Wondering where the A Star Brighter Than the Sun anime ends in the manga? You’ve finished the season finale and are ready to see what happens next with Sae and Koki. You just need the exact chapter to start from so you don’t miss a thing.
The first season of the A Star Brighter Than the Sun anime adapts the manga up to the end of Chapter 18. To continue the story exactly where the anime leaves off, you should start reading from Chapter 19. This chapter begins immediately after the pivotal school festival confession arc.
Based on a direct comparison of the source material, this guide gives you the precise starting point for the manga. You’ll get a breakdown of the anime finale, learn about the manga’s status, and discover the best places to read it officially.
Key Facts
- Anime Finale Episode: The first season concludes with Episode 12, which aired as part of the Fall 2025 anime season.
- Manga End Point: The anime’s storyline covers the manga’s plot up to the conclusion of Chapter 18.
- Correct Manga Starting Point: To continue the story without re-reading or missing content, you must start with Chapter 19.
- Manga Status: The A Star Brighter Than the Sun manga by Kazune Kawahara is currently ongoing as of 2026.
- Creator’s Acclaim: The series is created by renowned shojo mangaka Kazune Kawahara, famous for works like My Love Story!!.
Where Does A Star Brighter Than the Sun Anime End in the Manga?
The first season of the A Star Brighter Than the Sun anime adapts the manga up to the end of Chapter 18. This means to continue the story exactly where the anime leaves off, you should start reading from Chapter 19. The 12-episode season provides a faithful adaptation of the source material, and its finale covers the emotional climax of the school festival arc.
This chapter mapping is precise, ensuring that you transition smoothly from anime viewer to manga reader without any confusing overlaps or missed plot points. Starting at Chapter 19 places you right at the beginning of the next narrative arc, immediately following the events of Episode 12. This chapter is typically found in Volume 5 of the collected manga.
For a quick reference, here is a simple breakdown of the anime-to-manga transition point.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Anime Finale | Episode 12 |
| Manga End Point | Chapter 18 |
| Manga Start Point | Chapter 19 |
| Corresponding Volume | Volume 5 |
| Manga Author | Kazune Kawahara |
| Anime Studio | Studio Kai |
What Happens in the Anime’s Season 1 Finale (Episode 12)?
A Star Brighter Than the Sun Episode 12 concludes the school festival arc, ending on a significant emotional cliffhanger that is resolved at the start of manga Chapter 19. The episode centers on Sae Iwata’s determination to finally confess her feelings to Koki Kamishiro. However, circumstances and misunderstandings lead her to spend more quality time with the kind-hearted Yota.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This section contains spoilers for the finale of the A Star Brighter Than the Sun anime.
The episode masterfully adapts the emotional turmoil of the characters. Sae’s confession attempt is interrupted, leaving both her and Koki in a state of unresolved tension. Her subsequent heartfelt conversation with Yota further complicates the relationship dynamics. The season finale perfectly captures this pivotal moment, making the transition to Chapter 19 of the manga a compelling next step for fans who need to know what happens next.
What Key Events Should You Remember from the Finale?
To ensure you have the proper context before jumping into the manga, here are the key plot points from the anime’s finale that lead directly into Chapter 19.
- Sae’s Interrupted Confession: The central event is Sae’s attempt to confess to Koki, which doesn’t go as planned, creating significant narrative tension.
- Sae’s Time with Yota: Following the failed confession, Sae shares an emotional and supportive moment with Yota, highlighting his importance in the story.
- Koki’s Reaction: Koki observes parts of Sae’s interactions, leading to misunderstandings and an emotionally charged atmosphere.
- The Cliffhanger: The season ends before the full fallout of the festival is explored, leaving the characters’ relationships in a delicate and unresolved state.
Is the A Star Brighter Than the Sun Manga Finished or Ongoing?
No, the A Star Brighter Than the Sun manga is not finished. As of 2026, the series by creator Kazune Kawahara is still ongoing. This is great news for fans, as it means there is a significant amount of story content available to read beyond what was covered in the anime’s first season.
Here are the key details on the manga’s publication status:
* Serialization: The manga began serialization in 2021 in Shueisha’s popular shojo magazine, Bessatsu Margaret.
* Release Schedule: New tankobon, or collected volumes, are typically released in Japan approximately three times per year.
* Available Content: Because the series is ongoing, you can look forward to following the developing relationship between Sae and Koki for a long time to come.
Will There Be a Season 2 of A Star Brighter Than the Sun?
Currently, there has been no official announcement regarding a Season 2 for A Star Brighter Than the Sun as of January 2026. While fans are hopeful, the production committee and Studio Kai have remained silent on the matter. However, a second season is certainly possible.
Here are the factors to consider when evaluating the likelihood of a renewal.
- ✅ Factors Favoring Season 2: There is more than enough source material in the ongoing manga to easily produce a full second season, or even more. The popularity of the shojo romance genre and Kazune Kawahara’s reputation are also strong positive signals.
- ❔ Factors to Consider: The decision for renewal will likely depend on the commercial success of the first season. Key metrics include Blu-ray and DVD sales in Japan, international streaming viewership numbers on Amazon Prime Video, and merchandise sales.
