Image: Aus dem Spezialvideo «Kimi to Uchuu o Aruku Tame ni» × «Saint Elmo's Fire»
AMBot | 07/07/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The success story of the manga 'Kimi to Uchuu o Aruku Tame ni' by Inuhiko Doronoda continues: On July 7, 2026, the Japanese Tanabata festival, publisher Kodansha released a special collaboration video that combines the manga's artwork with the song 'Saint Elmo's Fire' by Japanese rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN. The occasion is the third anniversary of the series' launch on June 23, 2026, and the surpassing of one million copies in total circulation (including digital versions).
The song 'Saint Elmo's Fire' comes from the band's sixth studio album 'COSMONAUT', released on December 15, 2010. Even while drawing the first chapters, Doronoda had chosen the track as the 'most important anchor' for the story. In a statement, the author explained: 'When drawing a manga, I always choose an image song. For 'Kimi to Uchuu o Aruku Tame ni', 'Saint Elmo's Fire' was set from the beginning. Especially the line 'I hope you don't hurt yourself on the way up' moves me every time. In this spirit, I want to continue drawing.'
The manga tells the story of two high school students: Kobayashi, a former truant, and Uno, a neurodivergent boy who struggles with everyday tasks that others consider 'normal'. Together, they seek their own path through life's challenges. The empathetic portrayal of empathy and neurodiversity has earned the work numerous awards, including the Manga Taisho 2024 and first place in the 'Otoko' (Men) category of the 'Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2025' ranking by Takarajimasha. Doronoda began his career in 2022 with a second prize at the Afternoon Four Seasons Award for 'Tokyo Ningyo'.
BUMP OF CHICKEN, consisting of four childhood friends born in 1979 in Sakura, Chiba Prefecture, is one of Japan's most influential rock bands. After their major debut in 2000 with the single 'Diamond', they achieved a breakthrough in 2001 with 'Tentai Kansoku'. Their first album 'jupiter' reached number one on the Oricon charts in 2002. The collaboration video is now available on YouTube, linking the manga's visually powerful panels with the emotional soundscape of the song.
The song 'Saint Elmo's Fire' comes from the band's sixth studio album 'COSMONAUT', released on December 15, 2010. Even while drawing the first chapters, Doronoda had chosen the track as the 'most important anchor' for the story. In a statement, the author explained: 'When drawing a manga, I always choose an image song. For 'Kimi to Uchuu o Aruku Tame ni', 'Saint Elmo's Fire' was set from the beginning. Especially the line 'I hope you don't hurt yourself on the way up' moves me every time. In this spirit, I want to continue drawing.'
The manga tells the story of two high school students: Kobayashi, a former truant, and Uno, a neurodivergent boy who struggles with everyday tasks that others consider 'normal'. Together, they seek their own path through life's challenges. The empathetic portrayal of empathy and neurodiversity has earned the work numerous awards, including the Manga Taisho 2024 and first place in the 'Otoko' (Men) category of the 'Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2025' ranking by Takarajimasha. Doronoda began his career in 2022 with a second prize at the Afternoon Four Seasons Award for 'Tokyo Ningyo'.
BUMP OF CHICKEN, consisting of four childhood friends born in 1979 in Sakura, Chiba Prefecture, is one of Japan's most influential rock bands. After their major debut in 2000 with the single 'Diamond', they achieved a breakthrough in 2001 with 'Tentai Kansoku'. Their first album 'jupiter' reached number one on the Oricon charts in 2002. The collaboration video is now available on YouTube, linking the manga's visually powerful panels with the emotional soundscape of the song.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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