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CAST

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MOVIE ComedySpace Brothers #0
OVA ComedySpace Brothers: Apo's Dream
MOVIE ComedyPlanetarium Uchuu Kyoudai: Itten no Hikari
MANGA Sci-FiSpace Brothers

REVIEWS

• 

  R2R

  95/100
  "Space Brothers" means a lot.

  https://anilist.co/anime/12431/Space-Brothers/

  ---

  A Big bro should always be ahead of his little brother

  Says "Nanba Mutta" who promised to go to Mars to his little brother "Nanba Hibito" who dreamed to go to the Moon. But Mutta couldn't keep up his promise. While Hibito was taking one last step to reach the moon & was going to create history as the "Japan's First Astronaut on Moon", Mutta was fired from his profession, crying in his room and he had to blame no one but himself for abandoning his promise.
  Being a big brother/older sibling is a tough thing. While many like to make fun of their younger siblings by that "I'm OlDeR ThaN YoU" card, older siblings have to be role models or inspirations for their younger siblings, and that's the hard thing. It's even harder when you have a younger sibling more talented, more welcomed and more appreciated than you. Jealousy, self deprecation but most of all, disappointment, that you couldn't be the big brother they can look up to.
  Mutta pretty much gave up on becoming an astronaut but he gets a chance, when his mother sent his resume to JAXA and he got the green card to attend the new astronaut selection exam, following in the path his brother layyed out.

  Torchbearers are inspirational but are still people

  The torchbearers of humanity who mark our existence in the outer space, Astronauts. "Being an Astronaut is considered as one of the hardest professions out there" will say anyone and that single sentence alone might've destroyed many dreams but no one really tells "why" its so hard. Space Brothers takes you on a journey as for why it's so hard to become and most importantly, continue to be an astronaut. There's a lot of realism in the setting that its hard not to be impressed. Exams, training sequences, locations, hell! They even contacted a real life astronaut to voice over a character, what's even impressive is his character doesn't appear in the manga. So much passion and love went into making and it shows, whether it be in its production, or in its themes and characters.

  "I am my own enemy"

  I was struggling a little bit to how or with whom should I begin with among this amazing cast. Well written? In depth? Fun? Inspiring? A lot of words are just flooding my head but I'll say this, they'll definitely feel real. There isn't really an antagonist in this story because everyone is there for their own reasons, relatable reasons if I may add. To simply put in the words of Nanba; I am my own enemy. None of these characters come off as a supporting cast just so our protagonist can reach the moon, instead they come off human because they're like us, struggling with their own worries and trying their hardest. Even if you only see a small segment of their story, you'll get attached to them even when things go north or south.

  Trumpet, Guitar and Piano

  Just listen to the first few seconds of opening 1 and tell me if you can see the Earth because you'll definitely Feel So Moon..
  The openings and endings are great and this is probably one of the few shows where I found a Favourite OP and Favourite ED (It's from episode 55) from the same show. The beautiful OSTs oozes a profound feeling every time it plays in the background but it gets watered down after using them for the nth time.

  I had so much Fun

  I initially couldn't watch a 99 episode show because of course, it's 99 episodes. So, I decided to watch an episode per day, which ended with 90 days. It was a lot of fun. You can check it here.
  Special thanks to @AstroAndy for introducing this Anime to me.

  ---

  Conclusion

  **Space Brothers** means a lot to me and I'm glad I watched It. Let's end with one of my favourite moments.
  Continue on AniList
• 

  dihahah

  87/100
  A story about dreaming big and making it happen

  Plot

  99 episodes may be daunting but this sheer length is needed to display the whole journey of becoming an astronaut. It symbolises the tedious process astronauts have to go through to step into space. In fact, even 99 episodes were not enough for us to see everyone’s dream come true. Every episode was necessary and it never felt draggy at any point. The show managed to cement Mutta’s and Hibito’s desire to go through space by giving us sneak peeks into their childhood. I really liked these flashbacks as it showed their innocence when they were younger and they were never afraid to dream. It also displayed their unbreakable bond and shared dream. I particularly liked the parts where Mutta turned back to moments in childhood to solve problems as an adult. Even if you are not a fan of space, you can still relate to these young boys about dreaming big and being imaginative. The show helps to strike this reliability through its realistic portrayals. Yes, this show is very realistic.

