GENKI, THE BOY CHAMP

No. of Episodes:35 episodes
Aired:Jul. 16, 1980 - Apr. 1, 1981

Genki Horiguchi is raised by his traveling boxing father nicknamed Shark Horiguchi. His mother died when Genki was born. Genki is confident that his father will become a champion boxer. His cherished dream is also to become a great boxer like his father. Genki joins a boxing competition for children and wins the title. His victory encourages his father to fight against Kenji Seki, a 19 year old budding boxer but he loses the match. He is taken to the hospital and dies when Genki is five.While living with his mother's wealthy parents, Genki keeps practicing boxing in secret to cherish the memory of his beloved and respected father. At 10, Genki meets a beautiful teacher named Miss Ashikawa who reminds him of his mother and gives him a sense of warmth and closeness. She introduces Mr. Miura, a former student champion boxer, to him.At 15, he meets Tomoko Ishida, Okamura and Yamatani who influence him. Genki finally bids his, beloved grandparents farewell and leaves his home town to step into the professional boxing world!