Bakuman.
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Episodes (25)
1 / 2- 1EP 1
Moritaka Mashiro is convinced by Akito Takagi to pursue manga creation despite past trauma.
Oct 2, 2010Moritaka Mashiro, a student skilled at drawing, leaves his sketchbook at school where classmate Akito Takagi discovers it. Takagi praises the artwork and proposes a partnership to produce a best-selling manga series. Mashiro initially declines, citing his deceased uncle’s tragic fate as a debt-ridden manga artist who died from overwork. However, Takagi introduces Mashiro to Miho Azuki, the object of his unrequited affection. Takagi reveals his ambition to adapt their manga into an anime featuring Azuki as the lead character. Mashiro promises to marry her once they achieve their professional goals, and she agrees to wait for him. Motivated by this commitment, Mashiro resolves to become a manga artist.
- 2EP 2
Mashiro Discusses Intelligence With Takagi and Faces Family Opposition to His Manga Career
Oct 9, 2010Takagi explains to Mashiro that he selected him for his superior non-academic intelligence, noting Azuki possesses similar social appeal. Mashiro reveals his suspicion that his uncle committed suicide, leading him to anticipate parental resistance against his manga aspirations. His mother denies the suicide claim but initially opposes his career choice. However, his father and grandfather eventually support his dream. Consequently, his grandfather provides Mashiro with his deceased uncle's studio apartment, which Mashiro then shows to Takagi.
- 3EP 3
Mashiro discovers his uncle's hidden past and resolves to pursue manga creation.
Oct 16, 2010Mashiro and Takagi visit Mashiro's uncle's apartment, where he examines the manuscripts and storyboards the author created before drawing. Realizing his uncle worked with extreme dedication until his death, Mashiro vows to match that resolve. They discover letters exchanged between the uncle and a childhood friend, which cease before his hit manga serialization. A yearbook photo reveals the uncle was in love with Azuki's mother. The next day, they visit her and learn she reciprocated his feelings but never confessed, eventually loving someone else. Mashiro asks Azuki's mother not to reveal this relationship to Azuki, then sets out to create a manga.
- 4EP 4
Mashiro teaches Takagi manga tools and rules while they plan to submit work by summer.
Oct 23, 2010Mashiro reviews Takagi’s drawings, correcting errors and explaining the use of G-Pens and Kabura pens. He shares Taro Kawaguchi’s three rules for success: conceit, doing your best, and luck. At a convenience store, Takagi spots Eiji Nizuma, a fifteen-year-old semi-finalist in Jack. The pair discuss their schools and editors, deciding to complete a manuscript by summer’s end to submit to the magazine. On the walk home, Mashiro unexpectedly meets Azuki. Although they avoid eye contact while passing, both turn around to look back at each other.
- 5EP 5
Mashiro and Takagi finalize their manga project during the summer season.
Oct 30, 2010Mashiro reflects on his long-standing connection with Azuki, noting they share an unspoken understanding. Azuki’s best friend, Kaya Miyoshi, visits Takagi to complain about him revealing her dream, while displaying romantic interest that Mashiro and Miyoshi observe. Over the summer, Mashiro and Takagi reside at Mashiro’s uncle’s office to work on a manga titled The Two Earths. Upon completing the work, they contact the Shōnen Jacks editorial department to submit their project.
- 6EP 6
Editor Hattori critiques Mashiro and Takagi's text-heavy manga style while school seating changes their arrangement.
Nov 6, 2010Mashiro and Takagi meet with Akira Hattori, an editor at Shōnen Jack, who critiques their work for being too text-driven and lacking proper manga art style. Despite these flaws, he acknowledges their potential and advises them to focus on creating commercially viable content rather than personal preferences, noting this approach increases the likelihood of sustaining success. Hattori provides his contact details and encourages them to submit future projects. Later at school, the teacher rearranges the seating chart to pair boys and girls together, resulting in Mashiro sitting next to Azuki. This interaction shifts their dynamic as they navigate both professional feedback and new classroom proximity.
- 7EP 7
Mashiro and Takagi face rejection while Azuki shares her email after an emotional class discussion.
