Was Baby Steps Canceled or Axed? Reasons Explained

Was Baby Steps canceled or axed? Some fans believe it ended earlier than expected for a number of reasons.

In this article, we break down the main factors behind Baby Steps’s situation.

Was Baby Steps Canceled or Axed? Reasons Explained

Baby Steps may have been canceled, as it ended during an ongoing match despite running in Weekly Shonen Magazine from 2007 to 2017.

 

Given that the author has stated he actually wanted to depict the Davis Cup as well, I don’t think he’s exhausted the story yet.

 

As of November 2021, “Baby Steps” has surpassed 12.6 million copies in cumulative sales (including digital editions) and is a popular series whose anime adaptation has aired two seasons.

Suspicions that the World Tour arc was underdeveloped

Since he cited “my own shortcomings” as the reason for canceling “Baby Steps,” it’s possible he decided to end the series because he felt his research skills weren’t sufficient to realistically depict overseas matches moving forward.

ベイビーステップの最後は打ち切りかと思ってたのですが、最終巻の最後の方に主に私の力不足で、と原因が書いてあり、これが何を意味するのかすごく知りたい。個人的には打ち切るような内容ではないしもっと先を見たかったなぁと

— Joker (@jokertennisjpn) July 27, 2018

In an interview, the author stated, “I have pursued realism since the series began,” and “Baby Steps” is a work that was highly regarded by tennis insiders for its realism.

 

However, when it comes to the international circuit, gathering information and conducting interviews with world-class players is necessary, so it’s likely that pursuing even greater realism would have required a considerable amount of effort and time.

 

As a result, perhaps the author felt limited in the story’s development because the groundwork for realistic research and depictions was not yet in place.

 

While many fans have expressed a desire to see the story continue, there are also those who understand the author’s intentions and dedication to the work and respect the decision to end the series.

Rumors that the series was abruptly canceled in the middle of a tennis match

Since “Baby Steps” wrapped up right in the middle of a match, it really felt like it ended abruptly, as if to say, “Our battle is just getting started!”

今更ベイビーステップ最終巻読んだ。
友達から打ち切りっぽいとは聞いてたが
まさか試合中に終わるとは・・・

— 弐号@無気力 (@kakata0371) March 17, 2018

少年マガジンで連載してるベイビーステップ、プロ編で試合中でさあこれからってところで最終回のお知らせ。打ち切り？それにしても何この脈絡ないぶった切りは…久々に酷い連載終了回を見た。

— Hey-LoQuoo-Barrrr (@HiRoKoVa) November 1, 2017

The story concluded just as the protagonist was competing in his first-round match of his inaugural “World Tour” main draw, right as he was beginning to feel the momentum needed to rise to the top.

 

Since the protagonist’s coming-of-age story ended before it was fully realized, many fans were disappointed that they wouldn’t get to see him shine on the World Tour.

 

Since the story ended with a cliffhanger that left readers thinking, “The real action is just beginning,” there remains a strong sentiment among readers hoping for a sequel—which is why it was labeled a “cancellation.”

My rivals have stopped showing up

“Baby Steps” featured some compelling rivals throughout the protagonist's growth, but as the series neared its finale, the presence of these rivals—who had been with him all along—was no longer depicted, leaving the ending feeling like it had been abruptly cut short.

 

It seems many readers felt unsatisfied that the story ended without showing what became of the rivals the protagonist had competed against and grown alongside, or the impact they had on him.

 

If it had truly been a satisfying conclusion, I think the story would have been more moving and fulfilling if the rivals’ growth and new challenges had been woven into the narrative.

 

Yet, because those compelling rivals never reappeared and the story concluded right in the middle of a match, people ended up calling it a premature cancellation.

The long-awaited Davis Cup was not featured

It seems the series was canceled partly because the “Davis Cup”—which both the author and readers had been eagerly anticipating—was never featured in *Baby Steps*.

興奮で眠れなくて、ベイビーステップ読んでて、チーム丸尾の挑戦はこれからだってところで終わって、作者がデ杯までは描きたかったて言ってから、打ち切りかなて思ったけど、クリシュナに勝って、チャレンジャー優勝したし、個人的にはいい終わり方したなぁて思う。プロの世界てチームなんだな。

— けんやんおかえり\(//∇//)\ (@kimu_ken_) December 22, 2024

Since the “Davis Cup” was a dream shared by both the protagonist, Eiichiro Maruo, and the readers, I had expected the story to at least reach that point.

 

Unfortunately, however, the story never made it to the “Davis Cup.” Given that the author even wrote in the afterword, “I would have liked to depict the Davis Cup if possible...,” speculation is spreading among fans that “the series was cut short, dashing that dream.”

 

After all, the Davis Cup serves as the culmination of the protagonist’s coming-of-age story and was seen by many readers as a crucial milestone in the narrative.

 

Consequently, there is a deep sense of disappointment over the lack of depiction leading up to this point, and with constant calls for “I wanted to see the continuation,” it seems the series has been labeled a cancellation.

There wasn't even a follow-up

Since “Baby Steps” concluded during a match, I thought there might be an epilogue, but since there wasn’t one, it seems people have come to view it as a series that was abruptly canceled.

