Wiki Ippo
Register
Advertisement
Wiki Ippo

Hiroko Makunouchi (幕之内 寛子, Makunouchi Hiroko) is the owner and operator of Makunouchi Fishing Boat and the mother of Ippo Makunouchi.

Background[]

Makunouchi Kazuo and Wife - Anime - 01

Hiroko with Kazuo.

After Makunouchi Kazuo returned with a new boat for the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, he decided to retire from the commercial fishing boat to be there with his family.[1] Before retiring, he went to one last trip on the commercial fishing boat, promising Hiroko and Ippo that he would be back in a week, and that he would stay at home afterwards. Hiroko told him to be careful since it looked like there is a storm. However, due to a storm, the fishing boat sunk, and Kazou went down with it after saving Sakuma. After a week of searching, he was declared dead.

Young Hiroko with Ippo - Anime - 05

Hiroko with Ippo after Kazuo returned.

During the funeral without shedding a tear, she thanked everyone and thought Kazuo would be proud to hear from them. As Ippo kept on waiting for his father's return, Hiroko tried to get Ippo to come home, but he wouldn't listen. One day, Ippo returned soaking wet carrying Kazuo's cap, telling her that he kept his promise of coming home. She decided to take over the family's fishing boat business, later getting a captain's license for the fishing boat, while the local fisherman made a sign for it, and offered to help her.

Hiroko - Manga - Ippo wanted to not go to High School

Ippo not wanting to go to high school.

Since Kazuo's death, Hiroko tried to get into dating again, however, nobody sparked her interest. The men thought she would be alone, but she believed she was never alone since she has her son. After Ippo saw his mother always tired from working, he mentioned not enrolling in high school, but she told it was unacceptable. She believed he needed to enrol in case he found something else he wanted to do. She told him not to worry bout anything else. She thought if he had time to worry about the business, then he should use it to worry about his future.[2]

History[]

Part I[]

Early Days Arc[]

Hiroko worried about Ippo's injuries

Hiroko worried about Ippo's injuries.

When Makunouchi Ippo came home from school, Hiroko noticed he got beat up by students again. When Ippo got accepted to the gym and about to leave the gym for a spar, Hiroko suggested to think of his opponent as a fish, like his father used to. Before Ippo's debut match, Hiroko made a big meal for him and told him that she can't come because of work. Sometime before Ippo's debut match, Ippo asked her to put his name on his new trunks, but gave her an incorrect spelling ("IPO"), which he ended up wearing anyways, since it was too late when he noticed.

First Rounder Arc[]

At home, Ippo asked Hiroko if she could come see him fight, Hiroko responded that she doesn't want to see her son get hit. Ippo became worried that Hiroko is doing too much work, when Ippo was asked to go to outdoor camp, Hiroko lets him go.

Finals Arc[]

Hiroko meets Takamura, Aoki, Kimura

Hiroko meeting Aoki, Kimura, and Takamura.

When Hiroko wanted to watch a TV show, Ippo asked her for more time so he can research his next opponent. She asked Ippo if his opponent is strong. Takamura Mamoru, Aoki Masaru, and Kimura Tatsuya visited the house to see Ippo. Hiroko told them that he was sleeping due to a fever as the trio went to his room.

Rocky of Naniwa Arc[]

When Ippo got back from the Yamaguchi Chiropractic, Hiroko asked Ippo how it went. Hiroko questioned if he should use medicine instead of a bucket of ice, however, Ippo reassured her that it is the best method. After Ippo won the All Japan Rookie King Tournament, Hiroko got a phone call from him. Hiroko asked Ippo how is his injuries. Hiroko then congratulated him on his victory.

Speed Star Arc[]

Hiroko in the hospital

Hiroko hospitalised.

