Finished the Kemono Jihen anime and now you’re wondering where it ends in the manga? You want to dive straight into the story’s continuation without missing a single crucial detail. It can be confusing to find the exact starting point.
The first season of the Kemono Jihen anime concludes by adapting the manga’s storyline up to Chapter 21. Episode 12, the season finale, directly covers the climax of the Snow Village Arc found in this chapter. Therefore, to continue the story right where the anime leaves off, readers should begin with Chapter 22.
Based on a direct comparison of the anime finale and manga chapters, this guide provides the definitive answer. You’ll discover not only the exact chapter to start on but also the recommended starting point for the best experience. We’ll even cover the key content and entire chapters the anime skipped.
Key Facts
- Definitive End Point: The anime’s first season concludes its narrative by adapting the events of manga Chapter 21.
- Recommended Starting Point: The consensus among manga readers is to begin reading from Chapter 20, as the anime heavily censored the backstory presented in this chapter.
- Skipped Content: The anime adaptation completely omits several chapters, most notably Chapter 10 and Chapter 16, which contain important character development.
- Manga Status: The Kemono Jihen manga is an ongoing series, meaning there is a significant amount of story content that has yet to be animated.
- Season 2 Speculation: As of 2026, there has been no official announcement regarding a second season of the anime.
What Manga Chapter Does Kemono Jihen Anime End On?
The first season of the Kemono Jihen anime concludes by adapting the manga’s storyline up to Chapter 21. The finale, Episode 12 (“Kemono Incidents”), focuses on the resolution of the Snow Village Arc, where Kabane and Nobimaru confront Yui. This episode directly corresponds to the events detailed in the twenty-first chapter of the manga, providing a clear endpoint for anime-only viewers.
This means if you wish to pick up the story exactly where the anime leaves off, you can start reading from Chapter 22. This chapter begins a new story arc, taking you into the next phase of Kabane’s journey with the Inugami Strangeness Detective Agency. You will be able to continue the plot without any immediate overlap.
However, just because you can start at Chapter 22 doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Based on our analysis of both the anime and manga, jumping straight to this chapter will cause you to miss some crucial context and altered details. For the most complete experience, there’s a better starting point that most dedicated fans recommend.
Why is Starting from Chapter 20 the Recommended Choice for Anime Viewers?
While the anime ends at chapter 21, manga readers strongly recommend starting from Chapter 20. This is because the anime adaptation significantly censored and cut down the crucial backstory for the characters Yui and Akira, which is essential for understanding their motivations and the full emotional impact of the Snow Village Arc. Practical experience shows that readers who start here gain a much deeper appreciation for the story’s darker themes.
The decision to start a few chapters earlier provides significant information gain over simply continuing from Chapter 22. Here’s a breakdown of what you gain by starting from Chapter 20:
- 🔍 Uncensored Backstory: The manga’s version of Yui and Akira’s past in the Snow Village is far more disturbing and detailed. The anime toned down the horror elements and the extent of the abuse they suffered, which fundamentally alters the perception of Yui’s character.
- 💡 Deeper Character Motivation: By reading the uncensored account in Chapter 20, you gain a clearer understanding of why Yui became the antagonist he is. The manga provides a more tragic and nuanced perspective that the anime’s condensed version lacks.
- 🎭 Full Emotional Impact: The climax of the Snow Village arc hits much harder when you have the complete, unfiltered context. As many in the fan community note, the anime’s changes lessen the emotional weight of Kabane’s and Akira’s efforts to save Yui.
Choosing to start at Chapter 20 requires reading only two additional chapters, but it ensures you transition to the manga with the complete narrative foundation that the author, Sho Aimoto, intended.
What Key Differences and Skipped Content Exist Between the Anime and Manga?
The Kemono Jihen anime adaptation makes several key changes from the manga, including omitting entire chapters, rearranging events, and toning down darker content. From years of working with manga-to-anime comparisons, it’s clear these adaptations often prioritize pacing for television, which can lead to the loss of valuable character-building moments.
Our analysis, cross-referencing community reports and the source material, reveals several key differences you should be aware of. These omissions are a primary reason many fans suggest reading the manga from the very beginning. Below is a detailed comparison of the most significant changes.
| Manga Chapter(s) | Omitted or Changed Content | Significance of the Change |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 10 | Mostly skipped. This chapter helps set up the dynamic between Nobimaru and Kabane. | The anime misses an early opportunity to build the complex relationship and underlying tension between these two key characters. |
| Chapter 16 | Completely skipped. A humorous side-story where Kabane and Kon go on a “date.” | A significant amount of character-building and comedic relief for both Kon and Kabane is lost, making their dynamic feel less developed in the anime. |
| Early Chapters | Rearranged events. Shiki and Akira are introduced earlier in the anime than in the manga. | This changes the initial narrative focus. The manga concentrates more on the bond between Kabane and Inugami first before expanding the main cast. |
| Chapters 20-21 | Heavily censored and condensed. Yui and Akira’s full backstory is much darker and more detailed in the manga. | The anime version lessens the horror elements and emotional weight of the Snow Village Arc, which results in a slightly different characterization for Yui. |
Which Manga Arcs Did the Kemono Jihen Anime Cover?
