Feeling frustrated by the abrupt ending of His and Her Circumstances? You’re not alone; many fans are left searching for closure when the incomplete anime suddenly stops. This search for what comes next is a common experience for viewers of the beloved series.
To continue the story of His and Her Circumstances after the anime, you should start reading the manga from Chapter 34, which is located in the middle of Volume 8. The anime’s final episodes begin to deviate and use recap material, making Chapter 34 the canonical starting point for the manga’s unique content.
Based on detailed analysis of the manga source material and production history, this guide provides the definitive starting point. It also explains why the anime ended so suddenly. You’ll discover the key differences between the anime and manga, and what major story arcs you have to look forward to.
Key Facts
- Incomplete Adaptation: The anime covers less than a third of the complete manga storyline, which consists of 21
tankobon volumes.- Definitive Starting Point: The verified consensus for continuing the story is to
start readingfrom Chapter 34 of Volume 8 of the manga.- Production Conflict: The
abrupt endingwas caused by a majordirector conflictbetween director Hideaki Anno and the manga’s creator, Masami Tsuda.- Tonal Shift: The manga evolves from the
romantic comedystyle of the anime into a much deeperpsychological depthdrama, a change the anime never portrays.- Complete Story: The
Kare Kano mangais completely finished, offering a definitive and satisfying conclusion to the story of Yukino and Arima that the anime lacks.
Where does the His and Her Circumstances anime end in the manga?
The definitive answer is that the His and Her Circumstances anime concludes its faithful adaptation around Chapter 34 of Volume 8 of the manga. While the last few episodes of the anime are a mix of recap and some scattered manga events, starting at Chapter 34 ensures you won’t miss any critical character development or the beginning of the story’s major shift in tone. This is the verified starting point to seamlessly transition from the anime adaptation to the manga source material.
Many online forums have conflicting information, but analysis of the series continuity confirms this as the ideal place to begin. The anime’s finale, episode 26, is an incomplete anime ending that uses mostly reused footage and doesn’t adapt any new manga content, making it an unreliable marker. By starting with Chapter 34, you pick up precisely where the core narrative of Soichiro Arima and Yukino Miyazawa begins to deepen in ways the anime never had the chance to explore.
What is the definitive starting point in the manga?
The best place to start reading is precisely at Chapter 34. This chapter is located about halfway through Volume 8 of the manga. While the anime does loosely touch on some events from the beginning of this chapter, it does so with a different tone and omits crucial internal monologues and character setups.
Start reading at: Chapter 34 (Volume 8)
Reading from this point ensures you get the story as creator Masami Tsuda intended. You will witness the true beginning of Arima’s emotional breakdown and the pivot from a lighthearted slice of life story to the serious psychological drama that defines the rest of the series.
Can I just skip to Volume 9?
It is strongly advised that you do not skip the rest of Volume 8 and jump directly to Volume 9. Doing so means you will miss the foundational moments of the story’s most important arc: the exploration of Arima's past. The latter half of Volume 8 is not filler; it is the true beginning of the post-anime plot.
⚠️ Warning: Skipping to Volume 9 will cause you to miss the catalyst for Arima’s character arc and the introduction of key dramatic elements that are referenced for the remainder of the story. The
anime deviation sourcehappens here, and reading it is essential for afaithful adaptationexperience.
Why Did the Kare Kano Anime End So Abruptly?
The Kare Kano anime ended abruptly primarily due to a well-documented conflict between its famous director, Hideaki Anno (of Evangelion fame), and the manga author, Masami Tsuda. This director conflict, combined with growing budget issues at the legendary studio Gainax, led to Anno’s departure from the project mid-season. Without its lead director and with dwindling resources, the production team was forced to resort to cost-cutting measures, resulting in the infamous recap episodes anime viewers know today and an unfinished story.
This situation was not uncommon for Gainax in the late 90s, a studio known for brilliant but often chaotic productions like Evangelion and FLCL. The anime production issues for His and Her Circumstances became a classic example of what happens when the vision of a strong-willed director clashes with that of the original creator, leaving the adaptation as an unfortunate casualty.
