Sunset on Third Street (三丁目の夕日 夕焼けの詩) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by. It has been serialized in Shogakukan's manga Big Comic Original since 1974, with its chapters collected in 71 volumes as of June 2024. It was adapted into an anime television series broadcast from 1990 to 1991 and three live-action films: Always: Sunset on Third Street (2005), Always: Sunset on Third Street 2 (2007) and Always: Sunset on Third Street '64 (2012). It won the 27th Shogakukan Manga Award for general manga in 1982.

Overview

Set in post-war Japan between 1955 and 1964, it focuses on stories illustrating the humor and pathos of ordinary life in the Japan of that era, mainly about the residents of the fictional Tokyo neighborhood "Sunset on Third Street". However, many stories take place with one-story characters (not only people but animals and legendary creatures) and in other parts of Japan.

Media

Manga

Written and illustrated by, Sunset on Third Street has been serialized for over forty-five years in Shogakukan's manga magazine Big Comic Original since September 1974. Shogakukan has collected its chapters into individual volumes. The first volume was released on September 29, 1975. As of June 28, 2024, 71 volumes have been released.

Anime

A twenty-seven episode anime television series adaptation by Group TAC was broadcast on MBS from October 12, 1990, to September 21, 1991.

Live-action films

The series has been adapted into three live-action films premiered in Japan. Always: Sunset on Third Street, premiered on November 5, 2005; Always: Sunset on Third Street 2, premiered on November 3, 2007; and Always: Sunset on Third Street '64, premiered on January 21, 2012.

Reception

Sunset on Third Street won the 27th Shogakukan Manga Award for general manga in 1982. The manga has been credited for causing a nostalgia boom.