Synopsis: Tomorrow's Joe

Having grown up in a tumultuous environment, constantly shuffling between orphanages and navigating the treacherous world of playground bullies, Joe Yabuki learned to become hardened and skeptical of others. After finally emancipating himself from the vicious cycle of temporary homes, Joe turns to a life of delinquency, ambling through the streets of San'ya, a slum located in Tokyo, using his fists to pick fights with anyone who dares cross him. Danpei Tange, a former boxing coach struggling with alcoholism, takes notice of Joe's remarkable and animalistic combat ability and makes a valiant attempt to mentor the runaway teen. Though their relationship has a volatile start, the two eventually form a profound bond, relying on each other to take care of the other homeless children of San'ya. Despite Danpei's guidance, however, Joe is too stubborn and set in his self-destructive habits, leading him to be jailed for minor offenses. During his time there, he encounters key allies and foes, including Tooru Rikiishi, a boxing wunderkind. Despite challenging Rikiishi time and time again, Joe finds himself constantly falling short due to his primitive fighting style being no match for Rikiishi's refined boxing technique. Eventually, Joe lands the defining blow that earns his rival's respect and seals their future date as opponents in the professional ring. Finding newfound purpose in his life through boxing, Joe pursues the sport with all-consuming passion, marching through the ranks of Japan's amateur and professional boxing leagues. Grief, pain, and crippling injury are obstacles he must bear, but he persists, realizing that a life without boxing would be hardly worth living.