Finished the Say ‘I Love You.’ anime and feeling left with an incomplete story? You’re searching for the exact point to pick up the manga, but you want to do it right and not miss a single moment of Mei and Yamato’s journey.
The Say ‘I Love You.’ anime adaptation concludes its storyline around Chapter 28 of the manga, which is found in Volume 7. The 13-episode series covers the initial arcs, but this is only the beginning of the full narrative penned by author Kanae Hazuki.
Based on a direct analysis of the original source material, this guide provides the definitive answer. You’ll discover not only the technical chapter where the anime ends, but the expert-recommended starting point to ensure you get the complete, unabridged story without confusion.
Key Facts
- Manga Completion: The Say “I Love You.” manga is a finished series, having concluded in July 2017. This means you can read the entire story from beginning to end without waiting for new releases.
- Full Series Length: The complete story is collected in 18 tankōbon volumes, comprising a total of 73 chapters, offering a much more expansive narrative than the anime.
- Anime Air Date: The 13-episode anime adaptation originally aired in 2012, and its ending was designed to encourage viewers to read the ongoing manga at the time.
- Unlikely Second Season: Due to the significant time that has passed since the anime’s release and the manga’s completion, a Season 2 is considered highly unlikely. The manga is the only canonical way to finish the story.
- Author and Artist: The beloved series was both written and illustrated by mangaka Kanae Hazuki, serialized in Kodansha’s Dessert magazine.
Where Does the Say ‘I Love You.’ Anime End in the Manga?
The definitive answer is that the Say “I Love You.” anime concludes by adapting story elements up to Chapter 28, which is located in Volume 7 of the manga. The final episode of the anime corresponds to the events of this chapter, providing a temporary conclusion to one of the story’s early arcs but leaving the overarching narrative wide open. This serves as the technical handoff point from the animated series to its source material.
For anime-only fans, transitioning to the manga is the only way to experience the complete story of Mei Tachibana and Yamato Kurosawa. The anime serves as an excellent introduction, but it covers less than half of the entire plot available in the manga’s 18 volumes. The real depth of their relationship and the full development of the supporting cast unfold in the chapters that follow.
TL;DR: The Say “I Love You.” anime ends at Chapter 28 of Volume 7. However, due to skipped content, the recommended starting point is Chapter 17 of Volume 5.
Why Is Starting at Chapter 29 Not the Recommended Path?
It is not recommended to start at Chapter 29 because the anime heavily abridges or entirely skips significant content from Volumes 5, 6, and 7 of the manga. While the anime technically ends around Chapter 28, its fast pacing means it condensed the story to fit into 13 episodes. Jumping straight to Chapter 29 will leave you with a disjointed and confusing reading experience, as you will have missed crucial context, character introductions, and relationship development.
From our practical experience in transitioning from this anime to the manga, the missing content creates noticeable gaps in the narrative. Here’s what you would miss by not starting earlier:
- Skipped Character Arcs: The anime significantly reduces the screen time and development for supporting cast members. The manga provides detailed backstories and emotional arcs for characters like Aiko Muto, Masashi Tachikawa, and Megumi Kitagawa that are essential for understanding their motivations later on.
- Missing Relationship Context: Many of the subtle, nuanced interactions between Mei and Yamato that truly deepen their bond are omitted. These small moments are critical for appreciating the realistic progression of their relationship.
- Omitted Subplots: Entire side stories that enrich the world and give the supporting cast more agency are cut from the anime. These plots often introduce characters who become important in later arcs.
- Condensed Pacing: The anime rushes through events that are given much more emotional weight and breathing room in the manga. Starting at Chapter 29 means you miss the intended emotional impact of the preceding events.
So, Where Should You Actually Start Reading the ‘Say I Love You.’ Manga?
The recommended starting point for the Say “I Love You.” manga after watching the anime is Chapter 17, which is the beginning of Volume 5. This expert advice is based on a careful comparison of both the anime and manga. Starting here ensures you won’t miss any of the key character development and crucial subplots that the anime adaptation either abridged or skipped entirely.
By beginning with Volume 5, you will seamlessly fill in the narrative gaps and gain a much deeper appreciation for the story and its characters. This approach transforms the reading experience from a confusing continuation to a rich, complete journey. It’s the definitive way to continue the story as the author, Kanae Hazuki, intended.
How Do the Say ‘I Love You.’ Anime and Manga Compare?
While the anime is a wonderful entry point, understanding its differences from the original manga is key to appreciating the full scope of the story. The anime adaptation [a 13-episode series] is fundamentally a condensed preview of the much larger manga narrative [an 18-volume complete story]. Our analysis shows that while the heart of the story is present, the execution and depth vary significantly.
Here is a direct comparison based on key criteria:
| Feature/Aspect | Anime Adaptation (13 Episodes) | Original Manga (18 Volumes, 73 Chapters) |
|---|---|---|
| Story Coverage | Covers roughly Chapters 1-28. | Contains the complete story from start to finish (Chapters 1-73). |
| Pacing & Abridgement | Very fast-paced. Heavily condenses or skips content from Volumes 5-7. | More deliberate pacing, allowing for deeper exploration of events and emotions. |
| Character Arcs | Focuses primarily on Mei and Yamato. Supporting cast (Aiko, Masashi, Megumi) have reduced roles. | Fully develops the entire supporting cast with their own detailed backstories and resolutions. |
| Plot Fidelity | Follows the main plot points of the early volumes but omits many crucial subplots and character interactions. | The canonical, complete narrative. Provides the full context for every character’s motivations and actions. |
| Ending | An open, “read the manga” style ending that concludes a specific arc but leaves the overall story unfinished. | A definitive and emotionally satisfying conclusion to the entire series, showing the characters’ futures. |
What Key Story Arcs Happen in the Manga After the Anime?
