Ep 25. Each Individual's Thoughts

In the Hajime no Ippo season 1 episode 25 "Each Individual's Thoughts," we get a glimpse into the mental state of our beloved characters as they prepare for their upcoming fights. The episode carries a strong theme emphasizing the importance of retaining one's individuality in a sport like boxing where competition can easily strip one of their sense of self.

We first see Ippo having a hard time grasping the concept of "boxing style." As his coach Kamogawa explains the various styles like in-fighting, out-fighting, and brawling, Ippo seems to struggle with fitting himself into any one of them. He worries that he might lose his identity if he tries too hard to conform to a certain style. His fear is not unfounded as he thinks about his previous opponents, like Miyata, and how their conforming styles helped them win fights.

This internal conflict furthers as Ippo starts to practice with different types of boxers, trying to find his own style. However, as he tries to adapt to each one of their styles, he finds himself getting hit a lot more and being unable to execute his own style. This leads Ippo to question the concept of style altogether, wondering if it's even possible to create one of his own.

Elsewhere, we see that Miyata is struggling with his own issues. He's worried about Ippo's progress, as he feels that he's not training hard enough. In contrast to Ippo, Miyata feels like he has to fit into a specific style, that of his father's, the "counter." He's been training his entire life to perfect that particular style, and while he's confident in it, he feels that his opponent, Ryo Mashiba, might have already figured out a way to beat it. Miyata's internal struggle leads him to reflect on the price he's paid for being a boxer, such as cutting ties with his father, and the sacrifices he's made to get to where he is today.

Meanwhile, Mashiba is depicted as a character that is somewhat of a mystery. We get a glimpse into his backstory as he practices with his sister. She tells him that she can't wait to see him win the championship, but Mashiba remains distant, focused solely on his training. His lack of emotion and empathy makes it hard for the viewer to read his intentions, which creates an air of mystery around him. It also serves as a reminder that not all boxers are the same - each has their motivations and reasons for fighting.

The episode ends with Ippo, seemingly fed up with trying to fit himself into any one particular style, decides to return to the basics of boxing. He feels that the only way for him to truly retain his individuality is by not boxing like anyone else but simply being himself. This realization brings back Ippo's confidence and serves as a turning point in his training.

Overall, "Each Individual's Thoughts" is an introspective episode that delves into the mental states of the three main boxers of the series. It serves as a reminder that while boxing is about physical strength and technical skill, it's also a sport that requires each boxer to retain their individuality to succeed.