Wondering where the Hajime no Ippo anime ends in the manga? You’ve finished the thrilling Hajime no Ippo: Rising series and need to know the exact starting point to continue the journey without missing a single punch.
The Hajime no Ippo: Rising anime concludes on the events depicted in manga Chapter 557. This chapter finalizes the intense World Middleweight Championship fight between Mamoru Takamura and David Eagle. To seamlessly continue the story, you can begin reading from Chapter 557 to see the fight’s original conclusion or start at Chapter 558 for all-new content.
Based on a detailed analysis of the anime adaptation and the source material, this guide provides the definitive answer. You’ll discover the precise chapter, why it’s the perfect starting point, and the key differences between the anime and manga that every fan should know.
Key Facts
- Definitive Chapter: The anime adaptation Hajime no Ippo: Rising officially ends on the events of manga Chapter 557, according to a direct comparison of the final episode and the manga panels.
- Final Animated Arc: The last storyline covered in the anime is the climactic World Middleweight title fight between Mamoru Takamura and David Eagle.
- Manga Volume: This transition point is located in Volume 61 of the collected Hajime no Ippo manga.
- Vast Unseen Content: The anime covers less than 40% of the manga, leaving over 800 chapters of story, fights, and character development for anime-only fans to explore.
- Ongoing Story: The Hajime no Ippo manga, created by George Morikawa, is still ongoing as of 2026, with no official confirmation of a fourth anime season.
Where Does the Hajime no Ippo Anime End in the Manga?
The final episode of the Hajime no Ippo: Rising anime aligns with Chapter 557 of the manga. This specific chapter marks the conclusion of the World Middleweight Championship bout between Kamogawa Gym’s Mamoru Takamura and the formidable American boxer, David Eagle. This fight serves as the grand finale for the anime’s third season, leaving viewers right at a pivotal moment in the manga’s timeline.
For fans eager to transition from watching to reading, this chapter number is the crucial piece of information. The anime adaptation across its three seasons—Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting!, New Challenger, and Rising—is known for being remarkably faithful to the source material created by George Morikawa. Because of this, you can pick up the manga at this point with confidence, knowing you haven’t missed any major plot points or canon events. The transition is smooth, allowing you to dive directly into the continuation of the story.
Understanding this exact transition point is key to appreciating the vast world of Hajime no Ippo that extends far beyond the anime. While the animated series provides a fantastic introduction to Ippo, Takamura, and the rest of the Kamogawa Boxing Gym, it represents only a fraction of their complete journey. The manga continues their careers, explores new rivalries, and features some of the most iconic fights in the entire series that have yet to be animated.
What Chapter Should You Start Reading the Hajime no Ippo Manga After the Anime?
To continue the story, start reading the Hajime no Ippo manga at Chapter 557. This chapter shows the conclusion of the Takamura vs. Eagle fight as originally written. For those wanting to jump directly into new content, starting at Chapter 558 is also a viable option as it kicks off the post-anime storyline.
Based on our analysis of the source material, here is a breakdown of your best starting options to ensure a seamless transition from the anime to the manga.
- The Recommended Start (Chapter 557): This is the ideal starting point. It covers the very end of the Takamura vs. Eagle fight, allowing you to experience the climax and immediate aftermath through George Morikawa’s original artwork and pacing.
- The “Fresh Start” (Chapter 558): If you want to begin with 100% new content, you can start here. This chapter begins the very next story arc after the Takamura fight concludes. You won’t miss any critical plot, but you will skip the manga’s version of the fight’s final moments.
- The Overlap Start (Chapter 556): Starting at this chapter will mean re-reading a small portion of the fight that was already covered in the final episode of the anime. This option is best for those who want to re-familiarize themselves with the fight’s flow before moving forward.
Pro-Tip: For the most authentic experience, starting with Chapter 557 is highly recommended. The manga’s paneling and pacing offer a unique perspective on the fight’s conclusion that the anime, while excellent, presents differently.
Why is Chapter 557 the Recommended Starting Point?
