Wondering where the My Deer Friend Nokotan anime ends in the manga? You’ve finished the wild ride of the anime and need to know exactly where to pick up the story. You’re looking for a clear, direct answer to continue the chaos without missing a beat.
The anime adaptation of My Deer Friend Nokotan concludes its story by adapting manga content up to Chapter 39, which is in Volume 6. For the best reading experience, it is recommended to start from Chapter 31 to account for how the anime rearranges some events.
Based on detailed analysis of the source material and community consensus, this guide provides a definitive roadmap. It will explain the exact ending point, the best chapter to start reading from, and the key differences between the anime and the ongoing manga. You’ll get everything you need to seamlessly transition from watching to reading.
Key Facts
- Definitive Anime Endpoint: The anime adaptation covers events up to Chapter 39 of the manga, located in Volume 6.
- Manga is Ongoing: The My Deer Friend Nokotan manga is not finished; as of 2026, new chapters are still being released on the Magazine Pocket digital platform.
- Recommended Start Point: To ensure a seamless transition, it is best to start reading from Chapter 31 in Volume 5, as the anime rearranges the order of events.
- Anime-Original Content: The anime includes some scenes not found in the original manga, such as Nokotan changing her fur and elements of the final episode’s plot.
- Studio and Creator: The anime was produced by the acclaimed WIT STUDIO, known for Attack on Titan and Spy x Family, while the original manga is written and illustrated by Oshioshio.
Where Does the My Deer Friend Nokotan Anime End in the Manga?
The definitive answer is that the anime adaptation of My Deer Friend Nokotan (also known as Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan) concludes by covering the manga’s storyline up to Chapter 39. This chapter is located in Volume 6 of the published manga. Analysis confirms that while the anime rearranges the sequence of some events for pacing, it faithfully adapts the core content through this point.

For fans looking to jump from the anime series directly to the manga, knowing this endpoint is crucial. The 12-episode anime, produced by WIT STUDIO, captures the surreal comedy and chaotic energy of the Deer Club’s adventures. However, the story created by Oshioshio continues well beyond the anime’s conclusion. The anime’s finale wraps up a specific arc but leaves the door open for viewers to explore the ongoing source material.
Understanding this conversion point allows you to dive into new stories without rereading content you’ve already watched. While the anime covers the main plot, some minor jokes and bonus “omake” pages from the manga were not included. For instance, a two-page backstory for the character Iris at the end of Chapter 39 was skipped in the adaptation.
What Is the Recommended Starting Chapter in the Manga After the Anime?
To best continue the My Deer Friend Nokotan story, you should start reading the manga from Volume 5, Chapter 31. While the anime technically concludes with events from Chapter 39, its adaptation is non-linear. The studio rearranged the order of several chapters to create a more suitable flow for an episodic TV format. Starting at Chapter 31 ensures you get the most seamless transition.
Here’s why starting at Chapter 31 is the recommended approach for a complete experience:
- Non-Linear Adaptation: The anime shuffles the timeline of events. Jumping straight to Chapter 40 means you might miss context or character interactions that the anime placed in a different order.
- Full Context: Beginning at Chapter 31 provides the full context for the anime’s final arc, presenting events in the order the author, Oshioshio, originally intended.
- No Missed Details: This starting point guarantees you won’t miss any smaller gags or character moments that were adapted but potentially rearranged within the last few episodes.
From a practical implementation standpoint, this approach is superior to simply jumping to the chapter after the endpoint. It respects the differences between the two mediums and prioritizes the reader’s understanding. Detailed analysis shows that this ensures you bridge the gap between the anime and manga without any confusion.
How Does the Anime Adaptation Compare to the Manga?
The anime adaptation produced by WIT STUDIO is largely faithful to the spirit and comedy of the manga, but there are key differences in event order, original content, and skipped material. A comprehensive comparison reveals that while the core story is the same, the experience of each format is unique. The anime features some anime-original content, most notably in the final episode’s plot points and a scene where Nokotan changes her fur.
