The long-running manga Uchuu Kyoudai (Space Brothers) has finally reached its conclusion. After 18 years of serialization, the final 46th volume has been released, and author Kouya Chuuya has shared a handwritten message on the official X (formerly Twitter) account, stirring emotions among fans. Additionally, a commemorative exhibition is set to take place at Seibu Shibuya store.
Uchuu Kyoudai began serialization in Kodansha’s Morning magazine in 2007. It has become a national treasure, with cumulative sales exceeding 35 million copies, ranking among the top for a seinen magazine manga. The story follows brothers Mutta and Hibito, who made a childhood promise to become astronauts, depicting their individual challenges and bond. The series won both the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Kodansha Manga Award in 2011, and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Readers Award in 2014. It was also adapted into an anime and a live-action film, beloved worldwide. The announcement that volume 46 would be the final volume had already raised expectations for the finale of this masterpiece about dreams and challenges.
Author’s Handwritten Message
Just before the release of the final volume, Kouya Chuuya posted a handwritten message on the official X account. The message reads:
“The final 46th volume of Uchuu Kyoudai is now on sale! Thank you for your patience. I am relieved to have managed to draw it all the way to the end. Usually, each chapter is 20 pages, but this volume has slightly more pages for almost every chapter, and the number of chapters increased as well. The final chapter reached 46 pages, making volume 46 a rather thick tankobon. Because of that, I was able to draw everything I wanted to, and I am satisfied with the result. I hope you enjoy it at your leisure. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. To all readers, thank you so much for reading and supporting this long series of 18 years and 46 volumes! —Kouya Chuuya”
Fan Reactions
Online, fans have been expressing their gratitude and emotions. Comments include: “Mr. Kouya, thank you for your hard work. And thank you so much!”; “Finally, at last…”; “I feel like crying before even holding it”; “Thank you for always being by my side through my youth and life. Tomorrow will be sad, but I’m really looking forward to it!”; “I’m a newcomer who started from the anime, but before I knew it, I was completely hooked”; “Thank you so much for this wonderful work! I love Uchuu Kyoudai!!”
Exhibition and Collaboration Details
To commemorate the conclusion, the “Kan・Uchuu Kyoudai Ten” (Complete Space Brothers Exhibition) will be held at Seibu Shibuya store. A special collaboration project will also take place at the store.
Uchiwa (front)
Uchiwa (back)
At the venue, a large visual measuring approximately 4.6 meters in height and 6 meters in width will be displayed. Visitors will also receive original uchiwa (fans) and shopping bags featuring the key visual of the exhibition.
On the 8th floor of Building A, “MARY BURGER” will host a limited-time collaboration cafe where visitors can enjoy the world of the series. Original collaboration menu items inspired by Uchuu Kyoudai and exclusive cafe goods will be available. The cafe theme is “the trajectory of the two brothers Mutta and Hibito as they aimed to become astronauts,” with menu items designed to be photogenic, referencing characters and scenes from their journey.
MARY BURGER collaboration cafe
For each order of a collaboration menu item, customers will receive one random original coaster (5 types total).
[Menu order bonus] Original coaster (5 types)
Furthermore, a collaboration with “Wakasa Uchuu Saba Kan” (Wakasa Space Mackerel Cans) will be held, featuring a special limited package of Uchuu Kyoudai that includes two cans: “Wakasa Uchuu Saba Kan” and “Shuntore Gokumi Saba.”
Kan・Uchuu Kyoudai Ten Saba Can Set
The “Kan・Uchuu Kyoudai Ten” will run from July 31 (Friday) to August 23 (Sunday) at Seibu Shibuya store.
Exhibition Overview
- Period: July 31 (Fri) – August 23 (Sun)
*Last entry 30 minutes before closing. - Venue: Seibu Shibuya Store, Building A, 7th Floor, Event Space
- Organizer / Planning Supervision: NTT Docomo Studio & Live Inc.
- Planning / Production: Dentsu Inc., Dentsu Live Inc., Fabrica Inc., 13 Inc.
- Operation: Frontier International Inc.
- Special Cooperation: Cork Inc., Seibu Shibuya Store, Kodansha Ltd.
(C) Kouya Chuuya / Kodansha