Nov 13, 2010Following a meeting with Hattori, Mashiro and Takagi continue their work on new submissions. In class, Mashiro writes notes to Azuki, who breaks down in tears when he asks if they must wait until their dreams are fulfilled to be together. She responds by giving him her email. Driven by a desire to make Azuki smile again, Mashiro feels anxious about submitting a work for the Tezuka Award. However, Takagi advises caution, urging them to refine their manga to its highest potential. Hattori then informs them that their previous submission failed to reach the finalists. Despite this setback, Mashiro and Takagi resolve to persist and aim for the next Tezuka Award, a decision that pleases Hattori. Meanwhile, Nizuma meets with his editor and the editor in chief, agreeing to relocate to Tokyo to write his manga if he earns the right to cancel one series upon becoming the top-ranked manga artist.
- 8EP 8
Takagi's ranking story impresses Hattori while Mashiro doubts his art skills
Nov 20, 2010Takagi develops a new concept called One Hundred Millionth, which ranks individuals based on their abilities. Hattori expresses admiration for the narrative, leading Mashiro to question whether his artistic talent is sufficient. Although the story advances to the finalist stage, it fails to secure a spot among the four award winners or honorable mentions. Following this outcome, a classmate named Ishizawa suggests that Mashiro's artwork is limiting Takagi's potential. This criticism provokes Takagi, who responds by physically attacking Ishizawa in anger.
- 9EP 9
Takagi remains positive during suspension while Mashiro faces self-doubt and an awkward visit.
Nov 27, 2010Despite his suspension, Takagi maintains a positive attitude and dedicates his time to working on his storyboards. In contrast, Mashiro is struggling with self-doubt. Seeking to check on his partner, Mashiro visits Takagi's home. Upon arrival, he encounters a delicate situation that complicates the interaction between the two. The episode highlights the differing coping mechanisms of the characters, with Takagi focusing on his craft while Mashiro grapples with his confidence. This visit serves as a pivotal moment for their dynamic, revealing the tension and personal challenges they face during this period.
- 10EP 10
Mashiro and Takagi seek serialization advice from Hattori and the editor in chief.
Dec 4, 2010Mashiro and Takagi meet Hattori, who reports that manga artists liked their work but editors doubted its publishability. Eager to advance faster, Mashiro asks about submitting for serialization, but Hattori remains skeptical. The editor in chief states their current work is insufficient and requires a strong main character. After their early attempts prove unimpressive, Hattori proposes aiming for a cult hit that appeals to only 20 percent of readers but remains a favorite. Takagi introduces a concept titled Money and Intelligence, involving the sale of mental contents. Hattori advises them to develop this idea further to improve their chances of success.
- 11EP 11
Mashiro and Takagi apply to North High while facing editorial challenges from Nizuma
Dec 11, 2010Mashiro and Takagi submit applications to North High School while continuing their work on the Money and Intelligence projects. Miyoshi asks why Mashiro and Azuki are not dating, leading Takagi to deduce that Azuki prefers to stay focused on her aspirations. The pair, along with Miyoshi, receive acceptance letters to North High. They discover their work will be featured in the seasonal magazine NEXT. Hattori reveals that editors intend to use them to make Nizuma appear superior by comparison. However, he encourages them to view this as an opportunity to impress the staff and defeat Nizuma in the process.
- 12EP 12
Hattori, Takagi, and Mashiro discuss future plans after dining out.
Dec 18, 2010Following a celebratory meal, Hattori, Takagi, and Mashiro debate the roles of money and intelligence in their careers. Hattori advises delaying serialization until after high school graduation, criticizing Nizuma for starting too early. Miyoshi informs Takagi that Azuki is relocating and suggests she see Mashiro before leaving. Mashiro remains committed to his promise to Azuki, regardless of the time required. After the graduation ceremony, he encounters Azuki on his way home. He questions how long she will wait for him, and she vows to wait forever, bringing him satisfaction.
- 13EP 13
Mashiro and Takagi submit their pseudonym and face shifting poll results for their new manga.
Dec 25, 2010Following Miyoshi’s advice, Mashiro contacts Azuki via email to start a professional correspondence. On the first day of high school, the duo registers their new pen name, Muto Ashirogi. Hattori praises their submission but seems hesitant about serializing Money and Intelligence, possibly hoping they delay until after graduation. The manga initially tops the NEXT poll’s early results but falls to third place in the final tally, while Nizuma’s entry secures half the total votes. Convinced by this outcome that they need a mainstream hit to win first place, Mashiro and Takagi resolve to create a superior work that surpasses their previous efforts.
