Tomorrow's Joe

E1

1. Those are the Eyes of a Beast!

1 Apr 1970 · 25m

A former boxer and current drunkard named Danpei Tange meets a drifter named Joe Yabuki and sees potential in him. Tange offers to teach Joe how to box, but Joe isn't easily convinced.

E2

2. The Live in the Square Jungle

8 Apr 1970 · 25m

Danpei is severely hurt after trying to protect Joe from the yakuza. Joe goes to visit the head of the yakuza group to try to get reparations for Danpei.

E3

3. Face the Fangs of the Beast

15 Apr 1970 · 25m

Danpei works hard day and night to save up for Joe and his boxing gym. Meanwhile, Joe uses the slum kids to con some money out of people and he runs into a woman named Yoko Shiraki.

E4

4. Shed Tears for the Burning Fist!

22 Apr 1970 · 25m

Joe holes up in an abandoned building after he gets caught lying to con people out of money.

E5

5. For the Sake of Tomorrow! Part 1

29 Apr 1970 · 25m

Tange sends Joe a letter to teach him boxing while he's at the police hospital waiting for his fate.

E6

6. Explode! Left Jab!

6 May 1970 · 25m

Joe ends up in a juvenile classification home and is quickly put into his place after trying to be cocky against his fellow inmates and their boss Nishi.

E7

7. Don`t Judge the Wolf!

13 May 1970 · 25m

Joe, Tange, and the kids show up to court to hear if Joe will be sent off to the juvenile training school.

E8

8. Toko High Security Juvenile Prison

20 May 1970 · 25m

Joe and Nishi spend their first night at the Toko Special Juvenile Training School and are quickly put into their places.

E9

9. His Name is Rikiishi Toru!

27 May 1970 · 25m

Joe and Nishi are sent out with the rest of the inmates to do some farmwork. Later on, Nishi comes up with a plan to help Joe escape the island, but they meet a man named Toru Rikiishi.

E10

10. Scream of the Red Sunset!

3 Jun 1970 · 25m

Joe is completely out of it after getting punched by Rikiishi. However, later on, he had a huge surprise in store for everyone.

E11

11. Burn at the Bottom of Hell!

10 Jun 1970 · 25m

Joe continues to practice boxing while he's alone in solitary. Danpei and the kids try to find a way into the juvenile training school when they unexpectedly run into Yoko.

E12

12. Shout at the Burning Sun

17 Jun 1970 · 25m

Joe tells Yoko why he treats her so badly. Rikiishi tries to interfere and Yoko proposes that they settle this in a boxing match. Tange finally gets to train Joe again in person.

E13

13. Stand in the Ring of Destiny

24 Jun 1970 · 25m

Joe and Rikiishi prepare for their upcoming match. After seeing just how powerful Joe's new punch is, Rikiishi devises a unique training method to counter it.

E14

14. Is it Time for the KO Gong Yet!?

1 Jul 1970 · 25m

Joe and Rikiishi finally have their first match. But for some reason, Danpei tells Joe to let Rikiishi keep knocking him down. Who will be the winner in the end?

E15

15. White Mat's Lullaby

8 Jul 1970 · 25m

Moved by the fight between Joe and Rikiishi, the inmates also start boxing.

E16

16. The Setting Sun of Treachery

15 Jul 1970 · 25m

Tange becomes the full-time boxing coach at the juvenile training school on Nogiku Island. Joe seems to finally be interested in training more with Tange, but Tange suddenly seems distant.

E17

17. Alone in the Middle of a Storm

22 Jul 1970 · 25m

Joe keeps trying to get Tange to coach him again, but Tange just keeps ignoring him and concentrates on training Aoyama. No one expected Aoyama to get into the tournament, but he then somehow defeats the rep for dorm 7, Numata.

E18

18. Ring Ropes of Despair

29 Jul 1970 · 25m

The dormitory boxing tournament begins and everyone finds out just how Aoyama defeated Numata.

E19

19. The Fearsome Liver Blow

5 Aug 1970 · 25m

Joe and Aoyama's match finally begins, but who will come out on top?

