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Episode guide

Tomorrow's Joe: Tomorrow's Joe

Poster for Tomorrow's Joe Season 1

79 episodes · premiered Apr 1, 1970

A young drifter named Joe Yabuki wanders through the slums of Tokyo, but when the local ruffians try to give him a hard time he teaches them a rough lesson with his fists. The spectacle sparks a gleam in the eye of an old drunk who happens to be watching—Danpei Tange, a failed boxer and former coach who sees something special in the boy. He pleads with Joe to train with him off, but the cocky young fighter brushes him. Later, though, when Joe is arrested and put in a juvenile detention facility, he realizes that he’s going to need to hone his raw fighting skills if he wants to survive. Thus is born a partnership that might just take Joe all the way to the top…

Tomorrow's Joe: cast and where to watch

  1. Episode 1: Those are the Eyes of a Beast! Apr 1, 1970 · 25m A former boxer and current drunkard named Danpei Tange meets a drifter named Joe Yabuki and sees potential in him. Tange offers to teach Joe how to box, but Joe isn't easily convinced.
  2. Episode 2: The Live in the Square Jungle Apr 8, 1970 · 25m Danpei is severely hurt after trying to protect Joe from the yakuza. Joe goes to visit the head of the yakuza group to try to get reparations for Danpei.
  3. Episode 3: Face the Fangs of the Beast Apr 15, 1970 · 25m Danpei works hard day and night to save up for Joe and his boxing gym. Meanwhile, Joe uses the slum kids to con some money out of people and he runs into a woman named Yoko Shiraki.
  4. Episode 4: Shed Tears for the Burning Fist! Apr 22, 1970 · 25m Joe holes up in an abandoned building after he gets caught lying to con people out of money.
  5. Episode 5: For the Sake of Tomorrow! Part 1 Apr 29, 1970 · 25m Tange sends Joe a letter to teach him boxing while he's at the police hospital waiting for his fate.
  6. Episode 6: Explode! Left Jab! May 6, 1970 · 25m Joe ends up in a juvenile classification home and is quickly put into his place after trying to be cocky against his fellow inmates and their boss Nishi.
  7. Episode 7: Don`t Judge the Wolf! May 13, 1970 · 25m Joe, Tange, and the kids show up to court to hear if Joe will be sent off to the juvenile training school.
  8. Episode 8: Toko High Security Juvenile Prison May 20, 1970 · 25m Joe and Nishi spend their first night at the Toko Special Juvenile Training School and are quickly put into their places.
  9. Episode 9: His Name is Rikiishi Toru! May 27, 1970 · 25m Joe and Nishi are sent out with the rest of the inmates to do some farmwork. Later on, Nishi comes up with a plan to help Joe escape the island, but they meet a man named Toru Rikiishi.
  10. Episode 10: Scream of the Red Sunset! Jun 3, 1970 · 25m Joe is completely out of it after getting punched by Rikiishi. However, later on, he had a huge surprise in store for everyone.
  11. Episode 11: Burn at the Bottom of Hell! Jun 10, 1970 · 25m Joe continues to practice boxing while he's alone in solitary. Danpei and the kids try to find a way into the juvenile training school when they unexpectedly run into Yoko.
  12. Episode 12: Shout at the Burning Sun Jun 17, 1970 · 25m Joe tells Yoko why he treats her so badly. Rikiishi tries to interfere and Yoko proposes that they settle this in a boxing match. Tange finally gets to train Joe again in person.
  13. Episode 13: Stand in the Ring of Destiny Jun 24, 1970 · 25m Joe and Rikiishi prepare for their upcoming match. After seeing just how powerful Joe's new punch is, Rikiishi devises a unique training method to counter it.
  14. Episode 14: Is it Time for the KO Gong Yet!? Jul 1, 1970 · 25m Joe and Rikiishi finally have their first match. But for some reason, Danpei tells Joe to let Rikiishi keep knocking him down. Who will be the winner in the end?
  15. Episode 15: White Mat's Lullaby Jul 8, 1970 · 25m Moved by the fight between Joe and Rikiishi, the inmates also start boxing.
  16. Episode 16: The Setting Sun of Treachery Jul 15, 1970 · 25m Tange becomes the full-time boxing coach at the juvenile training school on Nogiku Island. Joe seems to finally be interested in training more with Tange, but Tange suddenly seems distant.
