Wondering where the Smile Down the Runway anime ends in the manga? You want to jump into the source material and continue the story without missing a single beat of Ikuto and Chiyuki’s journey. It’s a common desire for fans left wanting more.
The ‘Smile Down the Runway’ anime concludes at Chapter 76 of the manga. This chapter corresponds to the end of the 12th episode, wrapping up the climactic Tokyo Fashion Week arc. To continue the story directly from where the anime leaves off, you should begin reading from Chapter 77.
Based on a detailed analysis of the source material, this guide will not only give you the exact starting point but also reveal why simply jumping to Chapter 77 might cause you to miss the story’s true heart. You’ll discover the crucial differences between the anime and the manga.
Key Facts
- Anime Conclusion Point: The 12-episode anime adaptation concludes its story at Chapter 76, which is part of the 9th volume of the manga.
- Manga Completion Status: The original manga, written by Kotoba Inoya, is complete, with a total of 194 chapters collected across 22 volumes.
- Skipped Content Warning: The anime adaptation significantly compresses the story, skipping numerous sub-plots and crucial character development moments found in the first 76 chapters.
- Unadapted Story: By ending at Chapter 76, the anime covers less than 40% of the entire manga, leaving 118 chapters of story unadapted.
- Official Source: The series was serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine, a prominent shōnen publication in Japan.
Where Does the Smile Down the Runway Anime End in the Manga?
The definitive answer is that the Smile Down the Runway anime ends at Chapter 76 of the manga. This chapter marks the conclusion of the 12th and final episode of the anime series. It covers the immediate aftermath of the Tokyo Fashion Week, where both aspiring designer Ikuto Tsumura and determined model Chiyuki Fujito face the results of their hard-fought battles.
This specific point in the story serves as a major turning point for the main characters. Therefore, for a direct continuation, you can pick up the manga at Chapter 77. This chapter begins a new arc, exploring the professional consequences and opportunities that arise from the events of the fashion festival. However, a crucial question remains for any dedicated fan.
But is starting at Chapter 77 the best way to experience the story? The anime adaptation, while a great introduction, made significant cuts to fit a vast story into a short run. For the full, uncompromised experience, a different approach is highly recommended.
Why Should You Read the Manga From Chapter 1 Instead of Starting at Chapter 77?
It is highly recommended to read the Smile Down the Runway manga from Chapter 1 because the anime adaptation skips and condenses a significant amount of content. The 12-episode format required the animation studio, Ezóla, to perform narrative compression—squeezing 76 chapters of story into a very limited runtime. This decision inevitably led to the removal of important sub-plots and character-building moments that provide crucial depth to the fashion world and its inhabitants.
While the anime nails the core emotional journey of Ikuto and Chiyuki, starting from the beginning of the manga offers a much richer and more complete narrative. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Kotoba Inoya’s original vision, which is more detailed, nuanced, and emotionally resonant.
Here’s a glimpse of what you miss by not starting from the beginning:
- Deeper Character Development: The inner struggles and motivations of the supporting cast, especially Kokoro Hasegawa and Toh Ayano, are significantly fleshed out in the manga.
- Expanded World-Building: The manga spends more time explaining the intricacies of the fashion industry, from design principles to the business side of running a brand.
- Crucial Emotional Moments: Small, heartfelt interactions, particularly between Ikuto and his family, are often omitted in the anime but are essential for understanding his drive and sacrifices.
- Proper Pacing: The manga’s deliberate pacing allows emotional moments to land with greater impact, whereas the anime often has to rush from one plot point to the next.
What Major Character Arcs and Sub-plots Did the Anime Skip?
To understand the real value of starting from Chapter 1, it helps to see concrete examples of what was left on the cutting room floor. The anime’s accelerated pacing most heavily impacted the supporting cast, whose stories are vital to the overarching themes of ambition and rivalry.
Here are the most significant omissions:
- ✅ Kokoro Hasegawa’s Full Arc: The anime rushes through Kokoro’s internal conflict between her prestigious modeling career and her hidden passion for fashion design. The manga gives her struggle much more screen time, including her time at her agency and the full emotional weight of her decisions during the Geiko University festival arc.
- ✅ Toh Ayano’s Backstory and Motivation: In the anime, Toh can come across as a somewhat one-dimensional prodigy and rival. The manga provides a much deeper look into his background, his family, and the events that fuel his intense drive and complex relationship with his craft, making his rivalry with Ikuto far more compelling.
- ✅ Ikuto’s Family Life and Early Struggles: The anime shows that Ikuto is motivated by his family’s financial hardship, but the manga includes many smaller, poignant moments with his sisters. These scenes flesh out their relationships and add significant emotional depth to his journey, making his sacrifices feel even more profound.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Smile Down the Runway Anime and Manga?
While both the anime and manga follow the same core plot, they offer distinct experiences due to the inherent differences in their mediums and adaptation choices. Understanding these distinctions can help you appreciate why the manga is considered the definitive version of the story.
