Space Brothers

In 2006, brothers Mutta and Hibito Nanba see a strange object they take to be a UFO heading toward the Moon. The sight inspires a promise: both will become astronauts. Hibito sets his sights on the Moon, while Mutta, as the older sibling, chooses Mars so he can remain ahead of him.

Years later, their paths look very different. Mutta is working at an automotive company, while Hibito is moving toward becoming the first Japanese man to walk on the Moon. After losing his job, Mutta gets a new opening when JAXA accepts his application for its next astronaut selection. He must set aside his doubts and pursue the promise made 19 years earlier.

Combining Sci-Fi with Comedy, the series sets an ambitious spacegoing goal against sibling rivalry, career uncertainty, and the warmth of a long-held family promise. Its appeal comes from the contrast between a demanding astronaut dream and the everyday setbacks that make Mutta's return to that path so meaningful.

Space Brothers is a finished TV series from 2012, running for 99 episodes. Start at the opening episode to follow Mutta and Hibito from the beginning.

• An inspiring astronaut dream
• Sibling warmth and gentle comedy
• Career setbacks with emotional stakes
• Ambitious science fiction setting

Fans of character-driven sci-fi, family stories, and comedy with an ambitious astronaut premise.