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Haikyuu is one of a kind sports anime that has welcomed every type of audience. The show has taken its time to talk about the sport in-depth in a way that even a normal fan can understand the different positions in volleyball and their responsibilities and skills. That is why when we talk about liberos, we know that Motoya Komori is one of the best in the series.
Hailed by Volleyball Monthly as the #1 high school libero, Komori is the backbone of powerhouse team Itachiyama Institute and later becomes a professional player and a national representative for Japan. Despite him being one of the side characters in Haikyuu, Komori eventually gets the attention he deserves.
In this series, his most distinctive feature is his height. At 180 cm, Komori stands taller than most liberos—an unusual trait for a position that traditionally prioritizes agility over height.
Even post-timeskip, Komori doesn’t undergo any dramatic visual change, maintaining the same gentle yet sharp aura. His presence is more felt through action than flash—a reflection of his style as a libero.
Komori is one of the few elite players invited to the All-Japan Youth Intensive Training Camp, placing him among the top tier of high school players. He’s placed on Kageyama’s team during practice matches and instantly proves to be a steadying force. When Kageyama loses a point due to an old habit, Komori doesn’t criticize him but rather offers words of encouragement.
During the same camp, Komori defends Kageyama from Sakusa’s intense questioning about Karasuno’s strategies. He playfully warns Kageyama that Sakusa can be “a real downer” and tends to overanalyze potential threats. This playful personality combined with awareness makes Komori one of the few people who can handle Sakusa’s intensity.
In the final practice game at the camp, the players rotate positions, and Komori briefly plays as an opposite hitter. Even outside his usual libero position, Komori showcases impressive court awareness by receiving the ball and then immediately moving aside to allow a back-row attack.
Relationships with other characters in Haikyuu
Komori and Sakusa have one of the most unique bonds in Haikyuu. They are cousins, but more importantly, long-time volleyball partners. Komori understands Sakusa’s obsessive tendencies and anxieties better than anyone.
He teases him, supports him, and acts as the emotional filter between Sakusa and others. Their chemistry is understated but vital—without Komori, Sakusa’s journey into volleyball might not have even begun.
Despite limited screen time together, Komori’s interactions with Kageyama in Haikyuu are always positive. He sees potential in Kageyama and even finds him “terrifying” for his ability to instantly adjust to spiker requests. Komori’s praise is never exaggerated—it’s thoughtful and genuine.
Motoya Komori's performance in Nationals
Before the tournament kicks off, Komori warmly greets Kageyama again, reaffirming their friendly dynamic. He also helps the Karasuno setter spot Sakusa hiding in a corner, trying to avoid crowds.
Komori and Sakusa later witness Karasuno’s explosive play against Inarizaki, especially the minus-tempo broad attack executed by Hinata and Kageyama. While Komori is visibly amazed, Sakusa remains analytical. Their contrasting reactions highlight the balanced dynamic between these two cousins.
Though Itachiyama doesn’t go all the way at Nationals, Komori’s presence is unmistakable. His team’s quiet exit after their loss mirrors Komori’s own reserved yet respectful attitude toward the sport.
Motoya Komori's skills: High School vs. Post-Timeskip comparison
What happened to Komori in the Final Arc in Haikyuu
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In the time skip, Komori is seen watching the high-profile match between MSBY Black Jackal and Schweiden Adlers alongside Rintarō Suna. By this point, Komori plays for EJP Raijin, a top-tier professional team in Japan’s Division 1 V.League, alongside Suna and Washio.
During the match viewing, Komori in Haikyuu drops a major revelation—he and Sakusa are cousins and have known each other since childhood. He casually recounts how he introduced Sakusa to volleyball, once again illustrating his foundational role in shaping another volleyball great.
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