Finished the heartwarming Barakamon anime and now you’re wondering where to pick up the story? You’re looking for the exact chapter to continue Seishu Handa’s journey without missing a beat. This is a common question for fans who want the complete narrative experience.
The Barakamon anime concludes its story at the end of Chapter 52 of the manga. To seamlessly continue following the adventures of Handa and the islanders, you should start reading from Chapter 53. This chapter marks the beginning of Volume 7 of the manga series.
Based on verified information and community consensus from dedicated fans, this guide provides the precise starting point for the manga. It also reveals what the anime skipped and what you can look forward to. You’ll discover exactly how to transition from the anime to the manga for the full, unfiltered story.
Key Facts
- Anime Endpoint: The 12-episode anime adaptation concludes its storyline at the end of Chapter 52 of the manga.
- Manga Starting Point: To continue the story, you must start reading from Chapter 53, which is the beginning of Volume 7.
- Manga is Complete: The Barakamon manga series is officially finished, consisting of 18 volumes and a final bonus volume titled “18+1”, ensuring a complete story with a definitive ending.
- Prequel Exists: A prequel series called Handa-kun details Handa’s high school life, but it is recommended to watch it after Barakamon for the best experience.
- Skipped Content: The anime is not a 1:1 adaptation and skips several character-focused chapters from the first six volumes.
Where Does the Barakamon Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The Barakamon anime, which consists of 12 episodes, officially concludes its adaptation at the end of Chapter 52 of the manga. This chapter serves as a natural and satisfying stopping point for the anime’s narrative arc, which primarily covers Handa’s initial adjustment to island life and his success at a regional calligraphy exhibition. To continue the story without interruption, fans should begin reading from Chapter 53, which is located in Volume 7 of the manga.
This transition point is the widely accepted community consensus, verified across numerous fan databases and forums. The anime, produced by Kinema Citrus, was designed to capture the essence of Seishu Handa’s initial journey of self-discovery. However, it condenses material from approximately the first six volumes of the source material.
Think of the anime as a beautifully curated highlight reel of Handa’s early days on the Goto Islands. While it hits all the major emotional and comedic beats, it does so at a faster pace than the manga. This means that even before you reach Chapter 53, there are delightful stories and character moments hidden in the pages that the anime didn’t have time to cover.
What Key Manga Chapters and Story Arcs Did the Barakamon Anime Skip?
A common point of curiosity for anime fans is whether the adaptation is faithful, and in Barakamon’s case, the anime skips several “slice-of-life” chapters to maintain its focus on Seishu Handa’s central character arc. While these omissions don’t break the main plot, they contain charming interactions and comedic scenarios that add significant depth to the world and its characters. For completionists, these missing stories are well worth seeking out.
Based on our analysis of the source material, here is a list of some notable manga content that you won’t find in the anime:
- Chapter 15: A humorous story focused on Handa’s disastrous and funny attempts to perform home repairs around his new house.
- Chapter 28: This chapter provides a deeper look into the family life of Hiroshi Kido, the high school student who often helps Handa, fleshing out his personal motivations.
- Chapter 39: Features more of the hilarious and chaotic interactions between the island’s children, particularly Naru, Miwa, and Tamako.
- Chapters 45-46: An entire mini-arc involving a stray dog that the characters find, leading to both funny and heartwarming situations.
Because the anime rearranges and condenses events, reading the manga from the very beginning is the only way to get the full, unabridged experience. While you can jump straight to Chapter 53, starting from Chapter 1 allows you to appreciate these extra moments that make the world of Barakamon feel even more alive and detailed.
How Does the Barakamon Anime Compare to the Manga?
The primary difference between the Barakamon anime and its manga source material lies in pacing and content depth. The anime is a more condensed and focused experience, while the manga offers a more leisurely and comprehensive look into the lives of the characters on Goto Islands. Both versions are excellent, but they offer slightly different flavors of the same wonderful story.
