Epic Space Saga Reaches Climactic Conclusion: Chuuya Koyama's 'Uchuu Kyoudai' Manga to End with 46th Volume

After an extraordinary nearly two-decade odyssey captivating readers worldwide, Chuuya Koyama's beloved manga, Uchuu Kyoudai—universally known as Space Brothers—is officially set to conclude with its monumental 46th volume. The highly anticipated announcement was confirmed on the wraparound band of the recently released 45th volume on July 23, 2025, signaling the poignant culmination of a series that has profoundly resonated since its debut in Morning magazine in 2007.

A Journey to the Stars

At its heart, Uchuu Kyoudai narrates the compelling journey of two brothers, Mutta and Hibito, bound by a childhood vow to venture into the vast expanse of space. While the younger Hibito swiftly achieved his dream of becoming an astronaut, Mutta's path diverged, only for a pivotal event to reignite his dormant ambitions for the cosmos. Koyama masterfully weaves together an intricate tapestry of emotional family drama with the awe-inspiring narratives of space exploration, crafting a unique blend that has garnered critical acclaim and numerous prestigious accolades. Among its notable honors are the 56th Shogakukan Manga Award and the 35th Kodansha Manga Award, both received in 2011, testament to its profound impact on the manga landscape.

Beyond the Manga Pages

The Space Brothers phenomenon extends far beyond the pages of the manga. Its widespread popularity led to a highly successful anime adaptation, which aired from 2012 to 2014 and was streamed by Crunchyroll during its original run, bringing the inspiring saga to a global audience. The franchise further expanded with a 2012 live-action film, featuring stellar performances by renowned actors Shun Oguri and Masaki Okada. Fans were also treated to the special edition anime film, Space Brothers #0, uniquely bundled with the 29th manga volume, for which Koyama himself penned the original scripts, offering a deeper dive into the series' rich universe.

As the series approaches its grand finale, readers in English-speaking territories can continue to follow Mutta and Hibito's journey through Kodansha USA's digital release of the manga, while Sentai Filmworks has proudly licensed the anime and film adaptations for North American audiences. The conclusion promises to be a heartfelt and inspiring capstone to a story that seamlessly intertwines personal growth, familial bonds, and the boundless human ambition to reach for the stars.