The BEST episodes directed by Jun Shishido
#1 - Spirit For One Last Attack
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 8
Date tries the heart-breaker shot but Martinez blocks it with his elbow breaking Date's hand. By the end of the round Date's hand, jaw, and ribs are broken. After ten rounds the match has a winner.
#2 - Supporting Hand
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 23
Despite using all of his remaining energy, Takamura cannot break through Hawk's defense and is left with no way to fight back. Hawk's wild bloodlust comes out, and he aims to kill Takamura in the ring! With nothing supporting him but the love of his friends and the coach's help, can Takamura mount a comeback?
#3 - The Anti-Dempsey Perfected
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 12
Ippo mounts a desperate, full frontal assault as Sawamura continues to toy with him. Determined to take back the pace, Ippo begins to dodge the Bullets and get into a rhythm as he strikes back. Almost naturally he falls into the Dempsey Roll pattern, and Sawamura makes his move!
#4 - New Challenger
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 26
When Miyata confronts Ippo about their promise, it is revealed that Miyata has risen far above Ippo's level due to his over-reliance on the Dempsey Roll. When Ippo's next challenger, Shimabukuro Iwao, declares that he will destroy the Dempsey Roll, Ippo decides to train his Dempsey Roll so that it has no weaknesses. The coach decides to help Ippo, even if it means fighting against modern boxing itself!
#5 - Battle of Hawk
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 21
Takamura takes the pace at the beginning of the match, but Hawk unveils his unique style that allows him to dodge and attack simultaneously! After being caught off-guard and taking a beating in the first round, Takamura uses his speedy footwork to circle around Hawk, but Hawk outspeeds him and knocks him down. Can Takamura learn to counter Hawk's wild fighting style in time?
#6 - Brawl
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 22
Takamura is outsped once more and knocked unconscious, but manages to recover just in time. Relying on what he has learned from the coach, he knocks down Hawk and discovers his weakness! An all-out brawl ensues and Takamura comes out on top! Takamura begins the next round with a KO proclamation - but can he really end the fight in this round?
#7 - The King
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 24
Takamura is knocked unconscious while standing yet again, and remembers all of the pain, suffering, and disrespect he faced for the sake of this match. Realizing that his pain is because of Bryan Hawk, he begins fighting back, this time driven purely by instinct and anger. Takamura turns the table, but the champion on the ropes has one last trick up his sleeve...
#8 - A Fist That Picks You Up
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 13
The evolved Dempsey Roll saved Ippo from the jaws of defeat. Bolstered by the cheering fans, he chases down Sawamura. But with Sawamura more willing than ever to risk an illegal move, will Ippo's last bit of energy be enough to defend the title?
#9 - A Vow
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 25
Kamogawa resorts to pounding a log with his bare fists as he trains to face Anderson and avenge Nekota. Anderson rediscovers his pride as a boxer and brings Miguel along as his cornerman. Everything comes down to this!
#10 - The Demon Returns
Ushio and Tora (2015) - Season 1 - Episode 20
Ushio and Tora travel back in time to ancient China and encounter Hakumen no Mono. Ushio quickly realizes he's no match for Hakumen no Mono and barely makes it out alive. Jie Mei and Giryou then take the tragic necessary steps to create the Beast Spear and Ushio learns the truth about his mother.
Watch Now:Amazon
#11 - Hiyou Pursuit~Successor
Ushio and Tora (2015) - Season 1 - Episode 14
Ushio and Tora finally get to Hokkaido where they run into a girl named Hinowa, who says she is one of the rightful successors of the the Beast Spear. Meanwhile, Hakumen no Mono sends youkai called Hiyou to kill Ushio and get a hold of the spear. Ushio and Tora encounter a young man on a motorcycle. As soon as Ushio walks away and heads toward the bus to the final destination, the young man attacks Tora.
