Episode list

Season 1: The Fighting! (2000−2002)

The first season, Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting!, is 76 episodes and covers Chapters
1-269 of the original manga (Volume 1 to Volume 30).

The first season was then followed by two TV films Champion Road and Mashiba vs.
Kimura which collectively cover Chapters 270-314 (Volume 31 to Volume 35).

Round Episode Name Directed by Written by Original air date

1 "THE FIRST STEP" Kenichi Kawamura Tatsuhiko Urahata October 3, 2000
Ippo Makunouchi is a shy young man who works with his mother, Hiroko on their
fishing boat business while he attends school, so he has no time to hang out with
friends. One day, as Ippo is walking home, he is approached by Masahiko Umezawa and
two other bullies. They start beating him up and make fun of him and his mother.
Suddenly, a jogger walks by and scares the bullies away. Ippo loses consciousness
so the jogger takes him to the boxing gym where he works out in and heals his
injuries. When he wakes up, Ippo is amazed by all the boxers working out. The
jogger then test tries to get Ippo to punch a punching bag with the bully's face
drawn on it. Even though his hand gets bruised, the jogger notices Ippo has a very
strong punch. He gives him some world championship boxing tapes to look over and
sends him home. Inspired by the tapes, Ippo seeks out the jogger, Mamoru Takamura,
who is a middle-weight professional boxer, and begs him to train him in order to
fulfill his dream of becoming a professional boxer. To test him, Takamura kicks a
tree and catches many leaves in his hand, using his lightning-fast jabs. He tells
Ippo that if he can do the same, he will train him.
2 "Fruits of Labor"
Transcription: "Doryoku no seika (Results of Great Effort)" (Japanese: 努力の成果)
Saburō Hashimoto Tatsuhiko Urahata October 10, 2000
Ippo's goal was to catch 10 leaves, with only a week to do so. While balancing
school and work, Ippo also practiced his jabs. Finally, he figured out not only to
increase the speed of his jabs, but also caught all 10 leaves in his left hand.
Impressed, Takamura then assigns Ippo to work out his muscles, body and running
speed for one month. Once done, Takamura takes Ippo back to the gym to test out his
skills. His first test was to spar with a rookie the same age as Ippo, Ichiro
Miyata.
3 "Tears of Joy"
Transcription: "Ureshi namida (Happy Tears)" (Japanese: うれし涙) Hitoshi Nanba
Tatsuhiko Urahata October 17, 2000
At first, it seems that Ippo could not keep up with Miyata, given the fact that the
latter is more experienced. Ippo keeps taking hit after hit and gets knocked down
twice. After receiving some advice from Takamura, Ippo keeps getting back up to
fight. To everyone's surprise, Ippo keeps absorbing Miyata's punches. Suddenly,
Miyata hits Ippo's chin, causing his brain to move back and forth. However, Ippo
was able to keep up with Miyata's movements, but unfortunately lost to Miyata's
superior skills. However, the owner of the gym, Genji Kamogawa, was impressed by
Ippo's determination and decides to train him every day in the gym.
4 "Shadow Boxing"
Transcription: "Shadō bokushingu (Shadow Boxing)" (Japanese: シャドーボクシング)
Nanako Shimazaki Daisuke Aranishi October 24, 2000
Ippo finally begins his training in the gym. First, Kamogawa himself, helps Ippo to
focus on his jabs and the one-two technique. After getting the hang of it, Kamogawa
instructs Ippo to practice shadow boxing. Though some patrons in the gym show him
how to do it, Ippo tries again and again. However, as he watches Miyata sparring,
he starts to finally understand how to shadow box. Takamura and Kamogawa realize
what a great talent Ippo has, but Miyata feels jealousy towards him.
5 "3 Months to Counter"
(Japanese: カウンターへの 3 ヶ月) Toshiharu Sato Kazuyuki Fudeyasu October 31, 2000
Ippo begins training with coach Kamogawa for about three months in order to prepare
for a rematch with Miyata. During that time, he begins working on more techniques.