Here is a direct comparison of the key differences:
| Feature / Aspect | Barakamon Anime | Barakamon Manga (Source Material) |
|---|---|---|
| Pacing | Faster-paced, focuses on key plot points and comedic highlights. | More leisurely, with more quiet moments and daily life interactions. |
| Content | Covers main story arcs up to Chapter 52 but skips several side chapters. | Contains the complete story, including all character-focused side stories. |
| Tone | Consistently lighthearted and comedic, with emotional peaks. | Balances comedy with more subtle, poignant, and reflective moments. |
| Art Style | Colorful, fluid animation by Kinema Citrus. Dynamic calligraphy scenes. | Satsuki Yoshino’s distinct, expressive style with detailed character faces. |
| Ending | Open-ended conclusion after a regional calligraphy exhibition. | Conclusive ending that resolves character arcs over 18+ volumes. |
The animation by Kinema Citrus brings a vibrant and fluid energy to the series, especially during the calligraphy scenes, which are dynamic and visually striking. In contrast, Satsuki Yoshino’s manga art has a unique, expressive charm that excels in conveying subtle emotions through detailed facial expressions and paneling. Ultimately, the anime excels at delivering the big laughs and emotional payoffs quickly, while the manga provides a richer, more immersive world to get lost in.
What Happens in the Manga After the Barakamon Anime Ends?
After the anime’s conclusion, the Barakamon manga significantly raises the stakes by delving into Seishu Handa’s professional career on a national level. He is forced to confront a critical choice: should he return to the competitive, high-stakes world of calligraphy in Tokyo, or has he found a more fulfilling life on the island? This central conflict drives much of the later story.
Without giving away major spoilers, here are some of the key themes you can expect to see in the manga post-Chapter 52:
- National-Level Rivalries: Handa’s journey takes him beyond regional exhibitions to face his biggest rivals on the national stage.
- Long-Term Character Growth: The story explores the long-term impact of Handa’s stay on the islanders, especially as the children like Naru and Hina grow older.
- A Definitive Choice: The manga provides a conclusive answer to the question of whether Handa ultimately decides to stay on the Goto Islands permanently.
- A Satisfying Conclusion: The series builds towards a truly heartwarming and definitive ending that provides satisfying closure for Handa, the island community, and the readers who have followed their journey.
The later volumes mature with Handa, exploring deeper questions about what defines success, happiness, and home. It’s a journey well worth taking for any fan of the anime.
Is the Barakamon Manga Series Officially Finished?
Yes, the Barakamon manga is officially finished and complete. The main series, written and illustrated by Satsuki Yoshino, concluded its serialization in December 2018. This is excellent news for anyone looking to start the series, as you can dive in knowing there is a full, finished story with a definitive ending waiting for you.
The complete main story is collected into 18 volumes, ending with Chapter 134. Furthermore, to give fans a final farewell, a bonus volume titled “Barakamon 18+1” was released, containing supplementary stories and epilogues that take place after the main narrative concludes. The entire series has been officially translated and released in English by the publisher Yen Press, making it fully accessible.
What is the Correct Watch and Reading Order for Barakamon and Handa-kun?
To resolve a major point of confusion for new fans, the recommended order is to experience Barakamon first, and then its prequel, Handa-kun. Although Handa-kun is set during Seishu Handa’s high school years (making it a prequel chronologically), it was written and released after Barakamon became popular. The humor in Handa-kun relies heavily on the audience already knowing the irritable but good-hearted adult Handa from the main series.
Here are the two main ways to approach the franchise, with a clear recommendation.
✅ Option 1: Release Order (The Recommended Experience)
This is the order in which the series were created and intended to be experienced. It preserves the original narrative flow and makes the jokes in the prequel more impactful.
- Barakamon (Anime or Manga): Start here to meet adult Handa and fall in love with the core story and characters.
- Handa-kun (Anime or Manga): Watch or read this second. Knowing adult Handa makes the comedic misunderstandings of his high school life, where he mistakenly thinks everyone hates him, far funnier.
🔍 Option 2: Chronological Order (The Linear Journey)
This order follows Handa’s life chronologically. While logical, it can lessen the impact of both series, as Handa-kun‘s pure gag-comedy tone is very different from Barakamon‘s heartfelt slice-of-life.
- Handa-kun (Anime or Manga): Follows Handa’s high school days.
- Barakamon (Anime or Manga): Follows Handa as an adult after the events that lead him to the island.
Our verdict is clear: stick to the release order. You will have a much richer and more rewarding experience by watching Barakamon first.
FAQs About where does the barakamon anime leave off in the manga
Is there a Barakamon Season 2?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a Barakamon Season 2. The anime was produced by Kinema Citrus in 2014 and served primarily as a successful promotion for the manga. Given the time that has passed and the fact that the manga source material is now complete, a second season is considered highly unlikely.
