Finished the Inuyasha anime and wondering where the manga picks up? You’re not alone, as the original series famously ends on a massive cliffhanger. This confusion is a common hurdle for fans wanting the complete story.
The original 167-episode Inuyasha anime series ends at manga chapter 355. To continue the story in the manga right where the first anime leaves off, you should start reading from chapter 356. This is the beginning of Volume 36 and is where the sequel series, Inuyasha: The Final Act, begins its adaptation.
Based on a complete analysis of the episode-to-chapter mapping, this guide provides a definitive roadmap. You’ll discover exactly why the original anime stopped and how the sequel, Inuyasha: The Final Act, covers the rest of the saga. This reveals the best way for you to experience the story’s true conclusion.
Key Facts
- Original Anime End Point: The first Inuyasha anime series, which ran for 167 episodes, concludes its story at the end of manga chapter 355.
- Sequel Series Coverage: Inuyasha: The Final Act, a separate 26-episode series, adapts the rest of the manga, covering chapters 356 through the final chapter, 558.
- Complete Manga Length: The entire Inuyasha manga, written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi, consists of 558 chapters, collected into 56 individual volumes.
- Reason for the 2004 Hiatus: The original anime production by Sunrise Studio stopped in 2004 because it had caught up to the ongoing manga serialization in Shonen Sunday magazine.
- Adaptation Pacing: The primary difference in adaptations is pacing. The Final Act condenses over 200 manga chapters into just 26 episodes, resulting in a much faster, more plot-focused experience.
Where Exactly Does the Inuyasha Anime End in the Manga?
The definitive transition point from the original Inuyasha anime to the manga occurs at the end of chapter 355. The original anime series [an animated adaptation by Sunrise Studio] concludes its 167-episode run right at this mark. If you have just finished watching episode 167, the very next piece of canon story is found in manga chapter 356.
This clear cutoff is essential for fans who want to experience the story as intended by its creator, Rumiko Takahashi. The narrative continues seamlessly from this point in the manga source material. It is also the precise starting point for the second anime series, Inuyasha: The Final Act, which was produced years later to complete the story. Understanding this distinction between the two anime series is the key to navigating the rest of the saga.
Where Does the Original 167-Episode Inuyasha Series End in the Manga?
The final episode of the original Inuyasha anime (Episode 167, “The Bond Between Them, Use the Shikon Jewel!”) adapts up to manga chapter 355. This 2004 finale left the main plot largely unresolved, creating a famous cliffhanger that frustrated fans for years. The primary reason for this abrupt ending was a simple production reality: the anime had caught up to the manga, which was still being written.
To avoid creating a non-canon anime-original ending, the production studio chose to halt the series. This left several critical plot threads hanging in the balance, including:
- The true nature and location of Naraku’s heart, held by the infant Hakudoshi.
- The final fate of Kikyo.
- The ongoing search for the last remaining Shikon Jewel fragments.
- The development of key character relationships and ultimate abilities.
This decision preserved the integrity of the source material but created a significant gap in the animated story that wouldn’t be filled for another five years.
How Does ‘Inuyasha: The Final Act’ Cover the Rest of the Manga?
Inuyasha: The Final Act [also known by its Japanese name, Inuyasha Kanketsu-hen] is a sequel anime series created to give the story its proper conclusion. Produced in 2009 after the manga had finished, it picks up exactly where the original anime left off. Here’s how it covers the remaining material:
- What it is: A 26-episode sequel series that directly continues the story from Episode 167 of the original anime.
- Manga Coverage: It adapts manga chapters 356 through the final chapter, 558.
- Scope: This covers the story content of the last 20 manga volumes, from Volume 36 to Volume 56.
- Purpose: Its sole purpose was to provide a complete and faithful adaptation of the manga’s canonical ending, resolving the 2004 cliffhanger.
While The Final Act is a gift to anime-only fans, condensing 20 volumes of story into just 26 episodes comes with a significant trade-off, which is crucial to understand when deciding how you want to finish the series.
Why Should You Read the Manga Instead of Only Watching The Final Act?
The main drawback of Inuyasha: The Final Act is its extremely rushed pacing. While it faithfully follows the main plot points, it had to cut a significant amount of content to fit over 200 chapters into 26 episodes. Think of it as watching a movie summary versus reading the full novel.
For viewers who just want to see how the main plot resolves, The Final Act does its job. However, in our experience, reading the manga from chapter 356 onward provides a far richer and more emotionally resonant experience. The manga gives proper breathing room to crucial character moments, relationship development between figures like Sesshomaru and Rin, and smaller battles that were cut for time in the anime.
If you value the journey as much as the destination, the manga is the superior choice. If you simply need a quick conclusion, The Final Act is a viable option.
Anime vs. Manga: What Are the Key Differences in the Story’s Conclusion?
The primary differences between the Inuyasha anime and manga are pacing and the presence of filler content. The manga provides the complete, consistently paced canonical story as envisioned by Rumiko Takahashi. The anime adaptations, while mostly faithful, make certain compromises. The original series added anime-only “filler” episodes to avoid catching up to the manga, while The Final Act did the opposite, cutting canon content to fit its short run.
