Hajime no Ippo

George Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo (literally "The First Step") has been serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine since October 1989. The story introduces Ippo Makunouchi, a shy high school student frequently bullied by classmates. After being rescued by professional boxer Mamoru Takamura, Ippo is taken to the Kamogawa Boxing Gym, where he discovers a natural talent for punching. Under the stern yet caring eye of trainer Genji Kamogawa, he begins a rigorous training regimen that transforms him from a timid teenager into a determined professional boxer.

The manga balances technically precise ring action with character-driven drama and comedy. Ippo's growth is mirrored in his relationships with fellow boxers, including the loud Takamura, the disciplined Masaru Aoki, and the quiet Tatsuya Kimura. His opponents become recurring figures, each with distinct styles and motivations. Morikawa's extensive research into boxing gives the fights a realism that has drawn praise from actual boxers and trainers. The series won the Kodansha Manga Award in 1991 in the shōnen category and had sold over 100 million copies by 2023, with 145 collected volumes as of January 2026.

Several anime adaptations have brought the story to screen. Madhouse produced the first 76-episode series from 2000 to 2002, followed by the Champion Road TV film and an OVA in 2003. Two sequel series, New Challenger (2009) and Rising (2013-2014), adapted later arcs. In North America, Geneon released the original series under the title Fighting Spirit in 2003; Discotek Media re-licensed it in 2020.[edit]