Finished the Big Windup! anime and need to know what happens to the Nishiura team? You’re likely searching for the exact manga chapter to pick up where the emotional summer tournament left off. This transition is key to seamlessly continuing Ren Mihashi’s journey.
The two seasons of the Big Windup! anime adapt the manga up to the end of Chapter 56. To continue the story of Ren Mihashi and the Nishiura baseball team without missing any plot, you should start reading from Chapter 57, which is found in Volume 15 of the manga series. This allows you to jump directly into the aftermath of their biggest game yet.
Based on a direct analysis of the anime-to-manga adaptation, this guide provides the precise starting point for your reading journey. You will discover the story arcs that follow the anime, the current status of the manga’s publication in 2026, and the likelihood of a potential third season.
Key Facts
- Anime Endpoint: The anime adaptation concludes its storyline at the end of manga Chapter 56.
- Manga Starting Point: To continue the story, readers should begin with Chapter 57, which is located in Volume 15 of the manga.
- Season 3 Status: There has been no official announcement for a third anime season, and due to the significant time gap since Season 2, it is considered highly unlikely.
- Manga Hiatus: As of February 2026, the manga is officially ongoing but is on an indefinite hiatus that started in May 2024.
- Critical Acclaim: The manga, created by Asa Higuchi, is a critically acclaimed series, having won the prestigious Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2006 and the Kodansha Manga Award in 2007.
What Chapter of the Manga Does the Big Windup! Anime End On?
The two seasons of the Big Windup! anime adapt the manga faithfully up to the end of Chapter 56. For fans eager to continue the story of the Nishiura High baseball team, the correct starting point is Chapter 57. This chapter marks the beginning of new challenges and further character development not seen in the animated series.
This transition point is located in Volume 15 of the manga. Starting here ensures you won’t miss any of the plot immediately following the anime’s conclusion. The anime adaptation is known for its loyalty to the source material, so you can confidently jump in at this chapter without feeling lost or needing to re-read earlier events. The end of the anime corresponds directly to a major turning point in the manga’s narrative.
By providing the exact chapter and volume, you can easily find your place and continue following the journey of Ren Mihashi, Takaya Abe, and the rest of the team. This direct continuation is the best way to experience the story arcs and character growth that the anime was unable to cover.
Start Reading Here:
* Chapter: 57
* Volume: 15
What Is the Story Context at the End of the Anime?
The second season of the Big Windup! anime, titled ~The Summer Tournament~, concludes right after the intense fifth-round game against Sakitama High School. This game is a major arc that pushes the entire Nishiura team to their limits, both physically and mentally. The anime’s final moments depict the team’s hard-fought victory and the immediate emotional release and exhaustion that follow. This victory marks the end of a significant character and team development arc, leading directly into the post-game events and preparation for the next round at the start of manga Chapter 57.
What Story Arcs Does the Manga Cover After the Anime?
After the anime concludes, the Big Windup! manga delves into several crucial arcs that further develop the team and its players. By continuing with the manga, you get to witness the Nishiura team face even greater challenges and see their personal growth extend far beyond what the anime covered. Real-world experience with the manga shows these arcs are vital to understanding the full scope of Mihashi’s and Abe’s partnership.
From our analysis of the post-anime content, here are the key storylines you can look forward to in a spoiler-light format:
- The Game Against Bijoudai Sayama: The team’s next opponent in the summer tournament is the formidable Bijoudai Sayama, a top-tier team that tests Nishiura’s strategies and resolve in entirely new ways.
- Abe’s Injury and Aftermath: A critical plot point emerges that directly impacts the battery of Mihashi and Abe. This event forces the team to adapt and tests Mihashi’s growing confidence and independence on the mound.
- Winter Training Arc: This section focuses on the team’s off-season. It emphasizes fundamental skill-building, physical conditioning, and strengthening the bonds and communication between all team members.
- Second Year Begins: The original members become upperclassmen and welcome a new group of first-year players. This arc explores the team’s new dynamic, with the former rookies now taking on mentorship roles.
No products found.
Is the Big Windup! Manga Still Ongoing or On Hiatus?
As of February 2026, the Big Windup! manga is officially ongoing but is currently on an indefinite hiatus that began in May 2024. The series, written by the talented Asa Higuchi, has released over 36 volumes, demonstrating a long and rich history. However, it’s important for new readers to be aware of its current publication status.
The series is serialized in the Monthly Afternoon magazine and has a history of intermittent hiatuses for various reasons, including the author’s maternity leave in the past. While the current hiatus has no confirmed return date, the historical pattern of breaks followed by resumption gives fans hope for its eventual continuation. This status is a critical factor for anyone deciding to invest their time in the series.
Will There Be a Season 3 of the Big Windup! Anime?
No, there has been no official announcement for a third season of Big Windup!, and a continuation is considered highly unlikely. The second season, ~The Summer Tournament~, concluded its broadcast back in 2010. The significant time gap of over a decade makes a new anime production improbable in today’s fast-moving industry.
