Ep 66. Takamura-san`s Tears

In Hajime no Ippo season 1 episode 66, titled "Takamura-san's Tears," we see the aftermath of Takamura's fight against Bryan Hawk. The episode starts with everyone at the gym being awestruck by Takamura's victory. Ippo is happy to see his mentor and friend win but is also worried about Takamura's physical and mental state.

Takamura then reveals his dilemma to Ippo - he doesn't know why he was crying after the match. He feels embarrassed and ashamed of himself for showing such strong emotions. Ippo tries to console him, but Takamura remains bewildered and conflicted.

Meanwhile, the media is trying to get an interview with Takamura after his victory. However, he declines all interviews until he figures out what his emotional outburst meant.

Back at the gym, Takamura's coach, Kamogawa, tries to talk to him about his feelings, but Takamura remains guarded. We start to see the softer side of Kamogawa, who is usually very strict and gruff towards his boxers. He tells Takamura that he understands his feelings and that crying after a big fight is nothing to be ashamed of. Kamogawa reminds Takamura of his own past when he cried after a significant victory to release all the built-up emotions.

Takamura takes Kamogawa's advice to heart and starts to open up about his feelings. He reveals that he had a tumultuous childhood, and boxing has been his escape and refuge. He also tells Kamogawa that he finds solace in the physical pain of boxing, but this match with Bryan Hawk changed everything. Takamura realizes that winning a world championship isn't everything he wanted, and that frightens him.

We get to see the vulnerable side of Takamura that was only hinted at in previous episodes. It's an emotional and touching moment that reminds us that even strong and confident people have their moments of doubt and insecurity. Takamura's character development is a significant theme in this episode, and we see a side of him that we haven't seen before.

Towards the end of the episode, Takamura finally agrees to an interview with a journalist. He talks candidly about his feelings, and we see a new side of the usually reserved boxer. Takamura still has a long way to go in terms of understanding his emotions, but he's taking the first steps towards that goal.

In conclusion, Hajime no Ippo season 1 episode 66 is a touching and emotional episode that focuses on Takamura's character development. We see a more vulnerable side of him, which is refreshing, given his bravado and egotistical personality. The episode is well-written and tastefully handles the theme of emotional vulnerability. It's a standout episode in the series, and fans of Hajime no Ippo will enjoy the change of pace.