Also, he learns more about Miyata's father, who was a former professional boxer who
believes in skill surpassing power. However, in his final match, he lost and
realised that that power surpasses skill. Since then, Miyata is trying to prove
that his father's way of boxing is correct. After more training, Ippo is finally
ready for his rematch with Miyata.
6 "The Opening Bell of the Rematch"
Transcription: "Saisen no gongu (Gong of the Rematch)" (Japanese: 再戦のゴング)
Yasuo Iwamoto Kenji Sugihara November 7, 2000
A representative from a boxing magazine comes to Kamogawa's Gym on the same day
Ippo and Miyata have their rematch. With Takamura as referee, the rematch begins.
Both fighters begin their four-round match, each displaying their progress during
the last three months. Each one knocking each other once, taking their audience's
breath away.
7 "The Destructive Force of 1 cm"
Transcription: "1 cm no hakairyoku (Destructive Power of 1cm)" (Japanese: 1cm の破壊
力) Yūji Yamaguchi Tatsuhiko Urahata November 14, 2000
Ippo and Miyata's match continue. After Ippo gets knocked down, he struggles to get
back up. Once he gets up, Ippo continues with his assault. The punches keep on
flying, but then Miyata changes strategies in order to slow down Ippo's movements,
which succeeds. After a few more hits, Ippo finally gets his chance and launches an
uppercut, grazing Miyata's chin. This causes Miyata to fall to his knees, losing
due to a K.O. Even though Miyata felt humilitated, his father still thought he had
a good fight. Ippo went to bed later that night, feeling proud.
8 "Promise to Meet Again"
Transcription: "Saikai no yakusoku (Promise of Another Meeting)" (Japanese: 再会の約
束) Akira Mano Yasuko Kamo November 21, 2000
With Miyata nowhere to be found, Ippo seems distracted in his training, so Kamogawa
sends him to train with Takamura. Ippo experiences all the hardship his mentor
endures since he prepares for a championship match. Takamura easily defeats his
opponent due to his training and diet. Outside, Ippo meets Miyata, who informs him
that he is quitting Kamogawa's Gym and promises to meet Ippo in the ring as
professional boxers.
9 "C Class License"
Transcription: "C kyū raisensu (C Class License)" (Japanese: C 級ライセンス) Rokō
Ogiwara Hiroshi Mori November 28, 2000
Ippo finally applies to get his featherweight boxing license, with Takamura tagging
along. During the exam, he meets Ryo Mashiba, a ruthless boxer with a deadly combo.
Six months after he began his training, Ippo finally gained his license. Even his
former bullies are no match for his speed. Back at Kamogawa's Gym, Ippo is about to
learn the name of his opponent in his debut match.
10 "Debut Match!"
Transcription: "Debyū sen! (Debut Fight!)" (Japanese: デビュー戦!) Mitsuyuki Masuhara
Ryōsuke Nakamura December 5, 2000
Ippo's first opponent is Yosuke Oda. However, Oda is more focused on goofing off
and going out with his coach's daughter. He also seemed to be overconfident.
Unfortunately for Oda, Keiko, his girlfriend, decides to break up with him if he
loses his match, due to him losing his passion for the sport. Oda decides to
dedicate the next week to train as much as he can in preparation for the match. The
day finally arrives and both Ippo and Oda get into the ring with cheering fans all
around them.
11 "Obsession for Victory"
Transcription: "Shōri no shūnen (Tenacity to Win)" (Japanese: 勝利への執念へ)
Shinichi Tsuji Daisuke Aranishi December 12, 2000
The four round match finally begins. Each fighter delivers harsh blow after harsh
blow, with their teams shouting advice. Miyata arrives secretly to watch the match.
However, Oda's hook actually cuts Ippo's left side of the face around his eye. The
doctor warns him that if he bleeds again, he will lose with a technical K.O.
