Orb: On the Movements of the Earthチ。―地球の運動について―(Chi: Chikyū no Undō ni Tsuite)Genre MangaWritten byUotoPublished byShogakukanEnglish publisherMagazineWeekly Big Comic SpiritsOriginal runSeptember 14, 2020 – April 18, 2022Volumes8 Anime television seriesDirected byKenichi ShimizuWritten byShingo IrieMusic byKensuke UshioStudioMadhouseLicensed byNetflixOriginal networkNHK General TVOriginal run October 5, 2024 – March 15, 2025Episodes25 Anime and manga portal
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth (Japanese: チ。―地球の運動について―, Hepburn: Chi: Chikyū no Undō ni Tsuite[a]) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Uoto. It was serialized in Shogakukan’s seinen manga magazine Weekly Big Comic Spirits from September 2020 to April 2022, with its chapters collected in eight tankōbon volumes. Set in 15th-century Europe, the series follows the dangerous journeys of scholars who risk their lives to pursue research on the forbidden heliocentric theory.
A 25-episode anime television series adaptation produced by Madhouse aired from October 2024 to March 2025.
By February 2025, the manga had over 5 million copies in circulation.
In 15th-century Europe,[b] the Church tightly controls information, and dissent from its doctrine is heresy, punishable by death. Rafal, a child prodigy with a passion for astronomy, is raised by his adoptive father, Potocki, who urges him to study theology. However, Rafal’s life changes when he is coerced by Hubert, a heretic scholar, into assisting with research on the Earth’s movements. Initially skeptical, Rafal confirms the heliocentric model through his own calculations. Their secret work is discovered by Inquisitor Nowak, who finds Rafal’s sketches. Hubert sacrifices himself, giving Rafal a pendant and taking the blame, leading to his execution. Rafal continues the research in secret but is confronted by Potocki, who warns him of the dangers, citing his own past struggles. When Rafal refuses to stop, Potocki reports him to Nowak. At his trial, Rafal refuses to recant and is sentenced to death. Before his execution, he commits suicide using smuggled poppy seeds, and his body is burned.
A decade later, duellists Oczy and Gras are tasked with guarding a heretic during transport, accompanied by Nowak. Gras, an amateur astronomer, records Mars’ movements and expects it to complete its revolution. However, Mars unexpectedly retrogrades, frustrating Gras. The heretic reveals the location of a box containing astronomical research and gives Oczy the pendant before dying. Oczy and Gras retrieve the box but Gras is lost when a bridge collapses. Oczy seeks help from Badeni, a demoted priest, who agrees to study the box’s contents if Oczy continues Gras’ observations. They discover the research on heliocentrism and seek collaborators, enlisting Jolenta, a scholar’s assistant, and Piast, a Ptolemaic model researcher. After Piast’s death, Badeni completes the theory. However, Nowak investigates, leading to the arrest and execution of Badeni and Oczy. Jolenta, revealed to be Nowak’s daughter, is spared by a sympathetic inquisitor, who fakes her death. Meanwhile, Badeni’s parish priest discovers he transcribed Oczy’s diary on vagabonds’ heads.
Twenty-five years later, Schmidt, captain of the Heretic Liberation Force, retrieves Oczy’s book under Jolenta’s orders. Draka, a Romani woman, finds the book and burns it, reciting its contents to Jolenta in exchange for access to a printing press. When Nowak’s forces attack, Jolenta sacrifices herself, allowing Draka and Schmidt to escape. Schmidt’s group is betrayed, and they sacrifice themselves to help Draka reach Antoni, a bishop. Draka convinces Antoni to publish the heliocentric research, but Nowak intervenes, killing Antoni and burning the church. Nowak turns the blade on Draka, but she fatally wounds him before succumbing to her injuries. In his final moments, Nowak hallucinates Rafal and realizes his role as the villain of heliocentrism. Draka sends a letter via carrier pigeon before dying.
