The New Prince of Tennis (Shin Tennis no Ōji-sama) is entering its final stretch: manga creator Takeshi Konomi confirmed the series will conclude in six more chapters. For long-time fans of Ryōma Echizen and the broader Prince of Tennis universe, this announcement marks the end of a major serialized chapter that has run for well over a decade. Below we break down the timeline, what this ending likely means for the franchise, and where the anime adaptation stands as the manga approaches its finale.
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What Konomi’s Announcement Means for The New Prince of Tennis
The confirmation that Shin Tennis no Ōji-sama will finish in six chapters gives fans a clear—if brief—timeline to prepare for the manga’s conclusion. Konomi’s sequel series has been serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square since 2009 and has expanded the Prince of Tennis universe with new tournaments, characters, and intense international matchups. While the author and magazine have not released exact publication dates for the final chapters (issues often bundle two to three chapters), the announcement signals a planned, orderly wrap-up rather than an abrupt cancellation.
Quick Timeline & Franchise Background
From Weekly Shonen Jump to Jump Square
Takeshi Konomi first serialized the original The Prince of Tennis in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999 to 2008, introducing middle-school tennis prodigy Ryōma Echizen and a roster of memorable rivals. The sequel, The New Prince of Tennis, began serialization in Jump Square in 2009 and continued to expand on international competitions and higher-stakes matches.
Collected Volumes and Recent Publishing Notes
Shueisha recently published the 46th compiled volume of the sequel series on January 5. Earlier statements from Konomi—announced last July—indicated an intention to finish serialization within about a year, so this six-chapter countdown aligns with that plan. Because Jump Square sometimes publishes multiple chapters in a single issue, an exact calendar date for the final chapter remains unconfirmed.
How the Ending Might Play Out — What Fans Should Expect
With only a handful of chapters remaining, the manga will likely focus on resolving major competition arcs and character arcs that have driven the sequel’s narrative. Key elements to watch:
- Final outcomes for the U-17 World Cup selections and Japan’s representative lineup.
- Character sendoffs for older favorites and the passing of the torch to newer protagonists.
- Climactic matches that wrap up long-running rivalries and showcase signature techniques and strategic play.
Storytelling priorities in the final chapters
Konomi will probably prioritize closure—both in terms of tournament results and character growth—while avoiding substantial new arcs that can’t be completed in the short window. Expect focused, high-impact chapters that highlight key players and deliver satisfying conclusions rather than expansive new storylines.
Anime Adaptations and the U-17 World Cup Continuation
The Prince of Tennis franchise has a long history on screen: the original manga led to a TV anime (2001–2005), multiple feature films, a theatrical short, several OVA/video projects, and even live-action and stage musical adaptations. More recently, the anime side of the franchise returned with renewed energy.
Where the anime currently stands
The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup premiered on TV Tokyo in July 2022 and marked the franchise’s return to television after roughly a decade. Crunchyroll streamed the series as it aired in Japan and later offered an English dub, making the new matches accessible to a broader international audience. The story has continued with The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Semifinal and now heads into a sequel season—titled Shin Tennis no Ōji-sama U-17 World Cup Kesshō Member Ketteisen (The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Finals Members Decisive Match)—which is slated to debut this fall and will depict the decisive battle to determine Japan’s representative against Spain.
Where to watch
If you haven’t caught the recent anime entries, streaming platforms that licensed the series during its broadcast window provided simulcast and dub options. Crunchyroll was a primary home for the 2022 U-17 World Cup series, so it’s a good first stop for viewers hoping to watch the franchise’s latest installments.
Legacy of The Prince of Tennis Franchise
The Prince of Tennis remains one of sports manga’s most influential properties. Over more than two decades it has spawned successful multimedia adaptations, inspired countless fans, and sustained long-term interest through ongoing tournaments and new character introductions. As Konomi brings Shin Tennis no Ōji-sama to an end, the franchise will likely continue to live on through anime projects, stage productions, and special events that celebrate its legacy.
Where to find the original announcement
For readers who want to see Konomi’s original message and reporting on the announcement, the creator shared updates via his social account, and Japanese outlets covered the news in detail. You can view the original social post and the news coverage (external sources, nofollow):
Takeshi Konomi’s X post | Oricon coverage
Final thoughts
As The New Prince of Tennis nears its conclusion, fans have a short but meaningful window to savour the final arcs and celebrate the series’ impact. The six-chapter countdown suggests a planned and considerate ending that prioritizes closure. Meanwhile, the anime continuation of the U-17 World Cup keeps the franchise lively on screen, ensuring that Ryōma, his rivals, and the broader tennis world will remain in the spotlight even after the manga’s final page. Whether you follow the manga, the anime, or both, now is a great time to revisit favorite matches and get ready for a memorable finale.
