The long-running manga series, Mission: Yozakura Family, is reaching its climax and will conclude its serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine soon. This announcement marks the end of another significant series in the magazine, which has seen a number of its mainstays conclude in recent times.
End of an Era
Mission: Yozakura Family, created by Hitsuji Gondaira, has been a staple in Weekly Shonen Jump, captivating readers with its unique blend of action, comedy, and family drama. The story revolves around Taiyo Asano, a high school student who becomes entangled with the Yozakura family, a group of incredibly skilled spies, after marrying Mutsumi Yozakura, the family’s daughter.
The series began its final arc in early 2024, setting the stage for a grand showdown against Asa and his children. Over the past year, the manga has accelerated the pace of its narrative, rapidly concluding various battles. With the release of Chapter 257, it was confirmed that the series is approaching its finale. According to reports, the manga will end with either one or two more chapters, with the possibility of a final epilogue chapter after the conclusion.
Shonen Jump’s Shifting Landscape
The end of Mission: Yozakura Family comes after a year of significant changes for Shonen Jump. In 2024, the magazine saw the conclusion of two of its biggest franchises: My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen. This has shifted the focus of the magazine to newer series. The departure of these long-running series has created a notable gap in the magazine’s lineup, and the conclusion of Mission: Yozakura Family will further alter its landscape.
Currently, One Piece by Eiichiro Oda, stands as the magazine’s longest-running pillar. While it is still ongoing, it too is progressing towards its climax. This leaves the magazine’s roster to be filled with more recent series from the 2020s, like Undead Unluck, Sakamoto Days, and Me & Roboco. The magazine has also seen success with newer series like Kagurabachi which has been gaining popularity.
Impact on the Magazine
The departure of these established series has prompted discussions about the future of Shonen Jump. Some critics have noted that the magazine may be entering a period with a weaker lineup than it has seen in the past, lacking a manga that can carry the magazine.
The magazine has historically been known for its long-running and popular series that have become cultural phenomena, and now the magazine’s focus will shift to more recent titles. While this may signal a time of transition for the magazine, it also allows for new series to gain prominence and establish a loyal readership.
The Final Arc of “Mission: Yozakura Family”
The final arc of the series has focused on the ultimate battle between the Yozakura family and Asa. In the lead-up to the ending, the manga has explored the relationship between Taiyo and Mutsumi who were married during a time skip in the story. This was not shown during the series run, but the upcoming finale will give readers a special look into their relationship with the Cherry Blossom Vows Ceremony, a special wedding that gathers the entire family.
The series has taken its fans on a journey, and the final chapters will be a culmination of the story that has been unfolding.
What This Means for the Future
The end of Mission: Yozakura Family marks the end of an era for Shonen Jump. As the magazine moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the new generation of manga series develop. The magazine has a history of discovering and launching some of the most beloved series in manga history, and this transition could lead to the next big hit being introduced to the world.
While the end of any long-running series can be difficult for its fans, it also creates space for new stories to take the spotlight. This ongoing evolution is a natural part of the manga industry, and readers can look forward to discovering the next series that will capture their hearts and minds. As Mission: Yozakura Family concludes, it leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by its dedicated fans and is a testament to the power of manga to bring joy and excitement to its audience.
