Originally written in the previous iteration of this blog in 2010-2011.
 Updated: March 28, 2025

A Unique Blend of Tech and Comedy

When you think of manga, you probably imagine epic battles, heartfelt drama, or slice-of-life stories filled with quirky characters. But in 2008, Ubunchu! took a different approach — it made a high school IT club the setting for a fun, educational, and often humorous deep dive into Ubuntu, the popular Linux distribution. Serialized in Weekly ASCII and Ubuntu Magazine Japan, Ubunchu! ran until 2013, introducing readers to the world of open-source software in a way that was both accessible and entertaining.

The title itself is a clever play on words, blending “Ubuntu” with the Japanese onomatopoeia chu (ちゅ), which represents a kiss. It’s a nod to the manga’s lighthearted tone, setting the stage for an unconventional take on Linux.

The Plot and Characters

At its core, Ubunchu! follows the adventures (and technical debates) of three students in the Ichinomiya Prefectural High School’s system administration club, a subgroup of the wider IT club. Each chapter revolves around different aspects of Ubuntu and related technologies — whether it’s setting up a command-line interface, discussing Linux Mint, or tackling the complexities of software licensing.

The trio represents different perspectives on computing, making them the perfect stand-ins for the varying attitudes toward Linux:

  • Akane: The die-hard Linux enthusiast who swears by Linux and wants to convert everyone to open-source software.
  • Masato: The Windows-loving pragmatist who doesn’t quite understand the appeal of Linux but is willing to learn.
  • Risa: The Mac user in the club who is the one who introduces Ubuntu to Akane and Masato. She is the key member of the group that navigates the challenges of using Ubuntu and Linux in general. She’s often the one explaining various aspects of the system to her friends, tackling problems with a mix of patience and humor. Her interactions with the other characters help to make technical topics more accessible and relatable.

This dynamic creates plenty of comedic moments, especially when Akane tries to convince the others that Ubuntu is the way of the future. The debates often reflect real-world discussions within the tech community, making the manga feel both authentic and relatable.

Why Ubunchu! Matters

Ubunchu! isn’t just a niche manga for Linux enthusiasts — it represents something bigger. It’s one of the few instances where an open-source operating system has been personified in popular media, making Linux and Ubuntu more approachable to a general audience.

For many readers, Ubunchu! served as an introduction to Ubuntu, explaining concepts like package managers, dual-booting, and terminal commands in an engaging way. It demystified Linux and made it seem less intimidating, especially for younger users who may have been curious about trying an alternative to Windows or macOS.

The manga’s appeal also extended beyond Japan. Thanks to the open-source community, Ubunchu! was translated into multiple languages, often by volunteers passionate about spreading the Linux philosophy. This grassroots localization effort mirrored the collaborative spirit of the open-source movement itself.

The End of Ubunchu! and Its Legacy

Ubunchu! ceased updates in 20131, effectively marking its abandonment2. Despite this, it remains a charming and informative piece of media that once bridged the gap between tech and storytelling.

Looking back, Ubunchu! was ahead of its time. In an era when Linux was still struggling for mainstream recognition, it provided a friendly and humorous gateway into the world of open-source software. While Ubuntu has evolved significantly since then—introducing new interfaces, shifting away from Unity, and adapting to the rise of cloud computing—the manga remains a nostalgic and valuable part of Ubuntu’s history.

If you’re a Linux enthusiast, a manga fan, or just someone who enjoys a unique blend of tech and comedy, Ubunchu! is worth checking out. It’s a reminder that even something as complex as an operating system can be made fun, accessible, and, most importantly, human.

Ubunchu Translations on GitLab

After some deeper searching, it turns out there’s even more to the series. In addition to Chapter 14, there’s also a Chapter 15 that explores Ubuntu Touch, along with three special chapters, as documented on this site.

Interestingly, the series’ artist is still active today, working at a school that trains future manga artists. He has also contributed artwork to the Free Software Foundation, last year: https://x.com/fsf/status/1805608017225801768

  1. It looks like the artist has released other work since Ubunchu, with his last project being a self-learning book to draw manga available on Amazon ↩︎

  2. Some sources, including the English Wikipedia page, suggest that Ubunchu! consists of 13 chapters, a Reddit post containing a PDF hosted on GitHub includes a 14th chapter, which is absent from the project’s official GitLab repository (which sadly only includes chapters 1 through 8). ↩︎