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Yugo Kobayashi’s Ao Ashi is officially coming to an end with the release of its 40th volume.
The announcement came alongside a message from Kobayashi, where he thanked fans for their unwavering support and revealed that the conclusion of the ongoing Barcelona match would serve as the series finale.
He shared that the narrative arc, spanning Ashito Aoi’s journey from the youth team to the A-team, had been meticulously planned from the beginning.
He added that he is determined to deliver a satisfying conclusion over the next two volumes, thanking fans for their unwavering support throughout the manga’s run.
The 38th volume of Ao Ashi released on Dec 25, 2024.
To all supporters of AO ASHI,
I am the author of AO ASHI, Yugo Kobayashi. Thank you for always supporting me. AO ASHI will reach its final episode with the conclusion of the ongoing Barcelona match.
When Ashito joined the A-team in volume 11, the following opponents were Kashiwa, Tokyo V, Funabashi, Aomori, and Barcelona, all of which were already decided at that time (I was just wondering whether to include the Ganon-Osaka match or not), and I think I will be able to finish this story, which has progressed along with the growth of Ashito, with everything fully depicted.
The total number of volumes is 40, which is also a nice round number. I will do my best to put all my enthusiasm into the next two volumes, so please stick with me until the end. It is thanks to you, the readers, that AO ASHI has grown so much.
The 40th volume of the manga should tentatively come out in June 2024.
This news has left fans grappling with mixed emotions, ranging from gratitude to heartbreak over its impending end.
Many readers were left shocked due to the sudden announcement of conclusion the a story they hoped would continue for years to come.
Concerns were expressed about unresolved plotlines and characters. Also, questions about Ashito’s future as a professional player, his relationships with characters like Hana, and the arcs of key teammates remained a point of discussion.
Naturally, they were hoping for a second part to release in order to address these issues.
The reactions weren’t solely focused on disappointment, however. Several fans took the opportunity to thank Kobayashi for crafting what they considered one of the best sports manga of all time.
Fans have acknowledged the immense effort the author poured into the series since its inception, and expressed hope that the finale will deliver a satisfying conclusion.
Ao Ashi, written and illustrated by Yūgo Kobayashi and based on a concept by Naohiko Ueno, has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits since January 2015.
An anime adaptation produced by Production I.G aired in 2022.
By September 2024, the manga had over 21 million copies in circulation. It also won the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award for the general category in 2020.