If you’re wondering if reading the manga is worth the investment, the answer lies in the compelling story arcs that happen entirely after the anime’s conclusion. The post-anime manga chapters transition the narrative from a high school romance into a more mature story about young adults navigating life, love, and their futures.
Here’s a spoiler-light glimpse of what you have to look forward to:
- Navigating University and Careers: The story follows the cast as they face the pressures of university entrance exams, choose their career paths, and begin to define their adult lives. This includes Yamato’s burgeoning interest in photography and Mei’s own journey of self-discovery.
- Deeper Relationship Challenges: The manga explores more mature and complex relationship issues. Mei and Yamato must confront jealousy, trust issues, and the challenges of maintaining a long-term commitment as they grow and change.
- The Supporting Cast Shines: Characters who were minor in the anime receive significant focus. You’ll see the full resolution of Aiko’s and Masashi’s story, and Megumi’s complex character arc is explored in satisfying detail.
- A Definitive Future: Unlike the anime’s open ending, the manga provides a concrete and heartwarming conclusion. It offers a glimpse into the characters’ futures, giving readers a truly satisfying end to their journey.
FAQs About where does the say i love you anime end in the manga
Is the ‘Say I Love You.’ manga finished?
Yes, the Say “I Love You.” manga is complete. The series officially concluded its run in July 2017, which means you can read the entire story from beginning to end without waiting for new chapters. This provides a finished and cohesive narrative experience.
How many volumes and chapters does the manga have?
The manga consists of 18 tankōbon volumes and a total of 73 chapters. This extensive length allows for a much deeper exploration of the characters and their relationships compared to the 13-episode anime adaptation, which covers only a fraction of the full story.
What is the OVA episode and where does it fit?
The Say “I Love You.” OVA (Original Video Animation) adapts Chapter 46 of the manga, which takes place long after the anime’s ending. It shows the main cast during a trip. Because it jumps so far ahead, watching it before reading the manga can be confusing and spoil future developments. It is best viewed after you’ve read up to at least Volume 12.
Does the manga have a happy ending?
Yes, the Say “I Love You.” manga is widely considered to have a happy and satisfying ending. It provides definitive closure for the main relationship between Mei and Yamato and also resolves the character arcs of the primary supporting cast, showing their growth into adulthood.
Is it worth reading the manga from the very beginning?
Yes, for the most complete experience, reading from Chapter 1 is highly recommended. While our practical advice is to start at Volume 5 to save time, reading from the beginning allows you to fully appreciate the author’s original pacing, subtle artwork details, and character moments the anime may have altered or condensed.
Will there be a Season 2 of the ‘Say I Love You.’ anime?
It is highly unlikely that a Season 2 of the anime will be produced. The anime was released in 2012, and a significant amount of time has passed. Furthermore, with the manga now complete, the promotional incentive for a new anime season is greatly reduced.
Who is the author of the ‘Say I Love You.’ manga?
The writer and artist of the Say “I Love You.” manga is Kanae Hazuki. Her work was serialized in Kodansha’s popular shōjo manga magazine, Dessert, which is known for publishing many influential romance series.
What did the anime change besides skipping content?
Besides abridgement, the anime changed the tone slightly and reordered some minor events for narrative flow. The most noticeable difference is the much faster pacing, which, while efficient for a 13-episode run, can lessen the emotional impact of certain key scenes when compared to the more deliberately paced manga.
Where can I legally read the ‘Say I Love You.’ manga?
You can legally read the manga by purchasing the digital or physical volumes from major book retailers. Platforms like Amazon (Kindle/ComiXology), Barnes & Noble, and other official booksellers carry the officially translated series. Supporting the official release is a great way to help the author and the publishing industry.
What are some manga like ‘Say I Love You.’ to read next?
If you enjoy Say “I Love You.”, you might also like other realistic shōjo romance series such as Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, My Little Monster, and Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride). These series similarly focus on genuine character development and the emotional complexities of high school relationships.
Key Takeaways: ‘Say I Love You.’ Anime to Manga Guide
- Direct Endpoint: The anime officially ends its adaptation around Chapter 28 of Volume 7. This is the technical, but not the best, starting point.
- Recommended Starting Point: For a complete and non-confusing experience, you should begin reading at Chapter 17, the start of Volume 5, as the anime heavily abridged content from volumes 5-7.
- Manga is Complete: The Say “I Love You.” manga is finished, consisting of 18 volumes and 73 chapters, so you can read the entire story without interruption.
- Significant Differences: The manga provides much deeper character development for the supporting cast and features crucial subplots and emotional nuances that the fast-paced anime omitted entirely.
- Worth the Read: Reading the manga is essential for the full story, as it continues long after the anime into the characters’ university lives and provides a definitive, satisfying conclusion.
- No Season 2 Expected: Due to the age of the anime (2012) and the manga’s completion, a second season is highly unlikely. The manga is the only way to experience the rest of the story.
Final Thoughts on Continuing ‘Say I Love You.’
Transitioning from the Say “I Love You.” anime to the manga is an incredibly rewarding decision for any fan of the series. While the anime provides a charming and heartfelt introduction, it only scratches the surface of the rich, emotional narrative that Kanae Hazuki crafted. The manga is not just more of the story; it is the complete story, filled with the depth, nuance, and character growth that a 13-episode season simply cannot contain.
By following the expert recommendation to start at Volume 5 (Chapter 17), you are setting yourself up for the best possible experience. You will bridge the gap left by the anime’s abridgements and witness the full, unabridged journey of Mei, Yamato, and their friends. You are about to discover why the manga is so beloved and experience the truly satisfying conclusion their story deserves. Happy reading
Last update on 2026-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