Chapter 557 of the Hajime no Ippo manga is the recommended starting point because it contains the conclusion of the Takamura vs. Eagle fight, the final event shown in the Hajime no Ippo: Rising anime. Starting here allows you to read the conclusion to the fight exactly as it was originally drawn by George Morikawa. This ensures a seamless transition without missing the subtle details or pacing of the manga’s version, providing a perfect bridge between the two formats.
What About Starting at Chapter 556 or 558?
While Chapter 557 is the ideal starting point, you can adjust slightly depending on your preference. Understanding what chapters 556 and 558 contain helps you make an informed choice.
- Starting at Chapter 556: This chapter places you in the middle of the fight’s climax. You will be re-reading events that were depicted in the final episode of Hajime no Ippo: Rising.
- Starting at Chapter 558: This chapter begins the very next story arc. You will skip the manga’s depiction of the fight’s conclusion entirely and jump straight into brand-new content.
Ultimately, starting at Chapter 557 provides the best balance, ensuring you don’t miss the original ending of the last animated arc while immediately moving toward the next part of the story.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Anime and Manga Around the Ending?
The most significant difference is that the anime and manga present the events of the Takamura vs. Eagle fight in a reversed order. In the manga, Takamura’s backstory flashback occurs before the fight. The anime adaptation moves this flashback to the middle of the fight, changing the narrative structure and pacing for dramatic effect.
This change was likely made by the anime production team to heighten the emotional impact during the fight’s most intense moments. While it doesn’t alter the outcome or skip canon content, it creates a different viewing experience compared to reading the manga. For manga readers, the context of Takamura’s past informs their understanding of his motivations before the first bell even rings. For anime viewers, the flashback serves as a mid-fight reveal that explains his incredible endurance and determination.
This is the primary structural difference you will notice when transitioning from the anime to the manga. Otherwise, the anime is a very faithful adaptation of the events.
| Story Event Order | Manga (Original Source) | Anime (Hajime no Ippo: Rising) |
|---|---|---|
| Event 1 | Takamura’s Past (Flashback) | Takamura vs. David Eagle Fight Begins |
| Event 2 | Takamura vs. David Eagle Fight | Takamura’s Past (Flashback during fight) |
| Event 3 | Fight Conclusion | Fight Conclusion |
What Happens in the Hajime no Ippo Manga Immediately After the Anime?
⚠ SPOILER WARNING: The following section contains a light preview of story arcs that take place after the Hajime no Ippo: Rising anime. While specific outcomes are not revealed, it does mention future opponents and plot directions.
After the anime concludes, the Hajime no Ippo manga immediately shifts focus back to Makunouchi Ippo’s own journey and his quest to challenge the world stage. Having conquered Japan, Ippo sets his sights on climbing the global ranks to eventually challenge the world champion.
Here are some key developments that occur in the arcs following the anime:
- Ippo’s World Ranking Push: The story follows Ippo as he takes on a series of international opponents to prove he belongs on the world stage. This introduces a new level of challenge and different boxing styles.
- The Rise of New Rivals: Ippo encounters formidable new rivals from around the globe, most notably the technically brilliant Mexican champion, Alfredo Gonzales. This rivalry becomes a central focus of Ippo’s career.
- Development of the Kamogawa Gym: The manga continues to follow the careers of the other Kamogawa boxers. Takamura continues his conquest of multiple weight classes, while Aoki and Kimura face their own professional and personal challenges.
- Ippo’s Evolution and Struggles: The path to the world is not easy. Ippo is forced to confront his own limitations, evolve his boxing style, and face the long-term consequences of a brutal boxing career.
FAQs About where does the hajime no ippo anime end in the manga
Will the Hajime no Ippo anime continue?
As of early 2026, there has been no official announcement for a “Season 4” or continuation of the Hajime no Ippo anime. The last series, Hajime no Ippo: Rising, aired in 2013-2014. While the manga continues with hundreds of new chapters, the anime’s future remains uncertain, which is why many fans transition to the manga to continue the story.
What volume of the manga does the anime end on?
The final events of the anime correspond to manga Volume 61. Specifically, Chapter 557 is the third chapter in this volume. If you prefer collecting physical volumes, you can start with Volume 61 to see the fight’s conclusion or purchase Volume 62 to begin the next part of the story.