Several factors contribute to this reality. The anime industry often relies on recent and ongoing manga to boost sales and maintain audience interest. The slow release pace of the Big Windup! manga over the years, combined with its current hiatus, presents a significant challenge for producing a new season. Therefore, for fans who fell in love with the Nishiura team’s journey, the only way to continue the story is to turn to the manga.
FAQs About where does the big windup anime end in the manga
Is it necessary to read the Big Windup! manga from the beginning?
No, it is not strictly necessary to read the manga from the beginning. The anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures is known for being very faithful to the manga source material. You can confidently start at Chapter 57 without missing crucial plot points or character introductions covered in the two anime seasons.
How many volumes of the Big Windup! manga are there?
As of February 2026, there are 38 tankōbon volumes of the Big Windup! manga released in Japan. The series has been serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon magazine since 2003. However, the release pace has slowed in recent years.
What makes Big Windup! different from other baseball anime?
Big Windup! is distinguished by its deep psychological focus and realistic portrayal of baseball strategy. Unlike many sports anime that focus on superhuman feats, Oofuri delves into the mental and emotional challenges of its characters, particularly the timid pitcher Ren Mihashi and the strategic catcher Takaya Abe. The series emphasizes teamwork, communication, and the intricate mental game between the battery and batters.
Who is the creator of Big Windup!?
The creator of the Big Windup! manga is Asa Higuchi. She is highly regarded for her extensive research into high school baseball, which contributes to the series’ realism and depth. Her work on the series has earned critical acclaim, including the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2006 and the Kodansha Manga Award in 2007.
Where can I legally read the Big Windup! manga?
Official translated volumes of the Big Windup! manga can be purchased from major online book retailers. You can also purchase digital versions for e-readers. Supporting the official release is the best way to support the author, Asa Higuchi, and the continuation of the series.
How many episodes are in the Big Windup! anime?
The Big Windup! anime consists of two seasons with a total of 38 episodes and two OVA (Original Video Animation) episodes. The first season has 25 episodes and aired in 2007, while the second season, titled Big Windup! ~The Summer Tournament~, has 13 episodes and aired in 2010.
Is Big Windup! a shonen or a seinen series?
Big Windup! is a seinen manga. It is serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon, a magazine aimed at an older male audience. This demographic focus allows the series to explore more mature psychological themes and complex character dynamics than a typical shonen series.
What awards has the Big Windup! manga won?
The Big Windup! manga is critically acclaimed and has won two prestigious awards. It won the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize for Best Creative Work in 2006 and the Kodansha Manga Award for general manga in 2007. These awards highlight its quality and impact within the manga industry.
Who are the main characters in Big Windup!?
The two central characters are the pitcher, Ren Mihashi, and the catcher, Takaya Abe. Mihashi is a timid pitcher with extremely low self-esteem but excellent control, while Abe is a highly intelligent and demanding catcher who recognizes Mihashi’s potential. Their developing partnership, known as the “battery,” is the core of the story.
Why is the manga’s chapter numbering sometimes confusing?
There can be discrepancies in chapter numbering between the original magazine serialization and the collected tankōbon (volume) releases. Some online sources might reflect magazine chapter numbers, which can differ from the re-compiled volume chapters. For continuing the story after the anime, referencing the volume number (Volume 15) is often the most reliable method.
Key Takeaways: Big Windup! Anime to Manga Guide
- Start the Manga at Chapter 57: The two-season anime is a faithful adaptation that concludes at Chapter 56. To continue the story seamlessly, pick up the manga at Chapter 57, located in Volume 15.
- The Manga is the Only Way to Continue: There has been no official announcement for a third anime season, and given the decade-plus gap since Season 2, it is highly unlikely to be produced. The manga is your only option for more of the story.
- Expect New Challenges and Characters: After the anime, the manga covers the Nishiura team’s next major tournament game, deals with significant team injuries, and follows the characters into their second year where they mentor new first-year players.
- The Manga is Ongoing but on Hiatus: While the series is not finished, author Asa Higuchi placed the manga on an indefinite hiatus starting in May 2024. The series has a history of taking breaks and returning, but there is no current timeline.
- A Critically Acclaimed Seinen Series: Big Windup! is a seinen series known for its psychological depth and realism, earning it prestigious awards like the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. It focuses on strategy and character development over flashy, unrealistic plays.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Big Windup! Story
Transitioning from the Big Windup! anime to the manga is a rewarding decision for any fan invested in the Nishiura team’s fate. By starting at Chapter 57 in Volume 15, you step directly into the next phase of their journey, filled with tougher opponents, deeper character development, and the realistic challenges of high school baseball. While the prospect of a third anime season remains dim and the manga is currently on hiatus, the wealth of story content available past the anime’s ending is more than worth exploring. The manga not only continues the plot but enriches the entire experience, solidifying why Big Windup! is celebrated for its psychological depth and strategic realism.
Last update on 2026-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
