The popular manga series, Mission: Yozakura Family, has officially ended its serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. The final chapter, chapter 258, was released on Monday, January 20, 2025, marking the end of a six-year journey for the series created by Hitsuji Gondaira. The series, known for its blend of action, comedy, and spy-themed family dynamics, has garnered a dedicated fanbase since its debut in August 2019.
The End of a Spy Family Saga
The conclusion of Mission: Yozakura Family marks a significant moment for Weekly Shonen Jump, as it’s the first major series to conclude in 2025. The manga’s final arc, which began in the spring of 2024, saw the Yozakura Family facing off against their most formidable foe, Asa. The battles reached a crescendo as each family member pushed their powers to the limit. According to reports, the final chapters provided a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion for the characters.
How the Story Ended
The climax of the manga involved a fierce showdown against Asa, where the Yozakura Family members achieved new heights in their abilities. Despite a moment where Taiyo considered sacrificing himself, he was ultimately saved by Kyoichiro. The final chapters focused on the aftermath of the battle and shifted to a more peaceful resolution for the characters. Taiyo and Mutsumi renewed their wedding vows in a proper ceremony, a testament to their enduring bond. The story concludes by revealing that Mutsumi is pregnant with their third child, signaling a continuation of the Yozakura Family’s legacy into the future.
A Look Back at Mission: Yozakura Family
Mission: Yozakura Family, written and illustrated by Hitsuji Gondaira, first appeared in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump on August 26, 2019. The manga follows the story of Taiyo Asano, a shy high school student, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers his childhood friend, Mutsumi Yozakura, is part of a family of spies. To make matters more complicated, Mutsumi‘s overprotective brother, Kyoichiro, sees Taiyo as a threat. To protect Mutsumi and navigate this dangerous world, Taiyo marries her and becomes a part of the family.
Manga Details and Availability
The manga’s chapters have been compiled into individual tankobon volumes, with 27 volumes released as of December 2024. The 28th volume is scheduled for release on February 4, 2025, and the final 29th volume on March 4, 2025. Viz Media has been publishing the manga in English, both digitally on its Shonen Jump website and in print. Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service also provides the manga digitally in English.
Anime Adaptation and Future Seasons
The popularity of the manga led to a television anime adaptation produced by Silver Link, which premiered in April 2024 and ran through October 2024. The anime is available for streaming on Hulu with an English dub in the United States, as well as on Prime Video and Netflix in Japan. A second season is already slated for a 2026 release, promising more adventures for the Yozakura Family on screen.
Hitsuji Gondaira: The Author Behind the Series
Hitsuji Gondaira is a Japanese manga artist from Hokkaido. Prior to Mission: Yozakura Family, Gondaira published the series Demon Prince Poro’s Diaries in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2017. His career started with a one-shot manga called “GenjÅ«i Toteku”, which won the 10th “Gold Future Cup” contest in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2015. Gondaira‘s unique blend of humor, action, and heart has made Mission: Yozakura Family a beloved series.
Gondaira’s Early Career
Before making his mark with Mission: Yozakura Family, Gondaira submitted “IBIS” to the 43rd JUMP Treasure Rookie Manga Award in 2011, earning an honorable mention. After graduating from the Faculty of Fisheries Science at Hokkaido University, he dedicated himself to manga creation. In the summer of 2011, he published “Chaco’s Jailbreak Theory” in Shonen Jump NEXT.
The Impact of Mission: Yozakura Family
The conclusion of Mission: Yozakura Family marks the end of an era for many fans, who have followed the series since 2019. The manga’s unique approach to the spy genre, combined with its focus on family bonds, made it stand out. While the main manga series has ended, the anime’s second season ensures that the Yozakura Family will continue to entertain audiences in the future.
Why Fans Loved the Series
Fans appreciated Mission: Yozakura Family for its blend of action, comedy, and slice-of-life moments, all woven together with a strong emphasis on family themes. The series was also noted for its unique take on the spy genre, setting it apart from other titles in Shonen Jump. Its inoffensive yet engaging storytelling, along with the consistently high-quality art, allowed the series to carve out a special niche.
A Series That Grew Organically
Unlike some of Shonen Jump’s more popular titles, Mission: Yozakura Family developed its following organically. Its unique blend of genres and family-centered narrative helped it stand out. The manga’s longevity in Shonen Jump, despite not being as mainstream as some other series, speaks to its appeal and the author’s consistent effort to entertain.
What’s Next for Shonen Jump?
The ending of Mission: Yozakura Family is part of a larger shift in Shonen Jump. In 2024, major series like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia also concluded. While long-running series like One Piece continue, the magazine is looking to its newer titles to fill the void. New series that debuted in 2024 such as Astro Royale, Cipher Academy, and Madan no Ichi are among those trying to gain popularity. The manga industry is constantly changing, with series concluding and new stories emerging. Mission: Yozakura Family will be remembered as a series that offered readers a unique blend of genres and heartwarming family relationships. As the series ends, fans can look forward to the final volumes and the upcoming anime season, which promise to keep the spirit of the Yozakura Family alive.