For viewers deciding whether to read from the beginning or from the recommended starting point, this comparison provides a clear overview.
| Feature/Aspect | Anime Adaptation (Season 1) | Manga Source Material |
|---|---|---|
| Final Adapted Content | Ends around the events of Chapter 39 | Ongoing, currently past Chapter 43. |
| Recommended Start Chapter | N/A | Chapter 31 (Volume 5). |
| Event Order | Non-linear; chapters are rearranged for pacing. | Follows a chronological chapter-by-chapter order. |
| Anime-Original Content | Yes, includes scenes like Nokotan changing her fur and elements of the final episode’s plot. | Does not contain these specific anime-added scenes. |
| Skipped/Altered Content | Skips some minor jokes and end-of-chapter “omake” pages (e.g., a 2-page backstory for Iris at the end of Chapter 39). | Includes all original jokes and bonus content from author Oshioshio. |
Anime-Original Scenes
A key aspect that differentiates the anime is the inclusion of original scenes. These were likely added by the scriptwriters to enhance a particular gag or to create a more conclusive feeling for the season finale. The scene where Nokotan’s fur changes color, for example, is an anime-only event that does not appear in the source material. These additions make the anime a fresh experience even for dedicated manga readers.
Skipped Manga Content
To fit the story into a 12-episode run, the anime had to trim some content. This mostly includes minor jokes and the bonus content known as “omake,” which are extra comics Oshioshio adds at the end of chapters. While not essential to the main plot, these omake often provide funny character insights or backstories, like the one for Iris at the end of Chapter 39. Reading the manga ensures you experience every bit of the creator’s intended humor.
Is the My Deer Friend Nokotan Manga Finished and Where Can You Read It?
No, the My Deer Friend Nokotan manga is not finished as of 2026. The series is currently ongoing, with new chapters being released regularly. Fans who finish the anime will be glad to know there is much more of the Deer Club’s chaotic story to enjoy. The manga’s publication journey has been an interesting one for followers of the series.
Publication Status Update
The My Deer Friend Nokotan manga was originally serialized in Kodansha’s Shonen Magazine Edge. However, that magazine ceased publication in October 2023. Rather than ending the series, the manga was transferred to Kodansha’s popular Magazine Pocket digital platform in December 2023, where it has continued its serialization without interruption. This move to a digital-first format ensures the story can continue for the foreseeable future.
Where to Read the Manga Officially
Supporting the official release is the best way to show appreciation for the creator’s work. Here are the primary channels where you can read My Deer Friend Nokotan:
- Japanese Release: The latest chapters are released in Japanese on the Magazine Pocket website and app.
- English Release: The official English-language publisher for the series is Seven Seas Entertainment. They release the manga in collected volumes, which can be purchased from major booksellers and digital manga platforms.
FAQs About My Deer Friend Nokotan
Will There Be a My Deer Friend Nokotan Season 2?
As of 2026, a second season has not been announced, and it is unlikely in the immediate future. The main reason is the lack of available source material. The first anime season adapted approximately 30 chapters, and with the manga currently around Chapter 43, there isn’t enough new content yet to produce a full second season.
What Genre is My Deer Friend Nokotan?
The series is a surreal comedy and slice-of-life manga. It revolves around the absurd daily activities of the main characters, driven by the bizarre and unexplainable nature of the deer-girl, Nokotan. While it has elements of the “Cute Girls Doing Cute Things” (CGDCT) genre, its humor is far more chaotic and unhinged.
Who is the Creator of My Deer Friend Nokotan?
The creator of the My Deer Friend Nokotan manga is the author and artist Oshioshio. They are responsible for both the story and the unique art style of the original manga that the anime is based on.
Is It Necessary to Read the Manga from the Beginning?
It is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended for the full experience. The anime does an excellent job capturing the main plot points, but it does rearrange chapters and skip some minor jokes. Reading from Chapter 1 allows you to experience the story in its original intended order and enjoy all the bonus content.
What Studio Animated My Deer Friend Nokotan?
The anime was animated by WIT STUDIO. This is a highly respected animation studio in Japan, famous for its high-quality work on major hits like the first three seasons of Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga, and Spy x Family.
Final Thoughts
You now have a complete and clear roadmap to continue your My Deer Friend Nokotan journey. Knowing that the anime ends at Chapter 39 and the recommended starting point is Chapter 31 gives you the confidence to dive into the manga without missing a single moment of the Deer Club’s chaotic adventures. The ongoing manga promises even more of the surreal comedy and bizarre friendships that made the anime a breakout hit.
Whether you choose to jump straight to Chapter 31 or start from the very beginning to catch every last joke, you’re now perfectly equipped to explore the source material. The world created by Oshioshio is even more expansive and hilarious on the page. What has been your favorite chaotic moment from the series so far?
Last update on 2026-02-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API