Confused about where the Tokyo Mew Mew anime ends in the manga? You’re not alone, as the existence of two different anime adaptations creates a common point of confusion for fans. You need a clear map to continue the story without missing crucial plot points.
The 2002 Tokyo Mew Mew anime ends around Chapter 29 of the manga, but includes significant filler and an original ending, so starting from Chapter 26 is recommended. The 2022 reboot, Tokyo Mew Mew New, fully adapts the source material, concluding at the manga’s finale in Volume 7, Chapter 32. After watching the reboot, you can proceed directly to the sequel, Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode.
Based on analysis of both anime series and the full manga run, this guide will give you the precise chapter numbers you need. You’ll discover the exact starting point for each anime, understand the major plot differences, and learn the definitive order to experience the entire Tokyo Mew Mew universe.
Key Facts
- Two Distinct Anime: The franchise has two anime adaptations: the original 52-episode series from 2002 by Studio Pierrot and the 24-episode reboot Tokyo Mew Mew New from 2022.
- Original Manga Source: The canon story is contained within the original 7-volume manga series written by Reiko Yoshida and illustrated by Mia Ikumi.
- Significant Filler in 2002: The original anime contains numerous “monster of the week” filler episodes and an anime-original ending to avoid catching up to the manga’s monthly serialization.
- Faithful 2022 Reboot: Tokyo Mew Mew New is a more direct and fast-paced adaptation that faithfully covers all 7 volumes of the manga, concluding at the official ending.
- Manga-Only Sequel Exists: A 2-volume sequel, Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode, continues the story with a new protagonist and has never been animated.
Where Does the Tokyo Mew Mew Anime End in the Manga? A Complete Guide
Navigating the world of Tokyo Mew Mew can be tricky because there isn’t one simple answer. The franchise [media franchise] includes two very different anime adaptations: the original 2002 series and the modern 2022 reboot, Tokyo Mew Mew New. Each one covers the manga source material differently, so your starting point depends entirely on which version you watched.
This guide provides a clear and direct answer for both scenarios.
- For the original 2002 Tokyo Mew Mew anime: You will need to jump back several chapters in the manga to get the true story.
- For the 2022 Tokyo Mew Mew New reboot: You have finished the main story and can proceed directly to the sequel.
Let’s break down the specifics for each series so you know exactly where to continue your adventure.
How Far Does the Original Tokyo Mew Mew Anime (2002) Cover the Manga?
The original 52-episode Tokyo Mew Mew anime [original anime series] from 2002 roughly adapts the manga up to Chapter 29 in Volume 6. However, this adaptation by Studio Pierrot includes a high volume of anime filler episodes and features a significantly different, anime-original ending. Because of these deviations from the manga canon, simply jumping to the next chapter is not the best approach.
Many character arcs and plot points were altered for the anime, especially in the final battle against the primary antagonist, Deep Blue. This version was also famously edited for its Western release by 4Kids Entertainment under the title Mew Mew Power, which introduced even more changes. To get the authentic story as intended by the creators, you need to start reading a bit earlier.
What is the Exact Chapter to Start Reading After the 2002 Anime?
The best place to start reading the manga after finishing the 2002 anime is Chapter 26 of Volume 6. While the anime’s main conflict resolves around the equivalent of Chapter 29, the story begins to diverge significantly around Chapter 26.
📝 Pro Tip: Starting at Chapter 26 ensures you don’t miss key manga-only character development, particularly for Zakuro Fujiwara and the aliens Kisshu, Pie, and Taruto. This chapter marks the beginning of the final battle’s setup, and reading from this point provides the proper context for the manga’s true climax.
Are There Major Plot Differences in the Original Anime?
Yes, there are substantial differences between the 2002 anime and the original manga. These changes are the primary reason why manga readers recommend starting earlier than the final episode’s equivalent chapter.
- The Ending: The anime features an original, self-contained ending. This was done because the anime was produced while the manga was still being serialized. The manga’s ending provides a different resolution and sets up the sequel.
- The Aliens’ Fate: This is one of the biggest changes. In the anime, the aliens Pie and Taruto have definitive and tragic fates during the final battle. In the manga, their conclusion is very different, which is a major point of the canon source material.
- Filler Content: The 52-episode run is padded with numerous “monster of the week” filler episodes that are not present in the manga. These episodes slow the pacing and add little to the overarching plot.
- Character Backstories: Some character arcs, like Ryou Shirogane’s and Zakuro’s, are simplified or slightly altered in the anime. The manga provides more depth and context to their motivations.
