In a Mad Max-like post-apocalyptic world where people struggle to survive and resist to oppressing gangs, Kenshiro, or Ken as he is known in the Western world, is chosen to be the successorof a legendary martial art, Hokuto Shinken, the divine art of the North star. Little by little, he will become the protector of desperate villagers, a destinty that will lead him to fight martial artists from other schools, including his own brothers.

The initial story covering 109 episodes was quickly extended and 43 more were realized. Fist of the North Star (Hokuto No Ken) regularly appear in the top 30 best anime of all times. The 27 volumes of the manga have sold more 100 million copies. In France, its extremely violence scenery stirred up controversy when former French Minister Segolene Royal stepped up against the rising popularity of Japanese anime.