FINISHED
Space Brothers
99 Episodes
24 min each
SPRING 2012
Synopsis
Mutta's life has hit rock bottom. He's been fired, blackballed from his profession and now he's had to move back in with his parents. Meanwhile, his kid brother Hibito has been literally riding a rocket and training to be an astronaut. The same career Mutta once dreamed of. So, is it ever too late to go after your dreams? Through a little coercing and a bit of covert activity, Mutta's family and friends can get his resume on the right desk, but from that point on it will be up to Mutta himself. Does he have what it takes to turn his life around and put his footprint on the moon? The first step on the highway to the stars is always the hardest, and in a job where crash and burn isn't just a euphemism, it will be the biggest risk Mutta's ever taken. But with the best support team ever, maybe he'll find what he needs to rekindle the spark inside him and light the biggest candle of them all!
Comedy
Sci-Fi
Slice of Life
Format
Unknown
Episodes
99
Per Episode
24 min
Source
Unknown
Episodes
99 / 99 Episodes
1
Episode 1
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.
2
Episode 2
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.
3
Episode 3
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?
4
Episode 4
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.
5
Episode 5
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.
6
Episode 6
Et Cetera in My Head
As Mutta arrives at the Johnson Space Center to observe Hibito's training, one of the JAXA judges brings up the reason Mutta was fired from his previous job. As Hibito appears on a television show that night, Mutta is surprised when Hibito starts praising him. Just then, Mutta receives a call from his former workmates informing them of what his former boss had told JAXA. As Mutta becomes convinced he has lost his chance of becoming an astronaut, one of the other JAXA judges, who had been observing Mutta and Hibito's constant visits to JAXA, meets up with Mutta's former workmates to get the whole story.
7
Episode 7
Dear Hibito
As Hibito notices Mutta acting strangely, he suspects that something is up. Mutta eventually confesses about his high chance of failure, and appears to have resided to think he has no chance. Meanwhile, Hoshika has trouble trying to convince another judge to change his mind about Mutta. As Mutta spends time with the pet walkers following being told off by Hibito, the restaurant he is visiting is attacked by a fire extinguisher weilding robber.
8
Episode 8
Smoky Heaven
As Mutta's somehow manages to apprehend the robber by chance, he gains a lot of attention and is praised as a hero on a live TV broadcast, which is seen by Hibito and the JAXA judges. Afterwards, Mutta receives a video message from his parents, revealing he has passed the second exam. Before leaving for Japan, Mutta discovers a hidden set of wills written by Hibito which leaves him concerned.
9
Episode 9
Individual Resolve
As he arrives in Japan, Mutta remains concerned about the wills Hibito wrote before going outside to see the International Space Station in the sky. Later, he meets up with Kenji and Serika to celebrate making it to the third exam. The three talk about their motives for going into space, with Serika wanted to go on the ISS, despite the fact it will probably be shut down by the time she makes it to space. He hears from another collegue that she wants to carry on the dream of her late father to develop medicine to cure a disease, which can only be done on the ISS.
10
Episode 10
Running Bus
Before heading off to JAXA for the third exam, Mutta visits Sharon who tells him not to worry about not having a reason to go into space like Serika and Kenji has. As the exam begins, the applicants board a strange bus supposedly heading towards a top secret facility, with only Kenji noticing there are cameras onboard. An hour into the journey, they begin an exercise in which each applicant spends ten minutes talking to each other. Afterwards, they are asked to fill in a survey ranking everyone's potential to be an astronaut, followed by a meal and a rest before the bus arrives somewhere.
11
Episode 11
Trapped Rivals
Arriving at an undisclosed location, the applicants are shown footage of the last moments of a group of astronauts before they died due to a chute failure upon reentry, in order to determine their willingness to continue with the exam. After everyone agrees to continue with the exam, the group is split up into three teams with each team spending two weeks together in a sealed environment before determining which two of them would make the best astronauts. Mutta is placed in a team with Serika, Reiji Nitta, Naoto Fukuda and Yasushi Furuya. The first assignment involves figuring out what the current time is, where Mutta comes up with a surprisingly precise answer.
12
Episode 12
My Name Is Itou Serika
Mutta comes up with a method for his prediction, hiding the fact he had simply noticed what time it was when he left the bus. As Serika's hunger keeps her up, she recalls when she asked her father what the meaning behind her name was. The next morning, as the teams have to decide how to handle the food supply, they also discuss how to go about deciding which two candidates to pick to be astronauts. After everyone on Team A introduces themselves, Serika decides to let Mutta call her by her first name.