How Faithful is the Tokyo Mew Mew New Reboot (2022) to the Manga?
The 2022 reboot, Tokyo Mew Mew New [anime reboot], is a complete and faithful adaptation that covers the entire original manga series. Its 24-episode run concludes exactly where the manga’s main story ends: Chapter 32 of Volume 7.
If you have watched both seasons of Tokyo Mew Mew New, you have experienced the entire canon story from beginning to end. The reboot was specifically designed to be a more direct retelling of the source material, cutting out the filler from the 2002 version for a much faster pace.
Because this adaptation is complete, you do not need to read any of the original 7-volume manga to understand the plot. Your next step is to move on to the official sequel series.
What Are the Key Differences: Anime vs. Manga Comparison?
To help you decide which version to watch or read, it’s useful to see a direct comparison. Each format offers a unique experience, with distinct advantages in pacing, content, and faithfulness to the original story created by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi.
| Feature | Original Manga (Source) | 2002 Anime (Studio Pierrot) | 2022 Reboot (Tokyo Mew Mew New) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Content | 7 volumes, 32 chapters | 52 episodes | 24 episodes |
| Pacing | Steady, monthly serialization | Slower, “monster of the week” format | Very fast, condensed plot points |
| Filler Content | None (canon source) | High (numerous anime-original episodes) | Minimal to none |
| The Ending | Concludes at Chapter 32 | Anime-original ending, some plot threads altered | Faithfully adapts the manga’s Chapter 32 ending |
| Alien Fates | Kisshu, Pie, and Taruto’s fates are left open | Pie and Taruto have definitive, tragic fates | Follows the manga’s conclusion for the aliens |
| Character Arcs | More detailed backstories for Zakuro & Ryou | Some backstories are simplified or altered | Streamlined but generally faithful to manga arcs |
What is Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode and Should I Read It?
Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode is the official 2-volume manga sequel to the original series. This story is manga-only and has never been adapted into an anime.
The plot takes place after the final battle against Deep Blue. With Ichigo Momomiya studying abroad with her boyfriend Masaya, a new threat emerges. This forces the team to recruit a new leader: a determined girl named Berry Shirayuki, who becomes the first Mew Mew to be infused with the DNA of two Red Data animals.
💡 Should you read it? a la Mode is recommended for dedicated fans who want to see more of the world and characters. However, its reception among fans is divisive, with some finding the new protagonist a great addition and others preferring the original cast. It is considered an optional but canon continuation of the story.
What is the Recommended Reading & Watching Order for Tokyo Mew Mew?
Choosing your path through the Tokyo Mew Mew universe depends on your preference for canon purity, pacing, and medium. Here are the most logical routes to experience the full story.
The Canon-First Path (Recommended)
This path ensures you experience the story exactly as it was originally written, with no filler.
- Read the Tokyo Mew Mew manga (Volumes 1-7).
- Read the Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode sequel manga (Volumes 1-2).
- Optionally, watch the Tokyo Mew Mew New (2022) reboot as a faithful animated companion.
The Anime-First Path (2022 Reboot)
This is the most streamlined way to get the canon story through animation.
- Watch all 24 episodes of Tokyo Mew Mew New.
- Read the Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode sequel manga (Volumes 1-2).
If You Watched the 2002 Anime First
If you started with the original 52-episode series, this is your path to get on the canon track.
- Watch the 2002 Tokyo Mew Mew anime (52 episodes).
- Switch to the manga and start reading from Chapter 26 of Volume 6.
- Finish the rest of the original manga (through Volume 7, Chapter 32).
- Read the Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode sequel manga (Volumes 1-2).
FAQs About Tokyo Mew Mew’s Ending
Who does Ichigo end up with in the manga?
In the manga, Ichigo Momomiya definitively ends up with Masaya Aoyama. Their relationship is a central part of the story, and the conclusion sees them together after the final battle with Deep Blue, with Masaya fully accepting both Ichigo and her Mew Mew identity. This romantic resolution is faithfully adapted in the Tokyo Mew Mew New reboot.
Is Tokyo Mew Mew New a remake or a sequel?
Tokyo Mew Mew New (2022) is a remake, not a sequel. It re-tells the story from the beginning of the original manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi. It is a modern, faster-paced adaptation intended to cover the entire canon story, as opposed to the 2002 anime which had significant filler and an original ending.
Will there be a Season 3 of Tokyo Mew Mew New?
