In 2013, Madhouse delivered the next installment of the legendary boxing saga Hajime No Ippo: Rising for fans to relish once again, with 25 episodes packed with Ippo's Japanese title defenses, Takamura's world championship challenge, and Aoki's dream chase that brings both smiles and tears. The series brilliantly preserves the spirit of the original manga while elevating the excitement with fluid animation and an exhilarating soundtrack.
Story Summary (No Spoilers for the Ending)
In Rising, Ippo Makunouchi, the Japanese featherweight champion, must defend his title against increasingly tough opponents, while his mentor Takamura steps up for his second WBC middleweight world title shot. Meanwhile, Ippo's best friend Aoki also gets a chance to fight for the lightweight championship. The series takes us through each boxer's journey, facing both physical and mental challenges, along with comedic and touching moments at the Kamogawa gym.
Performance and Characters
The main voice actors, such as Wataru Takagi as Aoki and Daisuke Namikawa as Itagaki, continue to deliver outstanding performances. Mamoru Miyano as young Kamogawa adds charm to the character. Ippo's voice by Kōki Uchiyama (though not mentioned in the provided info) still conveys innocence and determination well. Character development in this season is notable, especially for Aoki, who, despite being the comic relief, has serious moments that make viewers root for him.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Madhouse maintains its high production standards. The choreography of punches and fight sequences in each round is concise and realistic. Takamura's fierce fights or Ippo's 'Demsey Roll' movements remain captivating. The OP and ED of this series are melodious and fit the atmosphere, especially the opening theme that inspires fighting spirit.
Editorial Analysis
Hajime No Ippo: Rising is not just a boxing anime; it's a lesson in perseverance and friendship. The series teaches that being a champion doesn't mean never losing, but getting back up to fight despite the pain. This season also delves into overcoming one's limits, resonating deeply with viewers' real lives. The series maintains a perfect balance between comedy and drama, making every episode enjoyable.
Verdict
Hajime No Ippo: Rising is a must-watch for boxing fans and drama anime lovers. With excellent production quality and heartfelt content, despite minor flaws, it is well worth watching.
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👍 Pros
- +Excellent visuals and fight animation
- +Deep character development, especially Aoki
- +Soundtrack that matches the mood and inspires
- +Balance between humor and drama
👎 Cons
- −Some episodes repeat the same points
- −Fans expecting more Ippo fights may be disappointed with fewer than previous seasons
Top Cast
FAQ
Yes, you should watch the first season (Hajime No Ippo) and New Challenger first, as the story is continuous and references past events.
It has 25 episodes, concluding the story in one season.
The anime ends with Rising, but the original manga continues. No further anime seasons have been released.
Yes, because the series focuses on character development and friendship more than just boxing. Even if you're not interested in boxing, it's enjoyable.
