Space Brothers (2012)
A heartfelt Japanese anime about two brothers chasing their childhood dream of reaching the stars, one setback at a time.
Space Brothers - Series Information
- Original Title: 宇宙兄弟
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2014
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 99
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: March 31, 2012 (United States - TV-14), March 31, 2012 (Canada - 14+), March 31, 2012 (Brazil - 12), March 31, 2012 (Mexico - B-15)
- Networks: Nippon TV, YTV
- Alternative Titles: Uchū Kyōdai (JP), 우주 형제 (KR)
- Production Companies: TOHO, dentsu, Kodansha, A-1 Pictures, Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation
- Production Countries: Japan
Space Brothers - Plot
When they were young, the brothers Mutta and Hibito promised each other they would become astronauts. Now, in 2025, Hibito has followed his dream to become the first Japanese on the moon, but Mutta has just been fired from his job. His brother reminds him of their childhood promise, and Mutta decides once again to aim for space.
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Space Brothers - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Hiroaki Hirata as Mutta Nanba (voice)
- KENN as Hibito Nanba (voice)
- Masayuki Katou as Kenji Makabe (voice)
- Miyuki Sawashiro as Serika Itou / Mutta Nanba as a Boy (voice)
- Masako Ikeda as Sharon Kaneko (voice)
- Yuko Sanpei as Hibito Nanba as a Boy (voice)
- Shô Ryûzanji as Tadashi Hoshika (voice)
- Ryou Naitou as Yasushi Furuya (voice)
- Shintaro Asanuma as Yamato Mizoguchi (voice)
- Takanori Hoshino as Reiji Nitta (voice)
Writers
- Yoichi Kato
- Chuya Koyama
- Makoto Uezu
- Kenichi Yamashita
- Toshizo Nemoto
Space Brothers - FAQs
Where can you stream Space Brothers online?
Space Brothers is available to stream on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, both offering the series as part of their flat-rate subscription plans. You can compare all available viewing options for your region via JustWatch.
Is Space Brothers based on a manga?
Yes, Space Brothers is adapted from the manga series of the same name by Chūya Koyama, serialized in Weekly Morning magazine since 2008. The manga is acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of astronaut training and the Japanese space program.
Who are the main voice actors in Space Brothers?
The principal voice cast includes Hiroaki Hirata as Mutta Nanba, KENN as Hibito Nanba, Masayuki Katou as Kenji Makabe, Miyuki Sawashiro as Serika Itou, Masako Ikeda as Sharon Kaneko, and Shô Ryûzanji as Tadashi Hoshika.
What is Space Brothers about?
Space Brothers follows the Nanba brothers, Mutta and Hibito, who vowed as children to become astronauts. When Hibito fulfills that dream and heads to the moon, a newly unemployed Mutta rediscovers his ambition and begins the grueling path through JAXA astronaut selection.
How many seasons and episodes does Space Brothers have?
Space Brothers ran for 2 seasons plus a specials collection, totaling 99 episodes. Season 1 comprised 51 episodes, Season 2 comprised 48 episodes, and Season 0 contained 3 special episodes. The series aired from 2012 to 2014.
Is Space Brothers worth watching for non-anime fans?
Absolutely. Space Brothers is widely praised for its grounded, emotionally resonant storytelling and realistic depiction of space exploration. Critics and viewers alike highlight its inspirational themes of perseverance and brotherhood, making it accessible and compelling even for viewers unfamiliar with anime.
When did Space Brothers first air?
Space Brothers first aired on March 31, 2012, in Japan on Nippon TV and YTV. The series concluded in 2014 after 99 episodes, spanning two full seasons and a set of special episodes.
What is the content rating for Space Brothers?
Space Brothers carries a TV-14 content rating in the United States, indicating it may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains mature themes related to professional pressure, personal failure, and emotional hardship, but no graphic violence or explicit content.
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