E20

20. Battle Scarred Victory

12 Aug 1970 · 25m

Joe and Aoyama's match concludes and Tange reveals something to our two fighters.

E21

21. A Small Fight with a Big Honor

19 Aug 1970 · 25m

Rikiishi tells Joe that they need to have their match sooner because something came up, so they have an unofficial match out in the rain.

E22

22. The Legendary Rikiishi Tooru

26 Aug 1970 · 25m

Rikiishi leaves Toko Special Juvenile Training School and Joe feels empty inside. Meanwhile, the final match of the dorm boxing tournament is about to begin.

E23

23. Farewell, Juvenile Prison

2 Sep 1970 · 25m

Following Rikiishi and Aoyama, Nishi is also going to leave the juvenile training school, leaving Joe all alone.

E24

24. Return to Slum Town

9 Sep 1970 · 25m

Joe finally leaves the juvenile training school and goes back to the slums where he's welcomed back with open arms, and Danpei has a surprise for him.

E25

25. Law of the Stray Dog

16 Sep 1970 · 25m

Joe finally feels like something might be changing in his life, but then he is visited by Guerilla, who's on the run from the police.

E26

26. License of Despair

23 Sep 1970 · 25m

Tange goes to the Japan Boxing Association to get his gym officially recognized. Meanwhile, Joe starts working at the grocery store Nishi works at.

E27

27. Bridge to Tomorrow

30 Sep 1970 · 25m

Tange is unable to get the license for his gym, but then, an unexpected visitor gives them an unbelievable offer.

E28

28. Wager for Glory

7 Oct 1970 · 25m

Joe goes to see the All Japan Rookie Championship Tournament and figures out a way to get one of the members of the Boxing Association to give Tange the license he needs for his gym.

E29

29. Challenge for Tomorrow

14 Oct 1970 · 25m

Tange is able to get the license for his gym after the stunt Joe pulled at the All Japan Rookie Championship Tournament, but he says that Joe's not ready to become a pro yet himself. However, Joe's got his own ideas.

E30

30. The Ordeal of the Pro Test

21 Oct 1970 · 25m

Joe and Nishi go take the pro boxing test and Joe finds out that it's not as easy as he thought it would be.

E31

31. Spread Your Wings, Pro Boxer

28 Oct 1970 · 25m

Joe passes the B-rank exam and takes his first real step towards becoming a pro.

E32

32. The Road to the Shining Ring

4 Nov 1970 · 25m

Nishi and Joe both have their debut matches in the pro ring.

E33

33. Hooray for the First Victory

11 Nov 1970 · 25m

Everyone celebrates after Joe's first victory. Noriko gets him violets but those are quickly overshadowed by the giant bouquet of roses Yoko sends him.

E34

34. The Aspiring Boxer

18 Nov 1970 · 25m

Ishikura watches Joe win a boxing match and decides he wants to be just like him. He then suddenly shows up to Tange's gym wanting to join, but Tange surprisingly refuses.

E35

35. Do Your Best! Nishi!

25 Nov 1970 · 25m

Nishi loses all three matches so far after becoming a pro and loses his confidence. Tange, Joe, and the kids try to find a way to build his confidence back up and Kinoko finds a surprising solution.

E36

36. Wolf Kanagushi Bares His Fangs

2 Dec 1970 · 25m

Joe continues winning match after match and asks Tange when he's going to go up against Wolf Kanagushi. Tange tells him they're going to take it nice and slow, but then, Otaka sends them an invitation...

E37

37. Training Furiously

9 Dec 1970 · 25m

Joe, Tange, and Nishi are anxious about what Wolf's secret training could be. The kids decide they'll sneak into the Asia Boxing Club to find out what Wolf's training is, but things go terribly wrong.

E38

38. The Greatest Six-Round Bout in History

16 Dec 1970 · 25m

Joe and Wolf's match finally begins. Whose training will bring them victory?

E39

39. The Triple Cross of Victory

23 Dec 1970 · 25m

Joe and Wolf's intense match finally comes to an end. Who will stand victorious?

E40

40. An Oath to the Snow

30 Dec 1970 · 25m

Tange takes Joe, Nishi, and the rest of the neighborhood on a hot springs trip to celebrate Joe's victory, but on their way up, they find out that Wolf may have been incapacitated.