What was the conflict between director Hideaki Anno and creator Masami Tsuda?
The core of the Anno Tsuda creative differences was a fundamental disagreement over the story’s tone. Masami Tsuda, the creator, felt that her story was evolving from a romantic comedy into a serious drama with deep psychological depth, particularly concerning Soichiro Arima's past. She wanted the anime to be faithful to manga and reflect this tonal shift.
Hideaki Anno, on the other hand, was more interested in the comedic aspects and using the shojo (romance for young women) format to experiment with visual gags, comedic timing, and deconstruction of genre tropes. According to reports from author interview summaries and production history, Tsuda was deeply unhappy with this focus, feeling it trivialized the serious themes she was exploring. This clash over whether the series should be a comedy or a drama ultimately led to Anno leaving the project and the anime’s eventual collapse.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Kare Kano Anime and Manga?
The difference between the anime vs manga versions of His and Her Circumstances is vast. The most significant distinction is that the anime is an incomplete adaptation, covering only a fraction of the story and ending before any of the major dramatic arcs are resolved. The manga, in contrast, is a complete 21-volume epic that provides full character arc completion.
This table highlights the most critical differences and shows just how much story is waiting for you in the manga source material.
| Feature/Aspect | Anime Version | Manga Version |
|---|---|---|
| Story Completion | Incomplete; covers roughly chapters 1-35. Ends abruptly. | Complete; 102 chapters in 21 volumes. Provides full closure. |
| Arima’s Backstory | Lightly touched upon; his emotional breakdown begins but is not explored. | A central focus of the entire series. Deeply explores his traumatic past and family issues. |
| Supporting Cast | Mostly serve as background characters with minor subplots. | Receive extensive character arcs, relationships, and backstories (e.g., Tsubasa-chan, Maho Izawa). |
| Overall Tone | Primarily a romantic comedy with some slice of life and light drama. | Begins as a rom-com but evolves into a serious psychological depth drama focusing on trauma and healing. |
| Ending | An incomplete anime finale with recap episodes and no resolution. | A definitive, canonical ending where Yukino and Arima end up together and their future is shown. |
What Major Story Arcs Happen in the Manga After the Anime Ends?
Once you continue reading from Volume 8, the world of His and Her Circumstances expands dramatically. The story sheds its comedic shell and delves into the complex lives of its characters. Here are the major plot developments you have to look forward to, presented with minimal spoilers.
- The Full Exploration of Arima’s Past: This is the single biggest storyline missing from the anime. The manga dives deep into the traumatic history of the
Arima householdand explains the true source of Soichiro’s pain and perfectionism. It is a powerful, dark, and ultimately cathartic arc that defines his character. The Supporting Cast Gets Their Due: Characters who were minor players in the anime become main characters in their own right. The manga dedicates significant time to the stories of
Tsubasa-chan, the complexMaho Izawa, Takefumi, and others. Their personal struggles, relationships, and growth add incredible richness to the world.Yukino and Arima’s Relationship Matures: The manga follows their relationship far beyond the high school crush phase. They face real, adult challenges together, supporting each other through immense personal crises. Their journey is a realistic and moving depiction of a long-term relationship.
A Definitive and Hopeful Conclusion: Unlike the
cliffhanger finaleof the anime, the manga provides a complete and satisfying ending. It resolves every major plotline and gives readers a glimpse into the future of the characters they’ve grown to love, offering trueclosure.
FAQs About where does the his and her circumstances anime end in the manga
Is the Kare Kano manga finished?
Yes, the His and Her Circumstances (Kare Kano) manga is complete. It was serialized from 1995 to 2005 and is collected in 21 tankobon volumes. The story has a definitive and conclusive ending, providing full closure for all major characters and their arcs.
How many volumes of Kare Kano manga are there?
There are 21 volumes in the complete His and Her Circumstances manga series. The anime only covers material up to the middle of Volume 8, leaving more than 13 volumes of original story content for manga readers to enjoy.