 

“Baby Steps” never depicted the “Davis Cup”—a stage that could be seen as the culmination of the protagonist’s growth story—so an epilogue was eagerly anticipated to round out the narrative.

 

However, since no epilogue was ever published and there has been no word since, the impression that the series was canceled has grown stronger, and many fans feel it remains an unfinished work.

 

If there had been an epilogue or a sequel, readers might have been able to see what became of the protagonist and his rivals, which could have provided a deeper sense of satisfaction with the story as a whole.

Exploring the Appeal of Baby Steps

A unique sense of realism born of rigorous theory and a wealth of data

“Baby Steps” is a rare masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of a mere tennis manga to teach us how logical thinking can pave the way for success in life.

 

The protagonist, Eiichiro Maruo—known as “A-chan”—challenges opponents who are clearly superior to him by collecting enough data to fill a blank notebook, vividly capturing the thrill of the moment when theory overcomes physical ability.

 

He constantly analyzes “what he can do right now” with a cool head and never stops evolving, even in the heat of a match, allowing readers to follow his growth with a sense of conviction backed by quantifiable data.

 

One of the reasons it appeals even to adult readers is its complete rejection of supernatural phenomena like “secret techniques,” instead thoroughly focusing on depictions grounded in the laws of physics—such as the spin and trajectory of the ball, and the players’ shifts in center of gravity.

The Art of Crafting Logical Tactics for the Underdog to Defeat the Favorite

“Baby Steps” meticulously depicts an extremely intellectual process in its portrayal of matches: noting down an opponent’s preferred shots and psychological tendencies in a notebook, and then using that information to calculate the probability of the next shot.

 

The moments when A-chan faces off against stronger rivals and secures victory not through sheer grit or luck, but because his hypotheses prove correct, offer readers an intellectual thrill unlike anything found in other sports manga.

 

The series continually demonstrates, through theory, just how powerful seemingly mundane practices like “repetitive drills” and “thorough mastery of the basics” can be at the decisive moment of a match—a point that effectively redefines the value of hard work.

 

Since each opponent possesses distinct beliefs and skills and is portrayed in depth as a human being rather than merely a “hurdle,” the intense clash of strategies between both sides becomes palpable as the match progresses.

Professionalism in viewing one’s dreams as a “job” and a realistic approach to career development

What makes *Baby Steps* stand out is its highly realistic portrayal of the rigors of a professional tennis player’s career, as well as the responsibility and resolve required to choose that path.

 

The story follows a high school student—at a formative age—who seriously contemplates his future, persuades his parents, and forges a path toward the professional ranks despite facing practical obstacles like securing sponsors and managing finances. This narrative inspires many creators and businesspeople.

 

The story adds a profound sense of reality unique to the world of professional sports by emphasizing that winning matches is not the only goal, but rather the importance of “win rates” and “rankings” necessary to make a living as a professional.

 

A-chan’s journey is also highly valuable as a record of a “survival strategy”—a story of how someone who is aware of their lack of talent manages to survive in the professional world.

A romantic relationship characterized by mutual independence and a perfect partnership

Natsu Takasaki, the heroine of *Baby Steps*, isn’t merely there to cheer on the protagonist; as an aspiring professional aiming for the top of the world herself, she has built an equal partnership with A-chan.

 

Their relationship—in which they acknowledge each other’s talent, offer each other tough but encouraging words at times, and strive together toward the same heights—is highly regarded as an ideal form of partnership in sports manga.

 

The combination of A-chan’s earnestness and Natsu’s carefree intuition adds a refreshing touch to the story, ensuring that even while depicting the harsh world of competition, the manga always leaves readers with a positive aftertaste.

The Synchronization of Stunning Visual Detail and Psychological Depiction

“Baby Steps” draws readers right into the thick of the match with its tactical compositions—such as aerial views of the tennis court—and tense, player-perspective shots.

 

A-chan’s shifting thoughts with every shot are meticulously depicted in tandem with his inner monologue, allowing readers to experience a deep sense of immersion, as if they were standing on the court facing his opponent themselves.

 

The psychological struggles he faces when encountering setbacks or slumps are portrayed head-on, without shying away from them, and the process by which he overcomes them through a combination of logic and passion is deeply compelling.

How far does the final episode of the *Baby Steps* anime go? Where does the original manga pick up?

The “Baby Steps” anime aired for two seasons and covered up to Volume 19.

Therefore, if you want to read the story that follows the events of the second season of the anime, you can start with Volume 19.

By the way, the “anime” is progressing as shown in the table below.

 

manga	anime
Volumes 1–8	Season 1
Volumes 8–19	Season 2

⇒Watch the anime “Baby Steps” on Amazon Prime Video

Final Thoughts on Baby Steps

In conclusion, there are strong signs that Baby Steps may have been canceled.

Overall, several factors discussed above likely influenced how Baby Steps ended.

 

Many readers feel that the story ended before fully reaching its goals, which is why the series is often described as a cancellation.

Even so, Baby Steps remains an enjoyable series thanks to the protagonist’s growth, its memorable rivals, and its appealing heroine.

 

It may still be worth checking out for yourself.

⇒Watch the anime “Baby Steps” on Amazon Prime Video