Crunchyroll has officially launched the first part of Tomorrow’s Joe (Ashita no Joe), the legendary boxing anime that has shaped both the manga and anime industries. After decades of influence, this iconic series is now streaming in the United States, with additional episodes slated for release in 2024.
The Story of Tomorrow’s Joe
Created by writer Asao Takamori and illustrator Tetsuya Chiba, Tomorrow’s Joe made its mark in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine from 1960 to 1973, running for over a decade and being compiled into 20 volumes. The series follows Joe Yabuki, an orphaned teenager who, after drifting through Japan, encounters a former boxing trainer named Danpei Tange. Tange, who has fallen into despair after a failed career, offers to train Joe.
Joe’s journey begins when he is sent to juvenile detention, where he crosses paths with Tōru Rikiishi, a once-promising boxer. A boxing tournament held at the detention center culminates in Joe’s loss to Rikiishi, sparking a promise between the two to face off again in a professional match—a promise that sets the stage for Joe’s future as a boxer.
Tomorrow’s Joe’s Cultural Impact in Japan
The Tomorrow’s Joe manga was an unparalleled success in postwar Japan, resonating deeply with working-class individuals and university students. Its influence reached beyond entertainment, inspiring both political and cultural movements. Far-right nationalist Yukio Mishima, a famed author, was a known fan of the series, while the Japanese Red Army famously referenced it during their hijacking of a Japanese airplane, declaring, “Don’t be fooled. We are Tomorrow’s Joe,” in a bid to claim responsibility for the act.
These extreme examples highlight how the series became emblematic of the struggles faced by the working class in Japan during the 1960s and 70s. Joe Yabuki’s character became a symbol of resilience, making him an unlikely hero for people navigating political and social unrest.
The Enduring Legacy of Tomorrow’s Joe
The anime adaptation of Tomorrow’s Joe, directed by Osamu Dezaki, remains influential today, particularly in the world of battle anime. The iconic cross-counter scene, which has become a staple in boxing and action anime, is often cited as a key reference for shows like Dragon Ball and Naruto.
One of the most notable tributes to Tomorrow’s Joe came in 2018 with the release of Megalobox, a series created to mark the 50th anniversary of the original anime. Megalobox is set in a futuristic world where fighters compete in boxing matches enhanced by exoskeletons. The show follows Junk Dog, an underground boxer, as he works his way up to challenge the reigning champion. Megalobox was followed by a second season, Megalobox 2: Nomad, which aired in 2021.
Both Tomorrow’s Joe and Megalobox are available for streaming on Crunchyroll, while Tomorrow’s Joe 2 is available on Amazon Prime Video. The Tomorrow’s Joe manga, also known as Ashita no Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow, is licensed in the United States by Kodansha.
As the world eagerly anticipates the full release of Tomorrow’s Joe on Crunchyroll, the series continues to hold a special place in the hearts of anime fans, both for its cultural significance and its indelible impact on the genre.
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