Hajime no Ippo – The 2000 anime series about boxing
Hajime no Ippo, also known as "The First Step" in Italian, is a manga written and illustrated by George Morikawa, published for the first time in 1989 in the Weekly Shōnen Magazine of the Kōdansha publishing house. The series is still being published and has more than 100 tankōbon and over 1000 chapters. This manga was adapted into an animated series by the Madhouse studio and aired by Nippon Television from 2000 to 2002, for a total of 76 episodes. Two more animated series were subsequently made, called “Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger” in 2009 and “Hajime no Ippo: Rising” in 2013.
The plot follows the events of Ippo Makunouchi, a shy and insecure Japanese high school student, who after an experience of bullying decides to train in the Kamogawa boxing gym to become a boxer. As time passes, Ippo transforms from an insecure boy into a boxing champion, respectful of his sport and intent on growing not only as a fighter but also as a man. During his adventure in the world of boxing, he meets several characters, including his trainer Kamogawa Genji, his best friend Mamoru Takamura and opponents Ichirō Miyata, Alexander Volg Zangief, Mashiba Ryou, Sendo Takeshi, Sawamura Ryūhei and Date Eiji.
The Hajime no Ippo manga and anime have received numerous awards and recognition, including the Kodansha Manga Award in 1991. The series is particularly praised for its well-developed characters, realistic fight scenes, and insight into the psychology of the characters . If you are a fan of anime and the sports genre, Hajime no Ippo is definitely a series you can't miss.
In conclusion, Hajime no Ippo is a successful manga and anime that has won over audiences thanks to its gripping plot, well-defined characters and exciting fight scenes. If you are an anime and sports fan, we highly recommend you check out this series. We are sure you won't regret it!
…to learn boxing to be able to beat him in an official match. Although he is not a top-level boxer, he has demonstrated great skills in the ring, particularly his ability to withstand repeated blows from his opponent.
Characters
Aoki Masaru (青木勝, Aoki Masaru); born: March 25, 1972 Friend of Kimura and Mamoru, Aoki is a naughty and cheeky boy. Given his high percentage of matches won, he believes he is the best of all, which pushes Mamoru and Kimura to make fun of him more than necessary. He threw himself into boxing to avoid family misfortunes, which would have made him a public scandal. He does not shy away from risking his uncertain sporting career to please and help those in difficulty. Although he is less powerful than Kimura and Mamoru, he is a well-balanced boxer with his own unique technique.
Itagaki Manabu (板垣学, Itagaki Manabu); born: January 20, 1976 The youngest in the gym, Itagaki is a boy who is perhaps too confident but always ready to help his teammates. He made fun of Ippo, mistaking him for a bold beginner, before realizing that the boy was very strong despite having no experience. He is always looking for new techniques and styles to improve himself and beat the defender.
Former boxers
Coach Kamogawa Genji (鴨川元治) He is the head of the “Kamogawa” gym and the coach of Ippo, Mamoru, Kimura and Aoki. After meeting Takamura, he saves his life at the cost of being injured in one eye; this event gave rise to the idea in both of them of opening a gym to alleviate at least some of the social ills of their neighborhood. As head coach he is a serious and determined person, although a little gruff.
Nekota Gimpachi He is a former boxer who, in his youth, stood out for his physical and technical prowess. He then became friends with Kamogawa and, after retiring from the ring, opened a grocery store in the old neighborhood, then supporting Ippo in some crucial moments of his growth and battles.
Hama Dankichi He is a former boxer, nicknamed Hawk after eliminating many opponents, with Kamogawa in his corner, and managed to cross him while also ringing the bell.
Miyata (father)
opponents
Ichiro Miyata (宮田一郎, Miyata Ichirō); born: August 18, 1972 Slightly elusive, he chose to join another gym. Back in high school, he was already fantasizing about extending his path as a professional, without knowing that he would end up getting sharper. His best (and only) proof of the Dempsey roll.
Alexander Volg Zangief (シャルンゴ・ヴォルグ・ザンギエフ, Sharungo Vorugu Zangiefu); born: 21 September 1974
Technical Sheet of the Anime and Manga “Hajime no Ippo”
Gender
- Action
- sports
- Comedy
- slice of life
Manga
- Author: George morikawa
- Publisher: Kodansha
- Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Magazine
- target: Shonen
- 1st Edition: October 1989
- Tankōbon: 138 volumes (in progress)
Anime TV Series “Hajime no Ippo”
- Directed by: Satoshi Nishimura
- Animation Studio: Madhouse
- Transmission Network: Nippon television
- First TV: October 3, 2000 - March 27, 2002
- Number of Episodes: 76 (complete series)
- Duration per Episode: 30 minutes
Anime TV Series “Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger”
- Directed by: Jun Shishido
- Animation Studio: Madhouse
- Transmission Network: Nippon television
- First TV: 6 January – 30 June 2009
- Number of Episodes: 26 (complete series)
- Duration per Episode: 30 minutes
Anime TV Series “Hajime no Ippo: Rising”
- Directed by: Shishido Jun
- Animation Studio: Madhouse, MAP
- Transmission Network: Nippon television
- First TV: October 6, 2013 - March 29, 2014
- Number of Episodes: 25 (complete series)
- Duration per Episode: 22 minutes
“Hajime no Ippo” is a highly successful manga and anime that combines elements of action, sports, comedy and everyday life, focusing on the world of boxing. The series is renowned for its accurate and engaging portrayal of sport, as well as the depth of its characters and their evolution.