Watch Now:Amazon
#12 - The Courage to Live
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 23
Prizefighting turns out to be no match for boxing as Sergeant Ralph Anderson easily manhandles Kamogawa and Nekota. The two fighters redouble their training even as they adjust to their new lives living with Yuki...and each other.
#13 - The End of the Death Match
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 21
Both Takamura and Eagle are bleeding from their eyes, the doctor is about to stop the match but Takamura tells him to continue the match. Takamura can hardly see, one eye is swollen, the other is covered in blood.
#14 - Golden Eagle
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 16
While Takamura approaches his physical limits as he cuts weight for his upcoming world title match, the American champion David Eagle arrives in Japan. Talented, dedicated, respectful, and honorable, he exudes the aura of a true champion.
#15 - For You I Go Out
Chihayafuru - Season 1 - Episode 13
The team arrive at Omi Jingu for the national tournament. As the first match begins, Chihaya feels overwhelmed by the hot and noisy environment of the tournament hall. Meanwhile, Arata makes his way to Omi Jingu, remembering the time he spent with his grandfather, who taught him many valuable tips about karuta before starting to lose his memory due to dimentia. When Arata was asked to look after his grandfather on the day of a tournament, he regained his memory and encouraged him to go but passed away during the tournament. Overcoming his fears, Arata arrives at the tournament hall just in time to witness Chihaya faint. Taichi puts Chihaya in Arata's care whilst he and the others continue the match. As Chihaya laments letting everyone down, Arata encounters an old acquaintance and realises he still loves karuta. As Chihaya vows to recover in time for the individual tournament, she receives a package from Arata, saying they will meet again in a match.
#16 - Will You Go, O Fishing Boat? Will You Tell Them of My Fate?
Chihayafuru - Season 2 - Episode 4
Misuzawa find themselves in a pinch when their semi-final match is against Homei, whose advisor was the east representative in last year's Master's match. As Taichi remains concerned, Harada gives him some cryptic advice. Taichi struggles against his opponent, causing him to question his own talent. However, after everyone shows their support in providing him a towel, Taichi manages to make a comeback and win his match, helping Misuzawa reach the finals against Hokuo.
#17 - FACE
Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad - Season 1 - Episode 10
After the show, Koyuki is sad about his guitar playing and Maho notices that he's wearing the pick she gave him as a necklace. At the rehearsal Koyuki wants to sing their new song. Everybody is stunned by his singing ability and even Taira is finally convinced that Koyuki should be the part of Beck.
Watch Now:Amazon
#18 - Strum the Guitar
Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad - Season 1 - Episode 4
While Koyuki takes his first tentative steps toward learning guitar, Maho suggests that he'd be the perfect lead vocalist for Ryusuke's new band. But an accident threatens to shatter Ryusuke and Koyuki's friendship forever, as well as putting an end to Koyuki's musical aspirations-until help comes from a very unexpected source.
Watch Now:Amazon
#19 - Throw Your Right!
Fighting Spirit - Season 1 - Episode 32
Ippo is still having trouble with his right fist but his match with Sendo begins.
#20 - Empowering Words
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 14
Ippo visits Dr. Yamaguchi and learns the full extent of the damage caused by the evolved Dempsey Roll. As he walks home on crutches, Umezawa drives by and gives him a lift. Ippo's relief is short-lives, however, as Umezawa suddenly reveals he plans to quit working on the Makunouchi fishing boat!
#21 - The Unfinished New Counter
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 18
It's the semifinal match, Miyata vs. Dachboy, and the Miyata camp recognizes a familiar face in the opponent's corner... Mister Sakaguchi, the former manager of the boxer Miyata beat for the OPBF title!
#22 - Hawk vs. Eagle
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 19
It's finally time for the main event, Takamura Mamoru vs. David Eagle! The challenger is full of vim and vigor, but even in the face of Takamura's fury, Eagle's face remains calm and collected.
