Finished the Welcome to the Ballroom anime and desperately need to know what happens next? You are likely searching for the exact manga chapter to start on, wanting to dive straight into the story without any overlap. This is a common challenge for fans transitioning from the screen to the page.
The Welcome to the Ballroom anime, which has 24 episodes, adapts the manga’s story up to the end of Chapter 54. To continue the story where the anime concludes, you should begin reading from Chapter 55. This chapter marks the beginning of manga Volume 7.
Based on an analysis of publisher data and fan community consensus, this guide provides the definitive starting point for your manga journey. You will discover not only the correct chapter but also crucial context about the manga’s current publication status, key differences from the anime, and a preview of the exciting story arcs that await you.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: The anime concludes its adaptation at the end of Chapter 54, making Chapter 55 the correct place to start reading the manga.
- Corresponding Volume: Chapter 55 is the first chapter in Volume 7 of the official English release of the manga.
- Manga on Hiatus: The series, written by Tomo Takeuchi, has an irregular release schedule due to the author’s ongoing health issues, a crucial fact for new readers.
- Faithful Adaptation: The anime is considered a very loyal adaptation of the source material, with only minor anime-original scenes added to the finale for a more conclusive ending.
- No Season 2 Confirmed: As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a second season, making the manga the only way to continue the story.
Where Does The Welcome to the Ballroom Anime End in the Manga?
The 24-episode anime adaptation of Welcome to the Ballroom (Ballroom e Youkoso) concludes at the end of Chapter 54 of the manga. To seamlessly continue the story of Tatara Fujita and his journey into the world of competitive dancing, you should start reading from Chapter 55. This chapter directly follows the events of the Tenpei Cup, which served as the anime’s final arc.
This specific starting point is verified across fan communities and publisher data. For those looking to purchase physical or digital copies, Chapter 55 marks the beginning of manga Volume 7. The adaptation by Production I.G, the studio behind the animation, was widely praised for its faithfulness to the source material created by author Tomo Takeuchi. This means you can confidently jump into the manga at this point without missing any major plot details. But before you start reading, it’s crucial to understand the manga’s current publication status, which directly impacts the reading experience.
Why Is the Ballroom e Youkoso Manga on Hiatus?
The Welcome to the Ballroom manga has experienced several extended hiatuses due to the poor health of its author, Tomo Takeuchi. This has resulted in an irregular release schedule for new chapters. For readers transitioning from the anime, it is important to manage expectations, as the wait between new story developments can be significant. The manga is serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Magazine, but its appearance is not always guaranteed each month.
The author’s health issues first led to a major pause in publication in late 2017, shortly after the anime finished airing. While the series has returned since then, the author and publisher have prioritized Takeuchi’s well-being, leading to an inconsistent schedule. This situation is common in the demanding manga industry, and fans have generally been supportive, preferring a slower release pace over compromising the creator’s health. When new chapters are released, they are celebrated, but readers should be prepared for the ongoing, unpredictable nature of the series’ publication.
What is the Timeline of the Manga’s Hiatuses?
To understand the manga’s irregular schedule, a look at its publication history provides essential context. The timeline demonstrates a pattern of pauses taken to prioritize the author’s health.
- December 2017: The initial major hiatus was announced in Monthly Shonen Magazine due to Tomo Takeuchi’s health concerns.
- July 2019: After a lengthy break, the manga made its celebrated return to serialization.
- January 2020: Another, shorter hiatus was announced, indicating the ongoing nature of the author’s health challenges.
- July 2021: The manga returned once again, but with the understanding that it would be released on an irregular schedule moving forward.
- Current Status 2026: The series continues to be published intermittently. Readers should check official sources like Kodansha for the latest updates on new chapter releases.
Are There Major Differences Between the Welcome to the Ballroom Anime and Manga?
The Welcome to the Ballroom anime is a very faithful adaptation, and there are no major plot deviations from the manga. The primary differences are minor, such as slightly adjusted pacing and the inclusion of some anime-original scenes in the final episode (Episode 24). These additions were made to create a more conclusive and emotionally satisfying finale for a television season, rather than altering the core story.
You can safely start reading at Chapter 55 without feeling lost. The anime-original content in the finale primarily consists of extended internal monologues and brief post-competition interactions that don’t contradict the manga’s canon. In fact, they build upon it to give the anime a stronger sense of closure. For a clearer view, here is a direct comparison of the finale.
| Aspect | Anime Depiction (Episode 24) | Manga Canon (Chapter 54) |
|---|---|---|
| Final Dance Sequence | Extended animation sequences and internal monologues to create a climactic feel. | More focused on the immediate result and the setup for the next arc. |
| Character Interactions | Includes brief, conclusive conversations between Tatara and his rivals/partners post-competition. | Interactions are more open-ended, directly leading into the conflicts of the next arc. |
| Ending Tone | Feels like a definitive season finale. | Clearly a transitional chapter setting up future events. |
| Canon Compliance | 99% canon. The “original” content is additive and does not contradict the source material. | The foundational story that the anime finale expands upon. |
What Story Arcs Does the Manga Cover After the Anime?
Once you dive into the manga starting from Chapter 55, you will be entering a new phase of Tatara Fujita’s journey that is filled with new challenges, intense rivalries, and significant character growth. The story immediately moves beyond the Tenpei Cup and begins to explore more advanced levels of competitive dancing.
Here is a spoiler-light preview of what you can expect:
- Tatara and Chinatsu’s Partnership: The story’s primary focus becomes the difficult, and often volatile, official partnership between Tatara and Chinatsu Hiyama. Their struggle to synchronize their conflicting styles and personalities is a central theme.
