Morikawa's cast in Hajime no Ippo is ripe with genuine character arcs that make the story feel grounded and real. However, in a story filled with boxers surviving overwhelming trials in and out of the ring as they come to terms with their opponents and themselves, the most remarkable redemption arc belongs to a non-boxer. As one of the catalysts for Ippo's boxing career, Masahiko Umezawa's presence in the story is immense.
Despite being classmates with Ippo, Umezawa and his cronies fiercely bullied and belittled the future championship boxer. Ippo regularly endured physical and mental harassment from Umezawa's gang but never fought back. Coincidentally, after witnessing one of these bullying sessions, Takamura rescues Ippo, who acts as an entry point into boxing.
Were it not for Umezawa's ghoulish treatment of Ippo, Ippo would never have entered the boxing world due to his timid nature and genuine commitment to the family business. After discovering Ippo's blossoming boxing career, Umezawa's song changes as he pursues more knowledge and awareness of his former target's new path. However, instead of making amends, Umezawa tries to forget the past and become Ippo's first proper fan.
As a former delinquent, Umezawa initially shows more interest in the sport's violence, as he is impressed by Ippo's knockout punches. In time, however, he comes to admire the boxer's tenacity, commitment and passion. Ippo's gradual maturity eventually leaves him more concerned with Ippo's well-being instead of reveling in the brutality of the matches.
After graduating to enter the working world, Umezawa matures and gets to know the real Ippo. Realizing that his newfound friend and role model is stretched extremely thin between helping his ailing mother's fishing business and an exhaustive boxing career, he decides to step up. Umezawa connects with Ippo's mother and acts as her surrogate at the boxing matches, as she cannot stand watching her son get hurt.
With the hope of supporting the family business and Ippo's boxing career, Umezawa helps upgrade Ippo's garb with new boxing shoes and matching new boxing shorts that advertise the fishing business. This act of kindness and a desire to not sully the name of his family business invigorates Ippo in his next bout, helping him to victory. Furthermore, with his awkwardness and growing kindness, Umezawa continuously helps inspire Ippo before big matches by relaxing his mood or elevating his spirits.
Upon realizing that Ippo is taking on more at work during incredibly intense boxing training, Umezawa joins the family and actively helps with their business. His acts of mindfulness and selflessness endear Umezawa to both members of the Makunouchi household. However, while Ippo and his mother have come to adore Umezawa, he doubts his place in their family.
After years of avoiding a perceived inevitable act, Umezawa breaks down in a tear-filled, heartfelt apology for his previous bullying of Ippo. This apology is a powerful display of vulnerability and genuine remorse. Umezawa is worried Ippo's mother will no longer accept his presence in their lives, only to be greeted by warmth and acceptance by the thoughtful mom.
Coming clean about his past with Hiroko Makunouchi lifts a weight from Umezawa, allowing him to pursue his dreams while continuing his passionate support of Ippo's career. Dreaming of being a mangaka, Umezawa hopes to create an iconic boxing manga celebrating everything he has shared with and learned from Ippo. Memorializing his best friend's endeavors is an enormous display of respect and adoration.
In an inspired turn from bully to adoring fan and new friend, Umezawa not only redeems himself but also endears himself to Ippo's family, friends and readers. Umezawa becomes an essential member of Ippo's team by supporting his best friend's boxing pursuits in the purest and quirkiest ways possible. Umezawa's impassioned creations will prevail years past their respective retirements through his and his friend's dreams.