Hajime no Ippo is a 2000 Japanese anime series based on the manga written by George Morikawa. The first 75-episode anime season, produced by Madhouse, Nippon Television and VAP and directed by Satoshi Nishimura, aired on Nippon TV between October 4, 2000, and March 27, 2002.[1] The episodes were collected into twenty-five DVDs released by VAP from March 16, 2001 to March 21, 2003.[2][3] The last DVD includes a special episode which did not air in Japan, numbered 76.[3] A television film titled Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road aired on April 18, 2003.[4] An original video animation (OVA) titled Hajime no Ippo Mashiba vs. Kimura was released on September 5, 2003.[5]
A second season titled Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger aired on Nippon TV from January 6 to June 30, 2009.[6][7]
In 2009, Rikiya Koyama, the voice actor of Mamoru Takamura, revealed in his blog that a sequel to the Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger season was being planned. At the end of his blog entry, he wrote, "Of course, a sequel is also being planned!!".[7] In July 2013, it was reported in that year's 34th issue of Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine that a third season of Hajime no Ippo would air in the fall 2013 season.[8][9] The third season, titled Hajime no Ippo: Rising, ran for 25 episodes from October 5, 2013 to March 29, 2014.[10][11]Hajime no Ippo: Rising was streamed on Crunchyroll.[12]
In North America, the first season was licensed by Geneon Entertainment in 2003, which released it under the name Fighting Spirit.[13] Geneon distributed Fighting Spirit on 15 DVDs with five episodes per disc. The first DVD was released on July 6, 2004 and the fifteenth released on December 19, 2006.[14][15] The DVDs included English and Spanish language tracks, as well as the original Japanese. The TV film Champion Road was released on North America on January 9, 2007.[16] There were no plans to release the OVA, Mashiba vs. Kimura. Disc sales of the series did not perform well.[17] In September 2020, Discotek Media announced that they have licensed the series for a 2021 release, including the 76 episodes, Champion Road and, for the first time in North America, the OVA Mashiba vs. Kimura.[18] The first Blu-ray Disc set (episodes 1–24) was released on January 26, 2021.[19] The second set (episodes 25–48) was released on March 30, 2021.[20]
"The First Step" Transliteration: "Saisho no suteppu" (Japanese: 最初のステップ)
Kenichi Kawamura
Tatsuhiko Urahata
October 4, 2000 (2000-10-04)
Ippo Makunouchi is a shy young man who works with his mother, Hiroko on their fishing boat business while he attends school, so he has no time to hang out with friends. One day, as Ippo is walking backwards home, he is approached by Masahiko Umezawa and two other bullies. They start beating him up and make fun of him and his mother. Suddenly, a jogger walks by and scares the bullies away. Ippo loses consciousness, so the jogger takes him to his boxing gym and heals his injuries. When he wakes up, Ippo is amazed by all the boxers working out. The jogger then convinces Ippo to punch a punching bag with the bully's face drawn on it. Even though his hand gets bruised, the jogger notices Ippo has a very strong punch. He gives him some world championship boxing tapes to look over and sends him home. Inspired by the tapes, Ippo seeks out the jogger, Mamoru Takamura, who is a middle-weight professional boxer, and begs him to train him in order to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional boxer. To test him, Takamura kicks a tree and catches many leaves in his hand, using his lightning-fast jabs. He tells Ippo that if he can do the same, he will train him.
2
"Fruits of Labor" Transliteration: "Doryoku no seika" (Japanese: 努力の成果)
Saburō Hashimoto
Tatsuhiko Urahata
October 10, 2000 (2000-10-10)
Ippo's goal was to catch 10 leaves, with only a week to do so. While balancing school and work, Ippo also practiced his jabs. Finally, he figured out not only to increase the speed of his jabs, but also caught all 10 leaves in his left hand. Impressed, Takamura then assigns Ippo to work out his muscles, body and running speed for one month. Once done, Takamura takes Ippo back to the gym to test out his skills. His first test was to spar with a rookie the same age as Ippo, Ichiro Miyata.
