A young drifter named Joe Yabuki wanders through the slums of Tokyo, but when the local ruffians try to give him a hard time he teaches them a rough lesson with his fists. The spectacle sparks a gleam in the eye of an old drunk who happens to be watching—Danpei Tange, a failed boxer and former coach who sees something special in the boy. He pleads with Joe to train with him off, but the cocky young fighter brushes him. Later, though, when Joe is arrested and put in a juvenile detention facility, he realizes that he’s going to need to hone his raw fighting skills if he wants to survive. Thus is born a partnership that might just take Joe all the way to the top…
Cast: Teruhiko Aoi, Fuyumi Shiraishi, Shūsei Nakamura
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79 episodes
1. Those are the Eyes of a Beast!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.AACC25minApr 1, 1970
2. The Live in the Square JungleDanpei 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.AACC25minApr 8, 1970
3. Face the Fangs of the BeastDanpei 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.AACC25minApr 15, 1970
4. Shed Tears for the Burning Fist!Joe holes up in an abandoned building after he gets caught lying to con people out of money.AACC25minApr 22, 1970
5. For the Sake of Tomorrow! Part 1Tange sends Joe a letter to teach him boxing while he's at the police hospital waiting for his fate.AACC25minApr 29, 1970
6. Explode! Left Jab!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.AACC25minMay 6, 1970
7. Don`t Judge the Wolf!Joe, Tange, and the kids show up to court to hear if Joe will be sent off to the juvenile training school.AACC25minMay 13, 1970
8. Toko High Security Juvenile PrisonJoe and Nishi spend their first night at the Toko Special Juvenile Training School and are quickly put into their places.AACC25minMay 20, 1970
9. His Name is Rikiishi Toru!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.AACC25minMay 27, 1970
10. Scream of the Red Sunset!Joe is completely out of it after getting punched by Rikiishi. However, later on, he had a huge surprise in store for everyone.AACC25minJun 3, 1970
11. Burn at the Bottom of Hell!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.AACC25minJun 10, 1970
12. Shout at the Burning SunJoe 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.AACC25minJun 17, 1970
13. Stand in the Ring of DestinyJoe 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.AACC25minJun 24, 1970
14. Is it Time for the KO Gong Yet!?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?AACC25minJul 1, 1970
15. White Mat's LullabyMoved by the fight between Joe and Rikiishi, the inmates also start boxing.AACC25minJul 8, 1970
16. The Setting Sun of TreacheryTange 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.AACC25minJul 15, 1970
17. Alone in the Middle of a StormJoe 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.AACC25minJul 22, 1970
18. Ring Ropes of DespairThe dormitory boxing tournament begins and everyone finds out just how Aoyama defeated Numata.AACC25minJul 29, 1970
19. The Fearsome Liver BlowJoe and Aoyama's match finally begins, but who will come out on top?AACC25minAug 5, 1970
20. Battle Scarred VictoryJoe and Aoyama's match concludes and Tange reveals something to our two fighters.AACC25minAug 12, 1970
21. A Small Fight with a Big HonorRikiishi tells Joe that they need to have their match sooner because something came up, so they have an unofficial match out in the rain.AACC25minAug 19, 1970
22. The Legendary Rikiishi TooruRikiishi leaves Toko Special Juvenile Training School and Joe feels empty inside. Meanwhile, the final match of the dorm boxing tournament is about to begin.AACC25minAug 26, 1970
23. Farewell, Juvenile PrisonFollowing Rikiishi and Aoyama, Nishi is also going to leave the juvenile training school, leaving Joe all alone.AACC25minSep 2, 1970
24. Return to Slum TownJoe 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.AACC25minSep 9, 1970
25. Law of the Stray DogJoe 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.AACC25minSep 16, 1970
26. License of DespairTange goes to the Japan Boxing Association to get his gym officially recognized. Meanwhile, Joe starts working at the grocery store Nishi works at.AACC25minSep 23, 1970
27. Bridge to TomorrowTange is unable to get the license for his gym, but then, an unexpected visitor gives them an unbelievable offer.AACC25minSep 30, 1970
28. Wager for GloryJoe 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.AACC25minOct 7, 1970
29. Challenge for TomorrowTange 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.AACC25minOct 14, 1970
30. The Ordeal of the Pro TestJoe and Nishi go take the pro boxing test and Joe finds out that it's not as easy as he thought it would be.AACC25minOct 21, 1970
31. Spread Your Wings, Pro BoxerJoe passes the B-rank exam and takes his first real step towards becoming a pro.AACC25minOct 28, 1970
32. The Road to the Shining RingNishi and Joe both have their debut matches in the pro ring.AACC25minNov 4, 1970
33. Hooray for the First VictoryEveryone celebrates after Joe's first victory. Noriko gets him violets but those are quickly overshadowed by the giant bouquet of roses Yoko sends him.AACC25minNov 11, 1970
34. The Aspiring BoxerIshikura 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.AACC25minNov 18, 1970
35. Do Your Best! Nishi!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.AACC25minNov 25, 1970
36. Wolf Kanagushi Bares His FangsJoe 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...AACC25minDec 2, 1970
37. Training FuriouslyJoe, 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.AACC25minDec 9, 1970
38. The Greatest Six-Round Bout in HistoryJoe and Wolf's match finally begins. Whose training will bring them victory?AACC25minDec 16, 1970
39. The Triple Cross of VictoryJoe and Wolf's intense match finally comes to an end. Who will stand victorious?AACC25minDec 23, 1970
40. An Oath to the SnowTange 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.AACC25minDec 30, 1970
