How many seasons are there of Hajime no Ippo?

As of August 2024, Hajime no Ippo has three seasons.

George Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo stands as a landmark in the sports and martial arts genre, merging the classic shonen style with the gritty reality of boxing. Unlike many anime that favor dramatic, over-the-top elements, Hajime no Ippo delivers a grounded portrayal of the sport, capturing the essence of human strength and perseverance without relying on flashy theatrics. Its influence is so profound that it has even left its mark on live-action cinema, notably inspiring aspects of Creed III.

While most anime spotlight more whimsical or high school-centric sports like basketball or swimming, Hajime no Ippo takes a fresh approach by showcasing the raw intensity and authenticity of boxing, distinguishing itself in the realm of mainstream shonen.

How many seasons are there of Hajime no Ippo?

Hajime no Ippo consists of three main seasons.

Season One

The first season of Hajime no Ippo chronicles Ippo Makunouchi's early days in the boxing world. Created by Madhouse, the series begins with Ippo, a shy high schooler, whose life changes after a professional boxer, Mamoru Takamura, intervenes when he’s bullied. Motivated by his experience at the Kamogawa Boxing Gym, Ippo sets out to pursue a career in boxing. This season captures Ippo’s transformation from a green rookie to a rising star in the ring, highlighting his journey of self-improvement and resilience.

Season Two

Following the first season, Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger ramps up the stakes with fresh rivals and tougher trials for Ippo Makunouchi. As Ippo strives to retain his title as the Japanese Featherweight Champion, the focus shifts to increasingly challenging and high-stakes bouts. This season delves into intense confrontations, highlighting Ippo’s encounters with formidable opponents like Kazuki Sanada, whose tactical prowess tests Ippo's boxing skills. Another major highlight is the eagerly awaited showdown between Takamura and the reigning world champion, Bryan Hawk.

Season Three

The third season, Hajime no Ippo: Rising, picks up where the previous arcs left off, continuing to deepen the storylines and character development. Produced by Madhouse and MAPPA, this season follows Ippo Makunouchi’s ongoing reign as the Japanese Featherweight Champion. Under the direction of Jun Shishido, it features some of the most thrilling and memorable fights of the series.

A standout moment is Ippo's bout with Ryūhei Sawamura, a boxer known for his unpredictable and aggressive style. This fight pushes Ippo’s mental and physical limits as he contends with Sawamura’s unconventional tactics. Another notable clash involves Takamura, who faces David Eagle in his pursuit of a world championship. The season also highlights the matches of Aoki and Kimura, adding both comic relief and showcasing their unique boxing techniques.

In addition to the main seasons, there are also several OVAs and a TV special that offer further insights into the series.