When Ippo came home, Hiroko heard about his entry in the Class A Tournament. When Ippo asked Hiroko if he can go to the training camp, Hiroko let him go. The next day however, Hiroko collapsed due to anaemia from overworking and was sent to the hospital. When Hiroko woke up and saw Ippo, she apologised to Ippo that he could not go to the training camp and wants to close the fishing business. However, Ippo reassured her that he can do it. Two weeks before she was supposed to be released, Hiroko began packing up and go back home. Ippo stopped her, as he wants to continue helping and have boxing as a hobby. When it was time to pick Hiroko up, Ippo and Umezawa Masahiko drove to the hospital and congratulated Hiroko on her release. Hiroko then gave Ippo a new pair of boxing trunks. Hiroko then arrived back home.

White Fang Arc[]

The night before the Class A Tournament finals, Hiroko gave Ippo dinner and noted how he only eats a little before a match. Hiroko was then asked how she was feeling, which she informed Ippo that, thanks to him, she fine.

Challenge for the Throne Arc[]

After Ippo's match against Alexander Volg Zangief, Hiroko began to get worried as Ippo has been passed out for three days at the Kawai Hospital. While at the hospital with Ippo, she met Volg, who apologised to her for hurting her son. She peeled Volg an apple, and before Volg left, told him how seeing her son work hard is a wonderful thing for any mother. When Ippo woke up, she informed him that he was sleeping for three days and that Volg came by.

Road Back Arc[]

Hiroko talking about how Ippo's face has become like a man's

Hiroko talking with Ippo about how his face has become like a man's.

When Ippo came back from a date with Mashiba Kumi, Hiroko asked how the date went and mentioned that since he was 19 years old it was no surprise to hear such things. Later when Ippo returned to the house, Hiroko noticed how Ippo's face looked more of a man's since he lost, as he looked disappointed and embarrassed. She told him that he must really like boxing and to have fun until he gets tired of it.

Mountain Training Arc[]

When Ippo came back from his trip to the mountains, Hiroko asked how the trip went.

Lallapallooza Arc[]

Hiroko and Umezawa handing Ippo a dating map

Hiroko and Umezawa giving Ippo a dating map after eavesdropping.

While Ippo was spaced out in his room, Hiroko answered the phone when Kumi called and gave the phone to Ippo. Hiroko and Umezawa eavesdropped on the conversation. When Ippo came back and went to bed, Hiroko noticed Ippo could not sleep as it got closer to his match with Sendō Takeshi, but she believed it was not due to being scared, as he was like this during training camp due to excitement. After Ippo won against Sendō and became the JBC featherweight champion, she informed Takamura, Aoki, and Kimura that Ippo went to bed as soon as he came home. She then expressed her disbelief of Ippo's being "Japan's best" when Umezawa told her. When Ippo woke up, Hiroko congratulated Ippo for becoming the champion.

First Step Arc[]

A day before Ippo's first title defence match against Sanada Kazuki, Hiroko and Umezawa gifted Ippo new red boxing shoes and trunks, with the trunks having twelve stars signalling the twelve knockouts Ippo achieved. The next day, when Umezawa became excited as Ippo was in high spirits, Hiroko believed that the way Ippo said he would win by knockout, lead her to believe that he may lose. After Ippo's win against Sanada, Hiroko noticed Umezawa declining requests from interviewers wanting to talk to Ippo, as he was worried about his health. Hiroko thought Umezawa was like a manager for a movie star based on his actions.

Revenge Arc[]

When Ippo returned home after sparring against WBA featherweight champion Ricardo Martinez, Hiroko was worried about Ippo's face, suggesting him to look into a mirror.

Battle of Hawk Arc[]

When Ippo received a phone call from Aoki, Hiroko wondered why Ippo ran out of the house in excitement.

Part II[]

Submarine Wars Arc[]

Shimabukuro asking if Hiroko is a woman of the sea

Shimabukuro asking if Hiroko is a woman of the sea.

