Key Facts Block

・Ao Ashi concluded its serialization on June 23, 2025
・23 million copies sold across all manga volumes
・Set in Ehime and Tokyo, centering on youth J.League teams
・Yūgo Kobayashi wrote and illustrated the series
・Anime Season 2 confirmed via official announcement

A Decade of Dreams: Ao Ashi Comes to a Triumphant End

After captivating readers for an entire decade, Ao Ashi—the soccer manga by Yūgo Kobayashi—has officially reached its final chapter. The series concluded in the 30th issue of Weekly Big Comic Spirits, released on June 23, 2025. From its humble beginnings in 2015, Ao Ashi has grown into one of the most beloved sports manga in Japan, praised for its realistic depiction of youth soccer and emotional storytelling.

Set in Ehime, the story follows Ashito, a talented yet impulsive teenager who gets scouted by a J.League youth academy. As a side-back, he chases the dream of playing professional soccer, facing both triumph and heartbreak on the pitch. The manga gained a reputation not only for its technical depth but also for portraying the psychological evolution of young athletes.

Behind the Manga: What Fans Need to Know

Ao Ashi was more than just a comic—it became a cultural touchpoint for soccer enthusiasts across Japan. Collaborations with official J.League programs and sports TV shows elevated its profile, while the manga’s attention to training, tactics, and teamwork earned praise from real-life coaches and players.

The series surpassed 23 million copies in circulation, proving its mass appeal. Its anime adaptation debuted to strong acclaim, and with a second season already in production, the Ao Ashi universe is far from over. For longtime fans, the final chapter offers a satisfying closure—while hinting that Ashito’s journey might continue in new forms.

FAQ

Q: When did Ao Ashi end?
A: The final chapter was published on June 23, 2025.

Q: How many copies has Ao Ashi sold?
A: Over 23 million copies across all volumes.

Q: Is Ao Ashi getting a second anime season?
A: Yes, Season 2 is officially in production.

Q: Who is the creator of Ao Ashi?
A: Yūgo Kobayashi is the manga’s author and illustrator.

Q: What is Ao Ashi about?
A: It follows Ashito, a boy from Ehime aiming to go pro through a J.League youth team.

Source : ORICON NEWS