  17. Episode 17: Alone in the Middle of a Storm Jul 22, 1970 · 25m Joe keeps trying to get Tange to coach him again, but Tange just keeps ignoring him and concentrates on training Aoyama. No one expected Aoyama to get into the tournament, but he then…
  18. Episode 18: Ring Ropes of Despair Jul 29, 1970 · 25m The dormitory boxing tournament begins and everyone finds out just how Aoyama defeated Numata.
  19. Episode 19: The Fearsome Liver Blow Aug 5, 1970 · 25m Joe and Aoyama's match finally begins, but who will come out on top?
  20. Episode 20: Battle Scarred Victory Aug 12, 1970 · 25m Joe and Aoyama's match concludes and Tange reveals something to our two fighters.
  21. Episode 21: A Small Fight with a Big Honor Aug 19, 1970 · 25m Rikiishi tells Joe that they need to have their match sooner because something came up, so they have an unofficial match out in the rain.
  22. Episode 22: The Legendary Rikiishi Tooru Aug 26, 1970 · 25m Rikiishi leaves Toko Special Juvenile Training School and Joe feels empty inside. Meanwhile, the final match of the dorm boxing tournament is about to begin.
  23. Episode 23: Farewell, Juvenile Prison Sep 2, 1970 · 25m Following Rikiishi and Aoyama, Nishi is also going to leave the juvenile training school, leaving Joe all alone.
  24. Episode 24: Return to Slum Town Sep 9, 1970 · 25m Joe finally leaves the juvenile training school and goes back to the slums where he's welcomed back with open arms, and Danpei has a surprise for him.
  25. Episode 25: Law of the Stray Dog Sep 16, 1970 · 25m Joe finally feels like something might be changing in his life, but then he is visited by Guerilla, who's on the run from the police.
  26. Episode 26: License of Despair Sep 23, 1970 · 25m Tange goes to the Japan Boxing Association to get his gym officially recognized. Meanwhile, Joe starts working at the grocery store Nishi works at.
  27. Episode 27: Bridge to Tomorrow Sep 30, 1970 · 25m Tange is unable to get the license for his gym, but then, an unexpected visitor gives them an unbelievable offer.
  28. Episode 28: Wager for Glory Oct 7, 1970 · 25m Joe goes to see the All Japan Rookie Championship Tournament and figures out a way to get one of the members of the Boxing Association to give Tange the license he needs for his gym.
  29. Episode 29: Challenge for Tomorrow Oct 14, 1970 · 25m Tange is able to get the license for his gym after the stunt Joe pulled at the All Japan Rookie Championship Tournament, but he says that Joe's not ready to become a pro yet himself…
  30. Episode 30: The Ordeal of the Pro Test Oct 21, 1970 · 25m Joe and Nishi go take the pro boxing test and Joe finds out that it's not as easy as he thought it would be.
  31. Episode 31: Spread Your Wings, Pro Boxer Oct 28, 1970 · 25m Joe passes the B-rank exam and takes his first real step towards becoming a pro.
  32. Episode 32: The Road to the Shining Ring Nov 4, 1970 · 25m Nishi and Joe both have their debut matches in the pro ring.
  33. Episode 33: Hooray for the First Victory Nov 11, 1970 · 25m Everyone celebrates after Joe's first victory. Noriko gets him violets but those are quickly overshadowed by the giant bouquet of roses Yoko sends him.
  34. Episode 34: The Aspiring Boxer Nov 18, 1970 · 25m Ishikura watches Joe win a boxing match and decides he wants to be just like him. He then suddenly shows up to Tange's gym wanting to join, but Tange surprisingly refuses.
  35. Episode 35: Do Your Best! Nishi! Nov 25, 1970 · 25m Nishi loses all three matches so far after becoming a pro and loses his confidence. Tange, Joe, and the kids try to find a way to build his confidence back up and Kinoko finds a surprising…
  36. Episode 36: Wolf Kanagushi Bares His Fangs Dec 2, 1970 · 25m Joe continues winning match after match and asks Tange when he's going to go up against Wolf Kanagushi. Tange tells him they're going to take it nice and slow, but then, Otaka sends them…
  37. Episode 37: Training Furiously Dec 9, 1970 · 25m Joe, Tange, and Nishi are anxious about what Wolf's secret training could be. The kids decide they'll sneak into the Asia Boxing Club to find out what Wolf's training is, but things go…
  38. Episode 38: The Greatest Six-Round Bout in History Dec 16, 1970 · 25m Joe and Wolf's match finally begins. Whose training will bring them victory?
  39. Episode 39: The Triple Cross of Victory Dec 23, 1970 · 25m Joe and Wolf's intense match finally comes to an end. Who will stand victorious?
