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Space Brothers

Space Brothers
★ 8.1/10•2012•24m•TV-14•Animation•Drama•Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Similars

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.

StatusEnded
Runtime24m
LanguageJA
First Air DateMar 31, 2012

Episodes

Episode 1 - Little Brother Hibito and Big Brother MuttaE124m

Little Brother Hibito and Big Brother Mutta

The year 2006. Two brothers, Nanba Mutta (age 12) and Hibito (age 9), happen to spot a UFO headed for the moon. The experience inspires them to make a certain promise.

Mar 31, 2012

Episode 2 - My Shining StarE224m

My Shining Star

With his mother's assistance and Hibito's encouragement, Mutta has been accepted for the New Astronaut Selection Exam. However, unsure of his next step, he visits Sharon, who works at a nearby observatory. After receiving advice from Sharon, Mutta is finally able to make up his mind.

Apr 7, 2012

Episode 3 - The Man with the Advantage and the Running Female DoctorE324m

The Man with the Advantage and the Running Female Doctor

After advancing to the second exam, Mutta realizes that the other applicants are much better prepared than he is. Desperate to prove himself, he stakes everything on the lung capacity test, as he has confidence in his trumpet-trained lungs. However, as the other applicants drop out, he finds himself in a heated battle with Itou Serika. Who will come out on top?

Apr 14, 2012

Episode 4 - Next to HibitoE424m

Next to Hibito

After a long week, only the final interview remains in the second JAXA exam. Mutta is drawing attention as Nanba Hibito's older brother, but he insists he won't spend his entire life as Nanba Hibito's big brother.

Apr 21, 2012

Episode 5 - Days of MissingE524m

Days of Missing

After completing the second JAXA exam, Hibito invites Mutta for a free trip to Houston, Texas, through NASA's family support program. Upon arrival, he finds himself chased by a pug named Apo, and is then reunited with Hibito. However, Hibito expresses disappointment.

Apr 28, 2012

Episode 6 - Et Cetera in My HeadE624m

Et Cetera in My Head

Mutta has arrived in America, but he's off to a rocky start with Hibito. Meanwhile, his future as an astronaut is in jeopardy because the headbutt incident has been brought to JAXA's attention.

May 5, 2012

Episode 7 - Dear HibitoE724m

Dear Hibito

After learning that his former boss has told JAXA about the headbutt incident, Mutta has given up hope on passing the exam. To cope, Mutta falls back on his childhood habit of multitasking like crazy when something bad happens.

May 12, 2012

Episode 8 - Smoky HeavenE824m

Smoky Heaven

When the robber known as the fire extinguisher man strikes the restaurant where Mutta is, he's in trouble. But once the dust settles, Mutta has become a national hero for capturing the criminal. However, it appears there's more to the story.

May 19, 2012

Episode 9 - Individual ResolveE924m

Individual Resolve

After passing the second JAXA exam, Mutta returns to Japan for the third. He's happy about the exam result, but on the flight back, a nightmare leaves him rattled. This is due to the letters from Hibito that he discovered before leaving.

May 26, 2012

Episode 10 - Running BusE1024m

Running Bus

Mutta has learned that Kenji and Serika have strong reasons to become astronauts, while Mutta is simply trying to achieve a childhood dream. This causes Mutta to begin to question himself.

Jun 2, 2012

Episode 11 - Trapped RivalsE1124m

Trapped Rivals

The third exam will take two weeks. Mutta and the other candidates are transported via sealed bus to a large, barren facility. Then they are led to an area that is known as the last room.

Jun 9, 2012

Episode 12 - My Name Is Itou SerikaE1224m

My Name Is Itou Serika

The fifteen remaining candidates have been divided into three teams of five. Each team will spend two weeks inside a sealed box, while completing various tasks. The first task is to determine the time.

Jun 16, 2012

Episode 13 - 3-D AntE1324m

3-D Ant

The sealed box teams are assigned more tasks. These include Running Math, five minutes of mental math while running, and a typing test. Next, they're asked to write a letter of protest to a journalist who is criticizing government funding for space exploration.

Jun 23, 2012

Episode 14 - Broken Glasses and the Sole of the FootE1424m

Broken Glasses and the Sole of the Foot

After five days in their sealed boxes, each team is exhibiting a pronounced personality. Mutta's Team A is rowdy, while Team C is quiet. However, Kenji's Team B appears to be a little gloomy.

Jun 30, 2012

Episode 15 - Let's Talk About SpaceE1524m

Let's Talk About Space

The exam in the sealed box is halfway over. Mutta's Team A suffered an accident when Fukuda's glasses were broken. But Furuya, the one who broke them, requested a new pair. Meanwhile, Team B must deal with an alarm going off in the middle of the night.

Jul 7, 2012

Episode 16 - Alarm, but No ClockE1624m

Alarm, but No Clock

The third exam is halfway over. Mutta works on a completely white puzzle as he ponders why Fukuda-san would break the only clock in the sealed box.

