Ashita no Joe
Tomorrow's Joe

After a rough childhood spent hopping between orphanages and fighting off bullies, Joe Yabuki has learnt how to become more grizzled and stop trusting others. Joe chooses a criminal lifestyle in the streets of San'ya, a Tokyo slum, after finally breaking free from the cycle of violent temporary houses. He moves across the world with his fists, picking battles with whoever catches his eye. Joe's animalistic fighting skills are noticed by Danpei Tange, a jaded and alcoholic former boxing coach, who makes an effort to guide the troubled kid. The two create a strong friendship and depend on one another to care for the other homeless youngsters in San'ya despite their tumultuous relationship. Joe is detained for minor offenses because he is unable to give up his destructive habits. He meets and engages in combat with longtime friends and foes in prison, including boxing sensation Tooru Rikiishi. Joe keeps challenging Rikiishi to fights, but he keeps being knocked out because Rikiishi uses a controlled boxing method while Joe uses a brutal brawling style. However, Joe eventually knocks out his opponent, winning Rikiishi's respect and the assurance that they will one day square off in a professional ring. Joe confronts life with a new purpose after discovering a reason to live in boxing. He faces heartbreaking defeat and worsening injuries as he advances through Japan's amateur and professional boxing circuits. Joe struggles with the concept that a life without boxing could not be one worth living because of his intense enthusiasm for fighting.