E41

41. Rikiishi Tooru`s Challenge

6 Jan 1971 · 25m

The new year has arrived and Joe finds out that Rikiishi is losing weight to become a bantamweight so he can face off with Joe.

E42

42. A Man`s World

13 Jan 1971 · 25m

Joe and Rikiishi continue training for their match. However, Rikiishi is starting to worry Yoko and Mikinosuke because he is going to extreme lengths to lose weight.

E43

43. A Cruel Weight Loss

20 Jan 1971 · 25m

Tange formally accepts Shiraki Gym's match request between Rikiishi and Joe and he tells Joe about Rikiishi's brutal weight loss regimen. Meanwhile, Nishi doesn't seem to be losing any weight...

E44

44. Rikiishi Tooru`s Hard Fight!

27 Jan 1971 · 25m

Rikiishi has his first match as a bantamweight against Pancho Leo. Who will come out on top?

E45

45. Sway Back to Defeat Rikiishi!

3 Feb 1971 · 25m

Joe asks Tange and Nishi to help him improve his sway backs so he has a way to counter Rikiishi.

E46

46. The Man Who Risked Death

10 Feb 1971 · 25m

While Joe continues his intense training, Rikishi is equally devoted to maintaining his weight.

E47

47. The Two Before the Storm

17 Feb 1971 · 25m

On the day of the match, Joe and Danpei reunite with Rikishi during the weigh-in and acknowledge his impressive weight-cutting success.

E48

48. Showdown of Destiny

24 Feb 1971 · 25m

Joe realizes that Rikishi has stabilized his body after extreme weight loss.

E49

49. An Endless Deathmatch

3 Mar 1971 · 25m

Rikishi's uppercut grazes Joe's cheek, causing it to bleed. Alarmed, Joe moves in close during the third round, leading to an intense exchange of hooks.

E50

50. End of the Battle

10 Mar 1971 · 25m

Joe fortifies his guard for the first time in his professional career, but Rikishi's fierce attack knocks him down.

E51

51. Burnt-out Life

17 Mar 1971 · 25m

The fierce battle ends. Joe extends a congratulatory handshake to Rikishi, who starts to smile but collapses onto the mat.

E52

52. Farewell, Rikiishi Toru

24 Mar 1971 · 25m

On the day of Rikishi's funeral, Joe leaves their condolences to Danpei and Nishi and tries to distract himself by playing energetically with the children by the riverside.

E53

53. The Man I Hate

31 Mar 1971 · 25m

Joe wanders through the town on a snowy night, carrying memories of Rikishi. To Joe, who has no family, Rikishi was an irreplaceable presence...

E54

54. The Ten-Count Bell of Sorrow

7 Apr 1971 · 25m

Three days after Joe disappeared, a ten-count gong was held at Korakuen Hall to mourn Rikishi's death. Joe watches the scene on a street-side TV.

E55

55. The Wandering Ballad

14 Apr 1971 · 25m

Joe sees Wolf Kanagushi, who has become a bodyguard for the yakuza, on the streets.

E56

56. The Wolf Revives

21 Apr 1971 · 25m

The brawl with Gondo is treated as extenuating circumstances. After being informed by reporters, Danpei quickly retrieves Joe.

E57

57. A Wounded Beast

28 Apr 1971 · 25m

Joe continues training and lands a powerful body blow during sparring with Nishi. However, Nishi notices that Joe avoids striking the head, arousing suspicion.

E58

58. The Body Blow of Victory

5 May 1971 · 25m

The ten-round match between Joe and Tonotani begins. Danpei and Nishi, concealing their concerns, watch over Joe.

E59

59. The Looming Black Shadow

12 May 1971 · 25m

Having returned to form, Joe defeats several Japanese bantamweight contenders with his fierce body attacks.

E60

60. The Fierce Sparring

19 May 1971 · 25m

Pre-match predictions favor Tiger in his fight against Joe. Around this time, the head of Bokuto Gym invites Joe to spar with him, saying it is to substitute for Nishi, who injured his fist.

