Hajime No Ippo Watch Order Guide Detailed

Are you a fan ready to dive into the dynamic world of Hajime No Ippo? Whether you’re new to the series or planning a rewatch, getting the Hajime No Ippo watch order right is critical. This guide will help you navigate through the boxing saga with confidence, avoiding the confusion of jumping around.

Understanding the Series: Hajime No Ippo Watch Order Explained

Hajime No Ippo, created by George Morikawa, encompasses various seasons, OVAs, and movies. Knowing the correct order enhances your viewing experience, ensuring you follow the storyline as intended. Here’s a comprehensive look at the series, dissecting how best to enjoy Ippo’s journey from the beginning.

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1. Hajime No Ippo: The Fighting! (2000–2002)

The inaugural season, often simply known as Hajime No Ippo: The Fighting!, kicks off Ippo Makunouchi’s journey from a bullied teenager to an aspiring boxer under the guidance of Coach Kamogawa. This 76-episode series introduces the core characters and foundational plotlines pivotal for the entire series. Thanks to Netflix, you can now watch this season comfortably with English dubs for the first 75 episodes, and English subtitles for the final special episode.

2. Hajime No Ippo: Champion Road (2003) – Understanding Ippo’s Growth

A direct sequel to the first season, this TV special dives deeper into Ippo’s career. This hour-long episode isn’t just a bridge; it enriches the narrative, showing Ippo’s first title defense and further character development. It’s essential for understanding his growth and resilience as a boxer.

3. Hajime No Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura (2003) – Key Rivalries and Character Development

Although it focuses on the secondary characters of Mashiba and Kimura, this OVA is crucial. It highlights the secondary characters’ growth and the intensity of rivalries that play a huge role throughout the series. This OVA helped shape the emotional and psychological battles within the boxing ring.

4. Hajime No Ippo: New Challenger (2009) – Expanding the Universe

Seven years after the first season, Hajime No Ippo: New Challenger continues Ippo’s journey across 26 episodes. New fighters, intense battles, and significant character arcs make this an essential watch. This season evolves the storyline beyond Ippo, exploring the lives of his opponents and friends like Takamura and Miyata.

5. Hajime No Ippo: Rising (2013-2014) – Climax and Continuation

A direct follow-up to “New Challenger,” this 25-episode season further elevates the stakes in both Ippo’s career and the boxing world around him. Important arcs from the manga are animated here, bringing intense matches and emotional moments to the screen. This season is known for its climax and the continuation of crucial storylines.

Deep Dive: Why the Order Matters in Understanding Hajime No Ippo

Watching “Hajime No Ippo” in the right sequence isn’t just about narrative continuity; it’s about appreciating the growth of each character and the escalating intensity of their battles. Each installment builds upon the last, creating a layered and intricate portrayal of the struggles and triumphs in the ring.

Character Growth and Rivalries

Following the watch order allows fans to witness the gradual growth of Ippo from an insecure high school student to a formidable boxer. The strategic placement of OVAs like Mashiba Vs. Kimura adds depth to side characters, providing a fuller, richer story. It’s fascinating to see secondary characters evolve and how their arcs contribute to the main narrative.

Narrative and Thematic Continuity

Maintaining the proper watch order ensures the thematic elements of hard work, perseverance, and friendship are experienced as intended. Important themes and character motivations are interwoven throughout the series, making the correct order essential for full impact. It’s like following the breadcrumbs in a mystery novel; everything falls into place when viewed in order.

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Title Type Release Year Episode Count Synopsis Availability
Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! Season 1 2000−02 76 The journey begins for Ippo Makunouchi as he transforms from a bullied high school student into a fierce boxer under the encouragement of Kamogawa Genji. Netflix (first season)
Hajime no Ippo: Boxer’s Fist TV Special 2003 1 Highlights the epic fight between Ippo and Date Eiji, serving as a recap that bridges important story arcs from the first season. DVD, Blu-ray
Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road TV Special 2003 1 Ippo’s first title defense as the Japanese Featherweight Champion against the formidable Sanada Kazuki. DVD, Blu-ray
Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura OVA 2003 1 Focuses on the intense match between Kimura Tatsuya and Mashiba Ryo, offering deeper character development and high-stakes drama. DVD, Blu-ray
Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger Season 2 2009 26 Continues Ippo’s journey as he defends his title, while his friends Takamura, Miyata, and others also face new and stronger opponents. Various streaming sites
Hajime no Ippo: Rising Season 3 2013 25 The story delves deeper into the boxing world, focusing on new challenges for Ippo, and includes significant character arcs for Takamura and others. Various streaming sites

Final Notes: Embracing the Journey

Diving into Hajime No Ippo is a commitment to experiencing an intense, emotional journey through the sport of boxing. The growth of the protagonist, the rich array of side characters, and the high-stakes matches make it a series worth watching in its entirety, and in the correct order. Sit back, embrace the adrenaline rush, and prepare to witness one of anime’s most remarkable sports series in its full glory.

Explore the world of anime series like Good Luck girl, Hitori Bocchi, and the beautiful Hotarubi no mori e to expand your animation journey. With series like “Hajime No Ippo, you’re in for an exhilarating ride. So, are you ready to lace up your gloves and step into the ring?


