Finished the wonderfully chill Tanaka-kun is Always Listless anime and now you’re wondering where to find more of that premium-grade lethargy? You’ve come to the right place if you want to know exactly where the story continues in the manga.
The Tanaka-kun is Always Listless anime concludes its story by adapting material up to manga Chapter 39. To continue where the anime left off, you should begin reading at Chapter 40. This ensures a seamless transition from the anime’s ending in episode 12 to the rest of the manga’s narrative.
This accurate transition guide is based on a direct analysis of the anime and the source manga. You’ll discover not only where to start but also the crucial chapters the anime skipped, why a second season isn’t expected, and the best way to experience the full, complete story from its official sources.
Key Facts
- Anime Endpoint: The 12-episode anime series adapts manga content that concludes with the events of Chapter 39.
- Manga Starting Point: To continue the story without re-reading content, you must start with Chapter 40.
- Skipped Content: The anime adaptation skipped a total of 8 chapters (9, 16, 17, 25, 27, 32, 34, and 35) that are worth reading.
- Manga Completion: The manga series is finished, concluding its run with 145 chapters collected in 13 volumes.
- Season 2 Status: A second anime season is highly unlikely, as the source material it would promote has been complete since July 25, 2019.
Where Does the Tanaka-kun is Always Listless Anime End in the Manga?
The anime for Tanaka-kun is Always Listless concludes by adapting various chapters up to and including Chapter 39 of the manga. The final episode, episode 12, covers the culture festival arc, which aligns with the events in chapters 37 through 39. This means to pick up the story right where the anime’s narrative concludes, your starting point is unequivocally Chapter 40.
The 12-episode anime, produced by the studio Silver Link, covers a curated selection of stories from the first four volumes of the manga by Nozomi Uda. It does a fantastic job of capturing the series’ unique, relaxed atmosphere and comical character dynamics. However, the adaptation is not strictly linear.
But is it that simple? Just jumping to Chapter 40 will continue the main plot, but you would be missing out on key character interactions and hilarious side stories that were left on the cutting room floor. To get the full picture, you first need to know what the anime skipped.
What Manga Chapters Did the Tanaka-kun Anime Skip?
The anime adaptation skipped a total of 8 chapters within the material it covered. While the anime is a faithful adaptation in tone and spirit, it did not adapt every chapter from the first 39. Reading these missing chapters is highly recommended to appreciate the full depth of the character relationships and enjoy some excellent comedic moments.
For a complete and fulfilling reading experience, you should consider reading these unadapted chapters before or alongside your journey into the post-anime content. Here are the chapters the anime skipped:
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 32
- Chapter 34
- Chapter 35
To help you understand what you’d be missing, here is a complete chapter breakdown with brief synopses. This detailed list, based on a first-hand reader review, showcases the value hidden in these skipped stories.
| Skipped Chapter | Contained in Volume | Brief Synopsis & Reason to Read |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 9 | Volume 1 | A chapter focusing on Tanaka’s attempts to find the perfect napping spot in school, featuring more hilarious interactions with Ohta. Essential for understanding the core comedic dynamic. |
| Chapter 16 | Volume 2 | Features a story about Miyano’s apprenticeship under Tanaka to learn listlessness, showing a different side of her personality. |
| Chapter 17 | Volume 2 | Ohta gets sick, forcing Tanaka to try and navigate a day on his own. It highlights Tanaka’s dependence and Ohta’s importance. |
| Chapter 25 | Volume 3 | A deeper look into Echizen’s tough-girl persona and her surprising soft spots, particularly in her interactions with Miyano. |
| Chapter 27 | Volume 3 | This chapter is about Shiraishi’s struggle to maintain her perfect image while trying to get closer to Tanaka, a key part of her character arc. |
| Chapter 32 | Volume 3 | Tanaka and Ohta discuss the concept of “adulthood,” leading to comedic misunderstandings. Offers insight into their simple philosophies. |
| Chapter 34 | Volume 4 | A story centered around Tanaka’s little sister, Rino, and her interactions with Ohta’s sister, Saya. It builds the world outside the main classroom. |
| Chapter 35 | Volume 4 | The group tries to study for exams, but Tanaka’s listlessness proves to be a contagious force of procrastination. A classic group comedy chapter. |
Should You Read the Tanaka-kun Manga From the Beginning?