Jul 14, 2012

Episode 17 - The Culprit Is in the RoomE1724m

The Culprit Is in the Room

The third exam inside the sealed boxes has been underway for ten days. Each team has been experiencing unexpected problems, such as broken clocks and mysterious alarms that ring in the middle of the night. However, Mutta soon realizes who is actually responsible.

Jul 21, 2012

Episode 18 - Roo-ra! Kenji!E1824m

Roo-ra! Kenji!

The candidates have only a few days left in the sealed boxes. JAXA has been using green cards to create trouble, gauging each member's ability to respond to stress and trouble.

Jul 28, 2012

Episode 19 - The Day Before GoodbyeE1924m

The Day Before Goodbye

The teams have two days left in the sealed boxes. Mission Control has deliberately not given certain members of Kenji's Team B any green cards, leading to paranoia. Meanwhile, in Team A, Mutta announces that he has good news, bad news, and dicey news.

Aug 4, 2012

Episode 20 - The Worst Possible PunishmentE2024m

The Worst Possible Punishment

It's their final day in the sealed box. Mutta has enjoyed his two weeks with the team, and he wishes to avert ruining their bond, as they make their final decision.

Aug 11, 2012

Episode 21 - A Long-Awaited Glimpse of the SkyE2124m

A Long-Awaited Glimpse of the Sky

With the third exam finally over, Furuya takes the opportunity to visit the man who made his dream possible.

Aug 18, 2012

Episode 22 - Working on the DreamE2224m

Working on the Dream

The third astronaut selection exam has finally ended. Team A used rock-paper-scissors to select two members. Whose dreams are still alive?

Sep 1, 2012

Episode 23 - Father, Son, and Mutta ClausE2324m

Father, Son, and Mutta Claus

Mutta has been picked to go to Houston for the final astronaut selection exam. But because his selection means that Kenji wasn't chosen, he has mixed feelings.

Sep 8, 2012

Episode 24 - The Worst Possible InterviewerE2424m

The Worst Possible Interviewer

The final exam is set to take place in two months. Mutta heads to Houston, ahead of the other candidates to look after Apo and tour the Johnson Space Center. Meanwhile, Hibito is training hard for his lunar mission.

Sep 15, 2012

Episode 25 - Sonic Little Brother Training Big BrotherE2524m

Sonic Little Brother Training Big Brother

With the final astronaut selection exam coming up, Mutta heads to Houston. However, Jennifer has some ominous news.

Sep 22, 2012

Episode 26 - Painful InterviewE2624m

Painful Interview

Seven days remain before Hibito takes off on a journey to become the first Japanese person to walk on the moon. Meanwhile, Mutta prepares for the final astronaut selection exam at Johnson Space Center.

Sep 29, 2012

Episode 27 - One QuestionE2724m

One Question

The final NASA interview was a decoy to trick the candidates into relaxing, so the astronauts could evaluate them. However, the candidates have yet to realize this.

Oct 6, 2012

Episode 28 - Miracle of DohaE2824m

Miracle of Doha

With four days before the launch, Mutta and his family arrive at Kennedy Space Center for one last meal with Hibito before he heads into space. Mutta uses this opportunity to hand Hibito a very special DVD-R.

Oct 13, 2012

Episode 29 - Night Before LaunchE2924m

Night Before Launch

Two days are left before launch. First, the lunar lander Artemis goes into space on Mars V. Afterwards, Hibito and the rest of the crew will head into space on Mars I.

Oct 20, 2012

Episode 30 - Dog, Old Man, and AlexanderE3024m

Dog, Old Man, and Alexander

It's finally the day of the launch, but the weather doesn't look good. On top of that, Apo's run off, so Mutta has to go find him. While searching for Apo, Mutta comes across a suspicious old man.

Oct 27, 2012

Episode 31 - Rocket RoadE3124m

Rocket Road

Mutta, Apo, and the strange old man watch as Hibito launches off into space. Afterwards, Mutta reminisces about the road taken by Hibito to reach this point.

Nov 3, 2012

Episode 32 - A Private PlaceE3224m

A Private Place

Hibito has made it safely into space, and he's on his way to the moon. Meanwhile, Mutta runs into Azuma and his family, and he decides to approach them.

Nov 10, 2012

Episode 33 - Moon RabbitE3324m

Moon Rabbit

Hibito and the CES-51 crew finally land on the moon. However, Mutta is worried that Hibito will embarrass their country when he takes his first step.

Nov 17, 2012

Episode 34 - Pug and Hug on a Moonlit NightE3424m

Pug and Hug on a Moonlit Night

Hibito and the CES-51 crew have landed on the moon. Meanwhile, Mutta has returned to Japan to await his final exam results. He's especially concerned about using up his luck before the results are announced.

Nov 24, 2012

Episode 35 - From the Little Corner of a Big FacilityE3524m

From the Little Corner of a Big Facility

JAXA has begun announcing the results of the final astronaut selection exam. Makabe Kenji receives the first phone call. As Kenji waits to learn his fate, he reflects on his motivation for wanting to be an astronaut.