13
Episode 13
3-D Ant
Nitta grows concerned about a heart monitoring bracelet everyone is wearing, as well as a rule in which if one team member leaves, the entire team is disqualified. After a few physical and mental tasks, the teams are tasked with writing a letter to win over a journalist who is critical of space exploration. Mutta recalls when he and Hibito went to a lecture held by Soichi Noguchi about how seeing things from a different perspectives brings new solutions. After thinking about the story, Mutta decides the right action is not to protest but instead show her the third dimension offered by outer space, which will be made apparent once Hibito reaches the moon.
14
Episode 14
Broken Glasses and the Sole of the Foot
As Naoto recalls how his work in developed a manned spacecraft alienated him from his family, his glasses get broken when they are accidentally stepped on by Yasushi. Despite his reduced visibility, Naoto becomes determined to not let it stop him. After Yasushi hears from Serika about how Naoto quit his job in order to get a chance for astronaut selection, he swallows his pride and asks mission control to order new glasses for him.
15
Episode 15
Let's Talk About Space
As the JAXA staff decide to order Naoto new glasses as per Yasushi's request, Hoshika steps in to observe the exam. The next day, as Team B is put on edge when an alarm starts going off in the middle of the night, Team A discovers their clock has gone missing, later finding it smashed. The applicants are soon tasked with completing a blank puzzle within three hours. As the situation in Team A becomes tense as Yasushi accuses Serika of breaking the clock, Mutta tries to calm the situation by having everyone talk about space, getting them to consider JAXA broke the clock so they could learn to depend on their own sense of time whilst hiding the fact he saw Naoto break the clock.
16
Episode 16
Alarm, but No Clock
After the puzzle challenge ends before anyone manages to complete it, Mutta confronts Naoto about what he saw, but he only tasks him with finding out the reason why he broke the clock. Meanwhile, Team B continues to be plagued by the mysterious alarm, which is secretly being controlled by one of the participants, and soon find their clock has been tampered with as well. Meanwhile, as Serika grows concerned that she's used too much food for cooking, with not much left for the remaining four days, Team A is soon given their own alarm problem.
17
Episode 17
The Culprit Is in the Room
As Team A searches for the mysterious alarm, Mutta notices some strange behaviour in Yasushi. Haven't been reminded about the cameras by Naoto, Mutta believes JAXA is behind these incidents. He recalls what he learnt whilst visiting Houston, in which green cards are given to astronauts in training instructing them to create problems. Thus, Mutta correctly deduces that both Naoto and Yasushi had been given green cards ordering them to break the clock and set off the alarm. Later, Serika confesses about the food shortage to Mutta, who mistakenly believes it to be another green card order.
18
Episode 18
Roo-ra! Kenji!
After a few more green card related incidents, Mutta is given his own green card, prompting him to make random noises throughout the day. Meanwhile, as Team B continues facing issues, Kenji is put under pressure when he is told to withdraw from the selections, feeling he has done nothing to improve teamwork. As Kenji seriously contemplates withdrawing, he recalls what his daughter said to him, realising she was telling him to do his best and regaining his confidence.
19
Episode 19
The Day Before Goodbye
As the exam approaches its final few days, Kenji gets to know his teammates better, which Hoshika musing that he didn't give Kenji a green card earlier in order to test his leadership skills. Meanwhile in Team A, as Mutta reveals they don't have any food left for tomorrow, he manages to gather some ingredients for making udon noodles. Remembering how he learnt it from Sharon along with Hibito, Mutta gets everyone to make udon together. Having not had anyone share his interest in space whilst he was in school, Mutta becomes pleasantly surprised when everyone else becomes surprised over how he knows Sharon, and they spend time talking about space together. The mood soon heavies when they are reminded they still need to choose two people to become astronauts.
20
Episode 20
The Worst Possible Punishment
As the last day of the exam arrives, the teams are told to do what they want for the rest of the day before deciding on thier selections, so Team A decides to clean up the place. As Team A struggles to decide on a method of choosing two astronauts, Mutta recalls the advise Sharon gave him and suggests they decide via a game of rock, paper, scissors so that everyone has a fair chance. As Yasushi accepts to this, he shows off his recordings of everyone's scores, revealing he's been in a last place. Mutta reveals that he got the idea to use rock, paper, scissors from Yasushi, and he agrees to go along with it.
