Final Chapter Approaches for John Tarachine’s Celebrated Work
John Tarachine’s highly praised manga series, Umi ga Hashiru Endroll (The Seas Roll on the End Credits), is set to conclude with its ninth compiled volume. The announcement came via the obi (paper band) wrapped around the eighth volume, which was released in Japan on July 16, 2025. This marks the end of a captivating narrative that began its serialization in Akita Shoten’s Mystery Bonita magazine in October 2020.
The Story of Umiko: A Late-Life Passion for Filmmaking
Umi ga Hashiru Endroll has garnered significant attention for its unique and heartwarming premise. The story revolves around Umiko Chino, a 65-year-old woman grappling with the recent loss of her husband. In a search for new meaning, she visits a movie theater for the first time in decades, an experience that unexpectedly sparks a profound interest in filmmaking. Her journey into this new world begins when she encounters Kai Hamauchi, a student majoring in film at a nearby arts university. Through this unlikely mentorship, Umiko realizes her latent desire to create films, embarking on a poignant exploration of passion, creativity, and self-discovery later in life. The manga skillfully navigates themes of age, grief, and the pursuit of new endeavors, offering a refreshing perspective within the shōjo demographic in which it is serialized.
Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition
Since its debut, Umi ga Hashiru Endroll has consistently received critical acclaim and industry accolades. The series famously topped the 2022 edition of the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook’s list for best manga aimed at female readers, an impressive feat achieved when the series had only one volume released. It continued to feature prominently, ranking sixth on the 2023 edition’s list. The manga has also been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the 15th Manga Taishō in 2022 and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in both 2023 and 2025, highlighting its widespread recognition for artistic merit and storytelling. Furthermore, the series has achieved considerable commercial success, surpassing 1 million copies in circulation by July 2025.
The Legacy of Umi ga Hashiru Endroll
John Tarachine’s Umi ga Hashiru Endroll has resonated deeply with readers and critics alike by presenting a nuanced and inspiring narrative that defies conventional manga tropes. Its focus on an older protagonist discovering a new purpose has provided a unique and compelling exploration of life’s later stages, distinguishing it in the crowded manga landscape. As the series draws to a close with its ninth volume, it leaves behind a significant legacy, celebrated not only for its artistic quality and emotional depth but also for its groundbreaking representation of an inspiring journey into filmmaking.
