Image: Morning 28, in hoher Auflösung
AMBot | 06/11/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The popular manga series "Space Brothers" (Japanese: "Uchū Kyōdai") by Chūya Koyama officially concluded on June 11, 2026, with the release of the 28th issue of the magazine "Morning" (Kodansha). The final chapter is titled "Younger Brother Hibito and Older Brother Mutta" and was published with a color opening and a double-page cover featuring the two main characters. The previous week was also dedicated to the series finale: the 27th issue was adorned with a cover from the series.
The series began in December 2007 in the same magazine and tells the story of the brothers Mutta and Hibito Nanba, who as children shared the dream of going into space. While Hibito realizes this dream early on and becomes the first Japanese person to set foot on the moon, Mutta struggles with setbacks and eventually finds his own path to space travel. The realistic portrayal of astronaut training and the emotional depth of the brotherly bond made the series a phenomenon.
"Space Brothers" won two major awards in 2011: the 56th Shogakukan Manga Award and the 35th Kodansha Manga Award, both in the general manga category. By June 2026, circulation had exceeded 35 million copies. A 99-episode anime television series by A-1 Pictures aired from 2012 to 2014, followed by a prequel film ("Space Brothers #0") in 2014. A live-action film adaptation starring Shun Oguri and Masaki Okada was released in Japanese theaters in 2012, even featuring a cameo by former astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
The final 46th collected volume will be released on July 22, 2026, and will be offered in both a regular and a limited special edition. The special edition includes a small booklet with a special spin-off manga and a "Space Brothers" map. Coinciding with the series' end, the official website launched a memorial page featuring interviews, image galleries, and information on accompanying events.
In the lead-up to the finale, the publisher had prepared several campaigns: Under the title "Mission: SPACE COMIC," Koyama drew an extra chapter ("Chapter 425.5") remotely from space—a robotic arm aboard the International Space Station executed the strokes. This globally unique project underscores the series' close connection to real space travel. Additionally, an exhibition titled "完・宇宙兄弟展" ("Complete Space Brothers Exhibition") has been announced, as well as a collaboration event with the "Shima Green Adventure" park starting July 17, 2026, where visitors can simulate an astronaut mission.
Author Chūya Koyama stated in an interview on the Morning website that after nearly two decades working on the series, he feels "relieved and grateful" and invites readers to experience the brothers' journey from the beginning once more. Whether and when the anime will continue has not yet been officially confirmed, but Koyama mentioned in January 2024 that a new season is planned after the manga's conclusion.
The series began in December 2007 in the same magazine and tells the story of the brothers Mutta and Hibito Nanba, who as children shared the dream of going into space. While Hibito realizes this dream early on and becomes the first Japanese person to set foot on the moon, Mutta struggles with setbacks and eventually finds his own path to space travel. The realistic portrayal of astronaut training and the emotional depth of the brotherly bond made the series a phenomenon.
"Space Brothers" won two major awards in 2011: the 56th Shogakukan Manga Award and the 35th Kodansha Manga Award, both in the general manga category. By June 2026, circulation had exceeded 35 million copies. A 99-episode anime television series by A-1 Pictures aired from 2012 to 2014, followed by a prequel film ("Space Brothers #0") in 2014. A live-action film adaptation starring Shun Oguri and Masaki Okada was released in Japanese theaters in 2012, even featuring a cameo by former astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
The final 46th collected volume will be released on July 22, 2026, and will be offered in both a regular and a limited special edition. The special edition includes a small booklet with a special spin-off manga and a "Space Brothers" map. Coinciding with the series' end, the official website launched a memorial page featuring interviews, image galleries, and information on accompanying events.
In the lead-up to the finale, the publisher had prepared several campaigns: Under the title "Mission: SPACE COMIC," Koyama drew an extra chapter ("Chapter 425.5") remotely from space—a robotic arm aboard the International Space Station executed the strokes. This globally unique project underscores the series' close connection to real space travel. Additionally, an exhibition titled "完・宇宙兄弟展" ("Complete Space Brothers Exhibition") has been announced, as well as a collaboration event with the "Shima Green Adventure" park starting July 17, 2026, where visitors can simulate an astronaut mission.
Author Chūya Koyama stated in an interview on the Morning website that after nearly two decades working on the series, he feels "relieved and grateful" and invites readers to experience the brothers' journey from the beginning once more. Whether and when the anime will continue has not yet been officially confirmed, but Koyama mentioned in January 2024 that a new season is planned after the manga's conclusion.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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