Space Brothers

The manga beautifully portrays each character’s struggles, insecurities, anxieties, growth, and hard-earned accomplishments. In today's world, saturated with social media and endless information, it's easy to fall into the trap of constant comparison or chasing validation from others. If you ever find yourself in that place, read Space Brothers. It will make you stop and ask yourself: "What is it that I truly want to do with my life?" It reminds us that our lives are interconnected, encouraging us to cherish each moment and relationship along the way.

June 16, 2025

Today, I want to introduce you to my all-time favorite manga: Space Brothers (Uchuu Kyoudai). Honestly, I could talk for hours about how incredible this manga is. If you haven't read Space Brothers yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up—at least once in your lifetime. In fact, you'll probably get way more out of it than from any typical self-help book. So, why is Space Brothers so captivating? For me, it's the inspiring glow of Hibito contrasted against the relatable struggles of Mutta. Hibito embodies shining success, while Mutta, the older brother, is burdened by setbacks and frustration—something we all can empathize with. Naturally, readers find themselves rooting passionately for Mutta's personal growth and cheering him on every step of the way. When the story begins, Mutta has long since given up his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut. Instead, he's stuck at an automobile company, while his younger brother Hibito has already fulfilled their shared dream and is about to make history as Japan’s first astronaut to walk on the moon. Most of us had big dreams when we were younger, but reality often gets in the way. Many people abandon those dreams before even realizing it. That's why so many readers resonate deeply with Mutta's character. The manga’s author, Chuya Koyama, brilliantly captures the internal excuses and rationalizations we all make for giving up our dreams. When I first read it, his writing hit me right where it hurt. Mutta's journey reignited a spark within me and countless others, making us feel, "Maybe I can still achieve something great, too." Quotes from the series, such as: "Write that down in the notebook of your heart!" "There’s value in failing if you're giving it your all." "Maybe there aren't any 'absolutes' in this world. But that's fine. Because the absolute certainty I need is inside me." These phrases might sound cheesy at first, but trust me, they resonate deeply and authentically. Koyama is a genius at articulating exactly what makes people feel down, inspired, and deeply moved.

June 16, 2025

Another extraordinary strength of Space Brothers is that every character has their own compelling story arc. Take Deniel Young, for example—the eccentric, suspicious-looking elderly instructor who trains Mutta to pilot a plane after Mutta becomes an astronaut candidate. Sporting a fake Rolex (he calls it a "Rolax"), missing teeth, a scruffy little mustache, and a plump belly, he's not exactly your typical mentor. Yet, through tough training under "Old Man Deniel," Mutta's piloting skills improve dramatically. But more importantly, Deniel imparts profound life lessons, like: "Write that down in your heart’s notebook!" "The sky belongs to no one, but your life is yours alone. Life is something you can control." Each character in Space Brothers delivers their own unique wisdom, drawing you deeper into the narrative and making every encounter meaningful.

June 16, 2025