When Ippo came home one night after having dinner at the Itagaki family's house, Hiroko made him dinner since Ippo could not eat there as he didn't have time. Ippo's fourth JBC title defence opponent, Shimabukuro Iwao, arrived to the Makunouchi Fishing Boat and Ippo went to Tokyo Bay to talk to him. When Hiroko heard about the guest, she rushed to Ippo to meet him. She invited him for dinner at her home, thinking he was one of Ippo's friends. Hiroko was then worried if Shimabukuro had strange hobbies when he proceeded to smell her and deemed her a woman of the sea. Hiroko was worried that Ippo's been hanging out with a bad crowd, but then decided that Shimabukuro was not bad, just weird and thought that he was a bachelor in her age despite him being 22. Later, due to Ippo's intense training, Ippo wasn't able to carry out his duties for the boat. She told him not to push himself too hard since he was told to rest, mentioning that it is hard for him to carry the customer's equipment.

Hiroko stops an argument between Kumi, Nanako, and Mari

Hiroko stops an argument between the females.

After Ippo defeated Shimabukuro, Umezawa told her that it was an awesome fight than the newspaper could show, suggesting that she should go to one of Ippo's matches. Hiroko disagreed, since she didn't want to see her son being beaten to a pulp, believing that she would have a heart attack from the shock. While Ippo was sleeping for two days, Itagaki Nanako arrived as she was worried about him. Hiroko gave her permission to check on him and thought how rare it is for females to visit him, not believing that her son would be popular. As Mashiba Kumi and Īmura Mari arrived and the three females began arguing, Hiroko entered the room and offered tea for them. She expressed that while worried about Ippo's boxing, she is unable to ask him to stop the sport since he comes home happy everyday. Hiroko then mentioned that when Ippo is heavily injured like this, she tries to let him sleep as peacefully as she can, which made Kumi, Nanako, and Mari feel guilty, and they decide to leave.

Comic Show Arc[]

After Ippo recovered from his injures against Shimabukuro, he was planning to head to the gym. Hiroko was worried that Ippo was already practising again and told Wanpo to go with him in order to make sure Ippo only walked.

Dragon Slayer Arc[]

Hiroko with Volg- Anime - 01

Hiroko giving Volg nattō.

When Ippo brought Volg to their house, Hiroko made them dinner consisting of fish and nattō. Though she thought Volg would like the nattō, Volg had it stuck to his mouth, prompting Hiroko to give him tea. Hiroko offered Volg to stay at her home while he finds a place in America. While Volg stayed there, he helped with the fishing boat, though Hiroko insisted that he didn't have to help. A few days later, Hiroko told Volg to relax while Ippo and Umezawa took the boat out and asked if Volg has a request on what he wanted to ear, but Volg mentioned he was willing to try anything. Volg asked Hiroko if he could get the videos of Ippo's next opponent since he couldn't read the words on the video tapes. When Ippo returned, she told Ippo that Volg was watching videos, however, Volg was gone by the time Ippo checked on him.

Later, when Hiroko finished dinner, she went to get Volg while he was doing roadwork and mentioned that it would be sad when he leaves. She asked him if he will be okay in America by himself and if he spoke English. Along the way home, Ippo approached them and he and Volg ran the way home in a competition as Hiroko watched. When it was time for Volg to leave Japan, Hiroko gave him a good luck charm and money for helping out with the store. Hiroko was asked by Volg to say "I pray for your success, my son" in Russian. After she did, and Volg responded back, she watched as Volg left with Umezawa to the airport. After Ippo's weigh-in with Sawamura, Hiroko informed Umezawa that when Ippo came home, he shut himself inside of his room.

After Ippo defeated Sawamura, Ippo returned home with Kumi, who walked him back, and immediately put Ippo to bed when he fell. Hiroko expressed to Kumi how she still can't get used to seeing Ippo like that. When Kumi noticed a picture of Makunouchi Kazuo, Hiroko mentioned how timid Ippo was and relied on his father, who she believed was more suited to be a boxer than Ippo. Hiroko asked Kumi if she wanted Ippo to stop boxing, however, she noted how Ippo will never quit boxing due to his stubbornness. Hiroko showed her the cap that used to be his father's as proof of how stubborn he is, as Ippo found the hat as he waited for his deceased father to return. Afterwards, as Kumi was about to leave, Hiroko tried to stop her since she saw a "strange man" outside, however, Kumi confirmed that it was her brother.