#23 - A Lesson Never Forgotten
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 20
Despite being stymied by Eagle, Takamura assures his corner he has a plan for victory. Just as he seems to be making progress, a shocking development changes the entire fight.
#24 - Flower of Hope
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 22
An old photo and a little prodding from Ippo and Aoki prompts Coach Kamogawa and Nekota to take a trip down memory lane. Theirs is a tale of hope, frustration, and ultimately redemption in the early days of postwar Japan.
#25 - Iron Fist
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 24
Kamogawa breathes a sigh of relief as he watches Nekota run circles around Anderson with his spectacular footwork... Until round four, when the soldier's frustration reaches a critical mass and things take a dark turn.
#26 - Becoming a Bully's Buddy
Fighting Spirit - Season 1 - Episode 12
Ippo fights and wins his second match via K.O.,After the fight he was befriended by Umezawa, his former bully.
#27 - A Storm Descends on Makunouchi Fishing Boat
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 15
To celebrate Ippo's win and recovery, the whole gym gang hops aboard the Makunouchi Fishing Boat for a fun fishing trip. Yagi suggests they liven things up with a little contest, and suddenly a relaxing afternoon turns into an all-out war!
#28 - Eleki's Shocker and Papaya's Coconut
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 17
It's time for Kimura and Aoki to step into the ring at the Yokohama Arena! Kimura's up first, and nerves come into play as he stands before a huge crowd for the first time. Then when Aoki's turn comes up, he finds himself perplexed by a boxer every bit as unorthodox as himself! Can the duo set the right tone for Takamura's title match?!
#29 - Garnish the Trees for the Emperor's Parade
Chihayafuru - Season 2 - Episode 16
A recap of the events of the second season so far, with a few bonus skits thrown in for good measure!
#30 - To a Promise
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 3
The third episode of the second season continues on the OPBF Match with Miyata against Arnie. With almost everytime Miyata is about to fall down from hits of the champ, but then he tooks big step and takes the OPBF Champion Arnie Gregory to the ground. The count starts, and the episode ends.
#31 - Towards The World
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 4
Miyata Ichirou wins the title of OPBF Featherweight Champion, but now Ippo feels even further from him than before. After his match, Date Eiji's second Title Match against Ricardo Martinez is officially finalized, after seven years. As they look at the boxing magazine, the coach comes in and says that Ricardo Martinez has requested a sparring match with Ippo.
#32 - A Figure to Chase After
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 6
After seven years Eiji Date will finally have his rematch with Ricardo Martinez, the world featherweight champion. The title match begins, Date starts the match off with two lefts, the second landing on the champion's face.
#33 - The Advent of the Devil
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 7
The world featherweight title match has begun, in the first round, neither Date or Martinez use their rights. The second round is more exciting than the first. In the third round, Martinez steps it up and becomes more aggressive.
#34 - The Strength of the World
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 5
Ippo comes to the sparring match against Ricardo Martinez as focused as if it were a real match, and he is determined to land at least one hit on the World champion. However, Martinez's lightning-fast lefts and instant reflexes are like nothing Ippo's ever seen. Will Ippo's Dempsey Roll work on the strongest man in the world?
#35 - Inheritance Qualifications
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 9
The Kamogawa Boxing Gym gets a new recruit: Itagaki Manabu, the inter-high national runner up who happens to idolizes Ippo. Meanwhile, Ippo is hit with a blast from the past when he is challenged by Hammer Nao, his former junior who now seeks to defeat him and take his belt.
#36 - Biting Dog
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 10
Ippo is reluctant to fight Nao, who used to be his junior and friend. Nao faces his fear of fighting Ippo and resolves to let Ippo know how strong he has become firsthand. Who will come out on top?
Watch Now:Apple TV
#37 - Ippo vs. Hammer Nao
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 11
The match begins. Ippo goes on an all-out offensive, hoping to end this match as soon as possible, but Nao refuses to stay down until he has shown Ippo his new power! Nao makes use of relentless and forceful body blows, pushing Ippo into a corner.
