After a stellar 19-year run, Chūya Koyama's beloved manga series, "Space Brothers," is finally wrapping up with its 46th and final volume hitting shelves this July.
But before we say goodbye, the official "Space Brothers" team has teamed up with renowned sake brewer "Kokuryu Sake Brewery" for an out-of-this-world collaboration! They're launching two limited-edition sakes, "Ato" (跡) and "Haneru" (跳), offering fans a unique way to "taste the story of Space Brothers." These special brews are already available for purchase on the official "Space Brothers" store.
As the series soared in popularity, the announcement of its conclusion in July 2026 sent ripples through the fandom.
Coincidentally, the year 2026 is also when Hibito becomes the first Japanese astronaut to land on the Moon within the story's timeline! To mark this incredible alignment of real-world and fictional events, this commemorative sake duo, "Ato" and "Haneru," symbolizes the "connection between Earth and the Moon."
"Ato" (跡), meaning "Footprints" or "Traces," is a masterful blend of various aged sakes, crafted using a technique called "Assemblage." The different vintages are inspired by the various eras within the "Space Brothers" narrative.
This sake beautifully encapsulates the long journey of the Nanba brothers, from their childhood promise under the moon to "someday go to space," all the way to achieving their dreams. It even incorporates sakes from four specific years that correspond to pivotal moments in the series, making it a truly meaningful tribute.
"Haneru" (跳), meaning "Leap" or "Jump," is Kokuryu Sake Brewery's sparkling sake, perfected over years of expertise through "in-bottle secondary fermentation."
This bubbly brew captures the excitement, joy, and celebratory spirit of Hibito's historic moon landing in 2026. With each sip, the effervescent bubbles dance on your tongue, as if bottling the very moment of that monumental leap onto the lunar surface.
It boasts delicate bubbles and an aroma reminiscent of ripe honey apples, layered with hints of toasted biscuits and white pepper. The initial taste is dry, but the acidity, combined with the fine bubbles, evolves into a smooth, rich mouthfeel.
The packaging design is just as thoughtful and creative! Both sakes come in sleek black outer boxes: "Ato" features an image of Earth, while "Haneru" showcases the Moon. Lift the lid of "Ato," and you'll see the Nanba brothers gazing up at the Moon from Earth. Open "Haneru," and the scene reverses, depicting the brothers looking back at Earth from the Moon. When placed side-by-side, the two packages tell a complete story – a journey "from Earth to the Moon," and then "looking back at Earth from the Moon," symbolizing the brothers' incredible dream voyage.
Adding another layer of artistry, the bottle labels feature calligraphy personally penned by Juichi Yoshikawa, a renowned calligrapher from Fukui Prefecture who is active worldwide, lending an elegant touch to "Ato" and "Haneru."
These limited-edition sakes, allowing you to "taste the story of Space Brothers," are currently available exclusively at the official "Space Brothers" store. General sales are expected to begin sequentially from mid-July 2026.
"Kokuryu x Space Brothers Ato & Haneru Set"
Price: 33,000 JPY
"Kokuryu Assemblage Ato ―Space Brothers―"
Price: 16,500 JPY
"KOKURYU AWA Haneru ―Space Brothers―"
Price: 16,500 JPY
via： 宇宙兄弟 official store