Is Hajime no Ippo ongoing?

If you’ve been around the anime and manga community for a while, you’ve probably heard whispers about Hajime no Ippo (ippo manga). Some call it a masterpiece, others say it’s way too long, and many wonder whether it’s still ongoing after all these years. So, let’s sit down and clear this up together, because the answer isn’t just a simple yes or no it’s also a look into why this series has lasted so long.

A quick reminder of what Hajime no Ippo is

For anyone new, Hajime no Ippo is a boxing manga by George Morikawa. It started back in 1989, which already tells you how much history it carries. The story follows Ippo Makunouchi, a shy teenager who discovers boxing and finds both strength and purpose in the ring. From there, it becomes this epic journey filled with training, rivalries, victories, losses, and the constant pursuit of improvement.

It’s not just a sports manga—it’s a coming-of-age story that has inspired readers for decades. That’s why fans keep asking: is this story still going after more than thirty years?

The short answer

Yes, Hajime no Ippo is still ongoing. George Morikawa hasn’t wrapped up Ippo’s journey yet, and the manga continues to release new chapters. While the pace has naturally slowed a bit compared to earlier years, the fact that it’s still alive today is nothing short of impressive.

So if you’re wondering whether it’s safe to dive in without hitting an abrupt stop—the answer is yes. There’s still plenty of material to enjoy, and the story continues to move forward.

Why it’s still running

One big reason Hajime no Ippo has lasted so long is because it’s not just about Ippo himself. The series explores dozens of characters, from rivals like Miyata and Sendo to seniors like Takamura. Each of them has their own arc, their own dreams, and their own battles to fight.

By expanding the world beyond Ippo, Morikawa created a story that can keep evolving without feeling stale. Even when Ippo isn’t in the ring, the manga remains exciting because someone else is carrying the torch for that chapter.

The anime vs the manga

Here’s where a lot of the confusion comes from. The anime adaptation of Hajime no Ippo hasn’t kept up with the manga. The first season aired in 2000, and there were follow-ups like New Challenger and Rising, but they still only cover a portion of the manga’s massive story.

So, while the anime may feel “finished” to some viewers, the manga is very much alive. That’s why longtime fans often point new readers to the source material. If you’ve only seen the anime, you’ve only scratched the surface of Ippo’s journey.

How long can it keep going?

This is the million-dollar question. With more than 1400 chapters published, Hajime no Ippo is one of the longest-running manga series out there. Some fans wonder whether Morikawa will ever bring it to a close.

The truth is, nobody knows exactly when it will end except Morikawa himself. But considering how invested fans still are, and how many storylines remain open, it’s safe to say that there’s still more to come. Whether that means years or just a few more arcs is something only time will reveal.

Should you start reading it now?

Here’s where I’ll be honest: Hajime no Ippo is a big commitment. If you’re looking for a short manga you can finish in a week, this isn’t it. But if you want a series that rewards your time with deep character development, intense boxing matches, and a cast you’ll come to love like family, then it’s absolutely worth starting.

The ongoing status actually works in your favor. You don’t have to worry about the story being abandoned or forgotten. You can jump in knowing there’s a long road ahead, and that you’ll be part of a community that has stuck with this series for decades.

Where to keep up with the manga

If the anime left you wanting more or you just want to experience the full story, the manga is where the heart of Hajime no Ippo lives. You can follow the ongoing series at Hajime no Ippo, where fans keep track of Ippo’s journey as it continues.

The legacy of Hajime no Ippo

Even though it’s still ongoing, it’s important to recognize what Hajime no Ippo has already achieved. It set the standard for sports manga long before titles like Haikyuu!! or Kuroko no Basket became mainstream hits. It showed how a simple premise—a boy who boxes—could grow into a decades-long saga about determination, failure, triumph, and personal growth.

For many fans, it’s more than just entertainment. It’s motivation. It’s a reminder that persistence, even when the odds are stacked against you, can lead to greatness. That’s why people don’t mind that it’s still ongoing—they’re just happy to keep walking alongside Ippo as he grows.

So, is Hajime no Ippo ongoing? Absolutely. Not only is it ongoing, but it’s still delivering the kind of storytelling that made it a classic in the first place. Sure, it’s long, and sure, the anime didn’t cover everything, but the manga continues to be a source of inspiration and excitement for fans worldwide.

If you’ve been on the fence about diving in, now’s the time. You’ll laugh with the characters, cheer during the fights, and maybe even find yourself more motivated in your own life. After all, that’s the magic of Hajime no Ippo: it’s not just a story about boxing, it’s a story about growing stronger one step at a time.