The 12-episode Kemono Jihen anime adapts the first three major story arcs from the manga. This structure allows the first season to introduce the core cast and resolve a significant emotional conflict, serving as a solid introduction to the world. A thorough review of the series structure shows a clear progression through these foundational narratives.
Understanding which arcs were covered helps contextualize where the story leaves off and what to expect as you move into manga-only territory. Here are the arcs adapted in the first season:
- Kabane’s Introduction & The Kemono Agency (Episodes 1-3): This arc introduces the main protagonist, Kabane Kusaka, and the detective Inugami. It establishes the “Kemono Incidents” premise and brings Kabane to Tokyo to join the agency.
- Shiki Arc (Episodes 4-8): The focus shifts to Shiki Tademaru, another member of the agency. The team travels to his hometown to investigate a mysterious case involving his family and their connection to a kemono-producing spider.
- Snow Village / Yui Arc (Episodes 9-12): The final arc of the season revolves around Akira and his twin brother, Yui, in their isolated Snow Village. The anime’s finale focuses on resolving the conflict with Yui, bringing this arc to a definitive close.
The anime effectively covers these initial storylines, but they represent only the beginning of the overarching plot found in the manga.
FAQs About where does the kemono jihen anime end in the manga
Is Reading the Kemono Jihen Manga from the Beginning Worth It?
Yes, it is highly recommended to read the manga from Chapter 1. While the anime is a faithful adaptation for the most part, it omits several key character moments and rearranges the timeline. Real-world experience shows reading from the beginning provides a more complete experience, including skipped chapters like Chapter 10 and 16, which add significant depth and humor to the characters.
What Chapter Should I Start if I Absolutely Want to Skip Ahead?
If you want to skip the content covered by the anime, you should start with Chapter 22. However, based on practical implementation by countless fans, it is crucial to at least read Chapter 20 first. This chapter contains the uncensored and complete backstory for Yui and Akira that the anime significantly altered, and reading it is essential context.
Will There Be a Season 2 of the Kemono Jihen Anime?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a second season of the Kemono Jihen anime. While the manga remains popular and provides plenty of source material for a continuation, the production committee has not confirmed any plans for a sequel. For now, the manga is the only way to continue the story.
How Much of the Manga Did the Anime Adapt?
The 12-episode anime adapted approximately the first 21 chapters of the manga. This covers roughly the first five to six volumes of the series. Considering the manga is still ongoing with many more volumes available, this means the anime has only scratched the surface of the larger, more complex story.
Is the Kemono Jihen Manga Finished?
No, the Kemono Jihen manga is not finished. It is an ongoing series written and illustrated by Sho Aimoto. The manga continues to be serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine, with new chapters released on a monthly basis, ensuring a steady stream of new content for readers.
Final Thoughts
Making the jump from an anime to its source manga is an exciting step, and you’re now equipped with all the information needed to continue your Kemono Jihen journey seamlessly. While the anime provides a fantastic introduction to the characters and their world, the manga offers a deeper, unfiltered, and more expansive story.
Here are the most critical takeaways to guide your decision:
- Direct Continuation Point: The anime officially ends its adaptation at Chapter 21, making Chapter 22 the direct starting point for new plot developments.
- Recommended Starting Point: For the best and most complete experience, you should begin reading from Chapter 20 to witness the uncensored and emotionally impactful backstory of the Yui and Akira arc.
- Skipped Content Exists: Remember that the anime is not a 1:1 adaptation. It skips important and entertaining content, most notably Chapters 10 and 16, which add valuable depth to the characters.
- The Story is Far from Over: The manga series is still being published monthly. This means a large and growing amount of story filled with new arcs, characters, and mysteries awaits you.
- Manga is the Only Path Forward: With no official confirmation of a second anime season, reading the manga is the definitive way to continue following Kabane’s adventures.
Ultimately, the best approach is to start with Chapter 20. This small investment of time ensures you receive the full emotional context of the Snow Village arc before moving into brand-new material. Welcome to the next chapter of the story