E61

61. The Thrown Towel

26 May 1971 · 25m

In the fight against Tiger, Kunimoto, the Sun Gym president, claims to have uncovered Joe's weakness. In truth, Tiger realizes that Joe cannot properly strike the face.

E62

62. Rikiishi Toru was Alive

2 Jun 1971 · 25m

After the fight, Danpei shockingly reveals the truth to Joe. However, learning that his actual opponent is the 'ghost of Rikishi' haunting him, Joe strengthens his resolve.

E63

63. The Final Challenge

9 Jun 1971 · 25m

The slump in Joe's performance casts a shadow over the slums. Even so, Joe continues his desperate battle against himself, repeatedly striking the sandbag's temple position.

E64

64. Enter Carlos

16 Jun 1971 · 25m

Carlos prays for both fighters' success in the ring for Joe's match against Nangou. As the fight begins, Joe faces his poor condition and a referee influenced by the Hyo clan.

E65

65. As Long as There's the Ring

23 Jun 1971 · 25m

After Joe's devastating loss to Nangou, Danpei dissolves the Tange Gym. He entrusts the future of Joe and Nishi to the proprietor of Hachiya, but Joe resolves to continue boxing alone.

E66

66. Setting Out for Tomorrow

30 Jun 1971 · 25m

Joe departs from the Namidabashi Bridge early in the morning and meets a boy who dreams of traveling to far-off places on his way to Ueno Station. Joe sympathizes with his story.

E67

67. A Little Adventure

7 Jul 1971 · 25m

A postcard arrives, informing the children of Joe's whereabouts in Oarai. Determined to meet him, they head to Ueno Station, but an attempt at fare-dodging is discovered, forcing them to disembark.

E68

68. Fixed Match

14 Jul 1971 · 25m

Joe's new career in the traveling show begins. Kawano attempts to promote Joe as a star by arranging fixed matches and instructing the others to take deliberate losses.

E69

69. Lullaby of the Ranch

21 Jul 1971 · 25m

On a day off, Joe goes hiking with Inaba and falls off a cliff in the fog. Yuri, the daughter of a nearby Hiyama Ranch, rescues him.

E70

70. The Guy I'm Worried About

28 Jul 1971 · 25m

Yoko organizes a Carlos vs. Nangou match in Sendai, where Joe performs. Interested in Joe, Carlos and Robert visit the Namidabashi Bridge and learn how much Joe is still loved by the community.

E71

71. Carlos the Uncrowned Emperor

4 Aug 1971 · 25m

Joe's performances continue at the sparsely attended Hakusan Shrine. During a break, Joe positions himself in front of the TV Kawano bought, intently watching Carlos's match against Nangou.

E72

72. Return to the Shining Ring

11 Aug 1971 · 25m

A postcard from Noriko brings news about the Namidabashi community. However, since watching Carlos's fight, Joe has been unable to focus on his performance.

E73

73. The Cross Counter Returns

18 Aug 1971 · 25m

Returning to Tokyo, Joe visits Yoko and requests to spar with Carlos. Reluctantly, Yoko agrees and insists they use heavier 16-ounce gloves for safety.

E74

74. Setting Out Today

25 Aug 1971 · 25m

Tange Gym fell into disrepair during Joe's absence. Joe begins rebuilding it with Danpei and the children.

E75

75. Carlos, Magician of the Ring

1 Sep 1971 · 25m

As Joe resumes training in the Namidabashi slums, Noriko watches with a complex expression. Meanwhile, the day of Carlos's match against Harashima arrives.

E76

76. The Burning Challenge

8 Sep 1971 · 25m

Yoko finalizes the contract for a Carlos vs. Tiger match. Carlos confidently declares he will win with a first-minute KO.

E77

77. Battle of Men

15 Sep 1971 · 25m

Robert's old friend, promoter Henry James, arrives in Japan. Henry arranges a match between Carlos and the world champion, Jose Mendoza, and proposes canceling the fight with Joe.

E78

78. Duel!! Carlos Vs. Yabuki Joe

22 Sep 1971 · 25m

The day of Carlos's match against Tiger arrives. As a boxing fan, Danpei expresses his feelings about Joe's journey. Yoko quietly encourages Joe as they pass in the hallway.