Does the anime skip any important manga chapters?
The Hajime no Ippo anime is a very faithful adaptation and does not skip major plot-critical chapters. The most significant change is not skipping content, but reordering it, such as reversing the timeline of Takamura’s flashback. Minor scenes or lines of dialogue are sometimes trimmed for pacing, but the core narrative remains intact.
How many chapters does the Hajime no Ippo anime cover in total?
Across all its seasons (The Fighting!, New Challenger, and Rising), the anime adapts approximately 557 chapters of the manga. Considering the manga currently has over 1,400 chapters, the anime covers less than half of the total story written by George Morikawa, leaving a vast amount of content for anime-only fans to discover.
Is the Hajime no Ippo manga finished?
No, the Hajime no Ippo manga is not finished and is still ongoing. It has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine since 1989 and has over 1,400 chapters, making it one of the longest-running manga series of all time. The story continues to follow the careers of Ippo and the other Kamogawa Gym boxers.
Do you need to read the whole manga from the beginning?
You do not need to read from the beginning if you’ve watched the anime. The anime adaptation is highly faithful to the manga’s story and characters. Starting from Chapter 557 is a perfectly acceptable way to continue the story without feeling lost, as no major plot points are missed.
Where can I read the Hajime no Ippo manga?
You can read the Hajime no Ippo manga through official digital platforms that license Kodansha Comics. For the most up-to-date availability, check services like K Manga or the digital storefronts of major booksellers. Supporting official releases is the best way to support the author, George Morikawa.
What is the next major arc after the anime ends?
The story immediately following the anime focuses on Ippo’s preparation to challenge the world. This involves him fighting opponents from different countries to raise his world ranking. This path eventually leads him to one of his most significant and challenging opponents, the Mexican national champion Alfredo Gonzales.
Does the anime cover the Ippo vs. Gonzales fight?
No, the anime ends long before the Ippo vs. Alfredo Gonzales fight. This is a major fight that occurs much later in the manga and is a critical part of Ippo’s journey as he attempts to climb the world rankings. It is one of the key events that anime-only fans have yet to see.
Is the manga better than the anime?
Whether the manga is “better” is subjective, but it offers a more complete and detailed story. The manga has superior pacing in later arcs and features George Morikawa’s incredible artwork, which excels at conveying the impact of punches. Since the manga’s story is far from over, it is the only way to experience the full Hajime no Ippo narrative.
Key Takeaways: Hajime no Ippo Anime to Manga Guide
- The Definitive Starting Point: The Hajime no Ippo: Rising anime concludes with the events of manga Chapter 557. This is the universally recommended starting point to continue the story.
- The Final Animated Fight: The anime’s endpoint covers the conclusion of the epic World Middleweight title fight between Mamoru Takamura and David Eagle.
- A Key Narrative Difference: Be aware that the anime reverses the timeline of Takamura’s flashback, placing it in the middle of the fight for dramatic effect, whereas the manga presents it before the fight begins.
- No Major Content Skipped: The anime adaptation is extremely faithful, so you can confidently switch to the manga without needing to re-read earlier parts of the story. No critical plot points are missing.
- Vast Amount of Unseen Story: The anime only covers about 40% of the ongoing manga. By starting at Chapter 557, you are unlocking over 800 chapters of new content, including major fights and character arcs.
- No Anime Continuation Confirmed: As of 2026, there is no official news of a Season 4. The only way to continue the Hajime no Ippo story is by reading the manga.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Hajime no Ippo Story
Transitioning from the Hajime no Ippo anime to the manga is a rewarding decision for any fan of the series. By starting at Chapter 557, you are not just picking up where the anime left off; you are unlocking the door to a massive, ongoing epic that is more than double the length of what has been animated. You will witness Ippo’s challenging journey onto the world stage, Takamura’s legendary multi-weight class conquest, and the evolution of every boxer at the Kamogawa Gym. The manga is the definitive way to experience George Morikawa’s masterpiece in its entirety.
