10 Best Anime Recommendations for Fans of Hajime no Ippo

Hajime no Ippo is a well-known Japanese anime series that follows the journey of Ippo, the main character, as he strives to become a professional boxer. Through intense fight scenes, the series also delves into important themes such as purpose, motivation, determination, and the value of friendship.

For those who love Hajime no Ippo and are searching for a similar anime, you have come to the right spot. Whether you are drawn to the intense boxing storylines, resilient characters conquering challenges, or the themes of perseverance and belief in oneself, here are 10 other fantastic anime series that embody the essence of Hajime no Ippo.

Please note that this article reflects the writer’s personal opinion and is not listed in any particular order.

Top 10 Anime Recommendations for Fans of Hajime no Ippo

1) Introduction to Child Development

Eiichiro, a high school student, starts playing tennis to stay active after being inspired by a fellow classmate. Despite his inexperience in the sport, he dedicates himself to studying and training rigorously, keeping track of his growth in notebooks as he progresses.

Similar to how Hajime no Ippo delves into the realm of boxing, Baby Steps provides a thorough examination of the world of competitive tennis and the dedication required to achieve a goal. Eiichiro, like Ippo, is an ordinary student who discovers his passion for sports and overcomes multiple obstacles on his remarkable path to becoming a professional player.

Despite its realistic match battles and abundant perseverance, Baby Steps is still able to satisfy fans of Hajime no Ippo.

2) Basketball’s Slam Dunk

The anime series Slam Dunk tells the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a former troublemaker who enrolls in a new high school and joins the basketball team in hopes of impressing a girl he likes. Despite his height advantage, Hanamichi has never played basketball before, resulting in both humorous and dramatic situations as he struggles with his lack of experience and his tendency towards anger.

Similar to Ippo’s comical challenges in his journey into the boxing realm, Sakuragi from Slam Dunk also encounters numerous obstacles while trying to grasp the basics and understand the true essence of being a team player.

Despite facing intense competition from rival schools, showcasing a relentless determination to succeed, and featuring an up-and-coming athlete determined to prove himself, Slam Dunk is bound to strike a chord with fans of Hajime no Ippo.

3) Run with the Wind

Run with the Wind (Image via Production I.G)

The focus of Run with the Wind revolves around Kakeru, a first-year college student who relocates to a historic dormitory and is persuaded by Haiji Kiyose to become a member of the residence’s struggling long-distance running club. Together with his idiosyncratic teammates, Kakeru strives to partake in and successfully finish the challenging Hakone Ekiden marathon relay race, spanning over 100 kilometers in just two days.

As the athletes undergo rigorous training to improve their endurance for long distances, the audience witnesses significant growth in their determination, belief in themselves, and unity as a team.

Inspired by the determination of Hajime no Ippo and his teammates, Run with the Wind beautifully portrays the challenges and ultimate victories that athletes must overcome in order to reach their full potential.

Megalobox

In the world of Megalobox, a futuristic sci-fi twist on boxing, the setting is a dystopia where “Gear Boxers”use illegally advanced cybernetic technology to compete for fame and corporate greed, rather than for the love and integrity of the sport.

The main focus of the show is on Joe, also known as Junk Dog, an underground gear boxer determined to establish himself as the true champion of the Megalobox circuit.

Fans of Hajime no Ippo will feel right at home rooting for Junk Dog as he chases glory in the ring with impactful animated fight sequences and a gripping underdog story that focuses on willpower rather than technology.

Welcome to the Ballroom

The Ballroom chronicles the story of Tatara, a timid outcast who is struggling to find purpose and direction in his life. However, everything changes when he stumbles upon a dance studio and is inspired to pursue professional training in competitive ballroom dancing.

Tatara dedicates himself to improving his comical dancing abilities with the help of an unconventional and highly talented dance partner who recognizes his hidden potential. Similar to Ippo mastering unconventional boxing techniques, Tatara’s story depicts someone discovering their passion and experiencing personal growth through devoted training in the combination of sports and artistic expression.

Despite its share of comedic moments, breathtaking dance sequences, and relatable themes of perseverance and resilience, viewers of Hajime no Ippo will undoubtedly find joy and admiration in Tatara’s quest to reinvent himself on the fiercely competitive dance floor.