Is there a season 2 of His and Her Circumstances?
No, there has never been a season 2 of the His and Her Circumstances anime, and there are no plans for one. Due to the production issues and the director’s departure during the first season, the anime was never continued, making the manga the only way to experience the full story.
Do Yukino and Arima end up together in the manga?
Yes, Yukino Miyazawa and Soichiro Arima absolutely end up together in the manga. Their relationship is the central focus of the entire series. The manga follows them through high school, explores their challenges, and provides a conclusive look at their future together as adults.
Can I skip the recap episodes in the anime?
Yes, it is highly recommended to skip the recap episodes in the Kare Kano anime. Episodes 14, 15, and 26 are largely composed of reused footage and offer very little new content. The infamous Episode 26, the finale, is particularly known for its lack of new animation due to the production issues.
What are the last few episodes of the anime like?
The final episodes of the anime (approximately 19-26) are known for a sharp decline in quality. Due to the director conflict and budget problems, the show began using experimental and low-cost animation techniques, including paper cutouts on sticks, still frames from the manga, and extensive recap episodes, which led to the abrupt ending.
Is the manga better than the anime?
Most fans agree that the manga is superior to the anime because it tells the complete, intended story. While the first half of the anime is beloved for its direction and comedy, its incomplete adaptation and troubled production prevent it from matching the depth and emotional satisfaction of the full 21-volume manga.
Did the manga’s author, Masami Tsuda, like the anime?
No, Masami Tsuda famously disliked the anime adaptation. She was reportedly unhappy with director Hideaki Anno’s focus on comedy and his deviation from the manga’s increasingly serious dramatic tone. This author interview-documented dissatisfaction was a key factor in the anime’s production troubles.
What is the final episode of the anime?
The final episode is Episode 26, titled “14 Days, Part 1.” The title itself indicates its incompleteness. This episode is infamous for being almost entirely a clip show, using footage from previous episodes with voice-over narration to wrap up the series without any new animation.
Where can I read the Kare Kano manga?
You can read His and Her Circumstances by purchasing the official English translated volumes, which are available digitally and in print from major booksellers. Supporting the official release is the best way to honor the work of the creator, Masami Tsuda.
Key Takeaways: His and Her Circumstances Anime to Manga Guide
- The Definitive Starting Point: To continue the story after the
incomplete anime, you muststart readingthe manga at Chapter 34 of Volume 8. This is theverified sourcepoint to avoid missing crucial plot. - The Story is Incomplete: The anime’s
abrupt endingcovers less than a third of the manga. The full manga consists of 21 volumes, offering a complete and satisfying narrative. - Production Problems Caused the Ending: The anime ended due to a
director conflictbetween director Hideaki Anno and creator Masami Tsuda over the story’s tone, compounded by budget issues at studioGainax. - Manga Offers Deeper Drama: The
anime vs mangadifference is significant; the manga evolves from a romantic comedy into a deep psychological drama, fully exploringArima's backstoryand trauma, which the anime only hints at. - The Full Story is Worth It: Reading the manga is the only way to get the canonical story, see the development of the entire supporting cast, and experience the definitive conclusion to Yukino and Arima’s relationship.
- The Manga is Finished: The
Kare Kano mangais a complete series, so you can read from start to finish without fear of anothercliffhanger finale.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Kare Kano Story
Transitioning from the His and Her Circumstances anime to the manga is more than just continuing a story; it’s like switching from a brilliant but short-lived TV show to the epic novel series it was based on. While the anime’s first half is a masterclass in comedic direction, its unfinished narrative leaves viewers with only a hint of the powerful drama that defines the series.
By starting at Chapter 34 of Volume 8, you are not just picking up where the anime left off—you are stepping into the story as it was always meant to be told. You are finally getting the closure the anime couldn’t provide and embarking on a rich, emotional journey that has made the manga a beloved classic for decades. Enjoy the rest of the story
Last update on 2026-02-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
