Morihiro Hayashi’s manga series, Star of Beethoven (also known as B no Seisen), has officially concluded its serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. The final chapter was published on Monday, in this year’s 31st issue of the magazine. This marks the end of a unique musical narrative that began its run on February 10 of this year.
The Narrative of Star of Beethoven
Star of Beethoven centered on Ichiro Yaso, a gifted piano prodigy who had abandoned the world of classical music following a traumatic incident at a competition. He had sworn off playing the piano, but his life took an unexpected turn when he encountered a mentor who astonishingly claimed to be none other than the legendary composer, Ludwig van Beethoven. The manga’s premise, as described by MANGA Plus, hinted at a “door of fate now opens,” setting the stage for Ichiro’s potential redemption through music with his extraordinary guide.
The series explored themes of passion, redemption, and the profound impact of music. It aimed to convey the intensity of piano playing through its visual storytelling, delving into the deeper meanings behind classical compositions, including the famous “fate knocking at the door” analysis of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The dynamic between Ichiro and the time-displaced Beethoven offered both dramatic and humorous possibilities as the historical figure navigated modern Japanese society.
Publication Journey and Digital Availability
Morihiro Hayashi launched Star of Beethoven in Weekly Shonen Jump on February 10, 2025. Shueisha released the first compiled book volume on June 4, with the second and third volumes slated for release on August 4, 2025. For international readers, Viz Media and Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service provided digital English publication of the manga, making it accessible to a global audience. The series concluded with Chapter 20.
Despite its unique premise and attempts to captivate readers with elements like mercenaries hunting Beethoven, the series seemed to face challenges in securing a long run within the highly competitive Weekly Shonen Jump landscape, a magazine often dominated by battle-action titles. Reviews and discussions among fans acknowledged its creative concept, but some noted that it might have struggled to maintain momentum.
Morihiro Hayashi’s Other Works
Morihiro Hayashi is credited as both the story writer and artist for Star of Beethoven. While Star of Beethoven gained attention for its unique premise in Weekly Shonen Jump, it is not Hayashi’s sole work. Another notable manga listed under their name is “LIFE LIAR FROM HELL,” a completed one-shot that was part of the 16th Gold Future Cup in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2022. This prior work, a drama with elements of reincarnation, time travel, and romance, showcased a different facet of Hayashi’s storytelling capabilities before the debut of Star of Beethoven.
The End of a Musical Journey
The conclusion of Morihiro Hayashi’s Star of Beethoven marks the end of a short but memorable musical journey within the manga world. While its run may have been brief, it offered a distinct blend of classical music, fantasy, and human drama, providing a fresh perspective on the genre. Fans will now look forward to Morihiro Hayashi’s future endeavors, hoping to see their talent shine in new narratives.
