Netflix’s Blue Box, a romance anime about high school sports and love, has surprised fans by delivering Winter 2025’s most popular opening theme. Despite fierce competition from big-budget shows like Solo Leveling, Shangri-La Frontier, and The Apothecary Diaries, Blue Box Cour 2’s OP, “Saraba” by Macaroni Empitsu, has captured the hearts of anime lovers worldwide.
A Surprise Contender for Best OP
Blue Box, based on Kouji Miura’s manga, premiered its second cour on Netflix on January 2, 2025. The OP “Saraba” blends relaxing and energetic tones, perfectly matching the anime’s themes of romance and determination.
The song’s upbeat rhythm, driven by guitars and drums, mirrors the passion of its main characters, Chinatsu Kano and Taiki Inomata, as they pursue their dreams in basketball and badminton. The heartfelt lyrics and uplifting melody make it a track fans can enjoy while relaxing or during intense training sessions.
Why “Saraba” Stands Out
The song’s emotional depth and balance reflect the essence of Blue Box. It highlights small yet meaningful moments between Chinatsu and Taiki while maintaining an energy that resonates with their athletic ambitions. Fans say “Saraba” perfectly sets the stage for the anime’s mix of lighthearted romance and sports drama.
Close Contenders for the Best OP of Winter 2025
While “Saraba” leads the race, other openings have left a mark:
- Shangri-La Frontier Season 2’s “Frontiers” by Awich is praised for its dynamic sound and stunning visuals.
- The Apothecary Diaries features “Hyakka Ryouran” by Lilas Ikuta, a captivating track with a classic, elegant feel.
- Solo Leveling Season 2’s “ReawakerR” by LiSa and Felix of Stray Kids combines intense beats with powerful vocals.
- Sakamoto Days introduced “Run, Sakamoto, Run” by Vaundy, which has sparked debate over whether it fits the series’ action-heavy vibe.
Where to Watch
New episodes of Blue Box air every Thursday on Netflix. The anime follows Chinatsu and Taiki as they navigate their athletic dreams and growing feelings for each other.
