A number of classics come to mind when you think of the anime department. Cowboy Bebop, Gurren Lagann, Steins;Gate (a more modern classic), Samurai Champloo, and more are just a few of the best known. Arguably the best sports anime produced, Hajime no Ippo, can easily fit in the category of an anime classic.
It also joins Weekly Shonen Jump's One Piece as some of the longest-running manga series out there--and also for its consistently high quality. Starting its run in manga form in October 1989 and anime adaptation following in 2000, it firmly established itself, not just as a peak in sports anime, but as an all-time anime classic and here are 10 reasons why that is.
10 Classic Animation In The Early Episodes
For fans of that vintage and retro anime aesthetic from the 1990s and 2000s will feel right at home particularly with the early episodes of the anime adaptation. Even if you have been spoiled by the more modern, clean, and generally otherwise high-quality animation and art style will still find enough, if not then plenty, to be appreciated in the early parts of Hajime no Ippo.
The animation gives off a charming and nostalgic animation style that has shown to have aged well considering the first season began airing almost 20 years ago.
9 A Main Protagonist To Root For
Like with most media, a main protagonist that fans can find themselves rallying around is needed to keep the series interesting. Thankfully, this series has that and more with Ippo Makunouchi leading the charge. Ippo is an overall down-to-earth, caring, dedicated, polite, and lovable character who you constantly find yourself rooting for in whatever he does.
He starts out as a timid boy who is generally afraid of confrontation until he discovers a natural talent for boxing. What is great about Ippo is that he doesn't change for the worst once he discovers and develops at boxing; he only gets better overall as a person.
8 An Interesting And Important Main Rival
Since this is a sports anime, there are not any real "villains" to be threatening anyone, especially the main character like in a violent, action anime series. Therefore, it is good for the cast to be rounded out with interesting characters that have their own motives and purposes that, in turn, help support the main protagonist's overall character.
Without a doubt, the most important of those supporting roles is the one occupied by Miyata. Early on, he becomes Ippo's biggest rival as Miyata discovers that he has potential. His own motives of proving that his father's fighting style (when he was a boxer) is still valid and more than capable of championship material make him stand out on his own as a character.
7 Well-Rounded Cast Of Supporting Characters
Aside from Miyata, who is a consistent presence and motivator for Ippo in large parts of the series, there is also a fun cast of characters surrounding Ippo that provide support for him and make the series that much more enjoyable to watch (or read). Miyata is certainly important, but other important supporting characters include the owner of Kamogawa Gym, Kamogawa Genji, who is a constant driving force for Ippo getting stronger and keeping him disciplined.
Takamura is also a friendly support character who provides support (and was the catalyst for Ippo becoming a boxer) and comic relief.
6 Intense And Thrilling Fight Scenes
For an anime that started almost 20 years ago, it certainly doesn't show its age when it comes to the fight scenes in the actual boxing matches that take place throughout the series. While this is primarily a sports anime and not an overly-violent action series, it does not mean it has to be devoid of any "action."
The bulk of the action comes in during the boxing matches and they still do more than enough to keep fans on their toes and thrilled. Every punch is thoroughly hyped up and felt just as hard-hitting.
5 Even Side Characters Get Back Stories
Another aspect that makes, not just Hajime no Ippo as an anime, but the characters within them also so interesting is how they treat supporting and side characters. Along with Ippo Makunouchi and the rest of the main cast, even the side characters get treated in a respected manner.
Meaning that, while, yes, some fighters you meet that are up to fight Ippo next aren't really seen much (if at all) after they actually fight, some are still around for the long haul and are given their own respective back stories. This makes the viewer more invested and even care about the opponent even if they are an obstacle for Ippo. Jason Ozuma is a good example of this.
4 It Conveys A Message Of Inspiration
Like with many other shonen manga and anime series, the main narrative always tries to convey an overall message of inspiration, mainly through its characters. This is especially so in the case of Hajime no Ippo and the main protagonist Ippo Makunouchi.
Not every shonen can make this message stick in the minds of the fans like Ippo can. Throughout the anime's story following the main protagonist, Ippo, it shows the viewer that so many things can be within reach and be ultimately accomplished through effort, training, and sheer determination.
3 Ippo Never Storms Through His Opponents
One critical aspect of making this anime series as successful and compelling, especially during the actual boxing matches themselves, is by giving Ippo worthy obstacles to work through. This series would be much less interesting to watch through if the main protagonist just stormed his way through each of his opponents like they were a wet sheet of paper by his sheer natural talent alone.
This would leave everyone except the viewer surprised at the outcome of the matches. Ippo constantly finds himself finding stronger opponents and can only achieve the outcome he needs through increasingly more rigorous training. And when he does win, he does so in intensely close matches.
2 It's A Great Underdog Story
As with many fans of any piece of media, and even actual sports, underdogs are almost universally loved. Their stories are most compelling in terms of how they got to the high point in which they find themselves currently. This anime is no different in that respect.
Ippo represents the pinnacle of the underdog category. As previously discussed in this list, he is totally lovable and the fans, both in the series and the actual viewers, find themselves constantly rooting for him. Seeing his rise to stardom is an absolute joy to watch.
1 Ippo Is Perfectly Relatable
Of course, not many of us are actual professional boxers, or athletes for that matter. However, Ippo, as a character, is quite relatable. Aside from the fact that he is a professional boxer and athlete overall, he is still a high school kid trying to make something of himself in the world.
Before he was quite timid and getting bullied at school and constantly helping his mom's business when not in classes. But he finally finds his passion, and himself by extension, through sport (boxing) and it not only gives him more confidence and something to dedicate himself to, but also improves himself as a person.