- 14EP 14
Mashiro copies battle manga while Nizuma faces editorial pressure over his submission choices.
Jan 8, 2011Mashiro decides to draw characters from other battle manga to improve his skills for the mainstream genre. Meanwhile, Nizuma’s editor discovers he plans to submit "Crow" instead of "Yellow Hit" and summons him to the editorial offices. Mashiro and Takagi meet with Hattori, who states they lack the talent for popular mainstream manga. Nizuma then joins them, expressing admiration for "Money And Intelligence" and drawing a name in front of them. Although Hattori hopes this demonstration proves their inability to compete, Mashiro and Takagi remain determined. Consequently, Hattori grants them six months to produce a high-quality mainstream work before he resigns as their editor.
- 15EP 15
Nizuma critiques the storyboard while Azuki auditions for a role
Jan 15, 2011Hattori critiques Mashiro and Takagi's storyboard, emphasizing the need for compelling characters, simple yet exciting battles, cute heroines, and a mix of tragedy and humor. Nizuma admits he invented the name on the spot, leading the duo to recognize his genius ability to draw exactly what he envisions. He tells his editor that he views Mashiro and Takagi as rivals due to their passion. Meanwhile, Azuki auditions for the midnight anime Saint Visual Girls' Academy and secures a minor part. Witnessing her progress toward her dream, Mashiro feels impatient and asks her to keep waiting for him. She promises to do so but instructs him to stop sending such emails.
- 16EP 16
Mashiro accepts Nizuma's assistant offer after witnessing Takagi kiss Miyoshi
Jan 22, 2011Mashiro and Takagi develop a story concept about angels killing humans for self-advancement, incorporating Hattori's suggestions. Although the title is rejected, the pair receives feedback indicating promise. Takagi struggles with new ideas and begins spending more time with Miyoshi, causing Mashiro to question his partner's dedication. Meanwhile, Hattori discovers that Nizuma requires an assistant and that Takagi would not prevent Mashiro from taking the position. Mashiro learns of the opportunity and decides to accept it, hoping the experience will help him and Takagi progress. However, his decision is immediately challenged when he unexpectedly observes Takagi and Miyoshi kissing in a park.
- 17EP 17
Mashiro works as Nizuma's assistant alongside Fukuda and Nakai to support Takagi.
Jan 29, 2011Mashiro begins his role as an assistant for Nizuma, joining Shinta Fukuda and Takurou Nakai. Fukuda previously placed lower than Mashiro in NEXT, while Nakai won an award 10 years ago but has achieved nothing notable since. Although Fukuda and Nizuma question why Mashiro chooses this path over seeking publication, he remains focused on learning to assist Takagi. Fukuda observes that the series "Crow" risks cancellation once its novelty fades unless Nizuma enhances its substance and interest. Consequently, Nizuma modifies the story structure and decides to meet with his editor to address these concerns.
- 18EP 18
Fukuda critiques Jack's structure while Mashiro reflects on his past and resolves to draw for Azuki
Feb 5, 2011Fukuda expresses dissatisfaction with the serialization order of Jack, prompting Yujiro to urge him to focus on getting serialized. Nizuma shares his childhood drawing habits with Mashiro, who recalls his own past passion before his uncle's death. Inspired, Mashiro resigns as Nizuma's assistant and plans to write a mystery. Meanwhile, Takagi writes cell phone novels for Miyoshi, leading Mashiro to question his own progress. He observes the difference between Takagi's dynamic with Miyoshi and his own relationship with Azuki, asking why she accepts their distance. Azuki replies that her love will grow once they fulfill their promise. Motivated by her response, Mashiro resolves to create a manga for her, even if he must do it alone.
- 19EP 19
Mashiro and Takagi reunite to collaborate on a detective manga after a period of separation.