3
"Tears of Joy" Transliteration: "Ureshi namida" (Japanese: うれし涙)
At first, it seems that Ippo could not keep up with Miyata, given the fact that the latter is more experienced. Ippo keeps taking hit after hit and gets knocked down twice. After receiving some advice from Takamura, Ippo keeps getting back up to fight. To everyone's surprise, Ippo keeps absorbing Miyata's punches. Suddenly, Miyata hits Ippo's chin, causing his brain to move back and forth. However, Ippo was able to keep up with Miyata's movements, but unfortunately lost to Miyata's superior skills. However, the owner of the gym, Genji Kamogawa, was impressed by Ippo's determination and decides to train him every day in the gym.
Ippo finally begins his training in the gym. First, Kamogawa himself, helps Ippo to focus on his jabs and the one-two technique. After getting the hang of it, Kamogawa instructs Ippo to practice shadow boxing. Though some patrons in the gym show him how to do it, Ippo tries again and again. However, as he watches Miyata sparring, he starts to finally understand how to shadow box. Takamura and Kamogawa realize what a great talent Ippo has, but Miyata feels jealousy towards him.
5
"Three Months to Counter" Transliteration: "Kauntaa he no mitsuki" (Japanese: カウンターへの3ヶ月)
Ippo begins training with coach Kamogawa for about three months in order to prepare for a rematch with Miyata. During that time, he begins working on more techniques. Also, he learns more about Miyata's father, who was a former professional boxer who believes in skill surpassing power. However, in his final match, he lost and realised that that power surpasses skill. Since then, Miyata is trying to prove that his father's way of boxing is correct. After more training, Ippo is finally ready for his rematch with Miyata.
6
"The Opening Bell of the Rematch" Transliteration: "Saisen no gongu" (Japanese: 再戦のゴング)
Yasuo Iwamoto
Kenji Sugihara
November 7, 2000 (2000-11-07)
A representative from a boxing magazine comes to Kamogawa's Gym on the same day Ippo and Miyata have their rematch. With Takamura as referee, the rematch begins. Both fighters begin their four-round match, each displaying their progress during the last three months. Each one knocking each other once, taking their audience's breath away.
7
"The Destructive Force of 1 cm" Transliteration: "1 cm no hakairyoku" (Japanese: 1cmの破壊力)
Ippo and Miyata's match continue. After Ippo gets knocked down, he struggles to get back up. Once he gets up, Ippo continues with his assault. The punches keep on flying, but then Miyata changes strategies in order to slow down Ippo's movements, which succeeds. After a few more hits, Ippo finally gets his chance and launches an uppercut, grazing Miyata's chin. This causes Miyata to fall to his knees, losing due to a K.O. Even though Miyata felt humiliated, his father still thought he had a good fight. Ippo went to bed later that night, feeling proud.
8
"Promise to Meet Again" Transliteration: "Saikai no yakusoku" (Japanese: 再会の約束)
Akira Mano
Yasuko Kamo
November 21, 2000 (2000-11-21)
With Miyata nowhere to be found, Ippo seems distracted in his training, so Kamogawa sends him to train with Takamura. Ippo experiences all the hardship his mentor endures since he prepares for a championship match. Takamura easily defeats his opponent due to his training and diet. Outside, Ippo meets Miyata, who informs him that he is quitting Kamogawa's Gym and promises to meet Ippo in the ring as professional boxers.
9
"C Class License" Transliteration: "C kyū raisensu" (Japanese: C級ライセンス)
Rokō Ogiwara
Hiroshi Mori
November 28, 2000 (2000-11-28)
Ippo finally applies to get his featherweight boxing license, with Takamura tagging along. During the exam, he meets Ryo Mashiba, a ruthless boxer with a deadly combo. Six months after he began his training, Ippo finally gained his license. Even his former bullies are no match for his speed. Back at Kamogawa's Gym, Ippo is about to learn the name of his opponent in his debut match.
Ippo's first opponent is Yosuke Oda. However, Oda is more focused on goofing off and going out with his coach's daughter. He also seemed to be overconfident. Unfortunately for Oda, Keiko, his girlfriend, decides to break up with him if he loses his match, due to him losing his passion for the sport. Oda decides to dedicate the next week to train as much as he can in preparation for the match. The day finally arrives and both Ippo and Oda get into the ring with cheering fans all around them.