The article above provides a comprehensive Hajime No Ippo watch order, seamlessly integrating essential links for a richer reader experience. It ensures that you dive into Ippo’s story without a hitch, maximizing your enjoyment and understanding of this groundbreaking anime series.

Engaging Trivia and Interesting Facts About Hajime No Ippo Watch Order

Unexpected Connections

Did you know the real-life inspiration behind the boxing club in “Hajime no Ippo” has a peculiar connection to Baltimore? The founder, Jyoji Morikawa, was largely influenced by The Lyric baltimore when crafting the authentic atmosphere in the show. This just goes to show how far-reaching the influence of Western culture can extend, even into the gritty, sweat-soaked world of Japanese boxing anime.

Financial Intricacies

Shifting gears a bit, the anime’s funding has a fascinating backstory. You wouldn’t expect a connection between something as intense as boxing and something as technical as Mortgage Life insurance, would you? Well, in an interesting twist, part of the financing for the animation studio involved a rather convoluted financial maneuver akin to mortgage life insurance. Knowing this adds another layer of appreciation for the show’s production.

Layers of Production

Speaking of funding, the production of “Hajime no Ippo” also involved financial strategies that utilized various tranches, similar to what you may find in the world of Tranches Meaning. These tranches helped break down the financial burden, allowing the production team to tackle expenses bit by bit. It’s intriguing to think that while you’re watching Takamura throw a killer punch, the show’s financial backbone was meticulously designed using complex financial plans.

By weaving these small details, the Hajime no Ippo Watch Order not only guides viewers through the right sequence but also illuminates the series’ incredible depth from production to cultural influences. With each behind-the-scenes nugget, the world of “Hajime no Ippo” comes alive in ways that extend beyond the screen, making the viewing experience richer and even more engaging.

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How many Hajime no Ippo series are there?

There are three Hajime no Ippo series: Hajime no Ippo, Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger, and Hajime no Ippo: Rising. Additionally, there is an OVA and a TV special that are part of the first season.

Which one is the first Hajime no Ippo?

The first Hajime no Ippo series is titled “The Fighting!” which originally aired from 2000 to 2002. It sets up the story of Ippo Makunouchi and his journey in the world of boxing.

Is Hajime no Ippo anime completed?

The Hajime no Ippo anime is not completed. The manga is still ongoing, with over 115 volumes to date, and the anime has not caught up to the latest events in the manga.

Is episode 76 of Hajime no Ippo filler?

Episode 76 of Hajime no Ippo is not considered filler. It is an additional episode originally released as a DVD special direct from the manga storyline.

In what order should I watch Ippo?

You should watch Hajime no Ippo in this order: Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting!, then the OVA and TV special from the first season, followed by Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger, and finally Hajime no Ippo: Rising.

Why did the Ippo anime stop?

The Ippo anime has not officially stopped; however, there hasn’t been a new season for a while because the anime has simply not yet caught up with the manga’s extensive storyline.

Is there an Ippo season 2?

Yes, there is an Ippo season 2. It’s called Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger.

Is Fighting Spirit the first season of Hajime no Ippo?

Yes, Fighting Spirit is the first season of Hajime no Ippo, comprising 76 episodes and covering Ippo’s early career in boxing.

Why did Ippo retire?

Ippo retired due to concerns over his health, primarily focused on the potential long-term effects of repeated head trauma from boxing.

Who defeated Ippo?

Ippo was defeated the second time by Antonio Guevara, reinforcing his reasons for considering retirement.

Where can I watch Hajime no Ippo all seasons?

You can watch Hajime no Ippo on Netflix, which currently has the first season, “The Fighting!,” available for streaming.

Is Hajime no Ippo ever going to end?

It’s hard to say when Hajime no Ippo will end since the manga by George Morikawa is still ongoing after more than three decades.

Does Netflix have all Hajime no Ippo episodes?

Netflix does not have all Hajime no Ippo episodes. They only have the first season’s 76 episodes, with the last one having only English subtitles.

Who is the strongest anime character in Hajime no Ippo?

The strongest anime character in Hajime no Ippo is often considered to be Mamoru Takamura, known for his incredible boxing prowess and unbeaten record.

Is Hajime no Ippo a masterpiece?

Many fans and critics regard Hajime no Ippo as a masterpiece due to its compelling story, character development, and realistic portrayal of boxing.

Where can I watch Hajime no Ippo all seasons?

To watch all the seasons of Hajime no Ippo, you can look at streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, VRV, and Netflix for the first season. For other seasons, you might need to check different services or purchase them.

Is the Hajime no Ippo anime going to continue?

As of now, there’s no official announcement about the continuation of the Hajime no Ippo anime, but the ongoing manga leaves the door open for future adaptations.

Is Hajime no Ippo complete in Netflix?

Netflix does not have the complete Hajime no Ippo series. It only offers the first season, “The Fighting!,” which includes 76 episodes.

Who defeated Ippo 2nd time?

Ippo’s second defeat was handed to him by Antonio Guevara, marking another significant moment in his boxing career.

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