Wondering where the file of young kindaichi anime ends in the manga? You’ve finished the classic anime and now face the challenge of continuing the story without missing a beat. This common confusion can stop you from enjoying the rest of Hajime’s thrilling cases.
The original The File of Young Kindaichi anime (148 episodes) concludes its main adapted story content at the end of Chapter 39 of the manga, which is in Volume 6. To continue the story in the correct order, you should start reading from Volume 6, Chapter 40. The anime did not adapt the short “omake” at the end of chapter 39.
Based on extensive research of fan wikis and community consensus, this guide provides the definitive transition point. It clarifies all the nuances between the two formats. You’ll discover the exact chapter, what minor content was missed, and the correct order for the entire franchise.
Key Facts
- Anime Conclusion Point: The original 148-episode anime series adapts manga content up to Chapter 39 of the “File” series, which is the end of the “Kindaichi the Killer” case.
- Manga Continuation Point: To continue the story seamlessly after the anime, you must start reading at Volume 6, Chapter 40 of the original manga.
- Sequel Series Exist: The Kindaichi franchise continues with direct sequels, including The Kindaichi Case Files Returns and a timeskip series called The Case File of Kindaichi Age 37.
- Key Tonal Differences: Compared to other detective series like Detective Conan, Kindaichi is widely known for its darker, more serious tone and more graphic mystery elements.
- Incomplete English Translation: Only a small portion of the original manga was ever officially translated and released in English, with the majority of the series remaining untranslated.
Where Does The File of Young Kindaichi Anime End in the Manga?
The original 148-episode anime of The File of Young Kindaichi concludes its main storyline at Chapter 39 of the manga. This chapter wraps up the “Kindaichi the Killer” case. To continue reading the story after the anime, you should start with Volume 6, Chapter 40 of the original manga series. This ensures you pick up exactly where the animated narrative leaves off without spoiling future events.
Based on our analysis of the Kindaichi Case Files wiki and reputable Kindaichi fan forums, this is the community-verified continuation point. It’s important to specify you are finishing the original series produced by Toei Animation, not the later sequel, The File of Young Kindaichi Returns. While the anime is a faithful adaptation for the most part, it did not cover every single piece of content from the manga chapters it adapted. This includes minor story elements and bonus comics, known as omakes, which adds a layer of depth for manga readers.
This clear transition point is your gateway to dozens of cases that were never animated. The manga offers a more complete and often darker telling of Hajime Kindaichi’s crime-solving adventures. By starting at Chapter 40, you are perfectly positioned to dive into this new material.
What Is the Exact Manga Chapter to Start After the Anime?
To continue The Kindaichi Case Files manga after the original 148-episode anime, you must start reading at Volume 6, Chapter 40.
This is the precise point where the story picks up. The anime concludes with the resolution of the case in Chapter 39. Chapter 40 begins the very next story arc, “The Headless Samurai,” ensuring a smooth and chronologically correct transition. There is no ambiguity; this is your starting line for the rest of the original manga series.
Start Reading Here:
* Series: The Kindaichi Case Files (Original Manga)
* Volume: 6
* Chapter: 40
What Is the “Unadapted Omake” in Chapter 39?
An omake is a Japanese term for a bonus comic or extra content included at the end of a manga chapter or volume. Think of it as a small “post-credits scene” that adds a little extra flavor or backstory. The original Kindaichi anime did not adapt the two-page omake at the very end of Chapter 39.
In this specific instance, the unadapted omake provides a brief but interesting backstory for the character Iris. While not critical to understanding the main plot, it is a piece of original content that anime-only fans missed. For completionists, it’s a small detail worth knowing about as you transition to the manga, highlighting that the source material often contains small treasures not found in the adaptation.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Kindaichi Anime and Manga?
While the Kindaichi anime is a beloved adaptation, it is not a one-to-one recreation of the manga. For fans considering the jump from screen to page, understanding these differences is crucial. The primary differences between the Kindaichi anime and manga are the order of some case files, the omission of certain cases, and a reduction in the level of graphic violence.
The main differences are:
* Omitted Cases: The anime does not adapt every case file from the manga.
* Case Order: Some mysteries are presented in a different chronological order in the anime.
* Content Censorship: The anime often tones down the graphic violence and gore found in the original manga.
* Pacing: The anime’s pacing can differ from the manga to fit episode runtimes.
From our research into the Kindaichi Case Files wiki, it’s clear the manga offers a more complete and unfiltered experience. The manga is generally considered to have a darker tone and contains several full story arcs that were never animated in the original series. This means that even if you’ve seen every episode, there is a significant amount of new content waiting for you in the manga. For this reason, some fans choose to read the manga from the very beginning to experience the story in its original, unaltered form.
What is the Correct Watch and Reading Order for the Entire Kindaichi Series?
Navigating the entire Kindaichi franchise can be confusing due to its multiple series, sequels, and spin-offs. Following the chronological order is the best way to experience the story’s progression and Hajime Kindaichi’s development as a detective. Creating an authoritative Kindaichi watch order provides a clear roadmap for any fan.
