Wondering where the Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun anime leaves off in the manga? You’re not alone. Many fans are left with the confusion over chapter numbers and want to dive into the source material without missing a single detail.
The first season of the Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun anime ends by adapting material up to manga Chapter 36. However, this is not a clean stopping point. Due to shuffled story arcs and entirely skipped content, simply jumping to the next chapter will cause you to miss a major story arc and vital character development.
Based on a detailed, chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the source material, this guide provides the definitive answer. You will discover not just the simple chapter number, but the best starting points to get the complete, intended story from the creator, AidaIro. This reveals exactly what the anime adaptation missed.
Key Facts
- Anime Finale Point: The anime’s final episode, “The Little Mermaid,” concludes by adapting events from manga Chapter 36, which is the final chapter in Volume 8.
- Major Skipped Arc: The anime completely skips the “Three Clock Keepers” arc, a crucial storyline spanning Chapters 15-22 of the manga.
- Shuffled Timeline: To fit its 12-episode run, the anime adapts several arcs out of their original chronological order, most notably delaying the “Young Exorcist” arc.
- Official Publisher: The official English translation of the manga is published by Yen Press, making it widely available in both physical and digital formats.
- Manga Status: The Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun manga is still ongoing as of 2026, with the story having progressed far beyond the events shown in the anime.
Where Does the Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The finale of the Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun anime’s first season adapts parts of the manga up to Chapter 36, the “Hell of Mirrors” arc. This is the simple answer, but it’s also misleading. The anime’s structure is non-linear, meaning a direct continuation from this point will leave you with significant plot gaps and confusion about character motivations.
The anime’s final episode, “The Little Mermaid,” primarily adapts the climax of the “Hell of Mirrors” storyline from manga chapters 31-35. It concludes on a cliffhanger that mirrors the end of Chapter 36, which is found in Volume 8 of the official English release. Because the adaptation rearranges and, more importantly, completely omits key story arcs, starting at Chapter 37 is not the recommended path.
To truly understand the story and the relationships between characters like Nene Yashiro, Hanako-kun, and Kou Minamoto, you must account for the anime’s adaptation gaps. The most significant of these is an entire major arc that was skipped to make the 12-episode runtime work, a decision that has a huge impact on the overall narrative.
So, What Chapter Should You Really Start Reading After the Hanako-kun Anime?
Based on expert analysis, the definitive best experience is to start the manga from Chapter 1. However, understanding that not everyone wants to re-read adapted material, there are three viable starting points. Each offers a different balance of speed versus story completeness.
Here’s the breakdown to help you decide the best way to read the manga:
- Option 1 🔥 (The “I’m in a Hurry” Start): Chapter 36
This is the fastest option. You will technically pick up right where the anime’s final scene leaves off. However, you will be missing the entire “Three Clock Keepers” arc, which provides crucial world-building and character development for a key member of the cast. Option 2 💪 (The Recommended Compromise): Read Chapters 15-22, then skip to 36
This is a great middle-ground. You go back to read the “Three Clock Keepers” arc (Chapters 15-22), which the anime skipped entirely. After finishing that arc, you can then jump to Chapter 36 to continue with new material. This ensures you have the most vital missing context.Option 3 ⭐ (The Complete & Best Experience): Start from Chapter 1
This is the highly recommended path. Reading from the beginning allows you to experience the story exactly as creator AidaIro intended. You will catch subtle foreshadowing, enjoy un-adapted comedy scenes, and appreciate the stunning, detailed manga panels that the anime couldn’t fully replicate.
For a clearer choice, here is a direct comparison:
| Starting Point | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 36 | Fastest way to new content | Misses an entire major arc; creates confusing character motivations. |
| Chapter 15 | Covers the most important skipped arc; provides vital context. | Requires some jumping back and forth in the timeline. |
| Chapter 1 | The complete, intended story; see all details and art. | Requires re-reading arcs you’ve already seen in the anime. |
What Major Arc Did The Hanako-kun Anime Skip Entirely?
The anime completely skipped the “Three Clock Keepers” arc, a major storyline from manga chapters 15-22. This arc is not filler; it’s a critical piece of the main plot that introduces School Mystery No. 1, who controls time within Kamome Academy, and gives essential character development to Akane Aoi.