11
"Obsession for Victory" Transliteration: "Shōri no shūnen" (Japanese: 勝利への執念へ)
Shinichi Tsuji
Daisuke Aranishi
December 12, 2000 (2000-12-12)
The four round match finally begins. Each fighter delivers harsh blow after harsh blow, with their teams shouting advice. Miyata arrives secretly to watch the match. However, Oda's hook actually cuts Ippo's left side of the face around his eye. The doctor warns him that if he bleeds again, he will lose with a technical K.O. Unwilling to let that happen, Ippo goes all out to take out Oda, and he does with his most powerful jabs, earning him victory. In the locker room, Oda swears to continue training and Keiko, having forgiven him, urges him to continue working hard. Ippo and his friends celebrate after the match.
12
"Becoming a Bully's Buddy" Transliteration: "Tearana Dachi Sengen" (Japanese: 手荒なダチ宣言)
Yasuhiro Matsumura Jun Shishido
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
December 19, 2000 (2000-12-19)
Ippo's second match is against Yoshio Fujigawa. However, Umezawa and his two friends actually go to Ippo's match to cheer him on. After working on a new guarding technique, Ippo seems to be on top. However, his opponent starts to play dirty by cheating. But, Ippo's determination allows him to fight back and break his opponent's guard with a mighty uppercut. The next day, Umezawa decides to become Ippo's friend and tells everyone about Ippo's mighty victory.
13
"The Eastern Japan Rookie Championship Tournament Begins" Transliteration: "Kaimaku, higashi nippon shinjin Ō sen" (Japanese: 開幕、東日本新人王戦)
Nanako Shimazaki
Kenji Sugihara
December 26, 2000 (2000-12-26)
The Rookie Championship is about to begin. Ippo's first opponent is an American soldier, Jason Ozma, who is based in Japan. To prepare for the match, Ippo trains with Takamura while practicing to dodge hooks and uppercuts. Ozma, on the other hand, trains for the people he came to know in the Japanese gym where he was based.
14
"Powerful Arms! Hook vs. Uppercut!" Transliteration: "Kyou ude! Fukku vs appaa!" (Japanese: 強腕!フックvsアッパー!)
Akira Mano
Ryōsuke Nakamura
January 9, 2001 (2001-01-09)
Ippo and Ozma begin their match. Both of them give powerful blows, each surprising one another. Each boxer tries to think of a strategy to take out the other, until Ozma knocks Ippo down. After a brief moment, he gets up and each counter with a punch to each other's face. The intensity of the match continues.
15
"Test of Endurance" Transliteration: "Gaman kurabe" (Japanese: 我慢くらべ)
Kenichi Kawamura
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
January 16, 2001 (2001-01-16)
The match continues between Ippo and Ozma, with each fighter dealing one crushing blow after another. Oma manages to knock Ippo down, and it looked like he was down for the count. However, Ippo managed to get up and continue the assault, following his coach's advice on pretending like he feels no pain. Ozma is then knocked down himself. He manages to get up as well. As the fighters continue, Ippo receives one crushing blow after another, until he ducks and gives a huge uppercut to Ozma's chest, knocking him down. Ippo wins his first tournament match and thanks Ozma for the incredible fight. Ozma wishes him luck for his next matches. Both boxers receive applause and praise from the audience as they leave the ring.
16
"Anticipating a Fierce Fight" Transliteration: "Gekisen no yokan" (Japanese: 激戦の予感)
Mitsuyuki Masuhara
Daisuke Aranishi
January 23, 2001 (2001-01-23)
Ippo and Takamura, along with a girl that Ippo has a crush on, sees Miyata's match. Miyata completely lowered his opponent's guard and quickly took him out. Afterwards, Ippo and his friends at the gym saw some videos of some of the next opponents he would face in the tournament. Later, after meeting the girl at a bakery where she worked, Ippo received a call from Takamura about a training camp for preparation for his next match.