A Passing Point Arc[]

Hiroko with Ippo and Umezawa Anime - 01

Umezawa's farewell dinner.

After Ippo's injures healed, and Umezawa finished his his manga, he decided to quit the Fishing Boat and devote himself to be a mangaka. At a farewell dinner for him, Umezawa thanked Hirako for taking care of him, but she thought they should thank him since he helped them a lot. She thought it will be lonely with out him around. Umezawa felt the need to come clean and apologise to Hiroko and Ippo for bullying Ippo in the past since he wasn't sure on what his relationship with Ippo was. Hiroko lectured him to lift up his head, since if he is going out to a new world he needs to do his best with his head up, eyes forward. Umezawa left after giving his thanks to her. Catching up to Umezawa as he walked near the ocean, Hiroko steered the boat and waved as she and Ippo gave their farewells.

Hiroko - Anime - Itagaki working

Hiroko with new employee Itagaki.

The next day, Hiroko received new hires Itagaki Manabu and Nanako for her fishing boat company, with Nanako helping out without pay. Later, the Kamogawa gym rented the boat to host a fishing event using the prize money from Ippo's match with Sawamura. Hiroko planned to prepare dinner for everyone with what ever they caught, which started a fishing competition between Kamogawa Genji, Yagi Haruhiko, Shinoda Tomoyuki, Takamura, Kimura, and Aoki. They returned early after Takamura fished Aoki out of the sea. After she cooked the meal for them, and heard about what happened, she commented on how dangerous it was for them. Later, Hiroko asked Ippo what he was doing in the hallway after he received a phone call from Miyata Ichirō, who asked about Takamura's potential eye problem.

Spirit of a Weed Arc[]

Hiroko, Ippo, and Itagaki were shocked after they watched Takamura's commercial for Champion Royal C, an energy drink. A few nights later at dinner with Ippo and Itagaki, Hiroko heard about Aoki's new haircut by Takamura. When Ippo and Itagaki were thinking about Takamura's dream, Hiroko advised that they should be more concerned with themselves, as everyone has dreams that they chase, and she believed that people who try to see how far they can go is what makes a man. She was shocked when she saw a commercial by Aoki, where he was advertising broccoli as Broccoman.

Under Siege Arc[]

During Takamura's travel across Japan, Hiroko informed Ippo and Itagaki that he called to have her tell everyone that he was fine. When Ippo asked her if he told her where he was, she mentioned that Takamura was somewhere in Tōhoku and going to Shin'etsu. On the day of Ippo's sixth JBC featherweight title defence against Karasawa Takuzō, Takamura returned to Tokyo. Hiroko fixed herself, Ippo, Itagaki, and Takamura a meal, which Takamura told her that he ate a variety of food on his trip, but her food was the best of all.

Phantom Card Arc[]

Kumi came to the Makunouchi Fishing Boat to check on Ippo after his match against Karasawa. Since Ippo was not home, Hiroko told her where he should be.

Father's Back Arc[]

Hiroko telling Ippo to be careful before he leaves to fight Take

Hiroko telling Ippo to be careful before he leaves for his match against Take.

While Itagaki was in the hospital after his match with Imai Kyōsuke, Hiroko saw Ippo carrying more ice chest coolers than usual, asking him if he is okay. Ippo mentioned that if Itagaki heard that the work was hard while he was away, he would probably insist on leaving the hospital to help out while he needed his rest. She agreed that they need to work hard to prevent that from happening. As Ippo was leaving the Makunouchi Fishing Boat to go to his match against Take Keīchi, Hiroko told Ippo to be careful and not get hurt, however, Ippo noted that he can't make it out completely unhurt. After Ippo's match against Take, Hiroko was shocked at Ippo's beaten up face and wondered if he would be able to eat, however, Ippo claimed that he should be fine and that he only needs rice and miso soup, since he brought the main course from Take home with him.