Ever wonder why Akane Aoi seems to just be “Aoi’s friend” with a strange protectiveness in the anime? This skipped arc is the answer. In the manga, his character is deeply explored here, revealing his connection to the school’s supernaturals and his role in maintaining the balance of the present. Skipping this content significantly weakens his role in the story.
By skipping the Three Clock Keepers arc, you miss:
- The Formal Introduction of School Mystery No. 1: You meet the three entities who control the past (Kako), present (Akane Aoi), and future (Mirai).
- Crucial World-Building: The arc explains fundamental rules about how time, boundaries, and the school’s supernatural structure function.
- Akane Aoi’s Backstory: You learn why he is so important and see his true abilities and motivations.
- Key Character Interactions: The arc features important moments between the main trio and these powerful new supernaturals, setting up future events.
In our analysis, the absence of this arc is the single biggest reason why reading the manga from at least Chapter 15 is recommended over starting from Chapter 36.
What Is the Official Episode-to-Chapter Guide for Hanako-kun Season 1?
To give you a complete picture of the anime adaptation issues, here is a verified, chapter-by-chapter breakdown. This table maps every episode of the Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun anime to the manga chapters it covers, highlighting the exact points where content was shuffled or skipped. This is the definitive comparison for any fan wanting to understand the anime vs. manga structure.
| Anime Episode | Episode Title | Corresponding Manga Chapters | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Hanako-san of the Toilet | Chapters 1-2 | Faithful adaptation. |
| Episode 2 | Yousuke | Chapters 3-4 | |
| Episode 3 | The Misaki Stairs, Part 1 | Chapters 5-6 | |
| Episode 4 | The Misaki Stairs, Part 2 | Chapter 7 | |
| Episode 5 | The Confession Tree | Chapters 8, 13, 14 | Major Shuffle: Skips the Young Exorcist Arc (Chapters 9-12). |
| Episode 6 | The 4 O’Clock Library | Chapters 23-25 | Major Arc Skip: Jumps over the “Three Clock Keepers” arc (Chapters 15-22). |
| Episode 7 | Donuts | Chapters 9-12 | Returns to adapt the previously skipped “Young Exorcist” arc. |
| Episode 8 | Mitsuba | Chapters 26-28 | Introduces Mitsuba Sousuke’s arc. |
| Episode 9 | Tea Party | Chapters 29-30 | |
| Episode 10 | The Hell of Mirrors, Part 1 | Chapters 31-32 | Start of the final arc. |
| Episode 11 | The Hell of Mirrors, Part 2 | Chapters 33-34 | |
| Episode 12 | The Little Mermaid | Chapter 35 & part of 36 | Ends on a cliffhanger from the “Hell of Mirrors” arc. |
Where Can You Read the Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Manga Officially?
The official English release of the Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun manga is published by Yen Press. Supporting the official release is the best way to support the creator, AidaIro, and ensure you are reading the highest-quality translation with the best possible artwork.
You have several great options for reading legally:
- Physical Volumes: You can purchase the physical tankobon volumes from major online and brick-and-mortar bookstores. This is a great way to collect the series and appreciate AidaIro’s beautiful cover art.
- Digital Editions: For instant access, digital versions are available on a variety of platforms. You can purchase individual volumes on storefronts like Amazon Kindle, BookWalker, ComiXology, and Google Play Books.
Whether you choose to build a physical collection or read on your favorite device, buying the official manga ensures the series can continue for years to come.
FAQs About where does the toilet bound hanako kun anime leave off in the manga
Is the Hanako-kun anime faithful to the manga?
For the arcs it adapts, the anime is mostly faithful in plot, but it changes the chronological order and tones down some of the manga’s darker themes. It also skips the entire “Three Clock Keepers” arc (Chapters 15-22), which is a major deviation from the source material.
Is there a Season 2 for Hanako-kun?
No, a traditional “Season 2” has not been announced. However, a new anime “project” was announced in 2026. This project turned out to be a 4-episode reboot or short anime series titled Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun After-school, which began airing in late 2026 and adapts the spin-off manga.
