Finished the Princess Jellyfish anime and feel like the story is far from over? You’re right. That bittersweet ending leaves many fans wondering where to pick up the story and see what truly happens to Tsukimi and The Amars.
The Princess Jellyfish anime ends around Volume 4, Chapter 21 of the manga. However, due to slight plot divergences in the final episodes, the best and cleanest place to start reading to continue the story is Volume 5, Chapter 22. This ensures you don’t re-read altered events and dive straight into new material.
Based on an analysis of the complete 17-volume source material by author Akiko Higashimura, this guide provides the exact starting point. You will discover precisely how the anime’s ending differs from the canon manga. This guide covers the new story arcs you have to look forward to.
Key Facts
- Incomplete Adaptation: The 11-episode anime from 2026 only adapts the first 4 of the 17 total manga volumes, covering less than 25% of the complete story.
- Manga is Finished: The original manga series by Akiko Higashimura is complete, having run from 2008 to 2017 and concluding with 81 chapters.
- Primary Plot Divergence: The anime creates a quick, convenient ending for the “Saving Amamizukan” plot, which is a major, long-running conflict in the manga.
- No Season 2 Expected: Given the anime’s age and the manga’s completed status, a second season is considered extremely unlikely by industry analysis.
- Multiple Adaptations Exist: Beyond the anime, Princess Jellyfish was also adapted into a live-action film in 2014 and a Japanese television drama in 2018.
Where Does the Princess Jellyfish Anime End in the Manga? A Complete Guide
The anime adaptation of Princess Jellyfish concludes around Chapter 21 of the manga, but this isn’t the best place to start reading. While the final scenes of anime episode 11 correspond to the events of that chapter—the first Jellyfish fashion show—the anime writers created an original, condensed resolution to the story’s main conflict. This was a common practice to give TV-only viewers a sense of closure while encouraging them to buy the source material.
Because of this divergent ending, jumping directly into the manga where the anime “left off” can be slightly jarring. You’ll find yourself re-reading a key event that played out differently than you remember. To ensure a smooth transition and avoid any confusion, understanding the precise differences is key. This guide will give you the perfect starting point to continue the adventures of Tsukimi Kurashita and Kuranosuke Koibuchi without missing a beat.
What Is the Exact Chapter and Volume to Start the Manga After the Anime?
To continue the Princess Jellyfish story, you have two primary options: start at Chapter 21 for a direct continuation with some overlap, or start at Chapter 22 for a fresh beginning. Practical experience shows that starting with Chapter 22 provides a much cleaner reading experience.
Here is a breakdown of your two choices:
- ✅ Option 1 (The “Overlap” Start): Chapter 21 (Volume 4)
This chapter covers the climactic fashion show, the same event that concludes the anime. You should read this chapter if you want to see the original manga version of the finale and understand exactly how the anime changed things. It offers a direct comparison but involves re-reading a familiar plot point. ⭐ Option 2 (The Recommended Clean Start): Chapter 22 (Volume 5)
This is the ideal starting point for most readers. It picks up immediately after the fashion show, completely skipping the anime’s slightly altered conclusion. This chapter begins the very next story arc, introducing new challenges and diving straight into content you have never seen before.
To provide even more clarity, here is a general guide mapping the anime episodes to their corresponding manga chapters.
| Anime Episode (Brain’s Base, 2010) | Corresponding Manga Chapters (Approx.) | Key Events Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1-3 | Chapters 1-8 (Volume 1) | Tsukimi meets Kuranosuke, Introduction of The Amars |
| Episode 4-6 | Chapters 9-14 (Volume 2) | The plan to save Amamizukan, First dress design |
| Episode 7-9 | Chapters 15-18 (Volume 3) | Shu’s amnesia, The Jellyfish brand is born |
| Episode 10-11 | Chapters 19-21 (Volume 4) | The first fashion show, Divergence point |
How Does the Anime’s Ending Differ From the Manga?
The anime’s ending differs significantly from the manga by providing a rushed, convenient resolution to the story’s central conflicts. In contrast, the manga uses these same conflicts as a foundation for long-term character and plot development that spans dozens of additional chapters. The anime offers a snapshot, while the manga tells the complete story.