This comparison table breaks down the core differences to help you decide on your path forward.
| Feature | Original Anime (167 Eps) | The Final Act (26 Eps) | Manga (558 Chapters) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story Coverage | Chapters 1 – 355 | Chapters 356 – 558 | Chapters 1 – 558 (Complete) |
| Pacing | Generally steady, some slow filler arcs | Extremely rushed (avg. 8 chapters/ep) | Consistent and deliberate |
| Filler Content | Contains numerous anime-only episodes/arcs | Zero filler content | 100% Canon source material |
| Conclusion | Unresolved cliffhanger | Provides the canon ending | Provides the canon ending |
| Character Depth | Good, but diluted by some filler | Sacrificed for plot speed | Most detailed and nuanced |
| Best For | Newcomers, those who prefer animation | Viewers needing a quick plot conclusion | Purists, readers wanting the full story |
FAQs About where does the inuyasha anime end in the manga
What is the final chapter of the Inuyasha manga?
The final chapter of the Inuyasha manga is chapter 558, titled “Toward Tomorrow.” This chapter concludes the entire story, showing the final defeat of the Shikon Jewel and a time skip that reveals the ultimate fate of Inuyasha, Kagome, and their friends. It was originally published in 2008.
Does the Inuyasha manga have a different ending than the anime?
No, the manga and the anime (The Final Act) share the same canonical ending. The Final Act was created specifically to faithfully adapt the manga’s conclusion. However, the manga provides more detailed epilogue content and character moments leading up to the final scenes, offering a richer emotional experience.
Is Inuyasha: The Final Act worth watching?
Yes, for anime-only fans, The Final Act is absolutely worth watching to get the story’s conclusion. However, be prepared for a very fast pace. If you value detailed character development and a more deliberate story, reading the manga from chapter 356 onwards is the superior experience.
How many volumes of Inuyasha manga are there?
There are a total of 56 individual manga volumes (tankōbon) for Inuyasha. Viz Media, the English publisher, also released the series in a larger “VIZBIG” format, which collects three volumes in one, for a total of 18 VIZBIG editions.
What chapter is the final battle with Naraku?
The final, prolonged battle against Naraku spans multiple chapters near the end of the manga. The conflict reaches its climax around chapters 545-552, leading to his ultimate defeat and the confrontation with the Shikon Jewel itself. The Final Act adapts this in its final few episodes.
Does Inuyasha marry Kagome in the manga?
Yes, the manga’s epilogue confirms that Inuyasha and Kagome end up together. After Kagome is trapped in her own era for three years, she is able to return to the Feudal Era permanently. The final panels show her living with Inuyasha, and the sequel series Yashahime confirms they eventually marry and have a daughter named Moroha.
What manga content was skipped in The Final Act?
To maintain its fast pace, The Final Act cut or heavily condensed several smaller plot points and character moments. This includes extended training sequences, some humorous side stories, and deeper dives into the backstories of supporting characters. While the main plot is intact, much of the connective tissue and emotional nuance is trimmed.
Where can I read the Inuyasha manga legally?
You can read the Inuyasha manga legally through Viz Media’s digital platforms. This includes the Shonen Jump digital vault (with a subscription) or by purchasing the digital or physical volumes from major online retailers and bookstores.
Is Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon based on the manga?
Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon is an anime-original sequel to the Inuyasha story. It is not based on a pre-existing manga by Rumiko Takahashi, although she did contribute the main character designs. Its story takes place years after the conclusion of the Inuyasha manga.
Why did the original Inuyasha anime stop in 2004?
The original anime stopped because the production had caught up to the manga, which was still being written by Rumiko Takahashi. To avoid creating excessive filler or an original ending that would contradict the future manga, the studio, Sunrise, decided to end the series on a cliffhanger at chapter 355 and wait for the manga to conclude.
Key Takeaways: Inuyasha Anime to Manga Guide
- The Original Anime’s End Point: The first 167-episode anime series concludes at manga chapter 355, leaving the story on a significant cliffhanger.
Your Manga Starting Point: To continue the story without missing any canon content, you must start reading at chapter 356, which is the beginning of Volume 36.
The Role of ‘The Final Act’: The 26-episode sequel series, Inuyasha: The Final Act, is a direct adaptation of the rest of the manga, covering chapters 356 through 558.
The Pacing Trade-Off: While The Final Act provides the anime conclusion, it is extremely rushed. For the full story with all character development and emotional depth, reading the manga is the recommended path.
Canon vs. Filler: The manga is 100% canon story. The original anime contains significant amounts of anime-only filler, while The Final Act has zero filler but cuts canon scenes for time.
The Definitive Conclusion: Both the manga and The Final Act share the same ending, which concludes with chapter 558, “Toward Tomorrow.” The manga’s version is simply more detailed.
Final Thoughts on Completing the Inuyasha Saga
Navigating the end of the Inuyasha anime and the start of the manga can seem complex, but it boils down to a simple choice. You now have a clear roadmap to the story’s complete and satisfying conclusion. Whether you choose the fast-paced plot resolution of Inuyasha: The Final Act or the richly detailed emotional journey of the manga from chapter 356 onward, you are equipped to make the best decision for your experience.
The most important thing is that you no longer have to be left hanging by the 2004 cliffhanger. The full, epic conclusion to Inuyasha and Kagome’s adventure awaits. The only question left is how you’ll choose to experience it.
Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