It is highly unlikely there will be a Season 3 of Tokyo Mew Mew New. The 24-episode reboot (split into two seasons) fully adapted the entire 7-volume original manga. While a movie or OVA covering the a la Mode sequel is theoretically possible, there have been no official announcements for any further animated content.
What is the difference between Tokyo Mew Mew and Mew Mew Power?
Mew Mew Power is the name of the heavily edited English dub of the original 2002 anime, produced by 4Kids Entertainment. It featured significant changes, including altered character names (e.g., Ichigo became Zoey, Masaya became Mark), censorship of cultural elements and violence, and a different musical score. It is the same base anime, but a very different viewing experience.
What happens to the aliens (Kisshu, Pie, Taruto) in the manga ending?
In the manga ending, Kisshu, Pie, and Taruto survive the final battle. After Deep Blue is defeated, Kisshu uses the last of his power to save Ichigo’s life, and the remaining aliens depart to find a new home. This is different from the 2002 anime, where Pie and Taruto are killed, but is faithfully adapted in the Tokyo Mew Mew New reboot.
How many volumes of Tokyo Mew Mew manga are there?
The original Tokyo Mew Mew manga series consists of 7 volumes. The sequel series, Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode, adds another 2 volumes. In recent years, Kodansha Comics has also released the original series in omnibus editions, which collect multiple volumes into larger books.
Why does the 2002 anime have so much filler?
The 2002 anime ran alongside the manga’s monthly serialization in Nakayoshi magazine. To avoid catching up to and surpassing the source material, the animation studio, Studio Pierrot, created original “monster of the week” episodes. This was a common practice for anime adaptations of ongoing manga in the early 2000s to pad out the series and keep it on the air weekly.
Is the romance different in the anime vs the manga?
The core romance between Ichigo and Masaya is present in all versions, but the emphasis and side-pairings differ. The 2002 anime adds more romantic-coded filler scenes between Ichigo and Kisshu, building up the love triangle more than the manga did. The manga, and by extension the 2022 reboot, keeps the focus more squarely on the Ichigo-Masaya relationship.
Was Zakuro’s past different in the manga?
Yes, Zakuro Fujiwara’s backstory is slightly more detailed in the manga. While both versions portray her as a lonely model who is initially hesitant to join the team, the manga gives a bit more context to her feelings of isolation and her past relationships before becoming a Mew Mew. The 2002 anime simplifies this arc.
Does the anime cover the a la Mode arc?
No, neither the 2002 anime nor the 2022 Tokyo Mew Mew New reboot adapt the Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode sequel manga. The story of a la Mode, which introduces the new protagonist Berry Shirayuki, remains exclusive to the manga.
Key Takeaways: Tokyo Mew Mew Anime & Manga Endings
- Two Different Anime, Two Different Endings: The original 2002 anime is an incomplete adaptation with a high amount of filler and an original ending. The 2022 Tokyo Mew Mew New reboot is a complete, faithful adaptation of the entire manga.
- The 2002 Anime Stops Around Chapter 29: After watching the 52-episode original anime, you should start reading the manga from Chapter 26 of Volume 6 to catch all the canon plot points you missed.
- The 2022 Reboot Ends at Chapter 32: Tokyo Mew Mew New covers the entire main story. After finishing its 24 episodes, you are done with the original manga and can move on to the sequel.
- The Manga’s Ending is Canon: The manga concludes with the defeat of Deep Blue, the survival of the aliens, and Ichigo and Masaya getting together. This is the official ending, which the 2022 reboot follows.
- ‘a la Mode’ is the Manga-Only Sequel: There is a 2-volume sequel called Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode featuring a new protagonist, Berry Shirayuki. This story has never been animated.
- Read or Watch ‘New’ for the Full Story: For the complete, canon story experience, your best options are to either read the original 7-volume manga or watch the 24-episode Tokyo Mew Mew New anime.
Final Thoughts on Navigating the Tokyo Mew Mew Universe
Understanding the key differences between the original 2002 anime, the 2022 reboot, and the manga source material is the secret to properly enjoying the entire Tokyo Mew Mew story. The original series offers nostalgic charm and a slower pace, but it requires you to jump back in the manga to find the canon ending.
For a direct and faithful experience, the Tokyo Mew Mew New reboot or the original manga are your best choices. They provide the complete, authentic story as intended by its creators. Whichever path you choose, you are now equipped with a clear map to explore this beloved magical girl classic without getting lost.
Last update on 2026-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