Unwilling to let that happen, Ippo goes all out to take out Oda, and he does with
his most powerful jabs, earning him victory. In the locker room, Oda swears to
continue training and Keiko, having forgiven him, urges him to continue working
hard. Ippo and his friends celebrate after the match.
12 "Becoming a Bully's Buddy"
Transcription: "(Violent Friend Announcement)" (Japanese: 手荒なダチ宣言) Yasuhiro
Matsumura
Jun Shishido Kazuyuki Fudeyasu December 19, 2000
Ippo's second match is against Yoshio Fujigawa. However, Umezawa and his two
friends actually go to Ippo's match to cheer him on. After working on a new
guarding technique, Ippo seems to be on top. However, his opponent starts to play
dirty by cheating. But, Ippo's determination allows him to fight back and break his
opponent's guard with a mighty uppercut. The next day, Umezawa decides to become
Ippo's friend and tells everyone about Ippo's mighty victory.
13 "The Eastern Japan Rookie Championship Tournament Begins"
Transcription: "Kaimaku, higashi nippon shinjin Ō sen (Curtain Rises, Eastern Japan
Rookie-of-the-Year Fight)" (Japanese: 開幕、東日本新人王戦) Nanako Shimazaki Kenji
Sugihara December 26, 2000
The Rookie Championship is about to begin. Ippo's first opponent is an American
soldier, Jason Ozma, who is based in Japan. To prepare for the match, Ippo trains
with Takamura while practicing to dodge hooks and uppercuts. Ozma, on the other
hand, trains for the people he came to know in the Japanese gym where he was based.
14 "Powerful Arms! Hooks vs. Uppercut!"
(Japanese: 強腕!フック vs アッパー!) Akira Mano Ryōsuke Nakamura January 9, 2001
Ippo and Ozma begin their match. Both of them give powerful blows, each surprising
one another. Each boxer tries to think of a strategy to take out the other, until
Ozma knocks Ippo down. After a brief moment, he gets up and each counter with a
punch to each other's face. The intensity of the match continues.
15 "Test of Endurance"
Transcription: "Gaman kurabe (Endurance Contest)" (Japanese: 我慢くらべ) Kenichi
Kawamura Kazuyuki Fudeyasu January 16, 2001
The match continues between Ippo and Ozma, with each fighter dealing one crushing
blow after another. Oma manages to knock Ippo down, and it looked like he was down
for the count. However, Ippo managed to get up and continue the assault, following
his coach's advice on pretending like he feels no pain. Ozma is then knocked down
himself. He manages to get up as well. As the fighters continue, Ippo receives one
crushing blow after another, until he ducks and gives a huge uppercut to Ozma's
chest, knocking him down. Ippo wins his first tournament match and thanks Ozma for
the incredible fight. Ozma wishes him luck for his next matches. Both boxers
receive applause and praise from the audience as they leave the ring.
16 "Anticipating a Fierce Fight"
Transcription: "Gekisen no yokan (Presentiment of a Fierce Fight)" (Japanese: 激戦の
予感) Mitsuyuki Masuhara Daisuke Aranishi January 23, 2001
Ippo and Takamura, along with a girl that Ippo has a crush on, sees Miyata's match.
Miyata completely lowered his opponent's guard and quickly took him out.
Afterwards, Ippo and his friends at the gym saw some videos of some of the next
opponents he would face in the tournament. Later, after meeting the girl at a
bakery where she worked, Ippo received a call from Takamura about a training camp
for preparation for his next match.
17 "Ippo on the Beach"
Transcription: "Ippo on za bīchi" (Japanese: イッポ·オン·ザ·ビーチ) Yūzō Satō Yasuko
Kamo January 30, 2001
Ippo, Takamura and their two friends from the gym, Aoki and Kimura go to training
camp, which also involves fun at the beach. After sunset, the gang of four start
running and practicing shadow boxing at their hut. Ippo also learns about movement
with his feet from Takamura, which happened to be Ippo's weakness. After a
fireworks celebration, all four boxers head home.
