The Prince of Tennis Manga Series Concludes After 27 Years, Takeshi Konomi Shares Final Message of Gratitude

The Prince of Tennis manga series has officially concluded after 27 years, bringing a historic run that began in 1999 to a close.

The final chapter of The New Prince of Tennis, chapter 477, was published in the September issue of Jump SQ. released on August 4. With this, the long running The Prince of Tennis series has reached its conclusion, ending a 27 year legacy. Creator Takeshi Konomi shared a message of appreciation, saying, “Thank you for supporting Tenipuri and its beloved characters for 27 years. Please let me take a short rest…,” expressing his gratitude to fans.

A Global Hit That Defined Sports Manga

The Prince of Tennis follows Ryoma Echizen, a tennis prodigy at Seishun Academy Junior High School, as he grows through matches and rivalries with teammates and opponents. The original series ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from July 1999 to March 2008 and became a major success, surpassing 60 million copies in total circulation.

The franchise expanded into anime in 2001, a stage musical in 2003, and a live action film in 2006 starring Kanata Hongo.

From Sequel to Final Chapter

The sequel series The New Prince of Tennis began serialization in Jump SQ. in March 2009. The story moved to the world stage, depicting intense matches against international players. The final volume, volume 48, is scheduled for release on September 4.

Over the Top Techniques That Captivated Fans

One of the defining features of The Prince of Tennis is its unconventional and exaggerated tennis techniques, including elements such as black holes, pirate appearances, and even horseback tennis. In a past interview with ORICON NEWS, Konomi explained that these ideas were designed to compete with fantasy works and to entertain readers.

He noted that aiming for viral reactions was also intentional, with scenes crafted to spark discussion and even become headlines. Konomi described the approach as waiting for readers to react, saying that those who comment on the outrageous techniques are already part of the experience. While pushing boundaries, he emphasized that everything remains grounded within the rules of tennis.

Finale Projects and Special Features

The final chapter appears as a 48 page special with color pages, and the issue includes a CD supplement, marking the first such bonus in Jump SQ. history. The CD features the song Memories Packed Into the Racket, written and composed by Takeshi Konomi, performed with a large ensemble of 143 participants including voice actors and stage cast members.

In addition, a commemorative item titled The New Prince of Tennis Finale Memorial Final Chapter B5 Replica Manuscript Print Set mini is available through a special application service. The set includes a reduced size reproduction of the entire final chapter, consisting of 48 pages including both monochrome and color content.

Creator Profile

Takeshi Konomi was born in 1970 and debuted in 1993 with Iron Man The Hardest Man in the World. He later serialized COOL RENTAL BODY GUARD in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997. The Prince of Tennis, which began in 1999, became a major hit known for its stylish characters and extraordinary techniques. After the original series concluded in 2008, he launched the sequel The New Prince of Tennis in Jump SQ. in 2009, completing the full series in the September 2026 issue.

Source : ORICON NEWS