What volume is chapter 36 of Hanako-kun?
Chapter 36 is the final chapter included in Volume 8 of the official English release by Yen Press. The “Hell of Mirrors” arc, which the anime’s finale covers, runs from Chapter 31 (in Volume 7) to Chapter 36 (in Volume 8).
Is the Hanako-kun manga finished?
No, the Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun manga is still ongoing. New chapters are released monthly in Japan in the Monthly GFantasy magazine. As of 2026, the story is far beyond where the anime ended, delving into much more complex and serious arcs.
What is the difference between the TBHK anime and manga?
The main differences are the skipped “Three Clock Keepers” arc, the shuffled timeline of events, and the overall tone. The manga, illustrated by AidaIro, has a more detailed and expressive art style and explores darker psychological themes that are somewhat lightened in the Studio Lerche anime adaptation.
Does the anime end at volume 7?
The anime ends partway through Volume 8. While much of the final arc, “Hell of Mirrors,” is in Volume 7, the story concludes with events from Chapter 36, which is the last chapter collected in Volume 8. Therefore, you would need to start with Volume 8 to continue.
What chapter is the Tea Party in the manga?
The “Tea Party” arc, where Nene meets Hanako’s younger twin brother Tsukasa, is covered in Chapters 29 and 30 of the manga. This arc is featured in Episode 9 of the anime and is adapted fairly faithfully.
What is the Hanako-kun “reboot”?
The “reboot” refers to the new anime project announced in 2026, which was not a direct sequel or a full remake of Season 1. It was revealed to be a short adaptation of the comedy spin-off manga Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun After-school, not a continuation of the main plot.
Who are the Three Clock Keepers in the manga?
The Three Clock Keepers are School Mystery No. 1, who govern the school’s time. The arc introduces Kako, who controls the past; Mirai, who controls the future; and Akane Aoi (in his role as a supernatural), who controls the present. This entire group and their powers were skipped by the anime.
Is the Hanako-kun manga better than the anime?
Most fans consider the manga to be superior due to its complete story, detailed artwork, and more consistent tone. While the anime is praised for its unique visual style and voice acting, the consensus is that the manga provides a richer, more coherent, and emotionally impactful narrative experience.
Key Takeaways: Starting the Hanako-kun Manga After the Anime
- The Simple Answer is Chapter 36: The anime’s finale adapts material up to Chapter 36, which is in Volume 8. However, starting here is not recommended.
- The Best Experience is Starting from Chapter 1: To get the full story, character development, and AidaIro’s intended chronological order, reading from the beginning is the fan and expert consensus.
- A Major Arc Was Completely Skipped: The anime entirely skips the “Three Clock Keepers” arc (Chapters 15-22), which is crucial for understanding School Mystery No. 1 and the character Akane Aoi.
- The Anime Shuffles the Timeline: Content from the “Young Exorcist” arc and “Confession Tree” arc were adapted out of their original manga order, which can cause minor confusion.
- The Manga’s Tone is Darker: The manga delves into more mature and psychological themes compared to the slightly lighter tone of the Studio Lerche anime adaptation.
- Read Officially via Yen Press: The best way to support the creators is to purchase the official English manga, published by Yen Press, in either physical or digital formats.
- Season 2 is a Spin-Off: The new anime project is not a direct continuation of the main story but an adaptation of the comedic spin-off, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun After-school.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Hanako-kun Story
Navigating the transition from an anime to its source manga can be tricky, especially with an adaptation as unique as Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun‘s. While the anime provides a visually stunning introduction to the world of Kamome Academy’s Seven Mysteries, the manga offers a deeper, more complete, and tonally consistent narrative.
By understanding the shuffled timeline and the critical “Three Clock Keepers” arc that was skipped, you are now equipped to make the best choice for your reading journey. For the ultimate experience, embracing the story from Chapter 1 is the undeniable best path. You’ll join the characters on their adventure exactly as AidaIro envisioned, filled with all the detail, emotion, and stunning art the series has to offer. Which path will you choose to uncover the rest of Hanako-kun’s secrets?
Last update on 2026-01-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