18 "Clinch"
Transcription: "Kurinchi" (Japanese: クリンチ) Takaaki Ishiyama Hiroshi Mori
 February 6, 2001
19 "Dream of a KO"
Transcription: "KO no yume" (Japanese: KO の夢) Yasuhiro Matsumura
Jun Shishido Kazuyuki Fudeyasu February 13, 2001
20 "The Threat of Shotgun"
Transcription: "Shottogan no kyōi" (Japanese: ショットガンの脅威) Hideo Hayashi
Ryōsuke Nakamura February 20, 2001
21 "The Way to Capture a Prodigy"
Transcription: "Tensai kōryaku no michi (The Way of Capturing a Genius)" (Japanese:
天才攻略の道) Akira Mano Kenji Sugihara February 27, 2001
22 "Forward! Forward!!"
Transcription: "Mae! Mae!! (Forward! Forward!!)" (Japanese: 前へ!前へ!!) Mitsuyuki
Masuhara Yasuko Kamo March 6, 2001
23 "The Other Semi-Final"
Transcription: "Mō hitotsu no junkesshō (One More Semi-Final)" (Japanese: もう一つの
準決勝) Nanako Shimazaki Daisuke Aranishi March 13, 2001
24 "To the Promised Place..."
Transcription: "Yakusoku no basho e (To the Place of Promise)" (Japanese: 約束の場所
へ...) Yoshito Hata Hiroshi Mori March 20, 2001
25 "Grudges, Sorrows & Dreams"
Transcription: "Sorezore no omoi (Each Emotion)" (Japanese: それぞれの想い) Jun
Shishido Kazuyuki Fudeyasu March 27, 2001
26 "The Battle for Distance"
Transcription: "(Kyori no kōbō) Attack and Defense of Distance" (Japanese: 距離の攻
防) Yukina Hiiro Kenji Sugihara April 3, 2001
27 "Death Match"
Transcription: "Shitō (Struggle to the Death)" (Japanese: 死闘) Kenichi Kawamura
Ryōsuke Nakamura April 10, 2001
28 "Victory or Defeat"
Transcription: "Shōhai (Victory or Defeat)" (Japanese: 勝敗) Akira Mano Yasuko
Kamo April 17, 2001
29 "Rocky of Naniwa"
Transcription: "Naniwa no Rocky (Rocky of Naniwa)" (Japanese: 浪速のロッキー)
Shinichi Masaki Daisuke Aranishi April 24, 2001
30 "To Enemy Ground"
Transcription: "Tekichi e (To Enemy Ground)" (Japanese: 敵地へ) Nanako Shimazaki
Ryōsuke Nakamura May 1, 2001
31 "Traces of Intense Battles (recap)"
Transcription: "Gekitō no sokuseki (Footprints of Fierce Fighting)" (Japanese: 激闘
の足跡) Kenichi Kawamura Tatsuhiko Urahata May 8, 2001
32 "Throw Your Right!"
