Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit)

Watch Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit)

  • TV-PG
  • 1989
  • 3 Seasons
  • 8.8  (10,645)

Hajime no Ippo, also known as Fighting Spirit, is an anime based on a manga series that aired on NTV from 2000-2002. The series revolves around Ippo Makunouchi, a shy and introverted high school student who is frequently bullied by his classmates. One day, he is rescued by a professional boxer named Mamoru Takamura, who introduces him to the world of boxing.

Despite having no prior experience in boxing, Ippo discovers that he has a natural talent for the sport thanks to his powerful punches and incredible endurance. With the help of Takamura and his gym mates at the Kamogawa Boxing Gym, Ippo works hard to hone his skills and climb the ranks of the boxing world.

Throughout the course of the series, Ippo faces off against a wide variety of opponents, ranging from skilled veterans to up-and-coming prodigies. Each match is a battle of wills and determination, and every victory brings Ippo one step closer to his dream of becoming a world champion.

One of the defining features of Hajime no Ippo is its raw, visceral portrayal of boxing matches. The series goes to great lengths to accurately depict the physical toll that boxing takes on the human body, as well as the strategic aspects of the sport. Every fight is meticulously choreographed and animated, with the camera angles and sound design helping to accentuate the impact of each blow.

But while the boxing matches are undoubtedly the main draw of the show, what sets Hajime no Ippo apart from other sports anime is its focus on character development. Every member of the Kamogawa Boxing Gym has their own unique personality and backstory, and the series takes great care to explore how their experiences both in and out of the ring have shaped them as people. Even the opponents that Ippo faces are given their own time in the spotlight, with several of them receiving multi-episode arcs that delve into their motivations and struggles.

The voice acting in the English dub of the series is top-notch, with Steve Staley delivering a standout performance as Ippo. Richard Epcar and Grant George also do an excellent job as Takamura and Ippo's rival, Miyata Ichirou, respectively. The dub script stays faithful to the original Japanese dialogue while still managing to sound natural and fluid.

Overall, Hajime no Ippo is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys sports anime, or anyone who appreciates a good underdog story. With its compelling characters, intense action, and heartfelt themes of perseverance and camaraderie, it's no surprise that this series has become a beloved classic in the genre.

Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit) is a series that ran for 3 seasons (93 episodes) between October 11, 1989 and on NTV

Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit)
Filter by Source

Do you have Hulu?
What are you waiting for?
Nice! Browse Hulu with Yidio.
Ad Info - This show may not be available on Hulu
Seasons
A Vow
25. A Vow
March 30, 2014
Kamogawa resorts to pounding a log with his bare fists as he trains to face Anderson and avenge Nekota. Anderson rediscovers his pride as a boxer and brings Miguel along as his cornerman. Everything comes down to this!
Flower of Hope
22. Flower of Hope
March 8, 2014
And old photo and a little prodding from Ippo and Aoki prompts Coach Kamogawa and Nekota to take a trip down memory lane. Theirs is a tale of hope, frustration, and ultimately redemption in the early days of postwar Japan.
Hawk vs. Eagle
19. Hawk vs. Eagle
February 16, 2014
It's finally time for the main event, Takamura Mamoru vs. David Eagle! The challenger is full of vim and vigor, but even in the face of Takamura's fury, Eagle's face remains calm and collected.
Eleki's Shocker and Papaya's Coconut
17. Eleki's Shocker and Papaya's Coconut
February 1, 2014
It's time for Kimura and Aoki to step into the ring at the Yokohama Arena! Kimura's up first, and nerves come into play as he stands before a huge crowd for the first time. Then when Aoki's turn comes up, he finds himself perplexed by a boxer every bit as unorthodox as himself! Can the duo set the right tone for Takamura's title match?!
Powerful Arms! Hooks vs. Uppercut!
14. Powerful Arms! Hooks vs. Uppercut!
January 12, 2014
Ippo vs Jason.
The Eastern Japan Rookie Championship Tournament Begins
13. The Eastern Japan Rookie Championship Tournament Begins
January 5, 2014
Ippo and his opponent Jason prepare for the first match of the Rookie King Tournament.
Fearless challenger
11. Fearless challenger
December 29, 2013
Sawamura's blatant fouls and bullet-like left jabs leave Ippo scrambling to establish some kind of rhythm. He stubbornly forces his way inside, but is he charging headfirst into a trap?
The Face of Determination
10. The Face of Determination
February 25, 2021
As the fight with Sawamura draws near, Ippo has pinned all his hopes on the newly-evolved Dempsey Roll, to the point where practicing it has left him worn out and overtrained. Left with a dire warning from his massage therapist about the toll his new move is taking, will Ippo be able to perfect his technique in time for the fight?!
A Savage Scenario
9. A Savage Scenario
December 1, 2013
Volg has return to Japan to take back his boxing gloves from Ippo. He hopes to travel to America, but with no contacts there he must rely on Coach Kamogawa to introduce him to someone. The gang at the gym asks Volg to spar with Ippo to help him prepare for the Sawamura fight, but after such a long time away from the ring, can the Russian get in fighting shape in time?
The Mad Dog and The Red Wolf
8. The Mad Dog and The Red Wolf
November 24, 2013
Ippo's next title defense is confirmed to be against Sawamura Ryuuhei, and after realizing the Dempsey Roll is vulnerable to counter punches, Ippo realizes he doesn't stand a chance. His only option is to somehow evolve the Dempsey Roll into a more effective move, but as he mulls over exactly how to do it, a surprisingly familiar face appears in front of him.
Cheese Champion
7. Cheese Champion
November 16, 2013
Sendou Takeshi, the "Naniwa Tiger," returns to the ring! But it's his sparring partner, Sawamura Ryuuhei, who knocks Ippo for a loop when he calls the Dempsey Roll a "clumsy technique" and declares he's gunning for the Featherweight Title!
The Opening Bell of the Rematch
6. The Opening Bell of the Rematch
February 25, 2021
Ippo and Miyata face off in a rematch.
3 Months to Counter
5. 3 Months to Counter
February 25, 2021
Ippo trains for a rematch.
The Goddess of Victory
4. The Goddess of Victory
October 26, 2013
After an infuriating face-off with Imae, Aoki turns to his girlfriend Tomiko for comfort. Meanwhile, Imae chooses to focus all his energy on boxing and his upcoming title defense, rebuffing his former girlfriend Sachiko’s attempts to rekindle their romance. Will Tomiko’s support carry Aoki to victory, or will Imae’s intense focus keep the belt on his waist?
Fruits of Labor
2. Fruits of Labor
February 25, 2021
Ippo is granted his first sparring session.
Description
Where to Watch Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit)
Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit) is available for streaming on the NTV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit) on demand at Amazon Prime, Netflix and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    October 11, 1989
  • IMDB Rating
    8.8  (10,645)