Here is a direct comparison of the two formats:
| Aspect | Anime Adaptation | Original Manga (Source Material) |
|---|---|---|
| Pacing | Very fast; adapts 76 chapters in 12 episodes, leading to narrative compression. | Deliberate and well-paced, allowing for character and plot to breathe. |
| Content | Skips or condenses several sub-plots and character-building moments. | Contains the complete story, including all character arcs and world-building. |
| Art & Detail | Good, but simplifies many designs for animation. Focus is on movement. | Highly detailed fashion illustrations; Kotoba Inoya’s intricate designs are a highlight. |
| Character Arcs | Focuses mainly on Ikuto and Chiyuki; supporting cast development is limited. | Provides rich, in-depth development for the entire cast, including Kokoro and Toh. |
What Happens in the Manga After the Anime Ends? (Spoiler-Light Overview)
After the anime ends, the manga’s scope expands dramatically, following Ikuto and Chiyuki as they take their first real steps into the professional fashion world. The story moves beyond high school competitions and into the high-stakes reality of building a career. The 118 unadapted chapters offer a full and satisfying continuation of their journey.
Here is a spoiler-light preview of the major themes you’ll explore:
- Ikuto’s Brand Launch: The story delves deep into the challenges Ikuto faces as he attempts to launch his very own fashion brand. This arc explores the business, manufacturing, and marketing side of the industry.
- Chiyuki’s International Career: Chiyuki’s dream of walking the Paris runway becomes her primary focus. She faces a whole new level of competition and must prove her worth on the world’s biggest stage.
- Formidable New Rivals: Both Ikuto and Chiyuki encounter new, incredibly skilled rivals who push them to their absolute limits and force them to evolve their talents.
- The Ultimate Goal: The manga continues all the way to a definitive conclusion, showing where the characters’ immense ambition ultimately takes them both professionally and personally.
FAQs About where does the smile down the runway anime end in the manga
Is the Smile Down the Runway manga finished?
Yes, the Smile Down the Runway manga is complete. The series, written by Kotoba Inoya, concluded its serialization in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine on July 14, 2021. The entire story is collected in a total of 22 tankōbon volumes, with the final chapter being number 194.
How many chapters does Smile Down the Runway have in total?
The manga has a total of 194 chapters. These chapters are collected into 22 volumes. With the anime only covering up to Chapter 76, there are 118 chapters of new story content for anime-only fans to read and enjoy.
Will there be a Smile Down the Runway season 2?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a Season 2 of Smile Down the Runway. While the manga provides more than enough source material for another season, the anime’s first season was not a massive commercial hit. Fans remain hopeful, but it is unlikely to be produced soon.
What volume should I buy to continue after the anime?
To continue where the anime left off, you should start with manga Volume 9. The anime concludes at Chapter 76, which is the second-to-last chapter in Volume 9. To ensure a smooth transition, beginning with Volume 9 is the best approach.
Is Runway de Waratte the same as Smile Down the Runway?
Yes, they are the same series. Runway de Waratte (ランウェイで笑って) is the official Japanese title of the manga. Smile Down the Runway is the official English title used for international releases and the anime adaptation.
What is the final ending of the Smile Down the Runway manga?
The manga ends with a significant time skip, showing where Ikuto and Chiyuki are in their respective careers a decade later. It provides a definitive and satisfying conclusion to their professional and personal journeys, resolving their long-standing ambitions in the fashion world without leaving any major threads hanging.
Does the anime have an original ending?
No, the anime does not have an original ending. It faithfully adapts the manga up to the conclusion of the Tokyo Fashion Week arc at Chapter 76. The ending is not anime-exclusive; it is a direct adaptation of a major milestone in the manga’s plot.
Is Smile Down the Runway a shonen or shojo?
It is officially a shōnen manga. Despite its focus on fashion and drama, which are often associated with shojo, it was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine, a prominent shōnen publication. Its themes of rivalry, ambition, and overcoming challenges align well with shōnen tropes.
Where can I read the Smile Down the Runway manga?
The official English release of Smile Down the Runway is licensed by Kodansha USA. You can purchase digital volumes on platforms like Amazon Kindle, BookWalker, and ComiXology. Physical volumes can also be purchased from major book retailers.
How much of the manga did the anime cover?
The 12-episode anime covered approximately 40% of the total manga. It adapted the first 76 chapters out of a total of 194. This means over half of the story, including the entire second half of the series, remains unadapted.
Final Thoughts
While you can technically jump into the Smile Down the Runway manga at Chapter 77, the real magic lies in starting from the very beginning. The anime serves as a fantastic, fast-paced introduction to the world of high fashion and the unwavering ambitions of Ikuto Tsumura and Chiyuki Fujito. However, it’s merely an appetizer.
The manga is the main course—a deeply satisfying, emotionally rich story with well-paced character development and a breathtaking attention to detail in its illustration. By reading from Chapter 1, you aren’t just re-reading a story you’ve already seen; you are experiencing the definitive, complete version for the first time. You are choosing to witness every small victory, every quiet moment of doubt, and every intricate design that solidifies Smile Down the Runway as a modern classic in the shōnen genre.
Last update on 2026-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