Dec 1, 2012

Episode 36 - Dancing AstronautE3624m

Dancing Astronaut

While Mutta waits to hear if he will become an astronaut, Kenji has received good news. The next candidate to get a call is Serika.

Dec 8, 2012

Episode 37 - Two Men in the ParkE3724m

Two Men in the Park

Two hours have passed since JAXA was supposed to notify the candidates, and Mutta hasn't received a call. When the phone finally rings, he's told to go to a nearby park. What will his fate be?

Dec 15, 2012

Episode 38 - Eleventh E-mailE3824m

Eleventh E-mail

After a long wait, Mutta learns that he passed the final exam. With no time to enjoy the moment, he is immediately whisked to the press conference, where the other new astronauts wait.

Dec 22, 2012

Episode 39 - Lunar IllusionsE3924m

Lunar Illusions

Mutta has begun his life as an astronaut. First, he must undergo a month of JAXA training and orientation. Meanwhile, Hibito and Damian head out in a lunar rover to track down a missing probe.

Jan 5, 2013

Episode 40 - Heaven and HellE4024m

Heaven and Hell

Damian and Hibito leave Moonbase in search of a missing unmanned probe. However, an accident occurs, stranding them inside a ravine.

Jan 12, 2013

Episode 41 - Eighty Minutes to LiveE4124m

Eighty Minutes to Live

After a buggy accident, Hibito and Damian are stuck at the bottom of a ravine. Damian's spacesuit is damaged, and he's losing body heat quickly. The odds are against them, but Hibito decides that the unmanned drone Gibson is their key out.

Jan 19, 2013

Episode 42 - Hibito's ChoiceE4224m

Hibito's Choice

Hibito manages to bring Damian back to the surface by using Gibson, but he's running out of time, as his oxygen supply dwindles. Will Freddy and Buddy find him in time?

Jan 26, 2013

Episode 43 - BrianE4324m

Brian

Hibito is able to save Damian, but he's running out of oxygen. Freddy and Buddy are trying to catch him, but they won't arrive before his oxygen depletes. Is this the end?

Feb 2, 2013

Episode 44 - Three AstronautsE4424m

Three Astronauts

Oxygen generation system Brian arrives just in time to save Hibito. Once he and Damian are rescued and back at Moonbase, he reflects on the astronauts who saved him.

Feb 9, 2013

Episode 45 - Five Blue RangersE4524m

Five Blue Rangers

Mutta and the other astronaut candidates have finally finished their Japanese training. Before they head to Houston, they receive a gift from Director Nasuda.

Feb 16, 2013

Episode 46 - Number One Restless GuyE4624m

Number One Restless Guy

The JAXA astronaut candidates head to Houston, to begin training at NASA. However, Murakami-san appears to have a surprise in store for Mutta.

Feb 23, 2013

Episode 47 - The First PromiseE4724m

The First Promise

Mutta and the other astronaut candidates have arrived in Houston to begin training at NASA. First up is a social event to meet the other astronaut candidates from around the world.

Mar 2, 2013

Episode 48 - Always Have a Pedometer in Your HeartE4824m

Always Have a Pedometer in Your Heart

The first astronaut candidate task is undergoing a survival training course consisting of a six-day trek through the desert. Meanwhile, Mutta is still worried about Amanti's reaction after she read his fortune.

Mar 9, 2013

Episode 49 - Nitta the LeaderE4924m

Nitta the Leader

The astronaut candidates continue their survival training in the desert. Team E has fallen behind the others, but after Nitta takes the lead, they try to pick up the pace.

Mar 16, 2013

Episode 50 - Nitta and MuttaE5024m

Nitta and Mutta

As the survival training draws to a close, Nitta suddenly tells the team he needs to backtrack due to losing his cell phone, but Mutta stops him. However, Mutta appears to have an idea in mind.

Mar 23, 2013

Episode 51 - Living StoneE5124m

Living Stone

Mutta and Nitta backtrack through the desert, looking for Nitta's cell phone. But Nitta cannot find it in time to answer his little brother's call. Has he lost another chance to reach him?

Mar 30, 2013

Actors

Hiroaki Hirata

Hiroaki Hirata

Mutta Nanba (voice)

KENN

KENN

Hibito Nanba (voice)

Masayuki Katou

Masayuki Katou

Kenji Makabe (voice)

Miyuki Sawashiro

Miyuki Sawashiro

Serika Itou / Mutta Nanba as a Boy (voice)

Masako Ikeda

Masako Ikeda

Sharon Kaneko (voice)

Yuko Sanpei

Yuko Sanpei

Hibito Nanba as a Boy (voice)

Shô Ryûzanji

Shô Ryûzanji

Tadashi Hoshika (voice)

Ryou Naitou

Ryou Naitou

Yasushi Furuya (voice)

Shintaro Asanuma

Shintaro Asanuma

Yamato Mizoguchi (voice)

Takanori Hoshino

Takanori Hoshino

Reiji Nitta (voice)

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