Ashita no Joe Added to U.S. Crunchyroll: Classic Boxing Anime Streams for First Time

A Historic Arrival: Ashita no Joe Comes to U.S. Streaming

The boxing anime classic, Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow's Joe), has made its way to the widely popular streaming platform, Crunchyroll. This marks the first time that all 79 episodes of the anime’s first season, followed by the 47 episodes of season two, will be available for legal streaming in the United States. Fans of Japanese animation will be able to enjoy this storied series with subtitles provided in English, Latin American Spanish, and Portuguese.

The Rise of Ashita no Joe

Ashita no Joe originally aired starting in April 1970 and concluded its broadcast run in August 1981. It is based on the renowned manga by Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba, first published in 1968. The series has garnered attention not just for its compelling narrative and character development but also through the direction of the late Osamu Dezaki, a respected figure in the anime industry. Dezaki's visionary work helped secure Ashita no Joe a place among classics like Astro Boy, Aim for the Ace!, and The Rose of Versailles.

A Tale of Trials and Triumphs

Ashita no Joe centers around Joe Yabuki, an ambitious and fiery young boxer. Viewers are taken on a journey through Joe's intense rivalries and his struggles under the guidance of his steadfast mentor, Danpei Tange. This anime has been foundational in setting the stage for the sports anime genre, influencing numerous series that followed.

Enduring Legacy and Cultural Impact

The impact of Ashita no Joe extends beyond its original format. The series' 50th anniversary inspired the creation of MEGALOBOX, a reboot with a fresh cyberpunk twist, demonstrating the continued resonance of Joe’s story. In a move to further expand its legacy, Kodansha USA will release the first official English edition of the Ashita no Joe manga in late 2024, allowing new audiences to experience the original tale.

Where to Watch and What’s Next

Anime enthusiasts can now rediscover or delve into Ashita no Joe on Crunchyroll, providing an opportunity to experience a series that has influenced the trajectory of sports storytelling in animation. With the upcoming English edition of the manga, both longtime fans and newcomers will get to appreciate the depth of this narrative on multiple platforms.

From its gripping storytelling to its lasting influence on subsequent anime and manga, Ashita no Joe continues to captivate audiences worldwide—and now it’s available to stream for the first time in U.S. history. As more content becomes accessible, the series’ legacy only continues to grow, enriching the anime cultural tapestry.