21
Episode 21
A Long-Awaited Glimpse of the Sky
After Team A decide their selections after one round, the third exam comes to its end and Team A is met with applause from the staff. Upon venturing out into the open sky again, the applicants discover they had been at JAXA the entire time. As Mutta and Keiji discuss how those who weren't selected may still have a chance, Yasushi, who lost out in the match, visits a much-admired professor, Hiroto Baba, who shows him his newly designed spacesuit. Whilst heading for a celebratory meal with the rest of Team A, Yasushi recalls how he got interested in space, but was troubled that he was too short to become an astronaut. This led him to admire Baba when he invented a smaller spacesuit which lowered the minimum height requirement to become an astronaut.
22
Episode 22
Working on the Dream
Team A get together to celebrate the winners of the match, Serika and Reiji, on passing the third exam. Meanwhile, the JAXA staff have discussions about which of the remaining candidates to select, with Hoshika pointing out how Team A was the only one who promised to get together upon leaving. Four days later, it is revealed Houston will select one male from the remaining candidates to become an astronaut, with Mutta assuming Kenji is likely to be chosen over him. As Mutta worries about his lack of luck, Hibito carries on his training, curious about what Mutta's reply will be. As Mutta hangs out with Naoto, it is revealed that Mutta had been chosen to go to Houston which boths excites Mutta but also causes him to be concerned about Kenji.
23
Episode 23
Father, Son, and Mutta Claus
Mutta takes up a part-time job as a shopping mall Santa to earn some money before his trip to Houston. Meanwhile, Yuri Teshima, one of the candidates from Team B, shows his father his passion for extra terrestrial life. As Mutta hears from JAXA about when he is to depart for Houston, he learns that Kenji was in fact chosen alongside him, as Yuri had decided to turn down his application to pursue a career in marine biology. Sera visits her father's grave, leaving a diary of everything she got up to in the past year, whilst Mutta visits Kenji. With the final exam in two months, coinciding with Hibito's mission into space, Mutta decides to head to Houston ahead of schedule.
24
Episode 24
The Worst Possible Interviewer
As Hibito trains to use a space vechile for his moon mission, Mutta does some lawn mowing for Ozzy. Later, Mutta has dinner with Jennifer and Lowry, Hibito's backup, where he learns the examiner for the final exams will be Takio Azuma, who allegedly holds a grudge against Hibito for being selected to go on the moon instead of him, putting Mutta at a disadvantage.
25
Episode 25
Sonic Little Brother Training Big Brother
As Hibito recalls how he came to admire Azuma, he tells Mutta how his final astronaut selection exam was an interview with one of the Japanese astronauts. As Mutta ponders how he should spend his time before the exam, he witnesses Hibito piloting a jet craft, reminding Mutta of how he came to support him. As the day count down towards Hibito's launch, Mutta trains his body and mind with Ozzy to prepare for his interview. Seven days before the launch, as Hibito is moved into quarantine, Serika and the other candidates travel with Mutta's parents to Houston.
26
Episode 26
Painful Interview
As the day of the final exam arrives, Nanba is hindered by aching leg muscles due to all the squats he did the other day. After entering the interview room and meeting the examiners, including Azuma and Soichi Noguchi, Mutta sits down only for his chair to break due to a combination of a screw loosened by one of the examiners and Mutta's tenseness in hiding his cramps. After the interviews end, the candidates have a celebratory meal with the examiners. Unbeknownst to the candidates, the interview was a decoy intended to drop their guard as the examiners make observations outside of an exam environment. As Mutta is secretly probed for his observations on the other candidates, he comes face to face with Azuma.
27
Episode 27
One Question
As Mutta decides to converse with Azuma, he asks him a question that another astronaut previously asked him; "Are you prepared to die?". Mutta gives an honest reply that he would try to survive if possible, which is similar to how both Azuma and Hibito answered the same question. As Mutta and other candidates head off to Florida, he recalls how he and Hibito spent months trying to get footage of the UFO they say, since noone else saw it due to the Zidane headbutt incident. Upon arriving in Florids, Mutta and his parents go to see Hibito, giving him a DVD of the footage they filmed together to take to the moon with him.
28
Episode 28
Miracle of Doha
Hibito recalls how Mutta was bullied by those who didn't believe him about the UFO. Wanting to find proof of UFOs existing in order to stop the bullying without resorting to violence himself, he decided to make his own UFO, giving the footage he filmed to Mutta for his 13th birthday. Despite obviously telling it was a fake, Mutta appreciated the thought and treasured the DVD. When the bullies started turning on Hibito instead, Mutta fought against them with his headbutt.
29
Episode 29
Night Before Launch
The Mars V rocket containing parts for the construction of a moonbase is successfully launched into space. On the night before Hibito's launch, Mutta is visited by his mother, who expresses her concerns about the launch. On the morning of the launch, NASA reports a 60% chance of the launch being postponed due to the weather, but Hibito remains optimistic that the launch will go ahead. As Mutta and Kenji visit the news center for updates on the weather, a kid with a punk hairstyle sets Apo loose.
