace Up manga website on January 11, 2021. A manga adaptation of the television series will release on the BookLive! ebook store in March 2021.

This article is about the anime television series. For the teen drama, see Sk8 (TV series). For the Nickelodeon show, see SK8-TV.

SK∞ the Infinity
Key visual
SK∞ エスケーエイト
(Esu Kē Eito)
GenreAdventure, Sports (Skateboarding)[1]
Created byBones
Hiroko Utsumi
Anime television series
Directed byHiroko Utsumi
Produced byMasanori Miyake (chief)
Kyōko Uryū
Subaru Tanaka
Akihiro Sotokawa
Written byIchirō Ōkouchi
Music byRyō Takahashi
StudioBones
Licensed by
Original networkABC, TV Asahi
Original run January 10, 2021 – present
Episodes5
Manga
Sk8 Chill Out!
Written byToriyasu
Published byKadokawa Shoten
MagazineYoung Ace Up
DemographicSeinen
Original runJanuary 11, 2021 – present
Manga
Written byKazuto Kōjima
Published byBookLive!
Original runMarch 2021 – scheduled

Plot

In Okinawa, a group of hardcore skaters participate in a secret, no-holds-barred competition after midnight known as "S," racing each other on skateboards down a winding road carved out of an abandoned mine and occasionally forming "beefs" (rivalries) with each other. Reki, a high-school sophomore and hardcore skater, takes new transfer student Langa to S one night, and ends up pulling him into the world of skateboarding.

Characters
Reki Kyan (喜屋武 暦, Kyan Reki)
Voiced by: Tasuku Hatanaka[2] (Japanese); Matt Shipman[3] (English)
One of the main protagonists of the story, a cheerful and energetic high school sophomore who loves skateboarding and is addicted to the "S" races. He works at a local skate shop part-time as a mechanic and creates his own custom decks. Born August 8.
Langa Hasegawa (馳河 ランガ, Hasegawa Ranga)
Voiced by: Chiaki Kobayashi[2] (Japanese); Howard Wang[3] (English)
A half-Japanese student who transferred to Okinawa from Canada with his mother, and ended up transferring into Reki's class. Growing up as a snowboarder, Langa quickly learns to transfer his skills into skateboarding when he jumps into his first "S" run. Always in a daze, he shows a stubborn side at times. Born February 8.
Miya Chinen (知念 実也, Chinen Miya) / MIYA
Voiced by: Takuma Nagatsuka[2] (Japanese); Ry McKeand[3] (English)
A cheeky first year junior high school student who has the ability to perform difficult tricks without difficulty and is looking to represent Japan in the Olympics. Loves cats and video games. Born February 22.
.
Hiromi Higa (比嘉 広海, Higa Hiromi) / Shadow (シャドウ, Shadō)
Voiced by: Kenta Miyake[2] (Japanese); Chris Guerrero[3] (English)
An "S" racer who wears a cape and heavy metal style makeup, and is a self-proclaimed "dynamite flower." He carries fireworks with him and isn't ashamed to use dirty tactics to win. Outside of "S," he is a timid and kind-hearted florist in town. Born September 14.
Kaoru Sakurayashiki (桜屋敷 薫, Sakurayashiki Kaoru) / Cherry blossom
Voiced by: Hikaru Midorikawa[2] (Japanese); Daman Mills[3] (English)
A high-tech "S" racer with pink hair who is a famous AI calligrapher by day. Assisted by his AI partner, he is a calculating and theoretical skater. He is a childhood friend of Nanjo's and often bickers with him. Born March 27.
Kojiro Nanjo (南城 虎次郎, Nanjō Kojirō) / Joe (ジョー, Jō)
Voiced by: Yasunori Matsumoto[2] (Japanese); Jonah Scott[3] (English)
Sakurayashiki's rival in "S" who is the owner and chef of an Italian restaurant by day. He has a cheerful and lustful personality, and his skating style is as dynamic as his body. He and Sakurayashiki have been friends since childhood. Born July 7.
Ainosuke Shindo (神道 愛之介, Shindō Ainosuke) / Adam (愛抱夢, Adamu)
Voiced by: Takehito Koyasu[2] (Japanese); David Wald[3] (English)
The founder of "S" and a legendary skater. His true identity is still a mystery. Underneath his glittering mask, he hides the face of a popular young politician. Born May 1.
Tadashi Kikuchi (菊池 忠, Kikuchi Tadashi)
Voiced by: Kensho Ono[2] (Japanese); Brandon Johnson[3] (English)