In 1468, a baker’s assistant, Albert Brudzewski, refuses to enroll in university until a priest encourages him. As a child, Albert loved astronomy and shared his observations with his father, who introduced him to Rafal, a fanatical scholar. Rafal took Albert to a gathering of scholars but later murdered Albert’s father for refusing to support his forbidden research. Rafal was captured, and Albert, traumatized, initially abandoned astronomy. After speaking with the priest, Albert enrolls in university. At one point, he happens upon Draka’s letter being delivered to Potocki’s former address, which inspires him to study heliocentrism. After teaching at university for twenty years, he writes a commentary on an astronomy textbook in 1482, influencing future scholars including a young Nicolaus Copernicus in 1491.
Rafal (ラファウ, Rafau) Voiced by: Maaya Sakamoto[4] A young prodigy adopted by Potocki who is set to enter university at the age of 12. Rafal has always excelled by making rational decisions. However, his interest was piqued by the beauty of the heliocentric theory, leading him to delve into forbidden research of the subject. His eventual suicide to evade persecution is what drives the plot forward. Nowak (ノヴァク, Novaku) Voiced by: Kenjiro Tsuda[4] An inquisitor who lacks a specific ideology, but believes it is his duty to protect the peace of the world, including his daughter, even if it means resorting to cruel actions. Hubert (フベルト, Fuberuto) Voiced by: Show Hayami[4] A heretic imprisoned for his forbidden research. In order to be released and continue his work, he feigned a change of heart. However, after meeting Rafal, Hubert reveals his research into the heliocentric theory, giving Rafal all his research before he is executed. Potocki (ポトツキ, Pototsuki) Voiced by: Kōichi Makishima [ja][5] Rafal’s foster father and professor at his school. He was found guilty of heresy for his study of astronomy in the past, also forcing Rafal to give up studying astronomy to instead focus on theology when he enters university. Oczy (オクジー, Okujī) Voiced by: Katsuyuki Konishi[6] A champion fighter with excellent eyesight, but has a fear of looking at the sky. His mindset is overwhelmingly negative, with no expectations for the world and a desire to reach heaven as soon as possible. Gras (グラス, Gurasu) Voiced by: Minoru Shiraishi[6] Oczy’s comrade who, unlike Oczy, has an overwhelmingly positive outlook even in times of despair. He attributes this to his fascination with Mars, which he started documenting after his family was killed in the plague. Badeni (バデーニ, Badēni) Voiced by: Yuichi Nakamura[6] A monk obsessed with understanding the universe and proving himself above others. In his pursuit of knowledge, he disregards the rules of the church, leading to his eyes being burned and his subsequent banishment to a rural village. Damian (ダミアン) Voiced by: Yōji Ueda[7] A young inquisitor who recruits Nowak for help in his investigation against heretics. He eventually becomes a bishop and reforms his attitudes toward torture. Jolenta (ヨレンタ, Yorenta) Voiced by: Saya Hitomi [ja],[6] Toa Yukinari (adult)[7] A research assistant in the field of astronomy, she was accepted into a facility led by a renowned cosmologist Count Piast. However, she is not given the opportunity to conduct research to her full potential due to her gender. She is revealed to be Nowak’s daughter, and she is unaware that Nowak is an inquisitor. She forms the Heretic Liberation Front after Antoni attempts to have killed