  My only complaint with the plot was that they pulled the suspense too much. When it came to announcing results for a selection, we will only know the results only after 2 episodes or so. However, these reveals may be expected or unexpected. The show gives us insight into the ups and downs of being an astronaut. Notable points include the multiple rounds of selection, the importance of teamwork, and never giving up. Even after becoming an astronaut, you face the uncertainty of being sent on missions, the dangers of missions and family commitments. I liked that the show emphasised on the support system within NASA and JAXA, whose role is to send astronauts into space. During one arc, it was clearly shown how JAXA and NASA worked collaboratively to solve an issue and the agencies really do care about their astronauts. The success of space mission does not rest solely on the astronauts but also the people on the ground who guide them. We generally do not know what goes on behind the scenes for rocket launches but the show gave us some insight into it.

  Space brothers also features many philosophical moments and the ideologies that the characters follow to make their decisions. As mentioned before, Mutta does fall back on childhood experiences to guide him to make decisions as an adult and in training, even though it may be the least expected one. This makes the show meaningful and there is something the viewers can learn as well. The show may be about something as niche as space but the lessons learnt can be applied in any context.

  Characters

  There were a variety of characters from all walks of life. However, what connected them was their shared desire to go to space. They even differed in their purpose for going to space which made their backstories unique. It may be to reach the moon or it may be just the sheer curiosity of what lies outside of earth. Serika’s reason intrigued me the most as I never imagined that medicines could be made differently in space. I also found it interesting that they even included astronomers who have an equal passion for space. Through Sharon and the brothers, we learn that astronauts are the vehicle to make astronomer's dreams come true.

  Mutta’s and Hibito’s parents were highly entertaining and contributed to the comedy aspect of the show. Despite not knowing anything about space, they still supported their sons and expressed curiosity in whatever they did. Watching the family scenes made me appreciate the brothers’ achievements: coming from a humble background, they stood side by side with NASA astronauts and Hibito even achieved celebrity status. You will definitely get attached to the characters, feel happy for them, feel sad for them and feel nervous for them. Some scenes will definitely strike a chord like anticipating exam results or feeling like you can never be able to achieve certain things.

  Animation

  The animation was fine. The comedic parts were very well done and made the show really fun to watch. Facial expressions were also entertaining. The OST was great. The slow piano, the iconic motivational music as well as the dreamy music elevated the enjoyment of watching the show. I really got goosebumps in some of the scenes. There are 8 pairs of OP and EDs and the visuals were really creative for all of them. I’d say OP1 (feel so moon) and ED3 (tete) stuck to me the most.

  Overall, the show gave a good glimpse of the journey of becoming an astronaut and even what is in store after. I can safely say I learnt a lot from this show although I'm not a big fan of space. Space brothers is certainly for everyone and there are many life lessons to take away.

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• 

  FrieLen

  86/100
  I wanted you to watch it so badly that I wrote a review. It's the most underrated slice of life anime. Go watch it NOW!

  Original published under the Japanese title Uchū Kyōdai (宇宙兄弟), Space Brothers is a seinen work written and drawn by Chūya Koyama, published from December 2007 to June 2026 in Kodansha's Morning magazine (46 volumes). It was adapted into an anime by A-1 Pictures over 99 episodes, April 2012 – March 2024.
  Fun Fact: The plot is designed to take place between 2025 and 2026 — we are literally living in the narrative present of the story. Science fiction has become our current news.

  __Story__

  Our story begins in the summer of 2006, with the appearance of a UFO in front of the two young brothers who are Mutta and Hibito. It is this UFO that will lead them all the way to space and that will be the origin of their dream. Facing this object, the brothers make a promise: Hibito will go to the Moon, and Mutta to Mars. It is this promise that is at the origin of all this fantastic story.

  

  Overall, the story is interesting, and each arc has utility and appreciable aspects. Being mainly Slice of Life with considerable realism, some weapons like suspense, plot twsits, and what comes with it, are quite rarely used. The story follows a quiet and relaxing rhythm, with a quantity of interesting information both on the content and on the form. One arc (a few episodes) is an exception; that of Hibito's accident on the Moon, which is extremely contrasted by its intensity, its tension, its emotions, and its suspense. These are surely the most memorable episodes, with extraordinary music, beautiful scenes, and their beautiful meanings.
  By the way fun fact Hibito walks on the Moon for the first time on March 8, 2026 ;)!
  
  So generally the anime is quite quiet, without truly impressive elements. Basic slice of life, what can you say. Except for the arc I mentioned earlier, which is really memorable.