#38 - Requirements For A Pro
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 12
Ippo lowers his guard and it becomes a blow-for-blow confrontation, with Ippo winning out and knocking Nao down. Nao reflects on his past with Ippo as he gets up once more, only to be ultimately knocked out. Ippo remarks that Nao hasn't felt the pain of losing yet, and now that he has, he will become much stronger.
#39 - Ippo At The Beach 2
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 13
Takamura, Kimura, and Itagaki go to the beach because of their training camp while Aoki and Ippo go to the beach with Kumi and Tomiko, the two don't train because of they both had a match recently.
#40 - Two Spars
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 14
Ippo has a sparring match with Itagaki and knocks him down four times in three rounds. Ippo has another sparring match and this time it's with Imai Kyosuke, a boxer with an amateur record of 35 matches and 35 wins.
#41 - Itagaki`s Debut Fight!
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 15
Takamura and Ippo's next matches are finalized. Itagaki has a jarring introduction to the world of pro boxing when he fights a boxer desperate enough to cheat, and Kimura's Dragon Fish Blow can't seem to get the job done. To top it all off, Takamura has botched his weight management due to Aoki's revenge and is in no shape to fight! Can Takamura defeat the Filipino Middleweight Champion?
#42 - The Two Hawks
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 16
Takamura's light punches and decreased stamina have put him at a great disadvantage, but when he sees a familiar and taunting face, his anger allows him to fight back. Bryan Hawk finally makes his appearance - but his behavior is far from that of a true champion...
#43 - Wild Kid
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 17
Takamura attacks Hawk in a fit of anger, but Hawk effortlessly blocks his attack, stunning everyone. The Kamogawa gang reviews Hawk's previous matches and learn how terrifyingly strong he is. When Ippo and friends visit Takamura's home out of curiousity, Takamura's checkered past with his family is revealed.
#44 - Extreme Weight Control
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 18
Takamura resolves to reach the top of the world for the sake of his friends and for the coach. In order to do so, he must lose 20 kilos (44 lbs) before the match. Takamura starves and dehydrates himself to accomplish his goal, but will he make it through this bout of extreme weight control?
#45 - Critical Situation
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 19
The coach and Nagi see Hawk's devastating boxing firsthand. Takamura barely makes weight and is taunted by Hawk for his skinny appearance. Later, when a press conference turns into utter chaos, all of Japan roots for Takamura to beat Hawk. Ippo makes a risky promise to Takamura, but will he be able to fulfill it?
#46 - Junior Middleweight World Title Match
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 20
Ippo manages to win his title defense with a 1-round KO as per his promise and rushes back to see Takamura. There, he sees all of the Japanese champions and former champions, including Eiji and Sendo,encouraging Takamura to do his best. After a flashy entrance ceremony, the long-awaited world title match finally begins!
#47 - Please Accept This Bronze Statue
Fighting Spirit - Season 2 - Episode 25
After a gruesome fight, Takamura becomes the WBC Jr. Middleweight World Champion, and orders a giant bronze statue of himself to celebrate. Itagaki wins his first official match, and Ippo meets Itagaki's family - and learns how terrifying a simple pun can be!
#48 - Dream of a KO
Fighting Spirit - Season 1 - Episode 19
Kobashi abandoned his strategy and loses the match to Ippo via K.O.
#49 - The Strongest Challenger
Fighting Spirit - Season 3 - Episode 1
Makunouchi Ippo defeated Sendou Takeshi with his Dempsey Roll and became the Japanese Featherweight Champion! Reflecting on his recent title defenses, Ippo reminisces about his late father Kazuo, and his own desires to be as strong as his dad was.
#50 - Grudges, Sorrows & Dreams
Fighting Spirit - Season 1 - Episode 25
Ippo trains for Mashiba flicker jabs