Hajime no Ippo (はじめの一歩) : STORY ARCS
Hajime no Ippo features over 50 story arcs, each chronicling Ippo’s growth from a bullied teen to a fierce featherweight contender. The arcs are grouped into three major parts, each with its own tone, rivalries, and boxing milestones.
🥊 PART I: The Road to Glory (Volumes 1–46 | Chapters 1–414)
This phase covers Ippo’s introduction to boxing and his rise through the Japanese featherweight ranks.
Key Arcs:
- Prologue / Road to Glory: Ippo meets Takamura and begins training under Coach Kamogawa. His first steps into boxing.
- Rookie King Tournament: Ippo enters his first major tournament, facing off against strong rookies like Ryo Mashiba.
- Class A Tournament: Ippo battles to become the top contender for the Japanese featherweight title.
- Japanese Featherweight Title Match: Ippo challenges Eiji Date, the reigning champion. A pivotal loss that fuels his growth.
- Comeback & Redemption: Ippo rebuilds himself and eventually wins the Japanese title.
Themes: Self-discovery, perseverance, mentorship, and the emotional toll of combat.
🥇 PART II: National Champion to World Aspirations (Volumes 46–121 | Chapters 415–1208)
This part explores Ippo’s title defenses, his rivals’ growth, and the gym’s broader ambitions.
Key Arcs:
- Title Defenses: Ippo defends his Japanese title against challengers like Kazuki Sanada and Sawamura.
- Takamura’s World Title Matches: Takamura fights for and defends world titles, showcasing his dominance.
- Miyata’s OPBF Journey: Miyata rises through the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation ranks.
- Kimura vs Mashiba: A powerful side arc exploring Kimura’s struggle and heartbreak.
- Volg Zangief’s Return: Volg’s journey in the world stage, including his match in America.
- Ippo vs Sendo II: A rematch that tests Ippo’s growth and resolve.
Themes: Rivalry, ambition, sacrifice, and the weight of expectations.
🌍 PART III: World Stage & Legacy (Volumes 122–Present | Chapters 1209–ongoing)
This ongoing phase shifts focus to world-level matches and deeper introspection.
Key Arcs:
- Ippo’s Retirement Arc: After a series of punishing fights, Ippo steps away from boxing, raising questions about CTE and long-term damage.
- Coach Ippo: Ippo begins training new boxers, including Itagaki and others, while reflecting on his own journey.
- Takamura’s World Domination: Takamura continues his quest to unify multiple weight class titles.
- Ricardo Martinez & World Title Hopes: The looming challenge of the world’s best featherweight remains a central tension.
Themes: Legacy, health, mentorship, and the cost of greatness.
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