Hajime no Ippo はじめの一歩

Hajime no Ippo Review (Rating: 4/5)

Overview

Hajime no Ippo is a Japanese boxing manga created by George Morikawa. It has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine since 1989 and has exceeded 140 volumes — one of the longest-running manga series in history.
While focusing on the sport of boxing, the series explores universal themes such as growth, effort, and friendship. Its combination of intense sports action and deeply human storytelling has made it a cornerstone of the sports manga genre.
(Reference: Wikipedia – Hajime no Ippo)

---

Synopsis

The story follows Ippo Makunouchi, a shy and kind-hearted high school student who is constantly bullied. One day, he is saved by professional boxer Mamoru Takamura, and this encounter changes his life.
Ippo begins training at the Kamogawa Boxing Gym and discovers a natural talent for boxing. Through relentless effort and a burning desire to improve, he grows stronger, faces new rivals, and gradually rises through the professional ranks.
The manga traces Ippo’s journey — his victories, defeats, and the meaning of fighting itself.

---

Main Characters

Ippo Makunouchi — The protagonist. A humble and hardworking young man who finds confidence and purpose through boxing. His signature move is the powerful Dempsey Roll.
Mamoru Takamura — A genius boxer from Kamogawa Gym and Ippo’s mentor figure. He is arrogant yet incredibly talented, serving as both a guide and a source of inspiration.
Genji Kamogawa — The gym’s founder and coach. A tough but caring former boxer who trains Ippo and Takamura with deep passion and discipline.

---

Story Development

In the early chapters, we see Ippo learn the basics of boxing — his training, first sparring sessions, and the exhilaration of stepping into the ring. Every match feels authentic, with emotional highs and lows that capture the reality of sports.
As the story progresses, Ippo’s journey takes him through fierce rivalries, title matches, and dreams of the world stage.
Over time, Hajime no Ippo evolves beyond being a mere sports manga. It becomes a meditation on purpose, courage, and the meaning of perseverance.

---

What Makes This Manga Special

The true strength of Hajime no Ippo lies in its powerful fight scenes and deep character storytelling.
Each match is filled with tension and energy — you can almost feel the punches and the exhaustion of the fighters. At the same time, every opponent has a personal story, making each battle emotionally meaningful.
The manga also provides realistic explanations of boxing techniques and strategies, allowing readers to understand the sport while being entertained.
However, due to its long serialization, the pacing has slowed in recent years. Even so, its core themes of passion, determination, and human connection remain as strong as ever.

---

My Thoughts

Hajime no Ippo represents the “gold standard” of boxing manga. Just as Captain Tsubasa defined soccer manga and Slam Dunk defined basketball manga, Ippo defines boxing.
It carefully follows the protagonist’s growth — from a beginner to a champion — capturing all the emotions of effort, failure, and triumph.
Every major character has a backstory that adds weight to their matches, turning fights into life stories rather than mere competitions.
The depiction of boxing itself is stunning. The intensity of each match draws you in completely — you feel every impact, every decision, every heartbeat.
That said, after such a long run, the series has begun to show signs of slowing down. As a long-time reader, I simply hope the story reaches a satisfying conclusion worthy of Ippo’s incredible journey.

---

Conclusion

Hajime no Ippo is not just a sports manga — it is a story about human growth, discipline, and the pursuit of purpose.
Its thrilling matches and memorable characters continue to inspire readers around the world.
Despite the challenges of long serialization, its energy and heart remain intact.
Even if you know nothing about boxing, this manga is a powerful and emotional journey worth taking.