for heresy and fakes her death to remove Nowak from his position. Kolbe (コルベ, Korube) Voiced by: Nobunaga Shimazaki[8] Jolenta’s colleague who acts supportive, but publishes Jolenta’s research in his name to improve his standing. Count Piast (ピャスト伯, Pyasuto Haku) Voiced by: Shinya Fukumatsu,[8] Daisuke Namikawa[9] (young) An astronomer who leads the research group Jolenta belongs to. Despite being a believer in geocentrism, he has devoted his life to learning the truth about the universe. Antoni (アントニ) Voiced by: Satoshi Mikami[10] A curate and eventual bishop, he is both arrogant and deeply devoted to the church. He views Nowak’s inquisition as a threat to the church’s future and a waste of money, attempting to kill Jolenta to weaken his influence. Unlike Nowak, he is willing to adapt to changes. Draka (ドゥラカ, Duraka) Voiced by: Miyuri Shimabukuro[11] The daughter of a nomadic Romani tribe, she has made significant contributions to the development of her village, but is unsatisfied with her life. She is obsessed with earning money, believing an excess of money will give her peace of mind, stemming from her experience of losing her father at a young age. Schmidt (シュミット, Shumitto) Voiced by: Satoshi Hino[11] The long-winded captain of the Heretic Liberation Front and a naturalist who seeks to revive a god that has not been corrupted by human morality. His goal is to weaken the orthodox faction and liberate freedom of information. Lewandowski (レヴァンドロフスキ, Revandorofusuki) Voiced by: Fuminori Komatsu[7] A reserved older member of the Heretic Liberation Front, and a close friend of Schmidt. Frei (フライ, Furai) Voiced by: Yūya Uchida[7] A soft-spoken younger member of the Heretic Liberation Front, and direct subordinate of Schmidt. He is actually a member of the church, sabotaging and later betraying Schmidt. Dhruv (ドゥルーヴ, Durūbu) Voiced by: Tomomichi Nishimura[7] Draka’s uncle who raises Draka as her only blood relative left after her father’s death. He teaches Draka that there is no god and to live with conviction. He will do anything to survive, including giving up Draka to save his own life. Albert Brudzewski (アルベルト・ブルゼフスキ, Aruberuto Buruzefusuki) Voiced by: Shōya Ishige,[12] Atsumi Tanezaki[13] (young) A young man who works at a bakery, where he assists with various tasks. He used to have a passion for learning, but after a particular incident, he lost his interest in academics. After speaking with a priest in a booth, he renews his thirst for knowledge despite his trauma and heads to university.
Written and illustrated by Uoto, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth was serialized in Shogakukan’s seinen manga magazine Weekly Big Comic Spirits from September 14, 2020,[14][15] to April 18, 2022.[16][17] Shogakukan collected its chapters in eight tankōbon, released from December 11, 2020,[18] to June 30, 2022.[19]
Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the manga for English publication, releasing the manga in a 2-in-1 omnibus edition.[20][21]
No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN 1December 11, 2020[18]978-4-09-860778-5November 21, 2023[22]979-8-88843-262-4 2January 12, 2021[23]978-4-09-860801-0November 21, 2023[22]979-8-88843-262-4 3March 30, 2021[24]978-4-09-860878-2March 19, 2024[25]979-8-88843-341-6 4June 30, 2021[26]978-4-09-861071-6March 19, 2024[25]979-8-88843-341-6 5September 30, 2021[27]978-4-09-861146-1August 20, 2024[28]979-8-88843-581-6 6December 28, 2021[29]978-4-09-861206-2August 20, 2024[28]979-8-88843-581-6 7March 30, 2022[30]978-4-09-861260-4December 17, 2024[31]979-8-88843-582-3 8June 30, 2022[19]978-4-09-861317-5December 17, 2024[31]979-8-88843-582-3