30
Episode 30
Dog, Old Man, and Alexander
As Mutta and the others search for Apo, Mutta finds him being carried off by a strange old NASA employee named Deneil Young, who takes Mutta for a ride to a place featuring abandoned training facilities. Reaching the top of an old blockhouse, Mutta is treated to a spectacular view of the launchpad. As the Mars I finally lifts off, Mutta stands back and watches in awe.
31
Episode 31
Rocket Road
As Hibito and his crew finally make it into the weightlessness of space, Mutta thanks back to when he and Hibito attended a broadcast of Akihiko Hoshide aboard the ISS, answering Hibito's question and giving him the encouragement to become an astronaut. Back in the present, Deneil reveals to Mutta that he was the one who taught Hibito to fly a jet, saying they will meet again on the airfrield should Mutta be selected.
32
Episode 32
A Private Place
As the candidates celebrate Hibito's launch, they are informed they will return to Japan and will hear of the results a week after Hibito lands on the moon, though Mutta opts to stay in Houston until Hibito lands on the moon. Later on, Hibito gives an interview aboard the Orion as it makes his journey to the moon, which is broadcast across Japan. As Mutta spends time with Jennifer, she shows him Azuma with his family. As Mutta goes to greet them, Azuma shakes his hand and invites him to join them, where he learns more about him from his wife. Later that night, Azuma recalls the pressures her faced from the press after orbiting the moon and how it was Brian Jay who reccomended Hibito be the first to walk on the moon.
33
Episode 33
Moon Rabbit
As the Orion approaches the moon for landing, Hibito receives a video message from Mutta. The whole of Japan tunes in early in the morning to watch the live broadcast of the moon landing, which Hibito manages to pull off successfully. As Hibito prepares to take his first steps on the moon's surface, he recalls Mutta's video message, assuring him of Azuma's approval. With that in mind, Hibito turns his first step into what would come to be known as 'the moon jump', although Mutta is a little embarrassed by Hibito's 'inspiration first words'.
34
Episode 34
Pug and Hug on a Moonlit Night
As the moon mission begins its progress, Hibito notices something shiny on the moon's surface before helping to ease the tension of the rest of the crew. Meanwhile, Mutta arrives back in Japan, bring Apo home with him, hoping he will bring him luck in passing the exam. Whilst grocery shopping, Mutta ends up winning a consolation prize in a lottery, believing he has used up all his luck and becoming paranoid. On the day of the selection announcement, Kenji is the first to be called by JAXA.
35
Episode 35
From the Little Corner of a Big Facility
As Kenji receives his call from JAXA, he thinks back to how his life was before all of this. Though he was generally satisfied with his job, he had always wanted something more. He also recalls when he first met his wife, Yuki, who would later be the one who told him about the astronaut selection programme. This changed his daily life a little more as he began to study towards his dreams. As the results are finally announced, Kenji learns that he has passed the exam to the delight of his family.
36
Episode 36
Dancing Astronaut
As Serika visits her father's grave after hearing about her results, she recalls her childhood. Being a biologist who studied 'little universes', Rinpei Itou inspired Serika to want to be an astronaut. Rinpei soon became hospitalised with a paralyzing brain disorder, so he asked Serika to start a journal to tell him about her daily life. Rinpei's condition soon worsened, as his condition was revealed to be a rare disease. Reading up on Chiaki Mukai, who was an astronaut who developed cures aboard the ISS, Serika became determined to be the same so she could find a cure for Rinpei's condition. However, he passed away soon afterwards. Having learnt that she has passed her exams, Serika celebrates with a nostalgic ice pop.
37
Episode 37
Two Men in the Park
As Mutta becomes anxious about whether he has enough luck to pass, Hoshika decides to share the load of revealing the results. The first person he calls is Mizoguchi, who is shocked to learn he has failed as he was always the top in everything he did. When asked why he failed, Hoshika explains it is his lack of depending on others that caused him to fail. Afterwards, Hoshika asks Mutta to meet him at the park, where he personally reveals that Mutta has passed his exam. Hoshika then takes Mutta straight to the press conference.
38
Episode 38
Eleventh E-mail
Upon arriving at the conference building, Mutta meets with some of the unsuccessful applicants before heading to the main hall, where he is greeted by Serika, Kenji and Reiji, along with Team B's Ena Kitamura. As Hoshika gives Hibito the news of Mutta's success, Mutta manages to get through the conference without messing up. As the gang get together following the conference, Naoto joins them in celebration whilst Yasushi sends Mutta various texts congratulation him, explaining how he was always rooting for him.