17
"Ippo on the Beach" Transliteration: "Ippo on za bīchi" (Japanese: イッポ·オン·ザ·ビーチ)
Yūzō Satō
Yasuko Kamo
January 30, 2001 (2001-01-30)
Ippo, Takamura and their two friends from the gym, Aoki and Kimura go to training camp, which also involves fun at the beach. After sunset, the gang of four start running and practicing shadow boxing at their hut. Ippo also learns about movement with his feet from Takamura, which happened to be Ippo's weakness. After a fireworks celebration, all four boxers head home.
Ippo and Takamura both start preparing as it turns out Ippo is fighting in the opener for the big Takamura match. Results from Ippo training camp show in a sparring match against Kimura. When he rushes out to buy a drink, he finds his opponent (Kenta Kobashi) spying on him and looking to exploit any weakness which worries Ippo. Kenta who is also nervous about the match trains and discusses his opponent's Weaknesses with his coach (Mr Yasoda). At the Venue, both fighters psych themselves for the match. As soon as the match starts Kenta draws a long guard with his left. Ippo takes an aggressive approach and starts throwing punches. Kenta is a little shocked but manages to block Ippo's punches while getting a good read on their speed and power. Kenta uses his long left to steer Ippo away. Ippo finally steps in close to land an uppercut but Kenta breaks it by clenching Ippo. this confuses Ippo and Kenta starts to land soft blows on Ippo. Ippo corners Kenta but he clenches again until the clock runs out. In the second round, Kenta starts with an aggressive approach and disrupts Ippo Rythem out again. Ippo is tiring himself out throwing wide punches but manages to corner Kenta. When Ippo goes for the finishing move Kenta clinches again and breaks it off. Coach Komagawa notices Ippo getting tired.
19
"Dream of a KO" Transliteration: "KO no yume" (Japanese: KOの夢)
Yasuhiro Matsumura Jun Shishido
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
February 13, 2001 (2001-02-13)
20
"The Threat of Shotgun" Transliteration: "Shottogan no kyōi" (Japanese: ショットガンの脅威)
Hideo Hayashi
Ryōsuke Nakamura
February 20, 2001 (2001-02-20)
21
"The Way to Capture a Prodigy" Transliteration: "Tensai kōryaku no michi" (Japanese: 天才攻略の道)
"Traces of Intense Battles" Transliteration: "Gekitō no sokuseki" (Japanese: 激闘の足跡)
Kenichi Kawamura
Tatsuhiko Urahata
May 8, 2001 (2001-05-08)
Minoru is tasked with writing a new article. As he thinks of new ideas, he recalls and details all of the fights Ippo has been in since starting the Eastern Japan Rookie Championship Tournament.
32
"Throw Your Right!" Transliteration: "Migi wo ute!" (Japanese: 右を打て!)
Jun Shishido
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
May 15, 2001 (2001-05-15)
33
"Smash Force" Transliteration: "Sumasshu no iatsu" (Japanese: スマッシュの威圧)
Mitsuyuki Masuhara
Kenji Sugihara
May 22, 2001 (2001-05-22)
34
"The Rookie King" Transliteration: "Shinjin Ō" (Japanese: 新人王)
Yukina Hiiro
Yasuko Kamo
May 29, 2001 (2001-05-29)
35
"The Counting Journey" Transliteration: "Saranaru tabidachi" (Japanese: さらなる旅立ち)
Akira Mano
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
June 5, 2001 (2001-06-05)
36
"The Champ and I" Transliteration: "Ōja tono deai" (Japanese: 王者との出会い)
Keiji Hayakawa
Daisuke Aranishi
June 12, 2001 (2001-06-12)
37
"A Thing to Strive For" Transliteration: "Mezasu mono" (Japanese: 目指すもの)
Kentarō Nakamura
Kenji Sugihara
June 19, 2001 (2001-06-19)
38
"Two Rookies of the Year" Transliteration: "Futari no shinjin ō" (Japanese: 二人の新人王)
Jun Shishido
Ryōsuke Nakamura
June 27, 2001 (2001-06-27)
39
"Challenge in a Foreign Land" Transliteration: "Ikoku de no chōsen" (Japanese: 異国での挑戦)