Chaos Arc[]

Outside the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Hiroko noticed Ippo and Itagaki repeatedly shouting Mashiba Ryō's name to practise their cheer for Mashiba's match against Sawamura. She asked Wanpo what they were doing, which Wanpo shook his head in confusion.

Seiken Arc[]

Outside the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Hiroko warned Ippo to be careful on the boat since he will slip, wondering what has gotten him so excited.

Scratch Arc[]

Hiroko - Manga - Trouble Carrying

Hiroko having trouble lifting fishing gear.

Outside the Makunouchi Fishing Boat after Miyazaki and the rest of the fishing crew came back from a fishing trip, Hiroko had trouble carrying the fishing gear. Ippo and Itagaki noticed, and told her to leave the heavy lifting to them, while she carried the small stuff. Hiroko thanked them, and noted how Itagaki is always cheerful and that it is a relief to have Itagaki working with them. Later, when Ippo came home, Hiroko noticed that he is soaking wet. Ippo mentioned to her that he was going to change and then head out again, adding that he was sorry, however, she didn't know what he meant. As Ippo left, she asked where he was doing. He told her he was going to box.

Red Lightning Arc[]

After Ippo's injures heal from his match with Malcolm Gedo, he was ready to work again. However, a typhoon arrived, and Hiroko told Itagaki that they will have to take it easy as they won't be able to take the boat out for a few days due to the rough water. A few days later, when the boat arrived, everyone had a big haul as Hiroko and Ippo saw Nanako greeting them and offering to help. Hiroko was shovelling the snow outside the Makunouchi Fishing Boat while Ippo and Itagaki were talking about how the Kawahara gym was done with Miyata sparring with Imai Kyōsuke.

In the Jungle Arc[]

At the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Hiroko asked Ippo, who was watching a video sent by his next opponent, what he was watching. She thought the ocean in the video looked beautiful and wanted to take a vacation there since she thought they could get all kinds of different fish. She left the room to go to bed as she noticed the second half of the video was just monkeys and jungle. Later on the fishing boat, Hiroko saw Itagaki and Ippo trying to practice shadowboxing on it during their free time. When Ippo was leaving the Makunouchi Fishing Boat to fight Wally, Hiroko noticed that Ippo is more calm and intensified than usual.

Chronos Arc[]

After working at the boat, Hiroko thanked Itagaki and Nanako for helping as they left.

Blind Step Arc[]

After getting back from a fishing trip, Hiroko saw Umezawa, who came to the Makunouchi Fishing Boat. She invited him for lunch, making Ippo and Itagaki lunch as well.

Speed Zone Arc[]

At the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Hiroko wanted to use the TV, however, Ippo deemed his use of the TV is important at the moment. When the video started playing, Hiroko told him to have fun and rushed out of the room when she saw an adult video coming on, believing that Ippo has grown up. Later while putting ice boxes from the boat to the Makunouchi Fishing Boat building, Hiroko saw Itagaki in pain, telling him to go home and get some rest.

Go to the World Arc[]

After the boat returned to the Makunouchi Fishing Boat from a fishing trip, after Miyazaki claimed that Ippo would be the best in the world as a world champion after he relinquished the JBC featherweight belt to go to the world stage, Hiroko claimed that she hasn't seen any of his matches, but knows he works hard. Miyazaki suggested for her to go see at least his world title match, but she only cared if he is still healthy. When it was the day of Ippo's weigh-in for Alfredo Gonzales, Hiroko watched as Ippo left the Makunouchi Fishing Boat. The next day, as Ippo was about to leave for his match against Alfredo, he asked Hiroko if he were to win and then challenge the world title, if she would watch his world title match. Hiroko answered that she would think about it.

Battle of the Beasts Arc[]

While working at the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Hiroko noticed that Ippo seemed worried about how she feels about him continuing boxing after his second loss, however, Hiroko told him to not mind her since she knows that he won't stop even if she asked him to.

Seeking Heights Arc[]

When Ippo and Kumi went inside the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Kumi wrapped bandages around Ippo's head where he was bleeding due to his training and requested for Hiroko to call the ambulance if he says his head hurts or feels sick. Hiroko agreed to, and commented how Kumi worries more about him than she does.