Transcription: "(Right Hits!)" (Japanese: 右を打て!) Jun Shishido Kazuyuki
Fudeyasu May 15, 2001
33 "Smash Force"
Transcription: "Sumasshu no iatsu (Coercion of the Smash)" (Japanese: スマッシュの威
圧) Mitsuyuki Masuhara Kenji Sugihara May 22, 2001
34 "The Rookie King"
Transcription: "Shinjin Ō (Rookie of the Year)" (Japanese: 新人王) Yukina Hiiro
Yasuko Kamo May 29, 2001
35 "The Counting Journey"
Transcription: "(To Go Further on the Journey)" (Japanese: さらなる旅立ち) Akira
Mano Kazuyuki Fudeyasu June 5, 2001
36 "The Champ and I"
Transcription: "Ōja tono deai (Encounter with the King)" (Japanese: 王者との出会い)
Keiji Hayakawa Daisuke Aranishi June 12, 2001
37 "A Thing to Strive For"
Transcription: "Mezasu mono (Something to Aim At)" (Japanese: 目指すもの)
Kentarō Nakamura Kenji Sugihara June 19, 2001
38 "Two Rookies of the Year"
Transcription: "Futari no shinjin ō (Two Rookies of the Year)" (Japanese: 二人の新人
王) Jun Shishido Ryōsuke Nakamura June 27, 2001
39 "Challenge in a Foreign Land"
Transcription: "Ikoku de no chōsen (Challenge in a Foreign Country)" (Japanese: 異
国での挑戦) Yukina Hiiro Kazuyuki Fudeyasu July 4, 2001
40 "A Counter to Surpass All Counters"
Transcription: "(Counter that Surpassed the Counter)" (Japanese: カウンターを超えたカ
ウンター) Yūzō Satō Kenji Sugihara July 11, 2001
41 "Barf-michi's Big Fight"
Transcription: "Barf-michi no tatakai (Barf-michi's Fight)" (Japanese: ゲロ道の戦い)
Masayuki Kojima
Mitsuyuki Masuhara (assistant) Kazuyuki Fudeyasu July 18, 2001
42 "Sharing a Dream"
Transcription: "Yume e no kyōkan (Sympathy to Dream)" (Japanese: 夢への共感) Akira
Mano
Mitsuyuki Masuhara (assistant) Yasuko Kamo July 25, 2001
43 "The Speed Star"
Transcription: "THE SPEED STAR" Hiromitsu Morita Daisuke Aranishi August 1,
2001
44 "Blind Spot in the Ring"
Transcription: "Ringu no shikaku (Blind spot of the Ring)" (Japanese: リングの死角)
Yoshito Hata Ryōsuke Nakamura August 8, 2001
45 "The White Fangs of the Wolf"
Transcription: "Ōkami no shiroi kiba (White Fangs of the Wolf vega)" (Japanese: 狼
の白い牙) Nanako Shimazaki Kazuyuki Fudeyasu August 15, 2001
46 "Be the Gazelle"
Transcription: "(Become the Gazelle!)" (Japanese: かもしかになれ!) Jun Shishido
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu August 22, 2001
47 "The Fighting Spirit Within"
Transcription: "(Concealed Fighting Spirit)" (Japanese: 秘められた闘志) Mihiro
Yamaguchi Kenji Sugihara August 29, 2001
48 "The Red Wolf"
Transcription: "Akai ōkami (Red Wolf)" (Japanese: 赤い狼) Yoshio Suzuki
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu September 5, 2001
49 "The Courage to Believe"
Transcription: "(Courage to Trust)" (Japanese: 信頼する勇気) Yukina Hiiro
Daisuke Aranishi September 19, 2001
50 "Something to Convey"
Transcription: "(What I want to Say)" (Japanese: 伝えたいこと) Kentarō Nakamura
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu September 26, 2001
51 "The Group Date"
Transcription: "Gōkon (Joint party)" (Japanese: 合コン) Mitsuyuki Masuhara
Yasuko Kamo October 3, 2001
52 "The Challenger (recap)"
Transcription: "Chōsensha (Challenger)" (Japanese: 挑戦者) Kenichi Kawamura
Tatsuhiko Urahata October 10, 2001
53 "So That I Can Be Myself"
(Japanese: 俺が俺であるために) Yasuhiro Sugimura Ryōsuke Nakamura October 17, 2001
54 "Fists of the Champ"
Transcription: "Ōja no kobushi (Fists of the King)" (Japanese: 王者の拳) Atsushi
Takahashi Kazuyuki Fudeyasu October 24, 2001