In June 2022, an anime adaptation produced by Madhouse was announced.[32] It was later revealed to be a television series directed by Kenichi Shimizu and written by Shingo Irie, with Masanori Shino designing the characters, and Kensuke Ushio composing the music.[6] The series aired for 25 episodes from October 5, 2024, to March 15, 2025, on NHK General TV.[33][34] The opening theme song is “Kaijū” (怪獣; ‘Monster’), performed by Sakanaction,[6] while the first ending theme song is “Aporia” (アポリア), and the second ending theme song is “Hebi” (へび; ‘Serpent’), both performed by Yorushika.[35][11] Netflix licensed the series for worldwide simulcast.[36]
No.Title [37][38]Directed by [c]Storyboard by [c]Original release date [39][40]Part 1 1″Heliocentrism. How About That?”Transliteration: “Chidōsetsu, to Demo Yobō ka” (Japanese: 『地動説』、とでも呼ぼうか)Kotono WatanabeKenichi ShimizuOctober 5, 2024 (2024-10-05)[d] 2″And Now… I’m Going to Move the Earth”Transliteration: “Ima Kara, Chikyū o Ugokasu” (Japanese: 今から、地球を動かす)Hiromichi MatanoKenichi ShimizuOctober 5, 2024 (2024-10-05)[d] 3″I… Believe in Heliocentrism”Transliteration: “Boku wa, Chidōsetsu o Shinjitemasu” (Japanese: 僕は、地動説を信じてます)Masato MiyoshiKenichi ShimizuOctober 12, 2024 (2024-10-12) Part 2 4″The Fact That This World is Far More Beautiful Than Heaven”Transliteration: “Kono Chikyuu wa, Tengoku Nanka Yori mo Utsukushii” (Japanese: この地球は、天国なんかよりも美しい)Asami KawanoHiroshi KōjinaOctober 19, 2024 (2024-10-19) 5″Even If I Die… This World Will Continue”Transliteration: “Watashi ga Shindemo Kono Sekai wa Tsuzuku” (Japanese: 私が死んでもこの世界は続く)Masato MiyoshiJunichi SakataOctober 26, 2024 (2024-10-26) 6″Move… The World”Transliteration: “Sekai o, Ugokase” (Japanese: 世界を、動かせ)Kotono WatanabeTao HazukiNovember 2, 2024 (2024-11-02) 7″Matters of the Truth”Transliteration: “Shinri no Tamenara” (Japanese: 真理のためなら)Hiroki MoriKoji SawaiNovember 9, 2024 (2024-11-09) 8″We Must Become Icarus”Transliteration: “Ikarosu ni Naraneba” (Japanese: イカロスにならねば)Kotono WatanabeKotono WatanabeNovember 16, 2024 (2024-11-16) 9″This is What It Means… To Learn Something, I Think”Transliteration: “Kitto Sore ga, Nanika o Shiru to iu Kotoda” (Japanese: きっとそれが、何かを知るということだ)Asami KawanoAsami KawanoNovember 23, 2024 (2024-11-23) 10″Truth”Transliteration: “Chi” (Japanese: 『知』)Hiromichi MatanoKenichi ShimizuNovember 30, 2024 (2024-11-30) 11″Terror”Transliteration: “Chi” (Japanese: 『血』)Masatoyo TakadaMasatoyo TakadaDecember 7, 2024 (2024-12-07) 12″Heliocentrism is My Faith”Transliteration: “Ore wa, Chidōsetsu o Shinkō Shi Teru” (Japanese: 俺は、地動説を信仰してる)Asami KawanoKenichi ShimizuDecember 14, 2024 (2024-12-14) 13″Freedom”Transliteration: “Jiyū o” (Japanese: 『自由』を)Masateru MatsumuraKenichi ShimizuDecember 21, 2024 (2024-12-21) 14″Tonight’s Sky…”Transliteration: “Kyō no Kono Sora wa” (Japanese: 今日のこの空は)Kotono WatanabeKotono WatanabeDecember 28, 2024 (2024-12-28) 15″Is it… My Turn?”Transliteration: “Watashi no, Banna no Ka?” (Japanese: 私の、番なのか？)