Hajime no Ippo Rising: The Ultimate Guide for Anime Fans
If you are a fan of boxing anime, you have probably heard of Hajime no Ippo, one of the most popular and longest-running manga series in the genre. The story follows the journey of Makunouchi Ippo, a shy and bullied high school student who discovers his talent and passion for boxing after being saved by a professional boxer.
Since its debut in 1989, the manga has spawned three anime adaptations, several video games, and a live-action movie. The latest anime series, Hajime no Ippo Rising, aired from 2013 to 2014 and covered some of the most exciting arcs in the manga, such as the rematch between Ippo and Sendou, the world title challenge of Takamura, and the rise of new rivals like Sawamura and Mashiba.
In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to Hajime no Ippo Rising, including its plot, characters, episodes, and streaming platforms. Whether you are new to the series or a longtime fan, you will find something useful and interesting in this guide. So, let’s get ready to rumble!
What is Hajime no Ippo Rising?
Hajime no Ippo Rising is the third anime adaptation of the Hajime no Ippo manga by George Morikawa. It is a sequel to Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger, which aired from 2009 to 2010. It was produced by studio Madhouse and MAPPA as a joint production, directed by Jun Shishido for episodes 1-21, and Hajime no Ippo’s director, Satoshi Nishimura for episodes 22-25.
The series consists of 25 episodes that cover chapters 558 to 677 of the manga. It follows the Japanese Featherweight Champion Ippo as he defends his title against formidable challengers, such as Sendou Takeshi, the Mexican champion Alfredo Gonzales, and the notorious Sawamura Ryuuhei. It also features the other members of the Kamogawa Gym, such as Takamura Mamoru, who fights for the second WBC title in the middleweight class; Aoki Masaru, who challenges the Japanese Lightweight Champion; Kimura Tatsuya, who faces his old rival Mashiba Ryou; and Itagaki Manabu, who competes in the Rookie King Tournament.
Hajime no Ippo Rising continues Ippo’s quest to become stronger, featuring the same cast of loveable dimwits from Kamogawa Gym, as they put their bodies and hearts on the line to make their way in the harsh world of professional boxing. With a will of iron, Ippo steps into the ring once again.
Who are the main characters of Hajime no Ippo Rising?
The main characters of Hajime no Ippo Rising are:
- Makunouchi Ippo: The protagonist of the series. He is a kind-hearted and humble boxer who started boxing to gain confidence and respect. He is known for his powerful punches, his signature move Dempsey Roll, and his indomitable spirit. He is voiced by Kiyasu Kohei.
- Takamura Mamoru: The deuteragonist of the series. He is a cocky and arrogant boxer who aims to conquer all six weight classes in boxing. He is a genius fighter who can adapt to any situation and opponent. He is also a mentor and friend to Ippo and the others. He is voiced by Koyama Rikiya.
- Aoki Masaru: One of the supporting characters of the series. He is a comic relief character who often makes jokes and pranks. He is a former delinquent who turned to boxing to change his life. He is known for his unorthodox fighting style and his special move Frog Punch. He is voiced by Takagi Wataru[