E79

79. Let the Shining Tomorrow Burn in the Distance!!

29 Sep 1971 · 25m

Carlos counters Joe's rope-side techniques with an improvised move, nullifying Joe's strategy. He then proposes an all-out brawl with no tricks.

E1

1. And Then, He Returned...

13 Oct 1980 · 25m

After inadvertently killing Toru Rikiishi in the ring, Joe Yabuki finds himself aimlessly wandering the city at night, when he comes across a fight between Wolf Kanagushi, his former opponent who has become a Yakuza muscleman and Goromaki Gondo, a henchman from an opposing Yakuza group.

E2

2. One Man, One Flower... Venture into the Ring

20 Oct 1980 · 25m

After a long absence, Joe returns to Tange Gym where he is welcomed with open arms. He pays his respect at Rikiishi's grave and swears to return to the ring. Even after being away for several months, Joe proves his punches are still as powerful as ever in his spar against Nishi. The bell to Joe's first comeback match echoes through the hall.

E3

3. Messenger From Hell... Joe Yabuki

27 Oct 1980 · 25m

Joe proves his comeback K.O. victory is no fluke. With his powerful punches, Joe sends his opponents to the hospital one after another. The rival boxing club owners see Joe as a serious threat and band together to get rid of him.

E4

4. Back Then, The Ten-Point Bell Ringed

3 Nov 1980 · 25m

Joe, a fledgling boxer, is unfairly matched up against Tiger Ozaki, the National Bantamweight Champion. Despite the odds, Joe sees it as an opportunity to instantly climb to the top and is confident he can defeat Tiger Ozaki. However, right before the bout, a member of Tiger Ozaki's team reveals they have discovered Joe's weakness.

E5

5. The Phantom... Strike the Temple!

10 Nov 1980 · 25m

After a humiliating defeat against Tiger Ozaki, Joe agrees to another bout despite Danpei's protests. Under Tiger Ozaki's guidance, Ryu Harajima, Joe's opponent takes advantage of Joe's weakness in the ring. To prove them wrong, Joe unleashes a punch to Harajima's temple, the same punch that killed Toru Rikiishi. However, an unexpected physical reaction suddenly overwhelms Joe.

E6

6. Howl... Dogs Will Bite

17 Nov 1980 · 25m

Despite learning his inability to strike his opponent in the temple is psychological, Joe is undeterred and trains for his upcoming fight against Koji Nango. Joe climbs into the ring while Carlos Rivera, the world's No. 6 bantamweight boxer from Venezuela, watches from the ringside.

E7

7. Wandering... Like a Wild Beast

24 Nov 1980 · 25m

Without a club willing to organize a bout against him, Joe's career seems over for certain. Even Danpei says, "Joe Yabuki, the boxer is dead" and urges him to retire. Unable to accept his career may be over, Joe is at a loss. Then, he receives an invitation from Yoko to see Carlos Rivera's fight. What kind of man and boxer is Carlos Rivera?

E8

8. That Guy... Burning Man Carlos

1 Dec 1980 · 25m

Danpei closes the gym and disappears to make Joe realize that his career is over. However, Joe refuses to give up boxing and continues to train. He catches Carlos Rivera's second match on TV and realizes what he saw during Carlos' first match was no trick of the eye. He visits the Shiraki Gym where Carlos is training and offers to be his sparring partner.

E9

9. And then... The Beast Revived

8 Dec 1980 · 25m

Joe is slowly released from the ghost of Toru Rikiishi during his heated spar against Carlos. After realizing Joe can punch his opponent's temple again, Danpei reopens the gym and the two go see Carlos's bout. Before his bout against Tiger Ozaki, Carlos searches Joe out of the crowd and predicts a one round K.O. victory.

E10

10. The Christmas Eve Gift

15 Dec 1980 · 25m

It's Christmas and the mood is merry in the slums. Snow begins to fall, as Carlos and Joe's fire burn quietly inside of them. In the snow-covered park, Joe challenges Carlos to a fight to settle who is best. However, Carlos has another plan.

