“Hajime no Ippo,” originally released in 2000 and animated by Madhouse, stands as a timeless masterpiece in the realm of sports anime. Created by George Morikawa, this series has garnered a dedicated following worldwide for its compelling storyline, dynamic characters, and intense boxing action
The Story of Hajime no Ippo
Set in the world of boxing, “Hajime no Ippo” follows the journey of Ippo Makunouchi, a timid high school student who discovers a passion for boxing after being saved from bullies by a professional boxer. Inspired by this encounter, Ippo embarks on a transformative journey to become a formidable boxer himself. The series intricately weaves together themes of perseverance, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams, making it a gripping watch for both sports enthusiasts and anime fans alike
Media
Manga
Written and illustrated by George Morikawa, “Hajime no Ippo” debuted in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine on October 11, 1989. As of February 2024, it has published over 1,400 chapters across 140 tankōon volumes in Japan, making it one of the longest-running manga series. The series celebrated its 1000th chapter milestone in December 2012 and continues to captivate fans with its gripping portrayal of boxing and character development.
In June 2021, “Hajime no Ippo” made its digital debut after 33 years of print publication, with Kodansha releasing the series digitally in English on their K Manga service. This move has brought the beloved series to new audiences, ensuring its legacy endures in the digital age
Anime
“Hajime no Ippo,” based on George Morikawa’s manga, has seen successful anime adaptations. The first series aired from October 2000 to March 2002, followed by a television film and an OVA. “New Challenger” aired in 2009, and “Rising,” the third season, ran from 2013 to 2014. Despite initial DVD sales challenges in North America, the series gained a dedicated fanbase. In 2020, Discotek Media released the series on Blu-ray, including the TV film and OVA, marking its first North American digital release
Music
The music for the first anime series was composed by Tsuneo Imahori, who also did the third opening theme song. Tracks of guitars, drums, piano, horns, and combinations of the instruments were used to help accentuate the mood and action of the scenes. The soundtrack was released in Japan on two CDs, First KO and Final Round. The music for the second series was composed by Yoshihisa Hirano. In the third series, Yoshihisa Hirano and Tsuneo Imahori are credited for the music
In conclusion, Hajime no Ippo continues to stand as a shining example of what makes sports anime compelling: relatable characters, thrilling action, and heartfelt storytelling.If you are a fan of the movie Hajime no Ippo, you can buy Hajime no Ippo merch & Gifts at Hajime no Ippo Shop
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