Hajime no Ippo is a great example of a Shonen Anime that does everything right. Instead of showing off fancy skills, it shows off real human strength with just the right amount of dramatization.
The anime is about Boxing, which is a hard sport. The story is interesting enough to keep you watching even if you don’t like sports.
All of the personalities have a lot of depth. They are endearing, easy to understand, and motivating.
The animation shows these qualities even better through boxing fights that are detailed, true to anatomy, and beautifully choreographed.
Hajime no Ippo is the best anime for fans of Shonen because it has just the right amount of action, comedy, and drama.
Hajime no Ippo has 126 episodes, or rounds, spread out over 3 seasons. Each show starts out strong and builds up to even stronger fights.
Even though there are more than a hundred episodes, the story is so well-paced that not a single show gets boring.
Hajime no Ippo Release Order
TV series
- Season 1: Hajime no Ippo (2000-2002)
- Season 2: New Challenger (2009)
- Season 3: Rising (2013−2014)
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Specials
- Hajime no Ippo: Boxer no Kobushi (2003)
- Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road (2003)
OVAs
- Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura (2003)
Hajime no Ippo Chronological Watch Order
- Season 1: Hajime no Ippo
- Special: Hajime no Ippo: Boxer no Kobushi
- Special: Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road
- OVA: Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura
- Season 2: Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger
- Season 3: Hajime no Ippo: Rising
The best way to read Hajime no Ippo is in the order of how it happened. The anime has almost no fluff, so even the Specials and OVA are important.
We recommend that you don’t skip anything if you want to have the best time.
FAQs
What is Hajime no Ippo?
Hajime no Ippo, also known as “Fighting Spirit,” is a popular sports manga and anime series created by George Morikawa. It revolves around the story of Ippo Makunouchi, a timid high school student who embarks on a journey to become a professional boxer and overcome various challenges in the boxing world.
Who is the main character in Hajime no Ippo?
The main character in Hajime no Ippo is Ippo Makunouchi. He starts off as a shy and bullied teenager who discovers a passion for boxing after being saved by professional boxer Mamoru Takamura. Ippo trains hard to become a skilled boxer and faces numerous opponents, both in the ring and in his personal life.
How many seasons of Hajime no Ippo are there?
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there are three seasons of the Hajime no Ippo anime adaptation. The first season, titled “Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting!” aired from 2000 to 2002, the second season, “Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger,” aired from 2009 to 2010, and the third season, “Hajime no Ippo: Rising,” aired from 2013 to 2014. However, please note that there may have been new seasons or updates since then.
Is Hajime no Ippo still ongoing?
Yes, as of my knowledge cutoff, the manga series of Hajime no Ippo is still ongoing. It has been serialized since 1989, with new chapters regularly released in the Weekly Shonen Magazine. The anime adaptation, however, has not continued beyond the third season.
What makes Hajime no Ippo popular?
Hajime no Ippo has gained popularity due to its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and intense boxing matches. It combines elements of sports, drama, and comedy, creating an engaging and emotional narrative. The series also explores themes of determination, perseverance, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams, resonating with fans of both sports and character-driven stories.