  40. Episode 40: An Oath to the Snow Dec 30, 1970 · 25m Tange takes Joe, Nishi, and the rest of the neighborhood on a hot springs trip to celebrate Joe's victory, but on their way up, they find out that Wolf may have been incapacitated.
  41. Episode 41: Rikiishi Tooru`s Challenge Jan 6, 1971 · 25m The new year has arrived and Joe finds out that Rikiishi is losing weight to become a bantamweight so he can face off with Joe.
  42. Episode 42: A Man`s World Jan 13, 1971 · 25m Joe and Rikiishi continue training for their match. However, Rikiishi is starting to worry Yoko and Mikinosuke because he is going to extreme lengths to lose weight.
  43. Episode 43: A Cruel Weight Loss Jan 20, 1971 · 25m Tange formally accepts Shiraki Gym's match request between Rikiishi and Joe and he tells Joe about Rikiishi's brutal weight loss regimen. Meanwhile, Nishi doesn't seem to be losing any…
  44. Episode 44: Rikiishi Tooru`s Hard Fight! Jan 27, 1971 · 25m Rikiishi has his first match as a bantamweight against Pancho Leo. Who will come out on top?
  45. Episode 45: Sway Back to Defeat Rikiishi! Feb 3, 1971 · 25m Joe asks Tange and Nishi to help him improve his sway backs so he has a way to counter Rikiishi.
  46. Episode 46: The Man Who Risked Death Feb 10, 1971 · 25m While Joe continues his intense training, Rikishi is equally devoted to maintaining his weight.
  47. Episode 47: The Two Before the Storm Feb 17, 1971 · 25m On the day of the match, Joe and Danpei reunite with Rikishi during the weigh-in and acknowledge his impressive weight-cutting success.
  48. Episode 48: Showdown of Destiny Feb 24, 1971 · 25m Joe realizes that Rikishi has stabilized his body after extreme weight loss.
  49. Episode 49: An Endless Deathmatch Mar 3, 1971 · 25m Rikishi's uppercut grazes Joe's cheek, causing it to bleed. Alarmed, Joe moves in close during the third round, leading to an intense exchange of hooks.
  50. Episode 50: End of the Battle Mar 10, 1971 · 25m Joe fortifies his guard for the first time in his professional career, but Rikishi's fierce attack knocks him down.
  51. Episode 51: Burnt-out Life Mar 17, 1971 · 25m The fierce battle ends. Joe extends a congratulatory handshake to Rikishi, who starts to smile but collapses onto the mat.
  52. Episode 52: Farewell, Rikiishi Toru Mar 24, 1971 · 25m On the day of Rikishi's funeral, Joe leaves their condolences to Danpei and Nishi and tries to distract himself by playing energetically with the children by the riverside.
  53. Episode 53: The Man I Hate Mar 31, 1971 · 25m Joe wanders through the town on a snowy night, carrying memories of Rikishi. To Joe, who has no family, Rikishi was an irreplaceable presence...
  54. Episode 54: The Ten-Count Bell of Sorrow Apr 7, 1971 · 25m Three days after Joe disappeared, a ten-count gong was held at Korakuen Hall to mourn Rikishi's death. Joe watches the scene on a street-side TV.
  55. Episode 55: The Wandering Ballad Apr 14, 1971 · 25m Joe sees Wolf Kanagushi, who has become a bodyguard for the yakuza, on the streets.
  56. Episode 56: The Wolf Revives Apr 21, 1971 · 25m The brawl with Gondo is treated as extenuating circumstances. After being informed by reporters, Danpei quickly retrieves Joe.
  57. Episode 57: A Wounded Beast Apr 28, 1971 · 25m Joe continues training and lands a powerful body blow during sparring with Nishi. However, Nishi notices that Joe avoids striking the head, arousing suspicion.
  58. Episode 58: The Body Blow of Victory May 5, 1971 · 25m The ten-round match between Joe and Tonotani begins. Danpei and Nishi, concealing their concerns, watch over Joe.
  59. Episode 59: The Looming Black Shadow May 12, 1971 · 25m Having returned to form, Joe defeats several Japanese bantamweight contenders with his fierce body attacks.
  60. Episode 60: The Fierce Sparring May 19, 1971 · 25m Pre-match predictions favor Tiger in his fight against Joe. Around this time, the head of Bokuto Gym invites Joe to spar with him, saying it is to substitute for Nishi, who injured his fist.