E11

11. Beginning of the Struggle... Carlos VS Joe

22 Dec 1980 · 25m

As the New Year's Eve bell counts down the passing year, Joe and Carlos' bout kick off with the sound of the boxing bell. Joe and Carlos put on a heated and breathtaking fight. However, Joe is unable to land his forte, the cross-counter. With no other option, Joe makes a daring attack by the ropes, but will it be enough to defeat Carlos?

E12

12. Night of the Snow Storm... The Endless Fight

29 Dec 1980 · 25m

Joe loses consciousness after being hit with Carlos' powerful uppercut. However, he refuses to go down without spending every last ounce of his strength. Carlos' "invincible punch" mercilessly rains down on Joe. Their fierce fight continues, as both boxers fight with all their might. Who will be victorious?

E13

13. The Tange Gym... Is Indestructable

5 Jan 1981 · 25m

With Joe's bout against Carlos now over, Joe, Danpei and the people from the neighborhood are busy organizing Nishi's retirement party. However, unbeknownst to everyone, Nishi was struggling to accept that he could no longer physically box. At his retirement party, Nishi asks Joe to spar with him one last time.

E14

14. Where is... Joe's Youth?

12 Jan 1981 · 25m

Joe visits the Shiraki Gym to pick up his prize money. There, he learns the World Champion had defeated Carlos. Joe also learns Carlos had become incapacitated as a boxer and that he was to blame. Seeing the pain in Joe's eyes, Noriko suggests he quit boxing.

E15

15. For Whose sake...? Deadly Rush

19 Jan 1981 · 25m

Without a boxing club willing to organize a bout against Joe, Danpei visits Yoko for help. However, instead of organizing a bout against a Japanese boxer, she chooses Usman Somkit, the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation's No. 5 boxer from Thailand as his opponent. With Carlos still on his mind, Joe climbs into the ring...

E16

16. Distant Aim... Road to the World

26 Jan 1981 · 25m

With a lightening fast victory against Usman Somkit, all eyes are back on Joe. Meanwhile, Joe finally gets the opportunity to watch the gut-wrenching bout between Carlos and Jose Mendoza, the World Bantamweight Champion. Joe vows to avenge Carlos, but before he can challenge Jose he must defeat Tarny Aronzo, the OPBF's No. 3 boxer from the Philippines and climb the ranks.

E17

17. A Figure Seen... A Great Target

2 Feb 1981 · 25m

Joe steps onto the gym scale and makes an unwelcome discovery. Meanwhile, Kanto TV has announced their exclusive broadcasting rights to all of Joe's bouts in Japan. At the announcement party, Joe notices an unlikely man standing amongst the crowd. Who is the uninvited guest and what is his objective?

E18

18. Those Knuckles... The Mark's Message

9 Feb 1981 · 25m

Joe is eager to take on Yongbi Kim, the OPBF Bantamweight Champion, but according to Danpei, Kim is avoiding Joe because he's afraid of him. When in fact, Kim is eager to take on Joe, as well. Danpei has his reasons to want to avoid a bout between the two and is willing to cast a web of lies in order to keep Joe from finding out.

E19

19. Fighting Machine... Dragon Kim

16 Feb 1981 · 25m

With Joe and Kim's Championship match now confirmed, Yoko sends Suga to South Korea to find out Kim's mysterious past, while Kim's manager secretly gathers information about Joe. Joe and Danpei watch Kim's exhibition match against a boxer, who is two weight classes above him. As the fight unfolds, a cold chill runs down Joe and Danpei's spine.

E20

20. My Bantamweight... Weight Loss Challenge

23 Feb 1981 · 25m

Despite the match being three weeks away, Joe is struggling to lose weight. Desperate to lose weight, he turns the gym into a dangerously hot sauna. After almost passing out, Danpei urges Joe to stop his dangerous weight loss attempts. Determined to stay in the bantamweight class and without Danpei willing to support him, Joe holes himself up in the attic room and refuses to eat...

E21

21. Rikiishi... I Hear the Song

2 Mar 1981 · 25m

With Danpei vehemently against Joe's dangerous weight loss, Joe leaves the Tange Gym. He visits the Shiraki Gym and locks himself up in the very same room where Toru Rikiishi once starved himself, so he could fight Joe. Joe's thirst and hunger reaches its peak and he goes into a wild rage as though he were mad. Unable to watch any longer, Danpei relents and offers to help Joe.