While eating dinner at the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Hiroko noticed Ippo eating slowly while he wore his weight straps around his wrists.

10 Months in the Making Arc[]

Hiroko and Kumi talking after Ippo lost to Antonio

Hiroko talking to Kumi after Ippo's loss against Antonio.

While Ippo was training in his room at night for his match against Antonio Guevara, Hiroko heard him making noise while she was trying to sleep, making it hard for her to sleep. After Ippo lost to Antonio and came home, Hiroko hit Ippo's head for not telling her that Kamogawa would be walking home with him so that she could have prepared a meal for him. After Ippo went to his room to go to bed, he came back to the living room to tell Hiroko that he is home. The next day, while working at the boat, Hiroko saw Kumi, who came to visit Ippo, and asked her to stay with Ippo as she worked on the boat. After working on the boat, she noticed Wanpo whining and went to Ippo's room, laughing after finding Kumi sleeping with him. When the two woke up, Hiroko told a panicking Ippo that he should be thankful to Kumi since she was looking out for him. After Ippo left to go fish, Hiroko and Kumi talked about waiting and worrying about Ippo and Mashiba as boxers. Hiroko concluded that despite their worrying, the people they wait and worry for are on their own adventure, and that Ippo may just go back, make a fist, and go on a new adventure once he finds another reason to. That night as Kumi left to go home, Hiroko saw her off and made Ippo walk her home.

Part III[]

Second Step Arc[]

Hiroko asking Wanpo to check on Ippo

Hiroko asking Wanpo to check on Ippo.

While working on the boat, Hiroko noticed the retired Ippo shadowboxing before stopping himself. Later, Hiroko made dinner with the help of Nanako, which was made by the time Ippo and Kumi returned after watching a movie. During dinner, Hiroko was asked by Ippo if he has changed. She answered that it is hard to say, but she really only cared about him coming back home safe in one piece. She added that he isn't bitter or depressed about not boxing anymore, but believed that it would be temporary and that she could relax while he accepts his quiet life for now. When Shinoda came by to visit and got scared of Kumi when he asked Ippo to return to the ring as a second, Hiroko was curious as to why Shinoda is scared of women. After hearing Shinoda's past about the free information office, she tried to hide her grin while Ippo, Kumi, and Nanako wanted to know what it means. Later at the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, she asked Wanpo to check on Ippo after she heard a lot of noise from Ippo practising on how to place a chair down, training to be a second.

Later at the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, while Ippo was watching tapes of Kimura's next opponent, Hiroko asked him why he was looking like a turtle as he motioned what he would do if he were fighting Kimura's opponent. Hiroko saw Ippo off as he left to be a second for first time as Kimura's second. When Ippo came home, she was still awake and she had dinner ready for him. After hearing what happen while he was a second for Kimura, Hiroko asked if doing that made him to box again, however, Ippo claimed that it made him want to start training boxers. While Ippo was unsure that he would do well and thought that it would take a miracle, Hiroko told him that there is nothing he can't do and that it was a miracle that he became a pro boxer. She asked Ippo if downgrading himself from being a star to being a second is simple for him. Ippo answered that being a second means that he is the second star, leading Hiroko to tell him that if his father heard him say that, he would tell Ippo that he is finally strong. As Ippo left the living room, she fell asleep next to a photo of her husband and a young Ippo while thinking of the past and tearing up.

After working at the fishing boat, she was surprised to see Umezawa and Teru Okazaki. She invited the two inside for tea as Teru explained to Umezawa how Taihei, a delinquent who bullied Teru, apologised to him. After Umezawa wondered why Taihei wanted Ippo to teach him how to box, Hiroko claimed that it is a good thing, since she believed that bullies just lack productive outlets most of the time and finding a goal and attempting to reform their ways on their own merits some praise. Later at the Makunouchi Fishing Boat when Ippo noticed the wind started to pick up, Hiroko informed Ippo that a typhoon is coming. Later, Hiroko, as requested by Ippo, shaved Ippo's head bald as he felt guilty for smacking Taihei's face. Later, Hiroko welcomed Ippo, and a bald Aoki Taihei and Kintarō Kaneda, the two that Ippo took under his wing to her house as she had dinner ready and told Taihei and Kintarō to not bully Teru anymore.