Production

In an interview with Wakanim, Studio No Border founder Thomas Romain said that after meeting with Bones about Carole and Tuesday, him and the other crew at his studio ran into Suzuki-san, a producer on the show.[4] She asked the studio if they were interested in designing skateboards for an original show, of which they ended up agreeing to do.[4] The skateboards were specifically designed so that they could work if built in real life.[4] Juliette Mercier, whom had previous experience designing skateboards, ended up doing most of the designs. After some small changes, they were approved.[4] When it came to the decals, they were purposely stylized to be unique to each character in order to symbolize their personalities. Ayumi Kakei did the designs for Reki and Langa's skateboards, with a "pop" style. French comic book artist Loic Locatelli did the decals for Shadow and Joe, while Thomas Romain did Adam's himself.[4] In total, five different artists from the studio worked on the series, which was a first for them.[4]

The skaterboarders' moves were also inspired by real people, with one example being Miya's style, which has striking similarities to Rodney Mullen's style.[5]

Bones also ran a weekly blog for the series, where they shared various concepts sketches by Hiroko Utsumi alongside each episode's release.[6]

Media

Anime

On September 13, 2020, it was reported that Hiroko Utsumi and Bones were working on an anime television series project. Further details were not revealed until the following week.[7] On September 20, 2020, the series was officially announced. Utsumi will direct the series, while Ichirō Ōkouchi will oversee the series' scripts, Michinori Chiba will design the characters and serve as chief animation director,[2] and Ryō Takahashi will compose the series' music. The series premiered on January 10, 2021 on ABC and TV Asahi's ANiMAZiNG!!! programming block.[8][2] The opening theme song is "Paradise" performed by Rude-α, and the ending theme song is "Infinity" (インフィニティ, "Infiniti") performed by Yūri (優里).[9] Aniplex of America licensed the series in the Americas and streamed it on Funimation.[10] In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the series is licensed by Manga Entertainment, who streamed it on Funimation.[11] In Australia and New Zealand, the series is licensed by Madman Anime Group, who streamed it on AnimeLab.[12] In Southeast Asia, the series is licensed by Muse Communication, who streamed it on Bilibili.[13] The series will run for 12 episodes.[14] Funimation produced a simuldub for the series.[3]

Episode list
No.Title [15][lower-alpha 1]Directed by [15]Written by [15]Storyboarded by [15]Original air date [16]
1"Snowfall on a Hot Night"
Transcription: "Atsui Yoru ni Yuki ga Furu" (Japanese: 熱い夜に雪が降る)		Hiroko UtsumiIchirō ŌkouchiHiroko UtsumiJanuary 10, 2021 (2021-01-10)
Reki partakes in S, a skateboard race, and challenges Shadow in said race, of which he loses after crashing into a wall, which injures his left arm. In class the next day, he learns of a new transfer student, named Langa, who after school runs into Reki and ends up getting hired to help deliver a client their skateboard. However, that night when they leave, Reki grabs the wrong skateboard by mistake and they must win the race against Shadow to make up for it. Langa participants, and after a poor start, he uses his skills in snowboarding to help him, which helps him catch up and take a lead on the home stretch.
2"Awesome for the First Time!"
Transcription: "Hajimete no Saikō!" (Japanese: はじめてのサイコー！)		Takahiro HasuiIchirō ŌkouchiHiroko UtsumiJanuary 17, 2021 (2021-01-17)
Langa want to learn how to use a skateboard properly, so Reki teaches him. Meanwhile, people online learn of Lange beating Shadow, one of those being Miya. Later on, Langa goes to Reki's house so Reki can get a manual on skateboarding and end up meeting Reki's family. Reki makes Langa a custom board using his observations from him practicing. Langa later reveals that his family moved to Japan due to his father's death. The next day in the skateboarding shop, Miya challenges Langa to S.
3"Undesired Hero"
Transcription: "Nozomanai Yūsha" (Japanese: 望まない勇者)		Noriyuki NomataIchirō ŌkouchiTakuya IgarashiJanuary 24, 2021 (2021-01-24)
Miya and Langa agree to the challenge. Afterwards, Langa practices skateboarding with Reki. After which, they learn that despite his appearance, Miya isn't having fun while skateboarding. The race starts, and using a custom-made skateboard from Reki and special tricks, Langa manages to beat Miya. After an emotional moment between Reki and Miya, Adam comes in and insults Miya, which prompts Reki to ask him to take it back. When he refuses, Reki challenges him to a race.
4"Adam, the Matador of Love"
Transcription: "Ai no Matadōru, Adamu" (Japanese: 愛のマタドール、愛抱夢)		Takahiro HasuiIchirō ŌkouchiTakahiro HasuiJanuary 31, 2021 (2021-01-31)
Adam agrees to the challenge, if Langa will skate with him if he wins. Later, Reki and Langa talk with Joe, who reveals how him and Adam started S and their history together. Afterwards, Reki practices with Langa, Shadow, and Miya. The race starts, but Adam refuses to move. Once he does, he catches up to Reki quickly. After doing so, he grabs Reki and pulls him, forcing him into multiple dangerous situations. After getting free and almost losing all hope, Reki manages to catch up and pass Adam, but this is short lived. Adam passes Reki again and goes uphill, which sends Reki into a panic causing him to fall off his skateboard and get seriously hurt, along with losing the race.
5"Passionate Dancing Night!"
Transcription: "Jōnetsu no Danshingu Naito!" (Japanese: 情熱のダンシングNight！)		Tetsuya MiyanishiIchirō ŌkouchiTakuya IgarashiFebruary 7, 2021 (2021-02-07)
Reki gets out of the ER with no major injuries. Despite Reki's protests, Langa agrees to skateboard with Adam. To get information, Reki talks to Cherry Blossom. He takes Reki, Langa, Miya, and Shadow to talk with Joe and they discuss Adam's tricks. Reki later reveals that he started skateboarding with a friend, but after they got badly hurt, they stopped. Langa assures Reki he will not do the same, even if he gets injured. The race starts and again Adam doesn't start right away, however, Langa also doesn't start right away. They both start, and despite getting a small lead, Adam grabs Langa like he did to Reki previously. Langa eventually breaks away. Adam tries the same trick on a turn, but Langa jumps over him. Langa gets a lead, but Adam quickly closes the gap. Unfortunately, the police show up, which causes the race to be cut short. Reki manages to prevent Langa from being arrested by the police. Langa later promises Reki he will avoid Adam from now on.
6"Steamy Mystery Skating?!"
Transcription: "Yukemuri Misuterī Sukēto?!" (Japanese: 湯けむりミステリースケート？！)		Takashi YasuiIchirō ŌkouchiTakuya IgarashiFebruary 14, 2021 (2021-02-14)