E22

22. And... The Morning's Measurement

9 Mar 1981 · 25m

After a grueling weight loss regimen, Joe finally loses enough weight to stay in the bantamweight class. However, during the official weigh-in, Joe discovers he is actually over the weight limit and that Danpei had altered the scale back at the gym. With only a few hours left until the final weigh-in, Joe resorts to drastic measures knowing full well that it might kill him.

E23

23. The Burning Beast... And Ice

16 Mar 1981 · 25m

With the final weigh-in now over, Danpei brings Joe to a restaurant so he can enjoy a small meal before his match. Kim, who happened to come to the same restaurant, asks Joe if he could join him. Seated across from Joe, Kim begins to tell him about his past. What horrifying truth about his past will Kim reveal to Joe?

E24

24. The Gong Chimes.. The Ring of the Devil

23 Mar 1981 · 25m

Kim's manager confidently predicts Kim's victory during the pre-fight press interview. Danpei and Nishi encourage Joe in the locker room, but Joe is not his usual self. Unsurprisingly, Kim dominates the fight and Joe can only defend himself. However, no matter how hard Kim knocks him down, Joe continues to get up. Why does Joe continue to get up in such a hopeless fight?

E25

25. In Round 6... A Miracle Occurred

30 Mar 1981 · 25m

Joe has fought beyond his limit, yet he refuses to go down. Unable to comprehend how Joe can continue to fight, Kim slowly becomes unhinged and resorts to using his deadly technique known as Chom-Chom.

E26

26. A Champion... And a Loser's Glory

6 Apr 1981 · 25m

With is victory over Kim, Joe is now the OPBF Champion. His next goal is to defeat Jose Mendoza, the World Bantamweight Champion who crushed Carlos. Then one day, Joe learns about a Japanese boxer, who once fought Jose and decides to pay him a visit.

E27

27. Boxing... A Requiem

13 Apr 1981 · 25m

Joe happens to run into Wolf Kanagushi, a former boxer at a pachinko parlor. He is relieved to learn that Wolf is now working as a trainer at a boxing gym, and is no longer a Yakuza muscleman. Wolf tells Joe about the financial struggles the gym is facing

E28

28. José... In Hawaii

20 Apr 1981 · 25m

As the OPBF Champion, Joe’s first title defense match has been confirmed in Hawaii. Not wanting to go all the way to Hawaii, Joe is reluctant about the fight, but quickly changes his mind when he learns Jose is also having a bout in Hawaii.

E29

29. Yabuki's... New Defense

27 Apr 1981 · 25m

Knowing Jose is watching from the ringside, Joe predicts a two round K.O. victory. However, Joe quickly realizes that defeating his Hawaiian challenger will be harder than he originally thought.

E30

30. Grand Champion... José

4 May 1981 · 25m

After successfully defending his title, Joe is eager to challenge Jose more than ever. Then one day, Yoko invites Joe to spend some time with Jose and his family on a horse ranch. Joe finally gets an opportunity to question Jose.

E31

31. Meaning... of the V Sign

11 May 1981 · 25m

As the OPBF Champion and world champion hopeful, it seems everyone wants a piece of Joe now. Meanwhile, the new Tange Gym that’s been under construction is finally complete and Danpei accepts several new aspiring boxers as apprentices.

E32

32. Farewell... Dear Old Things

18 May 1981 · 25m

Jose, the WBC World Champion must fight Harold Gomez, the WBA World Champion in a unification bout to determine the true World Bantamweight Champion. Meanwhile, Joe, the OPBF Champion and now the World’s No. 5 boxer, must defeat Leon Smiley.

E33

33. The 13th King Comes From America!?

25 May 1981 · 25m

Leon dominates the fight and Joe is on defense. However, Leon’s underhanded tactics light a fire inside Joe and the fight quickly becomes a fierce and tightly contested battle. With no knockout punch from either side, the winner is determined by points.