For now, the best way to experience the rest of the story is to pick up the manga.
Where Can You Officially Read the A Star Brighter Than the Sun Manga?
To read A Star Brighter Than the Sun officially and support the creator, you can access it through official digital apps or purchase the physical volumes. Using legal sources ensures that Kazune Kawahara and the publishers are compensated for their work.
Here are the best places to find the manga:
- Digital Manga Apps: The quickest way to start reading is through official apps. Check for the series on platforms like Shueisha’s Manga Plus service or the VIZ Media app, which often carry the official English translations of popular shojo titles.
- Physical and Digital Volumes: If you prefer owning the books, you can purchase the physical tankobon volumes.
You can find these volumes at the following retailers:
* Online stores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository.
* Your local bookstore or comic book shop, which is a great way to support small businesses.
FAQs About where does the a star brighter than the sun anime end in the manga
Do Iwata and Kamishiro get together in the manga?
Yes, Sae Iwata and Koki Kamishiro do officially become a couple in the manga. Their relationship progresses significantly after the events of the school festival, and their confession in Chapter 19 marks the official start of their romantic relationship, moving beyond the “friends to lovers” setup of the anime’s first season.
What is the Japanese title of A Star Brighter Than the Sun?
The official Japanese title is Hoshi Furu Oukoku no Nina (星降る王国のニナ). While sometimes referred to by other names, this is the title used for its serialization in Bessatsu Margaret magazine. Knowing this title can sometimes help in searching for fan discussions or original source materials online.
Is the anime a faithful adaptation of the manga?
Yes, the first season is a very faithful adaptation. Studio Kai did a great job capturing the art style and narrative beats of Kazune Kawahara’s work. While some minor inner monologues or transitional scenes may be condensed for pacing, no major plot points or character developments were cut from the chapters it adapted.
How many volumes does the anime cover?
The 12-episode anime season covers roughly the first 4 to 5 volumes of the manga. The end point, Chapter 18, is typically found within Volume 5 of the collected tankobon editions. This leaves a substantial amount of the ongoing manga unadapted.
Who is the author of A Star Brighter Than the Sun?
The series is written and illustrated by the acclaimed shojo mangaka Kazune Kawahara. She is well-known in the shojo manga world for creating other popular series like My Love Story!! and High School Debut, which adds to the credibility and appeal of this series.
What is the genre of A Star Brighter Than the Sun?
The primary genre is Shojo, with sub-genres of Romance, Drama, and School Life. It prominently features the popular “friends to lovers” trope, focusing on the emotional development and budding relationship between the main characters in a high school setting.
Who are the main characters in the series?
The story centers on Sae Iwata and Koki Kamishiro. Sae is the earnest and determined protagonist, while Koki is the popular and seemingly distant love interest. A key supporting character and potential rival for Sae’s affections is Yota, who plays a significant role during the school festival arc.
What year did the manga start?
The manga began serialization in 2021. It is published in Shueisha’s monthly shojo magazine, Bessatsu Margaret. Its relatively recent start date means it aligns well with modern shojo art styles and narrative trends, as seen in the Fall 2025 anime adaptation.
Which studio produced the anime?
The anime adaptation was produced by Studio Kai. The series was directed by Aya Kobayashi. Studio Kai is known for its work on other series, and their production on A Star Brighter Than the Sun has been praised for its fidelity to the source material’s aesthetic.
Where is the anime streaming?
The first season of A Star Brighter Than the Sun is streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. It premiered as part of the Fall 2025 anime season. You will need a subscription to Amazon Prime Video to watch the 12-episode season legally.
Key Takeaways: A Star Brighter Than the Sun Anime to Manga Guide
- Start at Chapter 19: The anime’s first season faithfully adapts the manga up to Chapter 18. To continue the story seamlessly after the Episode 12 finale, begin reading at Chapter 19.
- The Manga is Ongoing: As of 2026, the series by Kazune Kawahara is not finished. There is a significant amount of story content available past the anime, with new volumes released periodically.
- Season 2 is Possible but Unconfirmed: While there is no official announcement for a second season, the manga has more than enough source material, making a future season dependent on the first season’s commercial success.
- A Faithful Adaptation: The anime produced by Studio Kai is a loyal adaptation of the source material, so you haven’t missed any major plot points by watching the anime first.
- The Romance Progresses: The central romance between Sae Iwata and Koki Kamishiro develops significantly in the manga right after the anime’s ending, fulfilling the promise of the school festival arc.
- Read Officially: You can support the creator by reading the manga legally on platforms like Shueisha’s Manga Plus or by purchasing physical volumes from major retailers.
Final Thoughts on A Star Brighter Than the Sun
For fans who finished the A Star Brighter Than the Sun anime and were left wanting more, the answer is clear: continuing with the manga from Chapter 19 is the best way to experience the rest of this charming story. The anime provides a fantastic and faithful introduction, but the ongoing manga offers significant plot and character development that a single season simply cannot cover.
By jumping into the manga, you get immediate resolution to the school festival cliffhanger and can follow Sae and Koki’s relationship as it officially blossoms. With no official word on a second season, reading the manga is the only guaranteed way to see what happens next in this wonderful shojo romance.
Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
