Dankichi Hama (浜 団吉, Hama Dankichi) is a boxing trainer and former prize-fighter. He is a friend and former rival of Genji Kamogawa and Ginpachi Nekota. He is Alexander Volg Zangief's trainer and a former trainer for Kazuki Sanada. Dankichi harbours deep feelings of rivalry towards Kamogawa, and strives to one day train a boxer that can defeat Ippo Makunouchi or Mamoru Takamura.
Background[]
Post-War Arc[]
Dankichi fighting Kamogawa.
In his younger days, Dankichi boxed along with Kamogawa and Nekota, but never managed to reach their level, partially due to his unusually fragile jaw. Nevertheless, he is a brilliant tactician who, since having left Japan for Mexico, is renowned for his successful training of several champions, including Kazuki Sanada and Volg Zangief.
History[]
Part I[]
First Step Arc[]
Dankichi introducing Sanada to Ippo.
After watching Kenta Kobashi defeat Ryūichi Hayami for the vacant JBC junior featherweight title match, Dankichi met JBC featherweight champion Ippo Makunouchi when the champion caught him as he was about to fall from the stairs. Dankichi revealed to Ippo that the reason why the previous JBC junior featherweight champion relinquished his belt to challenge a second weight class, specifically the featherweight class. He then introduced Ippo to former JBC junior featherweight champion Kazuki Sanada. As Ippo went to shake hands with Sanada, Dankichi stopped them as he believed that enemies don't shake hands.
Dankichi visiting Kamogawa and Ippo.
The next day, Dankichi visited Genji Kamogawa and Ippo at the Kamogawa Boxing Gym. There, he revealed to them that his boxer, Sanada, would be fighting Kamogawa's boxer, Ippo, seeing their match as a way to fight Kamogawa once again while noting that it was not for revenge for breaking his jaw. After expressing his enjoyment of meeting Kamogawa in the ring again and that Sanada had already mastered the Hien, he left while warning them about a second swallow, the Tsubame Gaeshi. Later during Sanada's sparring session, Dankichi noted that Sanada learned about 80% of the Tsubame Gaeshi. Dankichi believed that the technique would slip through any guard, even the Peek-a-Boo Style.
Three weeks until the match, Dankichi held a public sparring session. Dankichi informed Minoru Fujii that they plan to show him everything, and not to let his eyes stray for an instant, as if the sparring partner can last through the end, he will be able to see everything. During the spar, when Sanada dodged the sparring partners punches, Fujii became confused when Dankichi claimed that he could gauge when his opponent is about to strike and when it i safe to go forward. Dankichi claimed he was surprised at first too, explaining that from the responses he receives from his own punches, he can determine the condition of his opponent's body. The spar then ended before Sanada could show the Tsubame Gaeshi.
Dankichi, Kamogawa, and Nekota reunited.
Later, Ginpachi Nekota called Dankichi and Kamogawa together for a reunion at Sugar Ray's to talk about the past. Dankichi and Kamogawa did not know they would meet each other there and began to leave. Nekota then managed to get them to stay by making them feel bad as the three of them haven't talked together in decades. When Kamogawa asked Dankichi why he came back to Japan, Dankichi revealed his beliefs about Japanese boxers not being the best in the world and when a Japanese went against a Mexican, his theory was proven. Dankichi then mentioned a certain Mexican boxer with close to perfect offence and defence and over sixty wins, wanting a Japanese man to defeat him, the WBA featherweight super champion, Ricardo Martinez. Dankichi believed that as Ippo continued to go higher in boxing, he would eventually run into him. With Kamogawa thinking it is too early for Ippo to take on the world, Dankichi told him that his boxer would get there sooner then while expressing how lucky he was to find Sanada who had such potential.
After the weigh-in, Dankichi mentioned that despite Sanada's thinking that he did not make it harder for Ippo with a lighthearted handshake, he unintentionally put pressure toward the champion by making him doubt his own strength. On the day of the match, Dankichi was one of Sanada's cornermen for his match. When Sanada lost and announced his retirement, wanting to focus on his medical career, Dankichi had faith that Sanada would make for a wonderful doctor. Before leaving Japan by plane, he was approached by Kamogawa and Nekota. After Dankichi and Kamogawa gave their thoughts about their match, Dankichi leaves while claiming that he had not given up and will meet Kamogawa in the ring again.
Part II[]
Dankichi took Alexander Volg Zangief under his wing in the United States of America as Volg went out of retirement after his mother passed away. Dankichi trained Volg as he became the sixth ranker in the IBF junior lightweight division.
