Tomorrow's Joe

On the cracked streets of Tokyo, a restless teen named Joe Yabuki drifts from one trouble to the next. When he provokes a gang, his punchy defiance ends the threat with him standing tall and daring anyone to challenge him. A harsh observer, Danpei Tange, a washed up former boxer, spots a spark and tries to recruit him. Joe flatly rejects the offer, confident his street wisdom will carry him through life. Fate intervenes when a juvenile detention center throws him into a new crowd where discipline and technique matter as much as raw bravado. A vow forms between mentor and pupil, and a hard won partnership begins that could push him toward boxing glory while testing loyalties and dreams.

This 1970 TV anime adapts the manga Ashita no Joe, created by Yuu Aku, Ichiro Araki and Tetsuya Chiba, bringing Joe Yabuki's rough street world to life on screen. It signals a bold shift toward serialized sports drama in animation.

As a marker of early sports anime, Tomorrow's Joe set a template for gritty realism and character focus. Its portrayal of poverty and resilience, plus a mentor pupil bond, helped shape later boxing stories and left a lasting imprint on fans and creators.

Viewers respond favorably, with an 8.0 out of 10 from 28 votes signaling solid appreciation. The show centers on grit and growth, testing loyalty, ambition, and what it takes to survive life under pressure while chasing a difficult dream. Its themes still resonate with new generations curious about tough paths.

There are no widely documented major nominations for this 1970 adaptation; it’s primarily remembered for its influence and enduring popularity rather than trophy cases. While it may not have a long list of awards, its artistry and storytelling left a clear mark on the anime landscape.