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 72 volumes as of February 2026.
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 from 1955 to 1964, the series tells countless stories that illustrate the humor and pathos of ordinary Showa life via the residents of the titular "Sunset on Third Street", a fictional Tokyo neighborhood. Though it begins with an exclusive focus on the recently settled Suzuki family and their auto shop, the focus soon expands to include other regulars of the neighborhood, as well as one-shot characters.
Overall, the series is episodic, with stories following selective continuity. Some characters age linearly, while others remain the same age or even grow younger as needed.
Media Manga Written and illustrated by , Sunset on Third Street has been serialized for over 45 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. The volumes were initially published under the title , and several feature stories that were never serialized as part of Sunset on Third Street. The first volume, in particular, collects , Saigan's earliest series for Shogakukan, which is markedly different in tone and focus. Starting with the 20th volume, Sunset on Third Street was added to the title of each volume, including re-releases of all prior volumes. As of February 27, 2026, 72 volumes have been released.
Volumes
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.
References
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