How to Watch "Hajime no Ippo" in Order? A Complete Guide

If you’re planning to watch Hajime no Ippo, you might be wondering what the best order is. With multiple seasons, OVAs, and special episodes, it can be tricky to figure out where to start and what to watch next.

Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan looking to continue Ippo’s journey, this guide will help you navigate the watch order. From his first steps into the boxing world to his most intense matches, we’ll make sure you experience the story in the best way possible.

Let’s jump in and break it all down!

How to watch "Hajime no Ippo" in release order?

There are two ways to watch it which is the release order and the chronological order. Here's the list of every Hajime no Ippo installment in release order:

• Hajime no Ippo: THE FIGHTING! (2000)
• Hajime no Ippo: THE FIGHTING! Boxer no Kobushi (2003)
• Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road (2003)
• Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs Kimura - Shikei Shikkou (2003)
• Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (2009)
• Hajime no Ippo: Rising (2012)

How to watch "Hajime no Ippo" in chronological order?

If you want to start watching the an, you should stick to this order. Unlike any other anime it have some of the specials that are particularly important for the main series. Here's a detailed order on how you should be watching Hajime no Ippo:

• Hajime no Ippo: THE FIGHTING! Boxer no Kobushi (Special)
• Hajime no Ippo: THE FIGHTING! (TV)
• Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road (Special)
• Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs Kimura - Shikei Shikkou (OVA)
• Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (TV)
• Hajime no Ippo: Rising (TV)

Hajime no Ippo: THE FIGHTING! Boxer no Kobushi

Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting - Boxer's Fist is a special episode that has aired in 21st March of 2003.

The special tells the story of how Takamura Mamoru began with boxing. It contains some of the characters that got introduced later throughout the series so you should better watch it after finishing the first season. The episode is just an additional backstory so you can watch it anywhere after the first season to avoid spoilers and enjoy it better or just don't watch it at all. It won't change anything if you'll miss on this one.

Hajime no Ippo: THE FIGHTING!

If you're starting to watch that anime, there's no other way than to start with this. Hajime no Ippo: THE FIGHTING! is the first season of Hajime no Ippo series.

The anime adaptation consists of 75 episodes. This title was airing in the years 2000 - 2002. The source material for the anime is the manga made by George Morikawa, which has continued to run since 1989. The story follows a high-schooler Ippo Makunoichi. Makunouchi Ippo is not very popular in school, his lack of self-confidence and shyness are the reasons why he doesn't have any friends. He spends most of his time helping his mother in the family business. Ippo is getting bullied at school for his kindness and Innocence until one day a strong boxer named Mamoru Takamura saves him. From that moment Ippo decides to start his career as a boxer.

Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road

Champion Road is a special TV movie that serves as a direct continuation of the first season of the HNI anime series. Produced by Madhouse, this one-hour special aired on April 18, 2003, bridging the gap between the first and second seasons.

Champion Road should be watched immediately after completing the first season of the anime because it continues the story directly from where the initial season left off. The special picks up the narrative after Ippo Makunouchi's intense battle against Sendō Takeshi for the Japanese Featherweight title. It delves deeper into Ippo's journey as a professional boxer, exploring the emotional aftermath of his fight with Sendō and introducing new challenges for him to overcome.

Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs Kimura - Shikei Shikkou

Mashiba vs Kimura - Shikei Shikkou is an OVA that focuses on the intense showdown between Ryo Mashiba and Tatsuya Kimura. Produced by Madhouse, this special was released on September 5, 2003, offering a deeper look into Kimura’s struggles as he takes on one of the most formidable opponents in the lightweight division.

The OVA takes place after the events of the first season and Champion Road making it an essential watch for fans following the series in order. It highlights Kimura’s determination to step out of the shadow of his peers, showing his rigorous preparation and emotional resolve as he faces Mashiba’s deadly flicker jabs. This fight adds another layer to the story, offering a rare spotlight on a character outside of Ippo’s usual perspective. Mashiba vs Kimura OVA and Champion Road Special are both canon and need to be watched before going to season 2!

Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger

After you have watched Champion Road and Mashiba vs Kimura - Shikei Shikkou, you can go straight into Season 2.

This season picks up where the story left off, continuing the journey of Ippo and his fellow boxers as they take on new challenges inside and outside the ring. With tougher opponents, higher stakes, and even more intense fights, The Challenger delivers everything fans love about the series gritty boxing action, emotional character moments, and the never-ending pursuit of growth.

Hajime no Ippo: Rising

Rising serves as the third and final season of the anime adaptation, continuing the narrative from its predecessors. It picks up where New Challenger left off, ensuring a seamless progression in the storylines, character development, and ongoing conflicts. Since there are no more sequels this is our last destination on the list.