Phantom Card Arc[]
Dankichi was Volg's chief second when he faced against the fourth ranker in the IBF, Eric Thompson in Las Vegas. The match ended in Volg's victory by knockout in the middle rounds.
In the Jungle Arc[]
Dankichi as Volg's second in his spar against Wally.
At a boxing gym in New York, Dankichi came across Miguel Zale, who wanted his boxer that was going to go fight Ippo Makunouchi soon, Wally to spar with his boxer, Volg. Dankichi was Volg's second during the spar and was shocked to see how fast Wally was and managed to hit Volg in a dual exchange when Volg thought he trapped him in a corner, causing Volg to end the spar before he got serious. Afterwards, Dankichi contacted Genji Kamogawa to warn him about Wally, claiming that Ippo will not be able to trap Wally at the corner, as that is where he is most effective. Kamogawa wanted to know what he means, however, Dankichi ended the call after giving Kamogawa a moment to think of it himself.
Proud Wolf Arc[]
Dankichi with Volg during his title match against Elliot.
When the IBF junior lightweight champion, Mike Elliot had a match coming up, his challenger had to drop out because he hurt himself a week before the match. Needing someone to fight him since the tickets were already sold out, Volg was offered a title match against the champion. Dankichi and Volg accepted immediately, and Dankichi informed Kamogawa by phone that this was probably their best chance for a title match due to being foreigners, and Volg, a dangerous opponent. When Volg's IBF junior lightweight title match against Elliot arrived, Dankichi went to the Caesars Palace. Dankichi went to the ring to be Volg's chief second and, before the match began, advised him to keep his wild side from coming out until he gets used to the match since he barely had time to get ready by using his left and find his range. After the first round, Dankichi was surprised to see how beaten Volg looks, but told Volg that he made the right decisions regardless. After Volg claimed that while Elliot's punches are strong, he already faced the sharpest spear and the most durable shield, Dankichi saw that he will not give up, so he will not give up either. Dankichi gave Volg a leg massage and instructed him to find a way to avoid Elliot and attack at a distance until he has time to recuperate and get his sense for the ring back, adding that he is not alone.
Dankichi with Volg as he wears his new IBF junior lightweight belt.
During the second round, Dankichi was thrilled to see Volg using the Hien against Elliot, believing that the punch chose him. After the second round, Dankichi gave Volg a leg massage and complimented on his use of the Hien, adding that it was more effective since he showed sudden resistance against Elliot, which adds to the Hien's natural tenancy of confusing opponents. Dankichi stayed in the ring for a bit, giving Volg a leg massage despite the seconds out being called until he stopped and mentioned to Volg that it was not just the massage that go him back up, as he left for the third round. After the third round, as Volg decided that he has to win by knockout since he can't count on a decision in a foreign country, Dankichi instructed him to keep using the Hien even though Elliot figured out the motion, predicting that there is hope lying beyond Volg enduring his mind and body getting chipped away by Elliot. After the fourth round, Dankichi praised Volg's efforts for setting the plan in motion for the fifth round, wanting him to finish the job in the next round. When Volg told Dankichi the phrase he feels that best describes his favourite boxer, "Yamato-damashii", Dankichi figured that Volg is prepared for the worst. During the fifth round when Volg downed Elliot for the first time, Dankichi was enraged and yelling at the referee when he saw him doing a long count and helping Elliot up before continuing the match. After Volg downed Elliot a second time, the match ended, as Elliot's second entered the ring, making Volg the new IBF junior lightweight champion. Dankichi helped Volg out the ring and told him that it is the last time he will spoil him since he is now the world champion.
Part III[]
Grim Reaper to the World Arc[]
Dankichi at the Marvelous gym as Wally and Miguel arrive.
Since Wally is going to be fighting WBA featherweight world champion Ricardo, Volg was requested by Wally's side to spar with him. At the Marvelous Gym, Dankichi greeted Wally and Miguel as they arrived. Since Dankichi was worried about Volg and Wally being serious in their spars before their match, as Volg has a match to defend his IBF title a second time as a semi to Wally's main event, he informed Miguel that he prepared three world rankers to act a sparring partners as well. Since Wally will be with Volg in the training camp, Dankichi welcomed Wally to "Team White Fang".
Alpha and Omega Arc[]
Dankichi and Miguel talking about Wally fighting Ricardo.
