Hajime no Ippo – The First Step is a popular Japanese boxing manga created by George Morikawa. The story follows Ippo, a shy teenager who becomes the target of relentless bullying by a group led by Umezawa. During one particularly brutal attack, a professional middleweight boxer intervenes and rescues Ippo, taking him to the Kamogawa Gym run by former fighter Genji Kamogawa. When Ippo regains consciousness amid the sounds of training boxers, his rescuer Mamoru Takamura tries to lift his spirits by encouraging him to punch a sandbag. This moment reveals Ippo’s unexpected natural talent for boxing. Inspired by this experience, Ippo seriously considers pursuing a career in professional boxing. However, when he shares his ambitions with Takamura, the seasoned boxer scolds him for underestimating the sport’s challenges. Despite his harsh words, Takamura recognizes Ippo’s potential, especially after witnessing his powerful punches that rival even the gym’s most experienced fighters—excluding Takamura himself. The story captures Ippo’s journey from a timid victim to a determined athlete.
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