Manga

A comedy manga spinoff by Toriyasu, titled Sk8 Chill Out!, started serializing on Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace Up manga website on January 11, 2021.[17][18] A manga adaptation of the television series by Kazuto Kōjima will release on the BookLive! ebook store in March 2021.[19]

Notes
  1. All English titles are taken from Funimation.[1]

References
  1. "Watch Sk8 The Infinity Sub | Action/Adventure Anime | Funimation". Funimation. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  2. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (November 7, 2020). "Sk8 the Infinity Anime Reveals Cast, Visual, More Staff, January 9 Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  3. "It's a Downhill Jam! SK8 the Infinity English Dub Announced, Cast and Crew Revealed". Funimation. February 5, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  4. "Interview: Studio No Border Talks SK8 the Infinity, Working with Bones 🛹". Funimation. January 29, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  5. "Fan Spots Real Pro Skater Influence in SK8 the Infinity 🛹". Funimation. January 25, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  6. "BONES Launches Weekly Blog for Sk8 the Infinity Anime". Anime News Network. January 12, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  7. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (September 13, 2020). "Banana Fish Director Hiroko Utsumi, Anime Studio BONES Announce New Original TV Anime Project". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  8. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (September 20, 2020). "BONES, Director Hiroko Utsumi Reveal SK8 the Infinity Original Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  9. "Myūjikku | Terebi Anime "SK∞ Esu Kē Eito" Kōshiki Saito" MUSIC | TVアニメ「SK∞ エスケーエイト」公式サイト [Music | TV Anime "SK∞ the Infinity" Official Website]. sk8-project.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 22, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  10. Aniplex of America [@aniplexUSA] (December 18, 2020). "#NEWS: Skate x Battle = Infinite Youth! The original anime by an all-star cast, "SK8 the Infinity," premieres January 9th, 2021 on @FUNimation!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 9, 2021 – via Twitter.
  11. "Ollie Up! SK8 the Infinity Streams Exclusively on Funimation This January". Funimation. December 18, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  12. animelab [@AnimeLab] (December 18, 2020). "When Reki takes Langa along with him to watch "S", a downhill skateboarding race in an abandoned mine, they suddenly get dragged into a world of battles and unlimited possibilities. SK8 the Infinity premieres this January on AnimeLab!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 29, 2021 – via Twitter.
  13. @bilibilith (January 9, 2021). "อนิเมะ ใหม่ประจำวันที่ 10 ม.ค. ห้ามพลาดเด็ดขาด" (Tweet) (in Thai). Retrieved January 11, 2021 – via Twitter.
  14. "SK∞ エスケーエイト Vol.6". SK8 the Infinity official website. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  15. "Sutōrī | Terebi Anime "SK∞ Esu Kē Eito" Kōshiki Saito" STORY | TVアニメ「SK∞ エスケーエイト」公式サイト [Story | TV Anime "SK∞ the Infinity" Official Website]. sk8-project.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  16. "On'ea | Terebi Anime "SK∞ Esu Kē Eito" Kōshiki Saito" ON AIR | TVアニメ「SK∞ エスケーエイト」公式サイト [On Air | TV Anime "SK∞ the Infinity" Official Website]. sk8-project.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  17. "SK∞エスケーエイト チルアウト！". Young Ace Up.
  18. "Sk8 the Infinity Anime Gets Spinoff Manga". Anime News Network. January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  19. "Sk8 the Infinity Anime Gets Manga Adaptation". Anime News Network. February 7, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
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