During a spar at the Marvelous Gym, Volg and Wally had to be stopped by their trainers as they were having an argument about how Wally is irritated that Volg keeps telling him he can't do what he requests. After Volg and Wally leave the gym, Dankichi mentioned to Miguel that he understands that he wants to take a fighter rooted in freedom and push his strengths to the limit, but, remembering Bryan Hawk, warned that even the most gifted geniuses fall eventually if they get too wild. Dankichi used Kamogawa's words to point out Miguel's arrogance on seeing his boxers as raw material, pointing out that trainers are just lucky enough to encounter the most beautiful of material. Dankichi asked Miguel what he thinks Wally's chances are against Ricardo, but upon hearing his answer about disregarding chances and him describing Wally as his sun that will shine brighter against Ricardo to illuminate the rest of his years, he did not get what he meant, wondering if Kamogawa would.
Dankichi watching Ippo and Volg spar.
When Volg's title defence match drew near, Dankichi went with Volg to Marascas and Milo Scamaras' Lucha Lucha Gym in Mexico, where Volg stayed with Wally and Miguel to train. When Ippo and Takeshi Sendō arrived to the gym, Dankichi asked Ippo if Kamogawa is in good health. Ippo answered that he is, which Dankichi is glad to hear, as it means that their match can still continue. Dankichi watched as Sendō and Wally began sparring. After the spar ended, Ippo and Volg got ready to spar. Dankichi requested for Ippo to do as he always does and crush the distance and close in on Volg. Dankichi watched as Ippo and Volg's spar began. The sparring was stopped by Sendō as Ippo was starting his Dempsey Roll since it was only supposed to be a "touch spar". As Dankichi thought about how Ippo's weight straps strengthen his arms and legs, his gained experience as a trainer, catching punches like he is holding mitts, as well as mastering the Parry Counter, he wondered what Kamogawa is brewing. When Sendō and Volg were arguing about why is learning a new form of the Dempsey Roll, Dankichi got them to stop by telling them that there is nothing they can do about it. Dankichi mentioned that the thing clinging to Ippo is the betting on a small flickering light that has been buried and waiting for a long time, but without a trigger, nothing will happen. He added that the trigger that may form is close, and there may be more than one, but if Ippo and Kamogawa keeps their finger off the trigger, the seed will be buried forever. Dankichi told Sendō and Volg to worry about themselves, reminding Volg of his title defence and advising Sendō that in order to defeat the greatest champion in history is to rewrite history itself, which is not something he can do alone.
Later, Dankichi mentioned to Miguel about the pressure in Mexico that may affect Wally, pointing out that Ricardo is used to the higher altitude, having lived and worked in the mountains since he was a child and asked Miguel if he realises that everything is set against him. Miguel replied that he has a way to win against Ricardo because he has rules that only apply to him. Later, Dankichi called Kamogawa, and got permission to let Ippo be a second for Wally, which he informed Miguel. Later, Dankichi attended Volg's press conference at the Arena México. The next day, Dankichi went with Volg to the Arena México and entered the ring as Volg's second IBF junior lightweight title defence match was about to begin. Before the match began, Dankichi noted to Volg of his opponent's resemblance to Ippo, adding that it was the right call to spar with Ippo. The match ended in Volg's victory in the first round by knockout.
Dankichi as Wally's second in his match against Ricardo.
After praising Volg for his performance, Dankichi went to Wally's room to get ready to be one of his seconds. Dankichi was surprised by the calm atmosphere despite everyone thinking they will lose. When Wally's WBA featherweight world title match against Ricardo was about to begin, Dankichi went to the ring. Dankichi asked Ippo about what he knows about Ricardo. Dankichi figured that, after hearing Ippo's explanation, it would be dangerous to show everything at the beginning, however, Miguel planned to have Wally go full throttle from the start as the match began. After the fourth round, the referee warned Wally that points will be deducted if he continues using the ropes too much. Dankichi argued that Wally is not using them unfairly, only to move around, and questioned if it is because of the enemy side or a hometown advantage. However, the referee claimed that it is a grey area that leans more to it being illegal. As the fifth round began, Dankichi told Ippo how Miguel and Wally set the scenario of Ricardo having to go on the offence up by having Wally go full speed and get ahead in points to make Ricardo have no choice but to go into the offensive in time for Wally to do the same. After Wally was defeated by knockout in the sixth round, Dankichi, Miguel, and Ippo run into the ring to check on Wally. Once Wally regained consciousness Dankichi, Miguel, and Ippo walked out of the ring with Wally. They stayed with Wally as he became hospitalised and unconscious afterwards.