Who publishes the Barakamon manga in English?
The official English translation of the Barakamon manga is published by Yen Press. They have successfully released the entire main series, which includes all 18 volumes, as well as the final bonus ’18+1′ volume. This makes the complete, official story fully accessible to English-speaking audiences.
How does the Barakamon manga end?
The Barakamon manga ends with Seishu Handa making a definitive choice about his future, finding a balance between his professional calligraphy career and his love for the island and its people. Without providing major spoilers, the conclusion is widely regarded by fans as incredibly satisfying and heartwarming, providing excellent closure for Handa and the entire supporting cast.
Where is Barakamon set?
Barakamon is set on the real-life Goto Islands, which are part of Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan. The story specifically takes place on a fictionalized version of Fukue Island, the largest and most populated of the islands. The serene and unique rural setting is a core element of the series’ charm and story.
Is Handa-kun a prequel or a sequel?
Handa-kun is a prequel to Barakamon. It is a comedy-focused spinoff series that follows the main character, Seishu Handa, during his incredibly popular yet misunderstood high school years. It takes place long before the events that lead him to the Goto Islands in the main series.
How many chapters are in the Barakamon manga?
The main story of the Barakamon manga consists of 134 chapters. These chapters have been collected into 18 main volumes. In addition to the main story, there is a final bonus volume, titled “18+1”, which contains several extra side stories and epilogues that take place after the main plot has concluded.
What genre is Barakamon?
Barakamon is primarily a slice-of-life and comedy series. It expertly blends heartwarming character interactions, humorous situations arising from a “fish-out-of-water” premise, and a touching coming-of-age story. The narrative centers on the protagonist’s personal and artistic growth after moving from the city to a rural island.
Will there be more Barakamon anime?
It is highly unlikely there will be more Barakamon anime. The original series aired in 2014, and the animation studio, Kinema Citrus, has since focused on other major projects. With the manga now fully concluded, there is very little commercial incentive for the original production committee to fund a new season.
What is the difference between Barakamon and Handa-kun’s tone?
Barakamon is a heartfelt slice-of-life comedy with emotional depth, while Handa-kun is a more over-the-top, pure gag comedy. Barakamon’s humor comes from genuine character interactions and growth. In contrast, Handa-kun’s humor is almost entirely based on a single recurring joke: Handa’s mistaken belief that he is hated by his peers, when in reality he is revered.
Who is the author of Barakamon?
The creator, writer, and illustrator of the Barakamon manga is Satsuki Yoshino. She is the mind behind the original source material for both the main Barakamon series and its popular prequel spinoff, Handa-kun. Her distinctive art style and storytelling are central to the franchise’s appeal.
Key Takeaways: Barakamon Anime to Manga Guide
- The Starting Point is Clear: The Barakamon anime ends at Chapter 52 of the manga. To continue the story, begin reading from Chapter 53, located in Volume 7.
- The Anime Skips Content: The anime adaptation is not 1:1 and omits several character-focused chapters from the first six volumes for pacing. For the full experience, reading from the beginning is recommended.
- The Manga is Complete: The Barakamon manga is finished with a definitive and satisfying conclusion, comprising 18 volumes (plus a bonus volume ’18+1′) and 134 chapters.
- Handa-kun is a Prequel: The spinoff series
Handa-kunis a prequel set in Handa’s high school days. It’s best watched after Barakamon to appreciate the character contrast. - The Story Continues Deeply: The post-anime manga arcs explore Handa’s national career, his decision about staying on the island, and provide a conclusive ending to his journey.
- A Season 2 is Unlikely: Due to the time passed since the anime’s 2014 release and the manga’s completion, a second season of the anime is not expected.
- English Version is Available: The entire series, including all 18+ volumes, is officially published in English by Yen Press, making it fully accessible.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Barakamon Story
Transitioning from the Barakamon anime to the manga is a rewarding decision for any fan. While the anime provides a wonderful, concentrated dose of the story’s charm, the manga offers the complete, unabridged experience. By starting at Chapter 53, you can directly continue Handa’s journey, but by starting from the beginning, you can uncover the delightful character moments and side stories the anime had to leave behind.
With a conclusive and highly praised ending, the manga promises a fulfilling journey from start to finish. You now have the exact map to continue your adventure on the Goto Islands. The only question left is, which approach will you try first?
Last update on 2026-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
