Fighting Spirit
Original Title：はじめの一歩 THE FIGHTING!
Languages:
- English: Fighting Spirit
- French: Ippo le challenger
- Thai: ก้าวแรกสู่สังเวียน
- Japanese: はじめの一歩 THE FIGHTING!
- Chinese: 第一神拳
"Hajime no Ippo" (はじめの一歩), also known as "Fighting Spirit", is a Japanese boxing manga series written and illustrated by Jōji "George" Morikawa. It has been serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine since 1989, with 141 tankōbon volumes published as of July 2024. The story centers around high school student Ippo Makunouchi as he embarks on a boxing career, striving to become a world champion. The manga has been adapted into multiple anime series by Madhouse, including "Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting!", "Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger", and "Hajime no Ippo: Rising", along with a movie and OVA. The series emphasizes character development, showcasing the friendships, hard work, and dreams of the boxers. It also features detailed boxing match sequences that highlight the intensity and passion of the sport. "Hajime no Ippo" is known for its exciting plot and realistic portrayals of boxing, earning its place as a popular sports-themed manga and anime.