39
Episode 39
Lunar Illusions
As Mutta and the others begin their first day at JAXA, they receive a talk from Murasaki about the training they will go through to become fully fledged astronauts. Meanwhile on the moon, Hibito and co-astronaut Damian are sent on a mission to recover a damaged space probe, struggling with the illusions the moon plays on perception, whilst fellow astronauts Buddy Waters and Karen Jones host a television special. Whilst trying to open a compartment on their buggy, Hibito and Damian lose track of where they are going and end up driving into a crater.
40
Episode 40
Heaven and Hell
Hibito finds himself trapped inside the crater, seperated from Damian and unable to contact Houston. As Hibito searches for Damian, he manages to find the probe they were looking for. A flare alerts Hibito to Damian's position, where he finds Damian has injured his leg and his temperature regulation system is broken, meaning he will soon freeze to death. Although Damian tells Hibito to leave him behind, Hibito instead decides to use the battery from the buggy to power the probe in order to get him out of the crater. As Hibito attempts to climb up the craterside to reach the buggy, he loses his grip and falls, damaging his suit on impact.
41
Episode 41
Eighty Minutes to Live
As NASA discusses rescue operations for Hibito and Damian, Azuma suggests that they send remote controlled probes to assist them whilst the other astronauts wait for their buggy to be charged. Although Hibito recovers from his fall, Damian informs him that his main oxygen tank has been punctured, leaving him with just eighty minutes of oxygen remaining. Despite this, Hibito resumes his attempt to rescue Damian, managing to reach the probe and reactivate it. Meanwhile, Mutta, having just heard the news, arrives at JAXA and gives them some input based on how he feels Hibito would act, though this advice is ignored by NASA.
42
Episode 42
Hibito's Choice
Hoshika tells Mutta that Houston will be able to tell if Hibito moved if he fires his remaining flare. Meanwhile, Hibito, who has less than twenty minutes of oxygen left, decides to use his last flare as a makeshift fireplace to provide Damian with some neccessary heat. Hibito eventually reaches the top of the crater and exposes Damian to the sunlight, but becomes stressed when he can't communicate with anyone. Meanwhile, Houston learns of their location, which was at the point Mutta predicted, and learn that Hibito has less than ten minutes of oxygen remaining. After making sure Damian is properly shaded, Hibito decides to take a walk on his own, preparing to walk into the ravine again so he can see the stars once more. Just then, he spots the flash he saw earlier and decides to investigate it, discovering it to be a small astronaut figure left behind by Brian.
43
Episode 43
Brian
Hibito reminisces about Brian, who was something of a mentor to him. Checking the back of the figure, Hibito finds a picture of a young Brian with his brother, realising Brian left the figure there so both brothers would eventually stand on the moon together. The oxygen reserves in Hibito's suit soon runs out, putting Hibito through pain as he gasps for oxygen before almost losing consciousness. Just then, the oxygen producing drone named after Brian arrives on the scene, allowing Hibito to obtain some oxygen in the very nick of time.
44
Episode 44
Three Astronauts
It is revealed that Hibito was able to be saved because of Azuma's plea to NASA to take into account Mutta's theory as the worst case scenario and send the Brian drone over to where he suggested. Meanwhile, Mutta is relieved to hear of Hibito's safety once news reaches JAXA. Whilst the other astronauts, Freddy Saturn and Buddy Walters, bring Hibito and Damian back to base, they reminisce about all the things Brian taught them. Three days later, Mutta gets a chance to talk with Hibito, who gives him his deepest thanks for helping to save him, promising that they'll both stand on the moon together.
45
Episode 45
Five Blue Rangers
Mutta pays a visit to Sharon, who is shocked to hear how much danger Hibito was in. She reveals that her astronomy team has received funding to build a lunar telescope on the moon, which would allow people to see further into space, an idea spurred by her late husband, Shinichi, who named an asteroid after her before he passed away from an illness. This spurs on Mutta to fulfil his promise to Sharon, along with his promise to Hibito. Later, Mutta and the others receive their official JAXA jumpsuits before being informed they will be travelling to Houston tomorrow to begin their joint astronaut training.
46
Episode 46
Number One Restless Guy
As the astronaut candidates arrive at the airport, Serika and Ena think back to their last meals with their friends and family. Serika had dinner with her friends and grandparents whilst Ena spent time with her younger sister, Kei, helping her decide what she wants to do in the future. Meanwhile, Mutta attracts a lot of attention after Murasaki tricks him into putting on his jumpsuit in the airport. Meanwhile at NASA, astronaut Vincent Bold is assigned as the training instructor for the new trainees. Upon arriving at Houston, Mutta meets up with Ozzy, who helps him and Kenji set up accomodation in Hibito's house.
