Hajime no Ippo: Rising [Season 3 Episode 1 to Episode 25]

Hajime no Ippo: Rising – A Knockout Season of Grit and Heart

If you’re a fan of sports anime that punches you right in the feels (sometimes literally), then Hajime no Ippo: Rising is a must-watch. The third season of this legendary boxing series doesn’t just deliver brutal fights—it packs an emotional gut punch that lingers long after the final bell rings.

The Story So Far

For those new to the ring, Hajime no Ippo follows Makunouchi Ippo, a once-bullied high schooler who discovers his passion for boxing under the guidance of the gruff but lovable Coach Kamogawa. By Rising, Ippo has already claimed the Japanese Featherweight title, but his journey is far from over. This season dives deeper into his growth as a boxer while also flashing back to Kamogawa’s own brutal past—a narrative choice that fans either loved or found frustratingly slow at first.

What Fans Loved

1. The Fights (Obviously)
   The animation quality in Rising is a step up from previous seasons, especially in the final bouts. One fan gushed, “Those body blow animations were crazy. So many feels near the end, including that post-credits tribute.” The visceral impact of every punch is almost tangible, making each match feel like a life-or-death struggle.

2. Kamogawa’s Backstory
   The season closes with a deep dive into Coach Kamogawa’s youth, revealing the sacrifices he made for boxing and the tragic love story with Yuki. Some fans were torn—“Why not love both boxing and Yuki at the same time?”—but others praised the emotional weight it added to the series.

3. The Soundtrack & Opening Theme
   The OST is pure hype, perfectly syncing with the fights’ intensity. The opening theme, “Hekireki” by LAST ALLIANCE, became an instant favorite, with one viewer calling it “very good for me, 10/10!”

4. The Ending (No Spoilers, But…)
   The final episode left fans in tears—both from the fight’s brutality and the touching tribute to the late voice actors of Kamogawa and Nekota. “A perfect ending for such a great season,” one fan wrote, while another joked, “Sit down. Try not to cry. Cry a lot.”

The Criticisms

Not everyone was completely satisfied. Some felt the season’s pacing was uneven, with too much focus on flashbacks early on. “A lot of stuff was skipped at first, and the quality in the first half was kinda awful,” admitted one viewer. Others missed the humor from earlier seasons, wishing for more of Aoki’s antics or Takamura’s wild energy.

The Verdict

Hajime no Ippo: Rising is a masterclass in balancing raw, adrenaline-fueled action with deep emotional storytelling. It’s not just about winning fights—it’s about the sacrifices, the friendships, and the unbreakable spirit of a fighter.

And now, the real question: When’s Season 4? Fans are already counting the days. “I hope I won’t have to wait another 4 years,” one lamented. Until then, many are turning to the manga—because, as another fan put it, “Ippo’s journey to the world stage isn’t over yet.”

If you haven’t watched Hajime no Ippo yet, what are you waiting for? Step into the ring and feel the heart of a champion.

Final Rating: 9.5/10 (Because no season is perfect, but this one comes damn close.)

What did you think of Hajime no Ippo: Rising? Drop your thoughts below—let’s spar over it! 🥊