Hayami Ryuuichi is a good boxer with a lethal weapon called Shotgun. He is said to have more speed and talent than even Miyata. He has alot of fans (mostly females). He also believes in the Shotgun to get him out of any trouble,  ~!however when Ippo Makunouchi starts to read the rythmn of the Shotgun, Hayami is left in shock as Ippo takes full advantage. !~  He is also seen at episode 45 on a karaoke video &quot;Champion&quot; sang by Takamura Mamoru, wearing Japanese Featherweight Boxing Champion belt.    ~!He fought against Kobashi Kenta in the Junior Featherweight class, however he lost by K.O. due to an achilles heel in his weak chin. He shortly retired after that title match.!~

Makunouchi Ippo has been bullied his entire life. Constantly running errands and being beaten up by his classmates, Ippo has always dreamed of changing himself, but never has the passion to act upon it. One day, in the midst of yet another bullying, Ippo is saved by Takamura Mamoru, who happens to be a boxer. Ippo faints from his injuries and is brought to the Kamogawa boxing gym to recover. As he regains consciousness, he is awed and amazed at his new surroundings in the gym, though lacks confidence to attempt anything. Takamura places a photo of Ippo's classmate on a punching bag and forces him to punch it. It is only then that Ippo feels something stir inside him and eventually asks Takamura to train him in boxing. Thinking that Ippo does not have what it takes, Takamura gives him a task deemed impossible and gives him a one week time limit. With a sudden desire to get stronger, for himself and his hard working mother, Ippo trains relentlessly to accomplish the task within the time limit. Thus Ippo's journey to the top of the boxing world begins.<br><br>

Kouji Tsujitani was a Japanese actor, voice actor, narrator, and director of audiography. Tsujitani used to be affiliated with Sigma Seven. He died of a stroke on October 17, 2018.

He was married to fellow voice actress [Kumiko Watanabe](https://anilist.co/staff/95248/).

Makunouchi Ippo has been bullied his entire life. Constantly running errands and being beaten up by his classmates, Ippo has always dreamed of changing himself, but never has the passion to act upon it. One day, in the midst of yet another bullying, Ippo is saved by Takamura Mamoru, who happens to be a boxer. Ippo faints from his injuries and is brought to Takamura boxing gym to recover. As he regains consciousness, he is awed and amazed at his new surroundings in the gym, though lacks confidence to attempt anything. Takamura places a photo of Ippo&rsquo;s classmate on a punching bag and forces him to punch it. It is only then that Ippo feels something stir inside him and eventually asks Takamura to train him in boxing. Thinking that Ippo does not have what it takes, Takamura gives him a task deemed impossible and gives him a one week time limit. With a sudden desire to get stronger, for himself and his hard working mother, Ippo trains relentlessly to accomplish the task within the time limit. Thus Ippo&rsquo;s journey to the top of the boxing world begins.<br><br>
(Source: MAL Rewrite)

Ryuuichi Hayami