Deciding whether to start from Chapter 1 or jump straight to the new content is a common dilemma for fans transitioning from anime to manga. The anime is a very faithful adaptation, so the core story is intact. Your choice depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.
What Is the Benefit of Reading From Chapter 1?
For completionists and true fans of the series, starting from the beginning is the best path. This approach allows you to experience the story exactly as creator Nozomi Uda intended. The benefits are significant:
- Appreciate the Original Art: You get to see Nozomi Uda’s clean, minimalist art style and watch it evolve across all 145 chapters.
- Experience Unique Pacing: The manga’s paneling and flow have a distinct comedic timing that differs slightly from the anime’s direction. Some gags land differently and are unique to the manga format.
- Enjoy a More Relaxed Pace: Reading from the start lets you ease into the world without the pressure of just “catching up,” fully immersing you in the iyashikei (healing) atmosphere.
- No Missed Content: You are guaranteed not to miss any jokes, character moments, or author’s notes hidden between chapters.
When Is It Okay to Start at Chapter 40?
If you’re short on time or simply eager to see what happens next, starting from Chapter 40 is a perfectly valid and efficient option. The anime did an excellent job adapting the main story, so you won’t be lost.
This path is for you if:
- You want to continue the storyline immediately. You’re primarily interested in advancing the plot and seeing new events unfold.
- You plan to read the skipped chapters separately. You can jump to Chapter 40 and treat the 8 unadapted chapters as a fun “side story” collection to read at your leisure.
- You trust the anime’s adaptation. You were satisfied with the anime’s portrayal and just want more content. By reading from Chapter 40 and including the skipped chapters, you will have the complete canonical story.
Will There Be a Tanaka-kun is Always Listless Season 2?
There are no official plans for a Season 2 of Tanaka-kun is Always Listless, and a continuation is considered highly unlikely. While fans would love to see more of the listless protagonist animated, several key industry factors point to the anime being a one-and-done project.
Here’s the evidence, based on anime production history and official publication dates:
- The Source Manga is Complete: The original manga by Nozomi Uda officially concluded its run on July 25, 2019. Many slice-of-life anime are produced primarily to boost sales and awareness for an ongoing manga. With the story finished, the main financial incentive for a new season is gone.
- Promotional Purpose Fulfilled: The 2016 anime season successfully introduced a wider audience to the manga. Its job is considered done.
- Significant Time Has Passed: Many years have passed since the first season aired. While not impossible, it becomes increasingly rare for a slice-of-life series to get a new season after such a long gap without a major anniversary or event.
The good news? This means the only way to experience the full, satisfying conclusion to the story is by reading the complete manga. The definitive ending already exists and is waiting for you.
Where Can You Officially Read the Tanaka-kun Manga?
Now that you’re ready to dive into the manga, it’s important to support the creator by reading from official sources. The English translation of Tanaka-kun is Always Listless is published by Yen Press, making it widely available on legitimate platforms.
Digital Options
For instant access, digital volumes are the quickest way to start reading. You can find them on major platforms, often available for purchase per volume.
- Amazon Kindle
- BookWalker
- Google Play Books
- Other digital comic retailers
Physical Options
For collectors who love the feel of a book, all 13 volumes are available in physical format. You can find them at most major online book retailers and local comic shops.
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Right Stuf Anime
- Your local bookstore or comic shop
Reading from these official sources ensures the best translation quality and directly supports Nozomi Uda, allowing creators like her to continue making wonderful stories.
FAQs About where does the tanaka kun is always listless anime end in the manga
How many chapters and volumes does the Tanaka-kun manga have?
The Tanaka-kun is Always Listless manga is complete with a total of 145 chapters. These chapters are collected into 13 main volumes, plus an additional volume 13.5 which contains bonus materials and side stories. This confirms the entire narrative is finished and available to read.
What volume of the manga should I buy to start after the anime?
You should start with Volume 4 of the manga. While the anime ends around Chapter 39, which is in Volume 4, this volume also contains the starting point of the post-anime content, Chapter 40. Buying Volume 4 ensures you have the correct starting point and some of the preceding adapted chapters for context.