Feb 12, 2011As summer concludes, Takagi returns a key to Mashiro’s uncle’s apartment, apologizing for not providing a name in time but affirming his resolve to become a manga writer. Mashiro consults Hattori, who praises his concept of a detective who tricks criminals into self-incrimination but doubts its success without Takagi. Hattori discovers Takagi also plans a mystery but withholds Mashiro’s story until an editor requests an illustration for a Story King runner-up. Hattori initially proposes that both work on their detective stories separately for two years. However, Mashiro struggles to name his work alone. Takagi then approaches him with five names, one suitable for a detective story. Consequently, they decide to collaborate again on their detective manga for the next six months.
- 20EP 20
Mashiro and Takagi refine Detective Trap for the Golden Cup competition
Feb 19, 2011Mashiro and Takagi collaborate to improve the concept of Detective Trap, with Takagi reviewing detective stories sent by Hattori. They meet Hattori to insist on launching the series while still in high school. Hattori explains that serialization requires success in the Golden Cup competition and demands a 19-page story every two weeks to prove their ability to produce weekly content with assistants. Despite the significant difficulty of this schedule, the duo manages to maintain their pace. Their consistent effort leads to their official entry into the contest, marking a crucial step toward their professional debut.
- 21EP 21
Mashiro and Takagi submit stories while rivals enter competitions and protest editorial bias.
Feb 26, 2011Mashiro and Takagi persist in submitting a story every two weeks, with Mashiro sacrificing sleep despite having several weeks remaining. They encounter Nakai with Ko Aoki, the runner-up of the Story King competition. Nakai announces he is entering with her and predicts Fukuda's entry will place first. Hattori informs them that Muto Ashirogi's work has qualified for the Golden Future Cup, noting that rank and voter numbers influence results. Their rival is Koji "Koogy" Makaino, a popular musician aiming to become a manga artist. Fukuda suspects his fans will provide an unfair advantage in questionnaires. Consequently, Fukuda, Nakai, Mashiro, and Takagi visit the editorial offices to protest this perceived bias.
- 22EP 22
Team Fukuda confronts editors while authors exchange names and reassess their work
Mar 5, 2011Team Fukuda arrives at the editorial offices to protest, but the editors dismiss claims that Koogy’s advantage is unfair or his tactics unethical. Consequently, Mashiro resolves to defeat him by creating a superior manga. Fukuda suggests the authors review each other’s names, leading to surprise at their respective skill levels. During the session, Aoki withdraws, asserting her manga is better than the rest. The review concludes with Nizuma noting two works are slightly better than the third without specifying which. Later, Mashiro considers rewriting his name due to the competition. After receiving an email from Miho about her renewed singing and growing confidence, he decides to proceed with the rewrite.
- 23EP 23
Mashiro and Takagi Rewrite Their Manga Alongside Fukuda, Aoki, and Nakai
Mar 19, 2011Mashiro and Takagi choose to rewrite their manga, a decision also made by Fukuda, Aoki, and Nakai. Fukuda’s work receives positive reviews first, followed by favorable feedback for Mashiro and Takagi’s series. Nakai becomes anxious, fearing he misunderstood Nizuma’s statement regarding the winners and third place. Aoki and Nakai’s manga subsequently earns positive reviews as well. Consequently, all three series are approved to begin drafting names for serialization. Azuki expresses her appreciation for Mashiro and Takagi’s manga, providing Mashiro with a sense of hope regarding their project's reception.
- 24EP 24
Ashirogi Muto and Fukuda tie for first in Golden Future Cup
Mar 26, 2011Koogy’s manga underperforms in the Golden Future Cup, positioning Mashiro and Takagi, Fukuda, and Nakai and Aoki as leading candidates. An unprecedented two-way tie occurs, with Fukuda and Ashirogi Muto both securing first place. Azuki contacts Takagi to express gratitude for his support of Mashiro and to encourage his manga career, yet she feels too embarrassed to congratulate Mashiro directly. Following their victory in the Golden Future Cup, Mashiro and Takagi make preparations to submit their story for serialization.
Frequently asked questions
- How many episodes does Bakuman. have?
- Bakuman. has 25 episodes.
- When did Bakuman. come out?
- Bakuman. came out in 2010.
- Which studio made Bakuman.?
- Bakuman. was produced by J.C.STAFF.
- Who directed Bakuman.?
- Bakuman. was directed by Kenichi Kasai.
- Is Bakuman. finished?
- Current status of Bakuman.: Finished.