41. Rikiishi Tooru`s ChallengeThe new year has arrived and Joe finds out that Rikiishi is losing weight to become a bantamweight so he can face off with Joe.AACC25minJan 6, 1971
42. A Man`s WorldJoe 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.AACC25minJan 13, 1971
43. A Cruel Weight LossTange 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...AACC25minJan 20, 1971
44. Rikiishi Tooru`s Hard Fight!Rikiishi has his first match as a bantamweight against Pancho Leo. Who will come out on top?AACC25minJan 27, 1971
45. Sway Back to Defeat Rikiishi!Joe asks Tange and Nishi to help him improve his sway backs so he has a way to counter Rikiishi.AACC25minFeb 3, 1971
46. The Man Who Risked DeathWhile Joe continues his intense training, Rikishi is equally devoted to maintaining his weight.AACC25minFeb 10, 1971
47. The Two Before the StormOn the day of the match, Joe and Danpei reunite with Rikishi during the weigh-in and acknowledge his impressive weight-cutting success.AACC25minFeb 17, 1971
48. Showdown of DestinyJoe realizes that Rikishi has stabilized his body after extreme weight loss.AACC25minFeb 24, 1971
49. An Endless DeathmatchRikishi'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.AACC25minMar 3, 1971
50. End of the BattleJoe fortifies his guard for the first time in his professional career, but Rikishi's fierce attack knocks him down.AACC25minMar 10, 1971
51. Burnt-out LifeThe fierce battle ends. Joe extends a congratulatory handshake to Rikishi, who starts to smile but collapses onto the mat.AACC25minMar 17, 1971
52. Farewell, Rikiishi ToruOn 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.AACC25minMar 24, 1971
53. The Man I HateJoe wanders through the town on a snowy night, carrying memories of Rikishi. To Joe, who has no family, Rikishi was an irreplaceable presence...AACC25minMar 31, 1971
54. The Ten-Count Bell of SorrowThree 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.AACC25minApr 7, 1971
55. The Wandering BalladJoe sees Wolf Kanagushi, who has become a bodyguard for the yakuza, on the streets.AACC25minApr 14, 1971
56. The Wolf RevivesThe brawl with Gondo is treated as extenuating circumstances. After being informed by reporters, Danpei quickly retrieves Joe.AACC25minApr 21, 1971
57. A Wounded BeastJoe continues training and lands a powerful body blow during sparring with Nishi. However, Nishi notices that Joe avoids striking the head, arousing suspicion.AACC25minApr 28, 1971
58. The Body Blow of VictoryThe ten-round match between Joe and Tonotani begins. Danpei and Nishi, concealing their concerns, watch over Joe.AACC25minMay 5, 1971
59. The Looming Black ShadowHaving returned to form, Joe defeats several Japanese bantamweight contenders with his fierce body attacks.AACC25minMay 12, 1971
60. The Fierce SparringPre-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.AACC25minMay 19, 1971
61. The Thrown TowelIn 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.AACC25minMay 26, 1971
62. Rikiishi Toru was AliveAfter 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.AACC25minJun 2, 1971
63. The Final ChallengeThe 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.AACC25minJun 9, 1971
64. Enter CarlosCarlos 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.AACC25minJun 16, 1971
65. As Long as There's the RingAfter 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.AACC25minJun 23, 1971
66. Setting Out for TomorrowJoe 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.AACC25minJun 30, 1971
67. A Little AdventureA 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.AACC25minJul 7, 1971
68. Fixed MatchJoe'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.AACC25minJul 14, 1971
69. Lullaby of the RanchOn 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.AACC25minJul 21, 1971
70. The Guy I'm Worried AboutYoko 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.AACC25minJul 28, 1971
71. Carlos the Uncrowned EmperorJoe'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.AACC25minAug 4, 1971
72. Return to the Shining RingA postcard from Noriko brings news about the Namidabashi community. However, since watching Carlos's fight, Joe has been unable to focus on his performance.AACC25minAug 11, 1971
73. The Cross Counter ReturnsReturning to Tokyo, Joe visits Yoko and requests to spar with Carlos. Reluctantly, Yoko agrees and insists they use heavier 16-ounce gloves for safety.AACC25minAug 18, 1971
74. Setting Out TodayTange Gym fell into disrepair during Joe's absence. Joe begins rebuilding it with Danpei and the children.AACC25minAug 25, 1971
75. Carlos, Magician of the RingAs Joe resumes training in the Namidabashi slums, Noriko watches with a complex expression. Meanwhile, the day of Carlos's match against Harashima arrives.AACC25minSep 1, 1971
76. The Burning ChallengeYoko finalizes the contract for a Carlos vs. Tiger match. Carlos confidently declares he will win with a first-minute KO.AACC25minSep 8, 1971
77. Battle of MenRobert'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.AACC25minSep 15, 1971
78. Duel!! Carlos Vs. Yabuki JoeThe 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.AACC25minSep 22, 1971
79. Let the Shining Tomorrow Burn in the Distance!!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.AACC25minSep 29, 1971
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Tomorrow's Joe
★ 8.1/1019702 seasons126 episodesEnded
Something will happen tomorrow.
A young drifter named Joe Yabuki wanders through the slums of Tokyo, but when the local ruffians try to give him a hard time he teaches them a rough lesson with his fists. The spectacle sparks a gleam in the eye of an old drunk who happens to be watching—Danpei Tange, a failed boxer and former coach who sees something special in the boy. He pleads with Joe to train with him off, but the cocky young fighter brushes him. Later, though, when Joe is arrested and put in a juvenile detention facility, he realizes that he’s going to need to hone his raw fighting skills if he wants to survive. Thus is born a partnership that might just take Joe all the way to the top…
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Shunzou Katou, Seiji Takahashi
