Tokyo, Japan – Naoki Fujita’s manga series, Beat & Motion, is set to conclude its serialization on January 25th, marking the end of a journey that began with a reality show victory. The manga, which launched on the Shonen Jump+ platform in February 2023, will release its final chapter, number 48, on that date. This announcement comes as the 47th chapter of the series was released on Friday, revealing the impending finale.
From Reality Show to Manga Success
The genesis of Beat & Motion lies in the MILLION TAG competition, a reality show hosted by Shonen Jump+. In 2021, six aspiring manga creators were paired with Shueisha editors to compete in a series of challenges. Naoki Fujita, with the guidance of editor Shihei Rin (known for his work on Chainsaw Man and SPY x FAMILY), emerged as the victor. This win not only secured him a manga serialization on Shonen Jump+ but also a 5 million yen prize, a compiled book volume, and an anime adaptation. The show was hosted by the comedy trio YONSENTOSHIN and voice actress Ayane Sakura. Guest judges for the final challenge included Tatsuki Fujimoto (Chainsaw Man) and Yuuji Kaku (Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku), with Netflix anime producer Kohei Obara also judging.
The Story of Beat & Motion
Beat & Motion, stylized as BEAT＆MOTION, is a coming-of-age drama that follows Tatsuhiko, a young man who once dreamt of becoming an animator. However, after facing ridicule from his peers, he abandons that dream. Instead, he throws himself into music, forming a band with friends. When the band breaks up, Tatsuhiko becomes disillusioned, viewing dreams as futile. A chance encounter with an unknown, drunk woman who berates him for his cynicism reignites his passion for animation. He begins creating short animations and is later contacted by Nico, an independent artist he admires, to collaborate on a music video. The twist? Nico is the same woman who called him out on his cynicism.
A Unique Blend of Music and Animation
The manga stands out for its unique premise, blending the worlds of music and animation. It explores themes of pursuing dreams, overcoming setbacks, and the power of creative collaboration. This resonates with a wide audience and is a key element in the story’s appeal. The series has been praised for its fresh take on the manga format. The narrative structure allows for exploration of the struggles and joys of creative expression, striking a chord with both aspiring artists and fans of the medium.
Manga and Anime Adaptation
The manga, written and illustrated by Naoki Fujita, began its serialization on February 25, 2023, on Shonen Jump+ and has been published by Shueisha. Five compiled book volumes have been released, with the fifth published on October 4th. The series has also been made available in English by both Viz Media and MANGA Plus, expanding its reach to an international audience. Furthermore, an original net animation (ONA) adaptation of Beat & Motion is currently in production and will be streamed exclusively on Netflix globally, further solidifying its success.
Final Chapter and Legacy
As the series approaches its conclusion, fans are eagerly anticipating how Fujita will tie up the storylines. The journey of Tatsuhiko and Nico, from their initial conflict to their eventual collaboration, has captivated readers and viewers alike. The final chapter promises to be a significant moment for the series and its fanbase.
Where to Read
The final chapter of Beat & Motion will be available on Shonen Jump+ on January 25. English-speaking readers can find the manga on Viz Media and MANGA Plus platforms. Readers who want to catch up on the series before the finale can find the previous 47 chapters on these platforms, ensuring they are up to date with the story of Tatsu and Nico as they approach the conclusion of their journey.
The success of Beat & Motion is a testament to the power of reality television to discover new talent and the growing popularity of digital manga platforms. The series’ unique blend of music, animation, and a compelling narrative has resonated with a global audience. The upcoming anime adaptation on Netflix will likely broaden the series’ fanbase even further. As the manga concludes, its legacy as a unique and innovative series will likely endure for years to come.