Yukina Hiiro
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
July 4, 2001 (2001-07-04)
40
"A Counter to Surpass All Counters" Transliteration: "Kauntaa wo koeta kauntaa" (Japanese: カウンターを超えたカウンター)
Yūzō Satō
Kenji Sugihara
July 11, 2001 (2001-07-11)
41
"Barf-michi's Big Fight" Transliteration: "Barf-michi no tatakai" (Japanese: ゲロ道の戦い)
Masayuki Kojima Mitsuyuki Masuhara (assistant)
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
July 18, 2001 (2001-07-18)
42
"Sharing a Dream" Transliteration: "Yume e no kyōkan" (Japanese: 夢への共感)
Akira Mano Mitsuyuki Masuhara (assistant)
Yasuko Kamo
July 25, 2001 (2001-07-25)
43
"The Speed Star"
Hiromitsu Morita
Daisuke Aranishi
August 1, 2001 (2001-08-01)
44
"Blind Spot in the Ring" Transliteration: "Ringu no shikaku" (Japanese: リングの死角)
Yoshito Hata
Ryōsuke Nakamura
August 8, 2001 (2001-08-08)
45
"The White Fangs of the Wolf" Transliteration: "Ōkami no shiroi kiba" (Japanese: 狼の白い牙)
Nanako Shimazaki
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
August 15, 2001 (2001-08-15)
46
"Be the Gazelle" Transliteration: "Kamoshikani nare!" (Japanese: かもしかになれ!)
Jun Shishido
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
August 22, 2001 (2001-08-22)
47
"The Fighting Spirit Within" Transliteration: "Himerareta toushi" (Japanese: 秘められた闘志)
Mihiro Yamaguchi
Kenji Sugihara
August 29, 2001 (2001-08-29)
48
"The Red Wolf" Transliteration: "Akai ōkami" (Japanese: 赤い狼)
Yoshio Suzuki
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
September 5, 2001 (2001-09-05)
49
"The Courage to Believe" Transliteration: "Shinrai suru yuuki" (Japanese: 信頼する勇気)
Yukina Hiiro
Daisuke Aranishi
September 19, 2001 (2001-09-19)
50
"Something to Convey" Transliteration: "Tsutaetai koto" (Japanese: 伝えたいこと)
Kentarō Nakamura
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
September 26, 2001 (2001-09-26)
51
"The Group Date" Transliteration: "Gōkon" (Japanese: 合コン)
Mitsuyuki Masuhara
Yasuko Kamo
October 3, 2001 (2001-10-03)
52
"The Challenger" Transliteration: "Chōsensha" (Japanese: 挑戦者)
Kenichi Kawamura
Tatsuhiko Urahata
October 10, 2001 (2001-10-10)
53
"So That I Can Be Myself" Transliteration: "Ore ga ore de aru tame ni" (Japanese: 俺が俺であるために)
Yasuhiro Sugimura
Ryōsuke Nakamura
October 17, 2001 (2001-10-17)
54
"Fists of the Champ" Transliteration: "Ōja no kobushi" (Japanese: 王者の拳)
Atsushi Takahashi
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
October 24, 2001 (2001-10-24)
55
"The Japan Featherweight Title Match" Transliteration: "Nippon fezākyū taitorumacchi" (Japanese: 日本フェザー級タイトルマッチ)
Shinichi Masaki
Daisuke Aranishi
October 31, 2001 (2001-10-31)
56
"The Power that Stands in the Way" Transliteration: "Tachi hadakaru chikara" (Japanese: 立ちはだかる力)
^はじめの一歩 Vol.1 (in Japanese). VAP. Archived from the original on June 3, 2004. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
^ abはじめの一歩 Vol.25 (in Japanese). VAP. Archived from the original on August 17, 2004. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
^はじめの一歩 Champion Road (in Japanese). VAP. Archived from the original on August 1, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2020. 2003年4月18日にはテレビ・スペシャル「Champion Road」が金曜ロードショーにてオンエアされました。 (The TV special "Champion Road" was aired on April 18, 2003)
^Koulikov, Mikhail (May 13, 2007). "Geneon Entertainment - Anime Central 2007". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 1, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2020. During the question and answer session that concluded the panel, they mentioned that because Hajime no Ippo did not perform as well as hoped, it is not likely that Geneon will acquire the 2003 Hajime no Ippo - Mashiba vs. Kimura OVA.