The primary differences can be broken down into a few key areas:
- The “Saving Amamizukan” Plot: The anime resolves the threat to the Amars’ beloved home in the final episode. The manga, however, extends this struggle for many more volumes, making it the core motivation for the characters’ growth.
- The Jellyfish Brand: In the anime, the “Jellyfish” fashion brand is a nascent success from a single show. The manga explores its difficult and hilarious journey into a real, professional business with many triumphs and failures.
- Character Relationships: The anime leaves the romantic and platonic relationships between Tsukimi, Kuranosuke, and Shu highly ambiguous. The manga fully develops these dynamics, providing satisfying and conclusive character arcs for everyone.
What Key Plot Points Were Changed for the Anime’s Finale?
The most significant change is the resolution of the Amamizukan redevelopment threat. This plot point is the main driver of the anime’s second half.
In the anime, the threat is conveniently neutralized during the finale, providing a swift “happily ever after” for the residents. It feels like a quick fix to wrap up the story neatly for television.
In the manga, this is not the case at all. The fashion show in Chapter 21 does not immediately save their home. The fight to protect Amamizukan becomes a central, long-term conflict. It forces Tsukimi and The Amars to get serious about their Jellyfish fashion brand as a means to earn enough money to save their building, a far more realistic and engaging storyline.
How Do Key Character Relationships Evolve Differently?
The manga provides significantly more depth and a conclusive ending for the key character relationships, especially the central love triangle. The anime only has time to introduce the complex feelings between Tsukimi, Kuranosuke, and his brother Shu.
- The Love Triangle: The manga fully explores the romantic feelings between the three leads. It delves deep into Kuranosuke’s evolving affection for Tsukimi, her own confused heart, and Shu’s steadfast admiration. This emotional journey is a cornerstone of the post-anime story.
- The Amars’ Growth: While the anime shows The Amars beginning to come out of their shells, the manga gives each of them individual character arcs. They are forced to confront the professional world, develop new skills, and find their own confidence far beyond what the anime had time to show.
What Major Story Arcs Does the Manga Cover After the Anime? (Spoiler-Free)
After the anime ends, the Princess Jellyfish manga continues for another 13 volumes, covering several major story arcs. If you loved the characters and the world, you have a massive amount of new content to look forward to. Think of the anime as just the first act of a three-act play.
Here are the key plotlines you’ll discover in the manga, without any spoilers:
- 🎭 The Jellyfish Brand Goes Pro: The story follows Tsukimi and The Amars as they attempt to turn their creative passion into a legitimate fashion business. This involves navigating industry sharks, production challenges, and the hilarious difficulties of otaku trying to run a company.
- 👪 The Koibuchi Family Drama: The complex political family of Kuranosuke and Shu becomes a major focus. Their history, their powerful parents, and the expectations placed upon them create significant drama that directly impacts Tsukimi and the Amamizukan.
- 💑 Resolution of the Love Triangle: The manga does not leave you hanging. The story takes its time to thoughtfully and realistically explore the feelings between Tsukimi, Kuranosuke, and Shu, leading to a definitive and emotionally satisfying conclusion.
- 🌟 The Amars’ Personal Growth: Each of the quirky residents of Amamizukan gets their own moment to shine. The manga explores their individual passions, fears, and journeys toward self-acceptance in a way the anime could only hint at.
Where Can You Legally Read or Buy the Princess Jellyfish Manga?
The official English version of the Princess Jellyfish manga is published by Kodansha Comics and is widely available. Supporting the official release is the best way to honor the hard work of the creator, Akiko Higashimura. You can find the complete 17-volume series through several legal and accessible channels.
Here are the best places to find it:
- Digital Formats: For instant access on your tablet, phone, or e-reader.
- Amazon Kindle / ComiXology
- Apple Books
- Google Play Books
- Physical Volumes: For those who love having the book in their hands.