55 "The Japan Featherweight Title Match"
Transcription: "Nippon fezākyū taitorumacchi (Japan Featherweight Title Match)"
(Japanese: 日本フェザー級タイトルマッチ)Shinichi Masaki Daisuke Aranishi October 31,
2001
56 "The Power that Stands in the Way"
Transcription: "Tachi hadakaru chikara (The Power That Blocks the Way)" (Japanese:
立ちはだかる力) Kentarō Nakamura Kenji Sugihara November 7, 2001
57 "Conclusion"
Transcription: "Ketchaku (Conclusion)" (Japanese: 決着) Mitsuyuki Masuhara
Yasuko Kamo November 14, 2001
58 "Heartbroken"
Transcription: "Shōshin (Heartbreak)" (Japanese: 傷心) Nanako Shimazaki
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu November 21, 2001
59 "A Determined Gaze"
Transcription: "Ketsui no manazashi (A Look of Determination)" (Japanese: 決意のまな
ざし) Yukina Hiiro Daisuke Aranishi November 28, 2001
60 "Rival"
Transcription: "Raibaru (Rival)" (Japanese: ライバル) Kentarō Nakamura Ryōsuke
Nakamura December 5, 2001
61 "Comeback Anxiety"
Transcription: "(Anxiety to Recovery)" (Japanese: 再起への不安) Yasuhiro Sugimura
Kenichi Kawamura Kenji Sugihara December 12, 2001
62 "Revival"
Transcription: "(Revival)" (Japanese: 復活) Kenichi Kawamura
Lee Kwan-sup (assistant) Yasuko Kamo December 19, 2001
63 "Youth of Fire"
Transcription: "(Youth of Flame)" (Japanese: 炎の青春) Ryōsuke Nakamura Kazuyuki
Fudeyasu December 26, 2001
64 "Hot Rod Era"
Transcription: "(Enthusiastic Era)" (Japanese: 熱中時代) Atsushi Takahashi
Daisuke Aranishi January 9, 2002
65 "The Summer of the Kamogawa Corps"
Transcription: "(The Summer of the Kamogawa Corps)" (Japanese: 鴨川軍団の夏)
Mitsuyuki Masuhara Ryōsuke Nakamura January 16, 2002
66 "Mr. Takamura's Tears"
Transcription: "(Takamura's Tears)" (Japanese: 鷹村さんの涙) Nanako Shimazaki
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu January 23, 2002
67 "The Kamogawa Gym Swings Into Action"
Transcription: "(The Kamogawa Gym Moves Out)" (Japanese: 動き出す鴨川ジム) Mihiro
Yamaguchi Kenji Sugihara January 30, 2002
68 "The Chief's Peril"
Transcription: "(The Chairman's Crisis)" (Japanese: 会長の危機) Yoshiyuki Takei
Daisuke Aranishi February 6, 2002
69 "The Trap of the Southpaw"
Transcription: "(Trap of the Southpaw)" (Japanese: サウスポーの罠) Yukina Hiiro
Shingō Nishikawa February 13, 2002
70 "The Young Punk"
Transcription: "(A Naughty Boy)" (Japanese: ごんたくれ) Kentarō Nakamura Kōji
Aritomi February 20, 2002
71 "Time for the Showdown"
Transcription: "(Moment of the Decisive Battle)" (Japanese: 決戦の刻) Shinji Satō
Ryōsuke Nakamura February 27, 2002
72 "Lallapallooza"
Transcription: "Lallapallooza" Yoshiyuki Takei
Kenichi Kawamura Yasuko Kamo March 6, 2002
73 "Surpass that Moment"
Transcription: "(Surpass that Time)" (Japanese: あの時を超えろ) Nanako Shimazaki
Ryōsuke Nakamura March 13, 2002
74 "Mix-Up"
Transcription: "()" (Japanese: ミックスアップ) Yukina Hiiro Kenji Sugihara
March 20, 2002
75 "A Step Further"
Transcription: "(Into the Next Step)" (Japanese: さらなる一歩を) Kentarō Nakamura
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu March 27, 2002
76 "Boxer's Fist"
Transcription: "Bokusā no Kobushi" (Japanese: ボクサーの拳) Kenichi Kawamura
Tatsuhiko Urahata March 21, 2003
Film–1 "Champion Road"
Transcription: "Champion Road" (Japanese: Champion Road) Satoshi Nishimura
Tatsuhiko Urahata April 18, 2003
Film–2 "Mashiba vs. Kimura"
Transcription: "Mashiba vs. Kimura" (Japanese: