A first chapter that catches you, you can feel what Ippo feels and above all his frustration and as he says, "it feels like being strong", it is something that catches you

rainliefers

4 mo

Verified

the fights are amazing

spiritgun

4 mo

Takamura the undisputed beetle puncher saves Makunouchi from bullies. Episode starts slow for me so 3.5 stars but it definitely gets better

Episode Context

Hajime no Ippo opens with a quiet, grounded premiere that earns its emotional weight through patience rather than spectacle. This is a character-first introduction to Ippo Makunouchi, a gentle, overworked high school kid whose world revolves around helping his mother run a fishing boat. The tone is contemplative and warm, with an undercurrent of restless potential simmering beneath Ippo's unassuming exterior. Mamoru Takamura enters the picture as a force of nature, offering Ippo his first real glimpse of what strength and purpose look like. Madhouse sets a deliberate pace here, prioritizing emotional foundation over flashy action. Expect themes of self-worth, quiet determination, and the very first spark of transformation. It's a slow burn, but every frame is laying groundwork that pays off enormously down the line.

Runtime23 min

Filler StatusCanon

Plot ImportanceHIGH

Air DateOct 4, 2000

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