Ace of the Diamond

Ace of the Diamond depicts Eijun, a high school baseball pitcher, who bravely decides to depart from his home to enroll in a prestigious school renowned for its dominant national championship baseball team.

Although he arrived with minimal training and less polished skills than other top recruits, Eijun tirelessly works through numerous challenging practice drills and competitive simulated games to gain the approval and acknowledgement of his senior teammates, solidifying his place on the pitching mound as his true calling.

Fans of Hajime no Ippo will greatly enjoy Ace of the Diamond, as it offers intense baseball action while also delving into themes of confidence, teamwork, and performing under pressure. It comes highly recommended for those seeking similar themes and excitement.

7) Anime Series

Tomorrow's Joe (Image via Mushi Production) — Tomorrow’s Joe (Image via Mushi Production)

In Tomorrow’s Joe, we follow the story of Joe Yabuki, a reckless street fighter whose skills lead him to a boxing gym. With the help of a former alcoholic boxing coach, Joe begins a rigorous training regimen and perseveres despite the challenges he faces both in and out of the ring.

Throughout the series, Joe undergoes emotional growth and engages in intense boxing matches, ultimately coming to understand his true potential and deeper purpose.

In the same way that Ippo’s journey in boxing showcases his immense personal growth, Tomorrow’s Joe also explores similar themes as an underdog relentlessly fights for glory through hard work and determination, defying all odds stacked against him, making it a must-watch for fans of Hajime no Ippo.

Hinomaruzumou

Ushio, the main character in Hinomaruzumou, embarks on a journey as he joins his school’s sumo club with the goal of becoming the strongest wrestler. Throughout his experience, he encounters various obstacles and losses that challenge his perseverance. Despite his initial reluctance, Ushio ultimately discovers the profound significance of sumo through the hardships he shares with his one-of-a-kind teammates.

As Ushio grows and moves past using others for his own selfish purposes, he begins to understand the significance of dignity, honor, and trust in his teammates. He also learns to view sumo as more than just a competitive sport, but as a way of life. These realizations bring him closer to redemption and a deeper understanding of true strength.

In the same way that Ippo’s boxing journey depicts gradual progress, Ushio’s development in sumo is equally captivating as it illustrates the transformative power of finding greater meaning and purpose in life, leading to remarkable personal growth.

Baki the Grappler

The story of Baki the Grappler follows the journey of Baki Hanma, a young fighter in the underground scene, as he works to perfect his skills and become the strongest fighter in the world, surpassing his father Yujiro Hanma. Through rigorous physical and mental training, Baki relentlessly pursues his ultimate goal, driven by his own desire for personal growth and strength, facing brutal opponents along the way.

Despite facing brutal opponents and utilizing a range of martial arts skills, Baki’s intense underground fights will have fans of Hajime no Ippo on the edge of their seats, as they witness his unwavering determination and physical prowess being put to the test.

Similarly to Ippo’s boxing matches, Baki’s battles also delve into significant themes such as honor, revenge, corruption, and the struggle to achieve invincibility while safeguarding loved ones from constantly emerging dangers.

Kengan Ashura

Kengan Ashura centers on Tokita Ohma, a stoic martial artist and fighter. He makes a living by participating in ruthless corporate battles, where wealthy business owners bet on champion fighters. While Ohma initially fights for money, he gradually forms connections with his fellow fighters. As his amnesia fades, he also begins to uncover his enigmatic past and regain forgotten fighting techniques.

As the intense fight sequences become increasingly gritty, fans of Hajime no Ippo will undoubtedly experience a surge of adrenaline and heightened intrigue as Ohma relentlessly pummels his formidable opponents throughout the series.

Similar to how Ippo improves himself through boxing, Ohma also reaches new heights as a warrior by unlocking the secrets of his full battle potential in Kengan Ashura’s intense martial arts action, not solely for his own gain or glory, but also to protect others.

Conclusion

Hajime no Ippo captivates viewers as Ippo uncovers his extraordinary abilities and perseveres in his journey to become a renowned boxing champion. This anime effectively portrays the inspiring themes of ordinary individuals overcoming incredible challenges through determination and unwavering commitment to their craft.

With its intense sports action, coming-of-age stories revealing purpose and determination, and showcasing the potential that can be achieved with passion and perseverance, fans of Hajime no Ippo will find plenty to captivate them in the anime recommendations mentioned above. Each series is a fantastic watch and definitely worth checking out.