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Right Stuf Anime
- Your local comic book or bookstore
FAQs About where does the princess jellyfish anime end in the manga
Will there be a Princess Jellyfish Season 2?
It is extremely unlikely that Princess Jellyfish will get a Season 2. The original anime aired in 2010 primarily to promote the manga, which has since concluded its story in 2017. With over a decade passed and the source material complete, the studio Brain’s Base has moved on, and there is no narrative or financial incentive for a new season.
Is the Princess Jellyfish manga finished?
Yes, the Princess Jellyfish (Kuragehime) manga is complete. The series, written and illustrated by Akiko Higashimura, concluded in 2017. It consists of 81 chapters, which have been collected into 17 tankōbon volumes. Fans can read the entire story from start to finish without waiting for new installments.
Does the Princess Jellyfish anime follow the manga closely?
For the most part, yes, the anime is a faithful adaptation of the first 21 chapters. It successfully captures the characters, comedic tone, and major plot points of the early manga volumes. The only significant divergence is in the final episode, where the “Saving Amamizukan” arc is given a quick, anime-original conclusion.
What is the genre of Princess Jellyfish?
Princess Jellyfish is primarily a Josei manga, meaning its target audience is adult women. It blends the genres of slice of life, romantic comedy, and drama. The story focuses on realistic themes common to the Josei demographic, including self-acceptance, social anxiety, friendship, romance, and navigating creative passions in a professional setting.
Do Tsukimi and Kuranosuke end up together in the manga?
The manga provides a definitive conclusion to the relationship between Tsukimi and Kuranosuke. While the anime leaves their future ambiguous, the manga dedicates a significant portion of its story to exploring their complex feelings for each other and Shu’s role in the love triangle. Reading the manga is the only way to see the official, canon resolution.
How many volumes are in the Princess Jellyfish manga?
The complete Princess Jellyfish manga series consists of 17 volumes. The official English release from Kodansha Comics is available as individual paperbacks or in two comprehensive box sets. The box sets often represent a more economical way to purchase the entire series at once.
Is it worth reading the Princess Jellyfish manga from the beginning?
Yes, reading the manga from Chapter 1 is highly recommended, even if you have seen the anime. While the adaptation is excellent, the manga contains more subtle character details, background gags, and richer development for the side characters in The Amars. Experiencing Akiko Higashimura’s original artwork and paneling is also a unique pleasure.
Was there a Princess Jellyfish live-action adaptation?
Yes, Princess Jellyfish has been adapted into both a live-action movie (2014) and a Japanese TV drama (2018). Both live-action versions offer slightly different interpretations of the story but generally follow the main plot points established in the manga. They are another fun way for fans to experience the world of Amamizukan.
Why did the anime end on a cliffhanger?
The anime’s ending feels like a cliffhanger because it was a common marketing strategy to drive manga sales. The 11-episode run on Japan’s noitaminA programming block served as a highly effective advertisement for Akiko Higashimura’s ongoing series. It introduced the charming world and its characters to a wide audience, encouraging them to buy the books to find out what happens next.
Is Kuragehime and Princess Jellyfish the same thing?
Yes, Kuragehime is the original Japanese title for the series. “Kurage” means jellyfish and “Hime” means princess, making Princess Jellyfish a direct and accurate translation. Fans often use both names interchangeably, with Kuragehime being particularly common among those familiar with the original Japanese release.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Princess Jellyfish Story
Finishing the Princess Jellyfish anime can feel bittersweet; you’ve fallen in love with Tsukimi, Kuranosuke, and the wonderfully quirky Amars, only for the story to stop just as it’s getting started. The good news is that the anime was merely the prologue to a much richer, deeper, and more satisfying narrative. By picking up the manga at Chapter 22, you are not just continuing the story—you are stepping into the complete, canon world as author Akiko Higashimura intended it to be told.
You will witness the Jellyfish brand’s hilarious and heartfelt journey from a hobby into a real business, watch the complex love triangle resolve in a mature way, and see every member of The Amars find their own strength. The journey from anime to manga is the definitive way to get the closure and character development you’re looking for. Happy reading
Last update on 2026-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