47
Episode 47
The First Promise
Whilst Serika and Ena manage to find a place to live, Mutta becomes curious about something Murasaki allegedly mentioned to Kenji about the training during the flight. Deciding to ask Murasaki himself, he mentions how a few astronauts always seem to leave at some point during the training due to not being up to snuff. He goes on to explain the role of astronauts is akin to those of actors, stating he himself has never gotten the chance to 'stand on stage'. Later, the group go to the mission control center, where Mutta hears from Jennifer that Hibito probably won't be approved for any EVA operations for the duration of the mission. Afterwards, a party is held for all the trainee astronauts, where the group meet Amanti Patel from India, who has a hobby of reading people's fortunes. When asked to read Mutta's future, she has an unsteady feeling.
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Episode 48
Always Have a Pedometer in Your Heart
The astronaut candidates are briefed on their training, with Bold stating he plans to make everyone go through two years of training in a year and a half, to the surprise of his fellow instructor, Larry Bison. He starts off with the hard stuff right away by putting everyone through survival training in the desert, where they must walk all the way to Amarillo. Mutta's group, consisting of the JAXA candidates and Amanti, meet up with their advisors, Mike Davis and, to Mutta's surprise, Lowry, who provide them with lunch before informing them they'll need to forage further meals themselves.
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Episode 49
Nitta the Leader
As Mutta's team find their rations and set up camp for a night, they are informed they are currently last in the rankings, which requires one person beside the leader to take a punishment. Mutta volunteers for the punishment, in which he must stand at attention for a whole hour, but the group soon cheer up when they are treated to a beautiful view of the stars. Later on the fourth day, as Nitta is chosen as the leader, he appears to be a bit more strict with his desire to increase their ranking, whilst also expecting a call from a certain someone. Just then, Mutta pushes Nitta out of the way of their ration box when he notices a rattlesnake. Following the incident, Davis issues the leader with a handgun to defend themselves against dangerous wildlife. On the fifth day, as Mutta acts as leader and helps the group push onwards, Nitta suddenly tells the others that he must head back.
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Episode 50
Nitta and Mutta
Nitta explains that he had left his phone behind somewhere, which he needs as he is expecting an important call. Nitta opts to go alone to search for it, but Mutta, being the leader, decides it would be best to search alongside him at night once they set up camp. Along the way, Nitta explains he is waiting for a call from his younger brother, Kazuya, who he hasn't spoken to in two years. Mutta suspects that Nitta may have dropped his phone near the previous food crate when Mutta tackled him, which motivates Nitta to rush to its location. Arriving at the crate, Nitta finds his phone as it flashes, only to find he had barely missed a call from Kazuya.
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Episode 51
Living Stone
As Mutta and Nitta head back to camp, discussing their relationships with their respective brothers, Kazuya looks up information about the astronauts, finding a video interview with Nitta. In the video, Nitta explains how feelings that you may not belong in this world can help drive you to go beyond it, stating some of the things Kazuya taught him when they were younger. After returning to camp, Nitta explains to the others about his brother whilst Mutta once again worries about Amanti's prediction. As a starstorm flies above the desert, Kazuya starts to venture outside his own little world.
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Episode 52
A Big Brother Should Always...
As the astronaut candidate survival training draws to an end, Mutta reflects on his journey to become an astronaut.
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Episode 53
Stand on the Moon Together Alive
Two months after arriving on the moon, Hibito reflects on the accident that almost cost him his life.
54
Episode 54
Do I Have Good Luck?
As Mutta and his teammates try to keep warm in the cold desert night, Mutta is reminded of recent events.
55
Episode 55
Distant Goal
The astronaut candidates have reached the sixth, and final, day of survival training. But Mutta is down with a fever. Can Team E complete the training?
56
Episode 56
Promise to Drink
After completing survival training, the NASA astronaut candidates are tasked to participate in the upcoming Comeback Competition. Each team receives an advisory engineer, but Mutta`s team is stuck with someone who won`t help.
57
Episode 57
An Engineer's Switch
Mutta and the rest of Team E are slowly making progress with their CanSat for the Comeback Competition. However, their first attempt fails miserably, as the parachute fails to deploy and the rover gets stuck. Can they complete their CanSat without any help from their advisor?
58
Episode 58
Earnest Failure
As Mutta, Vince, and Pico gather for a drink, Vince and Pico are reminded of their past.