Masato MiyoshiKoji SawaiJanuary 4, 2025 (2025-01-04) Part 3 16″It’s Time to Begin the Operation”Transliteration: “Kōdō o Kaishi Suru” (Japanese: 行動を開始する)Asami KawanoAsami KawanoJanuary 11, 2025 (2025-01-11) 17″I Could Make a Lot of Money with This Book… Maybe”Transliteration: “Kono Hon de Dai Kasegi Dekiru, Kamo” (Japanese: この本で大稼ぎできる、かも)Hiromichi MatanoKoji SawaiJanuary 18, 2025 (2025-01-18) 18″To Liberate Information”Transliteration: “Jōhō o Kaihō Suru” (Japanese: 情報を解放する)Mitsuyuki MasuharaKoji SawaiJanuary 25, 2025 (2025-01-25) 19″Wandering is How You Find What’s Right”Transliteration: “Mayoi no Naka ni Rinri ga Aru” (Japanese: 迷いの中に倫理がある)Hiroki MoriKotono WatanabeFebruary 1, 2025 (2025-02-01) 20″I Love Heliocentrism”Transliteration: “Watashi wa, Chidōsetsu o Aishite Iru” (Japanese: 私は、地動説を愛している)Masataka TakadaMasataka TakadaFebruary 8, 2025 (2025-02-08) 21″The Times Are Changing”Transliteration: “Jidai wa Kawaru” (Japanese: 時代は変わる)Tomoya KitagawaTomoya KitagawaFebruary 15, 2025 (2025-02-15) 22″Neither of You Will be Known to History”Transliteration: “Kimi-ra wa Rekishi no Tōjō Jinbutsu Janai” (Japanese: 君らは歴史の登場人物じゃない)Asami KawanoKenichi ShimizuFebruary 22, 2025 (2025-02-22) 23″Comrades”Transliteration: “Onaji Jidai o Tsukutta Nakama” (Japanese: 同じ時代を作った仲間)Hiroki MoriKenichi ShimizuMarch 1, 2025 (2025-03-01) Final part 24″Thaumazein”Transliteration: “Taumazein o” (Japanese: タウマゼインを)Masamitsu IsomaAsami KawanoMarch 8, 2025 (2025-03-08) 25″Question” (Japanese: ?)Asami KawanoYoshiaki KawajiriMarch 15, 2025 (2025-03-15)
The manga was featured in the music video for Amazarashi’s song “1.0” on March 30, 2022, with the video showing lyrics using letterpress printing on art from the series.[41] It was also featured in the music video for Amazarashi’s song “Cassiopeia Mooring” (カシオピア係留所, Kashiopia Keiryū-sho), released on June 30, 2022, with characters from the series and their dialogue being projected onto the planetarium of the Itabashi Science and Education Museum in Tokyo.[42]
By February 2025, the manga had over 5 million copies in circulation.[43] The manga was recommended by manga artists Hitoshi Iwaaki and Shin Takahashi.[44][45] Chi was nominated for the 14th Manga Taishō in 2021 and placed second with 67 points;[46][47] it was nominated for the 15th edition in 2022 and placed fifth with 59 points.[48][49] It was nominated for the Next Manga Award in 2021 and placed tenth in the print category.[50] The series ranked 37th on the 2021 “Book of the Year” list by Da Vinci magazine;[51] it ranked 21st on the 2022 list.[52] It ranked second on Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2022 list of best manga for male readers.[53] It won the Mandō Kobayashi Manga Grand Prix 2021, created by comedian and manga enthusiast Kendo Kobayashi.[54] The manga was nominated for the 67th Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category in 2021;[55] it was also nominated for the 68th edition in the same category in 2022.[56] The series ranked fifth on the Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics of 2022.[57] The manga was nominated for the 46th Kodansha Manga Award in the general category in 2022.[58] The series won the 26th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2022.[59][60] The manga won the 54th Seiun Award in the Best Comic category in 2023.[61][62]
- Shimada, Kazushi (January 4, 2021). 2021年、まず読むべき漫画『チ。』 「地動説」をテーマに描く美学とは？. Real Sound (in Japanese). Blueprint Co., Ltd. Archived from the original on August 13, 2025.
- 命を賭して正しさの証明を…壮大な地動説証明ドラマ 『チ。-地球の運動について-』 ／マンガPOP横丁㊷. Da Vinci News (in Japanese). Kadokawa Corporation. January 29, 2021. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021.
- Official manga website at Big Comic Bros (in Japanese)
- Official anime website (in Japanese)
- Orb: On the Movements of the Earth on Netflix
- Orb: On the Movements of the Earth (manga) at Anime News Network’s encyclopedia