E34

34. He... Fell with the Card

1 Jun 1981 · 25m

Jose, the WBC World Champion and Gomez, the WBA World Champion will fight head to head to determine the true World Bantamweight Champion. Joe, who has won his right to challenge the winner of the unification bout, flies to Las Vegas to see Jose and Gomez’

E35

35. The Champion ...Alone

8 Jun 1981 · 25m

Yoko, who feels Joe has lost his wildness within, offers to give up her exclusive rights to Jose’s fights in Japan, under the condition that Joe fights one last bout before his title match against Jose.

E36

36. Yoko's... New Attempt

15 Jun 1981 · 25m

Harimau, a wild beast-like man who grew up deep in the Malaysian jungle has been confirmed as Joe’s challenger. Yoko brings Harimau to the Tange Club to introduce him to Joe, but Joe reiterates his displeasure about having to fight.

E37

37. The Wild Child… Harimao

22 Jun 1981 · 25m

Joe is humiliatingly caught off guard by Harimau, not once, but twice. Admitting he’s lost his street fighting instincts, Joe asks Goromaki Gondo, a Yakuza henchman for his help. Invited by Joe, Gondo and his subordinates show up at the Tange Gym.

E38

38. Unexpected Visitor... Gondo Goromaki

29 Jun 1981 · 25m

The bout between Joe, the Brawler and Harimau, the Wild Beast begins. At first, Joe struggles to keep up with Harimau’s agility and speed. However, Harimau proves to be no match against Joe, who has regained his instincts as a former street fighter.

E39

39. Two Beasts... in the Jungle

6 Jul 1981 · 25m

Yoko arranges Carlos to be admitted into a hospice to recuperate. However, Dr. Kinninski, the world’s leading authority on punch-drunk syndrome delivers the devastating diagnoses that Carlos is suffering from a severe case of punch-drunk syndrome.

E40

40. Joe Fired Up… The Target is Near

13 Jul 1981 · 25m

Noriko and Nishi are engaged. Joe is happy from the bottom of his heart to see his long-time pal marry his dream girl. Meanwhile, Jose arrives in Japan just two days after their bout has been officially confirmed.

E41

41. José arrives in Japan… The Match Date Approaches!

20 Jul 1981 · 25m

Noriko and Nishi are engaged. Joe is happy from the bottom of his heart to see his long-time pal marry his dream girl. Meanwhile, Jose arrives in Japan just two days after their bout has been officially confirmed.

E42

42. A Shock… Yoko's Premonition

27 Jul 1981 · 25m

After noticing Joe might also be suffering from punch-drunk syndrome, Yoko asks Dr. Kinninski for his professional opinion. Dr. Kinninski is reluctant to give a concrete diagnosis without examining Joe.

E43

43. Joe and Danpei... Two Everyday People

3 Aug 1981 · 25m

In order to avoid Danpei finding out about his health, Joe decides to train with Nishi and Danpei at a mountain lodge, far away from Yoko. Desperate to tell Joe about his health, Yoko tracks down Joe and visits the mountain lodge.

E44

44. Yoko... Her Love

10 Aug 1981 · 25m

On the day of the title match, Yoko finally tracks down Joe in his locker room and urges him to cancel the fight before he ends up like Carlos. She learns Joe is well aware of what is happening to his body, and that he is going to fight Jose regardless.

E45

45. Joe VS. José... The Gong of the Match Rings

17 Aug 1981 · 25m

Joe and Jose finally face off in the ring. With his impenetrable defense, Jose dodges Joe’s attacks while hitting him with his own punches. After receiving countless blows and unable to land a meaningful punch against Jose.

E46

46. The Violent... Endless Fight to the Death

24 Aug 1981 · 25m

Jose is rattled by Joe’s sudden comeback, but quickly realizes Joe is no longer able to see out of his right eye, due to the effects of punch-drunk syndrome. Jose moves to Joe’s blind spot and batters him with his punches.

E47

47. The Great End

31 Aug 1981 · 25m

No one doubts Jose’s victory, but something begins to change. While, Jose is unable to knockout Joe completely, Joe masters Jose’s corkscrew punch and continues to fight with a blatant disregard for his life.