The correct chronological path ensures you see the story as it unfolds, from Kindaichi’s high school days to his reluctant return to detective work as an adult. This order is based on the narrative timeline, not the release dates, offering the most coherent viewing and reading experience.
| Series Title | Medium | Chronological Order & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Kindaichi Case Files (Original Series) | Manga & Anime | 1. The starting point. Watch the 148-episode anime, then continue with the manga. |
| The Kindaichi Case Files Returns | Manga & Anime | 2. A direct sequel series. Can be watched/read after completing the original. |
| The Case File of Kindaichi Age 37 | Manga | 3. A major timeskip sequel. Features Kindaichi as an adult. Read after all previous series. |
| Various Spin-offs & Short Story Files | Manga | 4. Can generally be read after completing the original series. Includes titles like Takato’s Case File. |
FAQs About where does the file of young kindaichi anime end in the manga
Do I need to watch the original Kindaichi before Returns?
Yes, it is highly recommended to watch the original The File of Young Kindaichi anime series (or read the corresponding manga) before starting The File of Young Kindaichi Returns. Returns is a direct sequel that assumes the audience is already familiar with the main characters, their relationships, and the general format of the mysteries. Watching the original first will provide essential context and prevent confusion.
Is The File of Young Kindaichi Returns a remake?
No, The File of Young Kindaichi Returns is not a remake; it is a direct sequel. It was produced years after the original anime ended and adapts later cases from the manga that were never covered in the first series. The story continues from where the original left off, but with a more modern animation style.
How many episodes are in the original Kindaichi anime?
The original The File of Young Kindaichi anime series, produced by Toei Animation, consists of 148 episodes. This official count includes several TV specials and a movie that are all considered part of the original run. This number does not include the episodes from the later sequel series, Kindaichi Returns.
Is the Kindaichi manga complete?
The Kindaichi manga franchise is ongoing, but it is split into multiple distinct series. The original Kindaichi Case Files manga series that the first anime is based on has concluded. However, sequel series like The Case File of Kindaichi Age 37 are still being published as of the early 2026s, meaning the overall story of Hajime Kindaichi is not yet finished.
What is the difference between the “File” and “Case” series in the manga?
The terms “File” and “Case” are generally used to distinguish between different arcs or serialization runs within the larger Kindaichi manga franchise. The “File Series” typically refers to the initial, longer run of cases. Later arcs were organized under new names like the “Case Series” or the “New Series.” For readers, they all form one continuous timeline.
Has the Kindaichi manga been fully translated to English?
No, only a portion of The Kindaichi Case Files manga has been officially translated and released in English. The publisher Tokyopop released some of the early volumes in the 2000s, but they stopped before completing the series. The majority of the manga, including all later sequel series, is not available through official English channels.
How does Kindaichi compare to Detective Conan?
Kindaichi Case Files and Detective Conan are both iconic mystery manga, but they have different tones. Kindaichi is known for having a darker, more serious, and often more graphic atmosphere with complex, locked-room style mysteries. Detective Conan, while featuring intricate cases, generally has a more adventurous and slightly lighter tone with a prominent overarching plot.
Does the Kindaichi anime have filler episodes?
The Kindaichi anime does not have “filler” in the traditional sense of non-canon story arcs. It is a fairly faithful adaptation of the source material. However, the order of cases is sometimes changed from the manga, and some very short cases or bonus chapters are omitted for television formatting. The adapted cases themselves are all based on the manga.
Where can I legally stream The File of Young Kindaichi?
As of 2026, legal streaming options for The File of Young Kindaichi are extremely limited, especially for the original 148-episode series in most English-speaking regions. Some platforms may have the sequel series, Returns, available for streaming. Since streaming rights change frequently, it is best to check major services like Crunchyroll or HIDIVE for the most current availability.
What is The Case File of Kindaichi Age 37 about?
The Case File of Kindaichi Age 37 is a sequel manga that takes place 20 years after the original series. It follows Hajime Kindaichi as a 37-year-old manager at a public relations firm who desperately wants to leave his detective days behind him. Despite his wishes, he is repeatedly pulled back into solving gruesome and complicated murder cases.
Key Takeaways: The File of Young Kindaichi Anime & Manga Guide
- The Definitive Starting Point: The most critical takeaway is that the original 148-episode anime ends at Volume 6, Chapter 39 of the manga. To continue the story, you must begin reading at Chapter 40.
- Anime and Manga Are Not Identical: The anime adaptation is not a 1:1 copy of the manga. It changes the order of some cases, tones down the graphic content, and completely omits several cases and bonus “omake” comics.
- Watch Order is Crucial for Continuity: The Kindaichi franchise has a clear chronological order. The proper sequence is the Original Series (anime/manga), followed by the sequel The Kindaichi Case Files Returns, and then the timeskip sequel The Case File of Kindaichi Age 37.
- “Returns” is a Sequel, Not a Remake: A common point of confusion is that Kindaichi Returns is a modern sequel that adapts later manga chapters, not a remake of the original story. It should be watched after the first series.
- The Manga Story is Still Ongoing: While the original manga series is finished, the overall Kindaichi saga continues with the Age 37 manga, meaning there is a large volume of story content available to readers that has not been animated.
Final Thoughts on Continuing The Kindaichi Case Files
Navigating the transition from a long-running anime to its source manga can be a daunting task, but for The File of Young Kindaichi, the path is clear. By starting at Volume 6, Chapter 40, you can seamlessly continue Hajime’s detective journey and uncover the many thrilling cases that never made it to the screen. The manga offers a richer, darker, and more complete version of the story, making it an essential experience for any true fan.
This guide has provided you with the precise starting point, an understanding of the key differences between the anime and manga, and a clear roadmap for the entire franchise. You are now fully equipped to dive back into the world of Japan’s most brilliant high school detective and confidently solve the next mystery alongside him.
Last update on 2026-02-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
