George Morikawa’s monumental boxing manga, Hajime no Ippo, has officially surpassed 100 million copies in worldwide circulation. To celebrate this landmark achievement, publisher Kodansha is launching an unprecedented campaign on its “Magazine Pocket” manga app, making the first 1,000 chapters available for free for a limited 72-hour period starting Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
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Unprecedented 1,000-Chapter Free Release to Commemorate 100 Million Copies
Since its debut in 1989, Hajime no Ippo has captivated fans for over three decades, and now the long-running series has reached the staggering milestone of 100 million copies in print worldwide.
In honor of this historic record, the editorial department of Weekly Shonen Magazine is hosting a free-release campaign of unparalleled scale on its “Magazine Pocket” app. The offer covers an extensive 1,000 chapters, from the very first installment. While previous free promotions have occurred, this is the first time such a massive volume of the manga has been made available at once.
72-Hour Limited Event Starts July 23rd with Upgraded Servers
The free reading window will be open for a strict 72-hour period, beginning at 12:00 AM on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, and concluding at 11:59 PM on Friday, July 25, 2025.
In anticipation of a massive influx of readers, the servers for the “Magazine Pocket” app have been significantly upgraded. This measure was taken based on the heavy traffic experienced during past campaigns, ensuring a stable and comfortable reading experience for the fanbase.
The celebratory release fittingly includes the 1000th chapter, “Round 1000: The Wolf’s Spirit,” a fan-favorite episode. It features the intense ring battle of popular character Volg Zangief, who draws inner strength from the protagonist, Ippo Makunouchi, making it a must-read for fans.
Exclusive Giveaways in Print Magazine and App
In conjunction with the digital event, the 34th issue of “Weekly Shonen Magazine,” releasing on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, will feature Hajime no Ippo on its cover with a full-color opening page to celebrate its upcoming 1500th chapter. The physical edition will include a ticket for an exclusive merchandise giveaway.
Furthermore, a separate giveaway campaign will be held within the “Magazine Pocket” app for users who purchase the latest chapter. Prizes include a large acrylic stand featuring a newly commissioned illustration created specifically for this event, offering fans a unique collectible opportunity.
About Hajime no Ippo
Hajime no Ippo is a boxing manga series written and illustrated by George Morikawa. The story follows Ippo Makunouchi, a timid high school student who is constantly bullied. His life is forever changed when he is saved from bullies by a professional boxer named Mamoru Takamura. This encounter ignites his passion for boxing, and he embarks on a journey to answer the question, “What does it mean to be strong?” Through grueling training, unwavering diligence, and fierce battles against a multitude of rivals, Ippo grows to become the Japanese champion. His earnest and dedicated pursuit of strength has captured the hearts of countless readers worldwide.