  61. Episode 61: The Thrown Towel May 26, 1971 · 25m In the fight against Tiger, Kunimoto, the Sun Gym president, claims to have uncovered Joe's weakness. In truth, Tiger realizes that Joe cannot properly strike the face.
  62. Episode 62: Rikiishi Toru was Alive Jun 2, 1971 · 25m After the fight, Danpei shockingly reveals the truth to Joe. However, learning that his actual opponent is the 'ghost of Rikishi' haunting him, Joe strengthens his resolve.
  63. Episode 63: The Final Challenge Jun 9, 1971 · 25m The slump in Joe's performance casts a shadow over the slums. Even so, Joe continues his desperate battle against himself, repeatedly striking the sandbag's temple position.
  64. Episode 64: Enter Carlos Jun 16, 1971 · 25m Carlos prays for both fighters' success in the ring for Joe's match against Nangou. As the fight begins, Joe faces his poor condition and a referee influenced by the Hyo clan.
  65. Episode 65: As Long as There's the Ring Jun 23, 1971 · 25m After Joe's devastating loss to Nangou, Danpei dissolves the Tange Gym. He entrusts the future of Joe and Nishi to the proprietor of Hachiya, but Joe resolves to continue boxing alone.
  66. Episode 66: Setting Out for Tomorrow Jun 30, 1971 · 25m Joe departs from the Namidabashi Bridge early in the morning and meets a boy who dreams of traveling to far-off places on his way to Ueno Station. Joe sympathizes with his story.
  67. Episode 67: A Little Adventure Jul 7, 1971 · 25m A postcard arrives, informing the children of Joe's whereabouts in Oarai. Determined to meet him, they head to Ueno Station, but an attempt at fare-dodging is discovered, forcing them to…
  68. Episode 68: Fixed Match Jul 14, 1971 · 25m Joe's new career in the traveling show begins. Kawano attempts to promote Joe as a star by arranging fixed matches and instructing the others to take deliberate losses.
  69. Episode 69: Lullaby of the Ranch Jul 21, 1971 · 25m On a day off, Joe goes hiking with Inaba and falls off a cliff in the fog. Yuri, the daughter of a nearby Hiyama Ranch, rescues him.
  70. Episode 70: The Guy I'm Worried About Jul 28, 1971 · 25m Yoko organizes a Carlos vs. Nangou match in Sendai, where Joe performs. Interested in Joe, Carlos and Robert visit the Namidabashi Bridge and learn how much Joe is still loved by the…
  71. Episode 71: Carlos the Uncrowned Emperor Aug 4, 1971 · 25m Joe's performances continue at the sparsely attended Hakusan Shrine. During a break, Joe positions himself in front of the TV Kawano bought, intently watching Carlos's match against Nangou.
  72. Episode 72: Return to the Shining Ring Aug 11, 1971 · 25m A postcard from Noriko brings news about the Namidabashi community. However, since watching Carlos's fight, Joe has been unable to focus on his performance.
  73. Episode 73: The Cross Counter Returns Aug 18, 1971 · 25m Returning to Tokyo, Joe visits Yoko and requests to spar with Carlos. Reluctantly, Yoko agrees and insists they use heavier 16-ounce gloves for safety.
  74. Episode 74: Setting Out Today Aug 25, 1971 · 25m Tange Gym fell into disrepair during Joe's absence. Joe begins rebuilding it with Danpei and the children.
  75. Episode 75: Carlos, Magician of the Ring Sep 1, 1971 · 25m As Joe resumes training in the Namidabashi slums, Noriko watches with a complex expression. Meanwhile, the day of Carlos's match against Harashima arrives.
  76. Episode 76: The Burning Challenge Sep 8, 1971 · 25m Yoko finalizes the contract for a Carlos vs. Tiger match. Carlos confidently declares he will win with a first-minute KO.
  77. Episode 77: Battle of Men Sep 15, 1971 · 25m Robert's old friend, promoter Henry James, arrives in Japan. Henry arranges a match between Carlos and the world champion, Jose Mendoza, and proposes canceling the fight with Joe.
  78. Episode 78: Duel!! Carlos Vs. Yabuki Joe Sep 22, 1971 · 25m The day of Carlos's match against Tiger arrives. As a boxing fan, Danpei expresses his feelings about Joe's journey. Yoko quietly encourages Joe as they pass in the hallway.
  79. Episode 79: Let the Shining Tomorrow Burn in the Distance!! Sep 29, 1971 · 25m Carlos counters Joe's rope-side techniques with an improvised move, nullifying Joe's strategy. He then proposes an all-out brawl with no tricks.