Some time later, Hiroko was on he boat with Ippo and the customers as Ippo wanted to stay out in the water longer before heading back. Later while sleeping, she heard Ippo being noisy in his room, wondering if Takamura's recent match has anything to do with it.

Importance of the Support Role Arc[]

When Ippo was invited to a class reunion by Umezawa, Hiroko was surprised he was invited, telling her son to have fun as he left.

Keith Dragon Arc[]

While eating dinner with Ippo at home, Hiroko was stressed that she won't be able to use the boat tomorrow due to the high wind. While Ippo claimed it was bad luck, Hiroko told him that it just means that a typhoon is coming. After the typhoon only took one day to pass, Hiroko was glad to be able to take the boat out. Later at the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, when Takamura called the phone and wanted to speak with Ippo, Hiroko informed Ippo that he has a phone call.

Judgement Day Arc[]

Hiroko and Wanpo shocked at Ippo's swollen face

Hiroko shocked at Ippo's swollen face.

When Ippo got back from Mexico, Hiroko cooked dinner for Ippo, Kumi, Itagaki, Taihei, and Kintarō. She was bewildered by the masks some of them were wearing. Later, while Ippo was watching videos of Marcus Rosario's matches, Hiroko walked in the living room and noticed two boxes of figurines, asking him what they are. Ippo answered that Kumi gave them to him to build. Later, after Ippo sparred against Mashiba, he returned home with a swollen face that shocked Hiroko, resulting in her calling Kumi over. When Kumi got there and learned it was her brother who hurt Ippo, she apologised, but Hiroko and Ippo told her it is fine.

Appearance[]

HirokoYounger

Hiroko as a young adult

Hiroko has a slender build and long unkempt dark brown hair that is down to her shoulders and bangs that go at the sides of her forehead. When she was a young adult, her hair was shorter to her chin and unkempt with bangs going over her forehead. She also has dark brown coloured eyes and visible cheekbones.

Her attire usually consists of plain short and long sleeved shirts, sweaters and buttoned-up shirts of various colours. Her usual choice of legwear are black or beige pants. While working at the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, she wears a green hat and a black apron over her clothes.

Personality[]

She is a very kind and strong-willed woman who cares for her son a great deal. Though she refuses to attend any of Ippo's matches because she doesn't want to watch him get hurt, she supports his boxing wholeheartedly because she knows how much joy it has brought to his life and how it has helped him with his self-esteem. She also would always know when Ippo would hide his tears when he came home from school when something happened to him.

Relationships[]

Family[]

Son (Ippo Makunouchi)[]

Hiroko loves her son and greatly supports him in anything that makes him happy, especially his boxing career. At first, she told him not to box, thinking that he is not suited for such a violent sport, however, Ippo convinced her to let him, and she saw his father's eyes as he was doing so.[3] She doesn't watch any of his matches because she doesn't want to watch her son get beaten. When Ippo asked if she would watch his world title match if he were to win against Alfredo González, she said she would think about it.[4]

Quotes[]

  • "You want me to come and watch you get punched? ...I'll definitely come when you won't get punched at all." - Round 14, when Ippo asked her to come to one of his matches (to which Ippo thought, "That's impossible.")

Etymology[]

  • The name Hiroko means "tolerant, generous" (寛) (hiro) and "child" (子) (ko).
  • Hiroko's surname Makunouchi means "curtain, act, hanging screen, bunting, case" (幕) (maku), "this" (之) (no) and "inside, within" (内) (uchi).

Reference[]

  1. Chapter 503, page 13
  2. Chapter 720, page 4
  3. Chapter 5, page 5
  4. Chapter 1020 page 17
Advertisement