59
Episode 59
Promise Sign
Azuma and the other astronauts land on the moon, to replace Hibito. Back on Earth, it`s finally time for the Comeback Competition. However, the weather doesn`t want to cooperate.
60
Episode 60
Sea Diver and Space Diver
It`s finally the day of the Comeback Competition. Team E is scrambling to modify their rover, so the mud won`t render its sponge tires useless. Mutta and Serika head to the hotel to look for something that could help.
61
Episode 61
Those Who Wait for Hibito
The Comeback Competition has ended, and Mutta`s team finished second among AsCan entrants. Mutta is soon joined by his parents, as they prepare for Hibito`s return to Earth.
62
Episode 62
Those Who Dream Far
Hibito has finally returned from the moon. He now begins the long process of physically readjusting to Earth`s gravity. Meanwhile, Mutta is preoccupied by Amanti`s warning.
63
Episode 63
Young Excitement
The astronaut candidates now prepare for training on T-38 jets. Sharon happens to be in the US to present her proposal for a radio telescope on the moon. She now heads to Houston to see Mutta and Hibito.
64
Episode 64
Piece of Cake
At Serika`s request, Sharon returns to the hospital to see a neurologist. Meanwhile, Mutta`s concern for Sharon distracts him from his upcoming, written flight exam.
65
Episode 65
Wheelchair Pilot
After learning that Sharon has ALS, Mutta has trouble concentrating, performing miserably on the written test. He must now retake the exam before he can begin flight training.
66
Episode 66
Two Notebooks
After retaking the written test, Mutta is able to move on to T-38 flight training. Since he had the lowest score, he`s assigned to Deneil Young, who apparently has a unique training regimen.
67
Episode 67
Deneil-ized
Mutta is struggling with his flight training, as Deneil constantly distracts him when they`re in the air. Can Mutta survive Deneil`s unique style?
68
Episode 68
Two Keyboards
Mutta`s flight training is progressing well. Meanwhile, Hibito heads back to Japan, where he is greeted by cheering crowds and parades. He also gets a chance to visit Sharon.
69
Episode 69
Next to Hibito
After Mutta completes flight training, he officially becomes an astronaut. Now he must wait to see if he will be assigned to a lunar mission.
70
Episode 70
Determination to Give Up
After completing training, Mutta is offered a spot on the backup crew for an upcoming ISS mission. This is a golden opportunity for Mutta to make it to space quickly. But he must consider what he truly wants to do.
71
Episode 71
Rehearsal
Mutta and Hibito are selected for a magazine cover. Mutta is excited, but he notices that Hibito is acting strangely.
72
Episode 72
Hibito's Disorder
Hibito struggles with the panic disorder that`s afflicted him since his ordeal on the moon. However, he requests that his condition be kept secret from Mutta, who may have found a way to improve the lunar rover.
73
Episode 73
A Road on the Roadless Moon
Mutta comes up with an idea to prevent vehicular accidents on the moon. Will NASA accept his proposal?
74
Episode 74
Magic Trick
Mutta`s proposal to improve the lunar rover is received well. But he still hasn`t convinced Chief Butler to let him train for lunar missions. Desperate for ideas, Mutta researches Chief Butler`s history for clues.
75
Episode 75
My Hands
Mutta`s proposal to add a windshield to the lunar rover is received well. However, Chief Butler is still reluctant to allow Mutta to train for lunar missions. Mutta decides he must try something more dramatic.
76
Episode 76
Olga
Mutta has convinced Chief Butler to allow him to start training for lunar missions. Meanwhile, Hibito is in Russia, trying to overcome his panic disorder.
77
Episode 77
An Astronaut's Daughter
Hibito continues to struggle in rehab. Russian astronaut Ivan Tolstoy shows Hibito videos of his daughter as a child, learning ballet. Will the videos give Hibito his answer?
78
Episode 78
Out of Time
Inspired by Olga`s performance, Hibito continues his rehabilitation. Ivan comes up with a unique approach that may start Hibito down the path to recovery.
79
Episode 79
Olga, Hibito, and Gagarin
NASA and JAXA have decided to bring Hibito back to Houston, placing him in a supporting role. Hibito has no choice but to pack up and make his farewells.
80
Episode 80
Secret
Hibito has returned to Houston from Russia. At the same time, Mutta begins his journey to the moon with NEEMO training.
81
Episode 81
Worst Enemy
Mutta`s idea for improving the lunar rover has earned him the right to participate in NEEMO training. He has taken one step toward the moon.
82
Episode 82
Space Family
Mutta is now underwater participating in NEEMO training. He`s happy to be assigned to the same team as Kenji, but it turns out that he shouldn`t be celebrating.