  __Genres & Themes__

  The anime is therefore mainly Slice of Life, with comedy and what was supposed to be Sci-fi but that has been caught up by our world. The arc of Hibito's accident is the small dose of drama to add.
  In general slice of life anime bore me rather quickly, but this one manages to keep me hooked, maybe by its good narration. Of course it remains slice of life so you know what to expect.
  On the comedy side, it is quite superior to what I have seen until now. Particularly in the 1st episodes, I often had bars of laughter. The work manages to make me laugh or smile until the end (still 99 episodes!). I really like the light humor of Space Brothers.

  

  The little dose of drama was very welcome, it brought a little diversity to the anime.
  Most of the time the anime manages to maintain a balance between each genre, which is very pleasant.

  On the side of themes, it is quite particular but strong.
  First we have childhood promises, and their consequences and effects in the lives of the two brothers. How they remain important after all these years, and how they have shaped their lives.
  There is also the human relationship to failure, in front of which numerous characters will stumble during the anime. I find this theme particularly well treated, with beautiful lessons in the bonus.
  It talks a lot about the professional world too, in particular in the space domain, with a fidelity to reality of which we will treat later.
  And finally, the most impressive theme of this anime, human relationships. Diversity, complexity, simplicity, friendship, love, encounters, you will have everything here. But not in an unrealistic way, which makes you say that anyway it is fiction and this nevers happens in real life. Each of the relationships is appreciable, and well worked. They bring a true living aspect, dynamic, which gives the anime an extremely appreciable point in addition. Without forgetting the main relationship which is the fraternal one between Mutta and Hibito. "The older brother should always be ahead of the younger brother." It is a cult sentence from Mutta, which comes back several times, with a bunch of emotions and symbolism each time. Their relationship is truly magnificent, too beautiful. It is the kind to put tears in your eyes, without being unrealistic.
  

  __Realism__

  To have a maximum of realism, Koyama-san provided phenomenal work and you can feel it. During each arc, we have a quantity of information worthy of a documentary. After watching this anime, you are necessarily an expert in the space domain, in particular regarding tests and training of astronauts, which you will master on the tips of your fingers. As well as experiences of astronauts during those. The JAXA trials, NASA training, passing through manuals to pilot a T-38 Talon, you will know everything in detail. The quantity of vocabulary is also impressive. Every technical and scientific detail is present to render the anime realistic.
  I will not insist more on realism, you understood.

  __Characters__

  Attachment, diversity, complexity, evolution, relationships, they have everything they need in this anime. This is surely the biggest positive point of the work. The cast is exceptional, I really like all the characters (even Furuya!). Mutta has a personality truly adorable. Each of the relationships he maintains with each one is nice. I do not know what to say to convince you. Go see the anime and you will have proof.
  Even the voice acting is exceptional, I find they really match well the characters! Hirata Hiroaki as Mutta, KENN as Hibito, and Sawashiro Miyuki as Serika, mainly.

  __Art__

  There is not really much to say, it is quite basic. It does the job but nothing else. No remarkable points in particular. Attention it is not negative either, just an animation worthy of a 2010 anime without staff or budget out of the ordinary.

  __Soundtracks__

  The musisc are very good. They become truly symbolic and remarkable after 99 episodes, each returning with its weight of memories. Certain themes are remarkable in particular, like the main theme, Survival, Lift Off!!, Note of the Heart, Silver Desolation, In the Black Valley, Hell like Heaven.
  The openings and endings are also remarkable; Feel so moon, tete, Halo, B.B, Yozora no taiyou.

  __Pacing__

  The pacing is part of both advantages and disadvantages. The beginning has a moderately fast pacing that is pleasing, just as much as necessary. But after the accident of Hibito, that is to say about from the 50, we feel a slowing down. The story is still as good, but only, we feel that it is a bit stretched, longer than what it should be. I am convinced that each of the 99 episodes is necessary and brings something, but some could be shortened. There are no fillers. Just a bit of slowness on the second half.

  __Recommendation__

  For each of the persons who have read until here, I think you are at least a minimum motivated to watch it. Of course, I recommend it to each of you without exception. However it is possible that some of you will not like it, and it is like that, no anime can please everyone. But I think that if you like slice of life, this anime is a must-have. If it is not the case, try perhaps to watch some episodes, even me who do not like slice of life adore this anime.

  __Potential S2__

  The manga finished publishing in June 2026, after 19 years, with more than 34 million copies, which is huge! The anime adapts up to volume 10, and the manga contains 46 volumes, so there still remains a good packet to adapt! According to the author, the adaptation of the anime is scheduled as soon as the end of the manga. We can therefore expect to have official announcements on the next season in the coming years.

  Continue on AniList

COMMENTS

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