Match History[]
| Match History | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post WWII - "Prize Fighter" | ||||||||
| # | Result | Record | Date | Opponent | Location | Time | Type | Notes |
| ? | LOSS | ?-6-0 | 1947 |  Ralph Anderson[3]
|
Tokyo, Japan | 1(15) | KO | Lost By Counter Sent to the Hospital |
| ? | WIN | ?-5-0 | 1947 |  Unknown[4]
|
Tokyo, Japan | ?(15) | KO | N/A |
| ? | LOSS | ?-5-0 | 194? | Genji Kamogawa
|
Tokyo, Japan | ?(15) | KO | Glass Jaw was caused 2nd Rematch |
| ? | LOSS | ?-4-0 | 194? | Ginpachi Nekota
|
Tokyo, Japan | ?(15) | KO | 3rd Rematch |
| ? | LOSS | ?-3-0 | 194? | Genji Kamogawa
|
Tokyo, Japan | ?(15) | KO | N/A |
| ? | LOSS | ?-2-0 | 194? | Ginpachi Nekota
|
Tokyo, Japan | ?(15) | KO | 2nd Rematch |
| ? | LOSS | ?-1-0 | 194? | Ginpachi Nekota
|
Tokyo, Japan | ?(15) | KO | Unknown |
| Retired | ||||||||
Appearance[]
Dankichi as a young adult.
As a young adult, Dankichi had black hair in a shaved hair style along with black bushy eyebrows and a black eye colour. He also had a muscular build. Older, Dankichi grows out his hair, which is short, and turned white along with his bushy eyebrows. Dankichi also grows a full white beard and moustache. With age, his face has gained wrinkles and he begins walking with a brown cane.
In his younger days, Dankichi wore a beige buttoned shirt while being Kamogawa's second against Anderson. In his older appearance, Dankichi wears a green beanie with a dark green shirt under a green winter coat and an orange scarf. As a corner man with Sanada, Dankichi wears a long sleeved shirt with "DYNAMITE GLOVE" on the front and back along with his green beanie.
Personality[]
Frightening to Kumi Mashiba and having the same intensity as Kamogawa,[5] Dankichi can be seen as stern and intolerable to some. However, Dankichi has a passion for boxing and cares about his students, wishing Sanada the best when he decided to retire and focus on his medical career. Dankichi cares about Japan and boxing and keeps his pride as a Japanese from his younger days, wishing to have a Japanese boxer to take down the WBA featherweight super champion Ricardo Martínez.[6] He dislikes it when younger individuals look down on the elderly, thinking as if they treat them as invalids.[7] He takes boxing seriously, believing that the two boxers fighting each other should be enemies even outside the ring, not even a handshake between the two.
Dankichi and Kamogawa's rivalry.
His rivalry towards Kamogawa, who he deems as his eternal rival,[8] is something he holds dear from the post-WWII days and something that he still keeps with him, using his student to fight Kamogawa's student as a way to fight Kamogawa, even if his student only inherited Kamogawa's spirit. After Sanada lost to Ippo, Dankichi hopes to meet Kamogawa in the ring again, continuing their rivalry.
Boxing Abilities[]
Dankichi is a former boxer from the days when boxing was called "prize fighting". He was revered as a true prodigy.[9] Kamogawa referred to him as a swallow, flying around the ring corner to corner like one. His abilities made boxers such as Kamogawa and Nekota fight for their life even when Dankichi lost.[10] Dankichi was also known to not be a one-dimensional boxer.[11] Dankichi's Sunday punch was the Hien.
Dankichi gained a glass jaw when Kamogawa landed a punch into his jaw, shattering it into five pieces, making him extremely weak in his jaw.[12] This did not stop Dankichi from boxing, however, he retired after losing to Ralph Anderson.
Intelligence[]
Kamogawa's plans that would put him in a strategic advantage against Dankichi, failed against him, making Dankichi an intelligent fighter.[13]
As a travelling trainer going around the world to find boxers to train, Dankichi is known around the world, highly ranked in Mexico, as a trainer that can train boxers that can rival world rankers.[14] While in Mexico, Dankichi developed the Tsubame Gaeshi, which he then trained Kazuki Sanada to use. When Dankichi trained Sanada, his teachings made Sanada surpass the data that Kamogawa had on him before Dankichi taught him.[15]
Etymology[]
- The name Dankichi means "group" (団) (dan) and "lucky, good" (吉) (kichi).
- Dankichi's surname Hama means "beach, seashore" (浜).
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Dankichi's appearance is based on the image of the mangaka, Leiji Matsumoto, however, Jōji Morikawa admits it doesn't really resemble him.[16]
References[]
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