Is Tanaka-kun is Always Listless a romance?
The series is primarily a slice-of-life comedy, not a romance. While there are characters with crushes, like Shiraishi’s feelings for Tanaka, these are treated as subplots. The main focus remains on the comedic, everyday interactions and the relaxed atmosphere, so do not expect a central romantic plot to be resolved.
Does Tanaka-kun end up with anyone in the manga?
No, the manga does not end with Tanaka entering a romantic relationship with anyone. The ending stays true to the series’ slice-of-life nature, focusing on the continuation of the characters’ friendships and daily listless lives. The finale provides a satisfying conclusion to their high school journey without a definitive romantic pairing for Tanaka.
When did the Tanaka-kun manga finish?
The final chapter of the Tanaka-kun manga was officially released on July 25, 2019. The series, written by Nozomi Uda, was serialized on the Square Enix Gangan Online website from 2013 to 2019. Its completion is the primary reason a second anime season is not expected.
Who animated the Tanaka-kun anime?
The anime adaptation was produced by studio Silver Link. They are a well-known studio responsible for other popular series like Bofuri: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense. and My Next Life as a Villainess. The anime aired during the spring 2016 season.
Is the Tanaka-kun manga ending satisfying?
Yes, the manga ending is widely considered satisfying by fans of the series. It doesn’t feature dramatic plot twists but instead provides a gentle, heartwarming conclusion that is consistent with the show’s overall tone. It wraps up the characters’ high school experience in a way that feels complete and fitting for the slice-of-life genre.
How long is each Tanaka-kun manga chapter?
Most chapters are relatively short, typically ranging from 8 to 15 pages. This is characteristic of its origins as a web manga on the Gangan Online platform. The shorter chapter length contributes to the manga’s quick, easy-to-read, and episodic feel, making it easy to pick up and read in short bursts.
What is the difference between the anime and manga art?
The anime features a full-color, soft-pastel aesthetic, while the manga is black-and-white with a clean, minimalist art style by Nozomi Uda. The manga relies on clever paneling and expressive but simple character art to deliver its comedy. Both styles are effective, but reading the manga offers the author’s original artistic vision.
What chapter is Tanaka-kun episode 12?
Episode 12 of the anime, the final episode, adapts content primarily from chapters 37, 38, and 39 of the manga. It focuses on the culture festival and serves as the concluding arc for the anime series. This confirms that Chapter 39 is the final piece of adapted material before you should move on to new content.
Key Takeaways: Tanaka-kun Anime to Manga Guide
- Start at Chapter 40: The anime adapts material up to Chapter 39. To continue the story directly, you must begin reading at manga chapter 40.
Read the 8 Skipped Chapters: To get the full story and all character development, it is crucial to also read the unadapted chapters: 9, 16, 17, 25, 27, 32, 34, and 35.
The Manga is Complete: The entire story by Nozomi Uda is finished, concluding at Chapter 145 within 13 volumes. This means you can read the entire narrative from start to finish without waiting for new releases.
No Season 2 Expected: Due to the manga’s completion in 2019 and the long gap since the anime’s 2016 release, a second season is highly unlikely. Reading the manga is the only way to experience the story’s conclusion.
Two Valid Reading Paths: You can either read from Chapter 1 for the full author experience or start at Chapter 40 (plus the 8 skipped chapters) for an efficient way to continue the story. Both are valid depending on your available time.
It’s a Comedy, Not a Romance: The manga’s ending stays true to its slice-of-life comedy roots and does not conclude with a definitive romantic pairing for Tanaka, focusing instead on the characters’ enduring friendships.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Tanaka-kun Story
Transitioning from the anime to the manga is the perfect way to continue enjoying the gentle, comedic world of Tanaka-kun is Always Listless. You now have a clear roadmap to follow. Whether you choose to become a completionist and start from Chapter 1 or take the efficient path from Chapter 40, the rest of this wonderful story is available for you to enjoy. The lack of a second season is not an ending, but an invitation to experience the true and complete narrative as the author intended.
Last update on 2026-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