83
Episode 83
Kenji and I
Only one of each team`s two Ants will be chosen to go to the moon. Since the beginning of his journey, Mutta has worked with Kenji, so he isn`t sure what to do.
84
Episode 84
Supandaman
Mutta and Kenji are forced to compete for the chance to go to the moon. Initially unsure as to what to do, Mutta benefits from Andy`s advice, which helps him settle down and devise a new plan.
85
Episode 85
On the Moon
Mutta and Kenji have overcome their initial shock after hearing that only one of them will be chosen to go to the moon. Now that they`re working together again, everything seems to be going right with their construction of the Moonbase.
86
Episode 86
For Tomorrow
Mutta has completed NEEMO training. His final idea impressed many people in NASA. Meanwhile, back in Houston, Hibito continues his rehabilitation.
87
Episode 87
To the Place Where I Belong
Mutta has completed his NEEMO training and now waits to learn if he will be heading to the moon. Back in Houston, Hibito also completes his rehabilitation training. All that remains is to demonstrate to NASA that he has made a full recovery.
88
Episode 88
Pretty Dog
Hibito is worried about the upcoming test that will decide if he will be allowed to return to space. Uncertain, he turns to an unexpected person for advice.
89
Episode 89
Last Words
Mutta has been chosen to go to the moon. First, he will serve as Vince`s backup. Now, Kenji and Nitta must learn what the future has in store for them.
90
Episode 90
A Small Note and a Big Lucky Charm
Hibito begins the test that will determine if he can return to active duty. However, Chief Butler has planned a surprise for Hibito.
91
Episode 91
How to Help Hibito
Hibito takes the test to determine if he will be allowed to return to active duty. While Chief Butler issues a green card for a false malfunction, to see how Hibito reacts under pressure, another malfunction also occurs that Butler doesn`t expect.
92
Episode 92
Lonely People
Hibito has passed his test to return to active duty. With that over, Mutta can focus on starting his backup crew training for a lunar mission.
93
Episode 93
In the Corner of My Heart
As Sharon makes a new proposal to NASA for the lunar telescope, Mutta continues his training in the desert. However, Chief Butler is still seeking a backup captain for the mission.
94
Episode 94
Exciting Teamwork
Mutta has been assigned to the CES-62 backup crew, but his fellow members aren`t keen to work together. Will the arrival of Eddie Jay, their leader, turn things around?
95
Episode 95
Our Future
Eddie Jay`s arrival has given the CES-62 sub crew a much-needed jolt. After a night jog brings the crew closer together, Eddie suggests that the crew members share their stories.
96
Episode 96
Astronaut and Father
Mutta has returned from his training in the desert and gets some rest as Christmas approaches. Meanwhile, Kenji and Nitta finally learn about the mission they`ve been assigned to.
97
Episode 97
Won't Go Away
It`s New Year`s, and the Nanba family is together in Houston to celebrate. Mutta feels good, as he trains for the moon and talks to Serika, but Hibito doesn`t seem to be in a celebratory mood.
98
Episode 98
The Ultimate Astronaut
roubled by Hibito`s disappearance, Mutta`s performance begins slipping. However, a conversation with Chief Butler reassures him.
99
Episode 99
Life Changes, Promises Don't
Hibito`s disappearance is distracting Mutta during training and he makes a critical mistake. What will Hibito do next, and will Mutta be able to get his act together before the actual launch?
Characters
Voice Actors
KENN (japanese)
Hibito Nanba
Main
Voice Actors
Hiroaki Hirata (japanese)
Mutta Nanba
Main
Voice Actors
Miyuki Sawashiro (japanese)
Serika Itou
Supporting
Voice Actors
Masako Ikeda (japanese)
Sharon Kaneko
Supporting
Voice Actors
Masayuki Katou (japanese)
Kenji Makabe
Supporting
Voice Actors
Choo (japanese)
Chousuke Nanba
Supporting
Staff
tacica
Theme Song Performance (OP7)
Touko Machida
Script (eps 9, 12, 15, 20)
Toshizou Nemoto
Script (eps 5, 7, 10, 13, 16)
Makoto Uezu
Script (eps 1-3, 8, 18)
Chuuya Koyama
Script (eps 68, 73-76, 78, 79, 93, 98)
Shigeru Morita
Script (eps 4, 6, 11, 14, 19)
Comments
Information
Aired
Mar 31, 2012
to Mar 21, 2014
Season
SPRING 2012
Source
Unknown
Format
Unknown
Studios
A-1 Pictures
Related Anime
PREQUEL
20559
SIDE_STORY
20561
SEQUEL
17573
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