- The Tokyo Dance Grand Prix: Tatara and Chinatsu enter a major competition featuring powerful domestic and international rivals. This arc tests their new partnership in the crucible of high-stakes performance.
- Kiyoharu Hyodo’s Return: The intense rivalry with the prodigy Kiyoharu Hyodo continues to evolve. His journey runs parallel to Tatara’s, and their paths are destined to cross again on the dance floor in spectacular fashion.
Where Can You Legally Read the Manga After the Anime?
Supporting the official release of Welcome to the Ballroom is the best way to show appreciation for Tomo Takeuchi’s work, especially given the series’ production history. You can legally read the manga in English through several official channels, ensuring the author and publisher are compensated.
Remember, you need to start with Volume 7 to continue the story from where the anime left off.
- Buy Digital Volumes: You can purchase digital versions of the manga volumes from platforms like Amazon Kindle (ComiXology), BookWalker, and other digital manga storefronts. This is often the quickest way to start reading.
- Buy Physical Volumes: For collectors, physical print volumes can be ordered from major online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or you can request them from your local bookstore.
- Check Your Local Library: Many public library systems offer digital manga loans through apps like Libby or Hoopla. You may be able to borrow the volumes for free with your library card.
Frequently Asked Questions About Welcome to the Ballroom’s Continuation
Is there a season 2 of Welcome to the Ballroom?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a Season 2 of the Welcome to the Ballroom anime. While the manga has enough content for another season, the anime’s production was closely tied to the manga’s schedule. The author’s ongoing health issues and the resulting manga hiatus make a new season unlikely in the near future.
How many volumes of the manga are there?
The number of volumes is constantly changing as the series is still ongoing. You can find the most up-to-date count on the official Kodansha USA website or on bookseller sites like Amazon. As of late 2023, the series was past Volume 12 in Japan.
Can I just skip the manga and wait for the anime to continue?
It is not recommended to wait, as a second season is not guaranteed. Given the manga’s irregular release schedule and the time that has passed since Season 1 aired in 2017, the most reliable way to continue the story of Tatara Fujita is by reading the manga from Chapter 55 onwards.
What chapter did the Tenpei Cup arc end?
The Tenpei Cup, which was the final arc covered in the anime, concludes in Chapter 54 of the manga. This is the main reason why readers should start at Chapter 55, as it marks the beginning of the very next story arc immediately following that competition.
Who does Tatara end up with?
The manga is still ongoing, so Tatara’s final romantic partner has not been decided. After the anime, the story focuses heavily on his professional dance partnership with Chinatsu Hiyama, exploring the challenges and growth of their relationship on the dance floor. The romantic elements of the story remain open-ended.
Is the art style different in the manga?
Yes, the manga art style by Tomo Takeuchi is highly detailed and expressive, with a unique sense of motion. While Production I.G’s anime adaptation is praised for its fluid animation, many fans feel the manga’s static panels convey the intensity and dynamism of ballroom dance in a way that is distinct and powerful.
Does the manga explain Kiyoharu Hyodo’s backstory more?
Yes, the manga provides more subtle context and internal monologue for all characters, including Kiyoharu Hyodo. As the story progresses past the anime, you get a deeper understanding of his motivations, his rivalry with Tatara, and the pressures he faces as a dance prodigy, which adds more depth to his character.
Was the anime successful enough for another season?
The anime was well-received critically, but its commercial success in terms of Blu-ray sales was moderate. For many anime, a second season depends on a combination of disc sales, merchandise revenue, and its effectiveness in boosting sales of the source manga. The manga’s hiatus is currently the biggest obstacle.
What is the best way to support the author, Tomo Takeuchi?
The best way to support the author is to purchase the official release of the manga. Buying the digital or physical volumes from legal sources like Kodansha, Amazon, or other licensed retailers ensures that the author and publisher are compensated for their work, which is especially important for a series impacted by health-related hiatuses.
Is Ballroom e Youkoso considered a sports anime or a romance?
It is primarily a sports series focused on the world of competitive ballroom dancing (Dancesport). While it contains elements of romance and strong character relationships, the core narrative driver is Tatara’s journey from a complete novice to a competitive dancer, following the classic structure of a shonen sports story.
Key Takeaways: Welcome to the Ballroom Anime & Manga Summary
- Start at Chapter 55: The anime faithfully adapts the manga up to Chapter 54. To continue the story without re-reading, begin with Chapter 55, which is the start of Volume 7.
- The Manga is on Hiatus: The author, Tomo Takeuchi, has ongoing health issues, causing the manga’s release schedule to be irregular. Be prepared for long waits between new chapters.
- No Season 2 is Confirmed: Due to the manga’s hiatus and the time since Season 1, there are no current plans for an anime continuation. Reading the manga is the only way to experience the rest of the story.
- The Story Focuses on Tatara & Chinatsu: The manga arcs after the anime delve deeply into the challenging dance partnership between Tatara Fujita and Chinatsu Hiyama as they enter more difficult competitions.
- Support the Official Release: The best way to enjoy the story and support the author is by purchasing the official English manga from licensed platforms like Kodansha, Amazon Kindle, or physical booksellers.
- The Adaptation is Faithful: You are not missing major plot points by starting the manga after the anime. The anime’s ending has minor “anime-original” additions for closure but does not contradict the manga’s canon.
Final Thoughts on Continuing Your Ballroom Journey
Transitioning from the Welcome to the Ballroom anime to the manga is a rewarding decision. You now have the exact starting point—Chapter 55—and a clear understanding of the context surrounding the series’ publication. While the irregular release schedule requires patience, the story’s depth, the intricate character development, and Tomo Takeuchi’s breathtaking artwork make the wait worthwhile.
By starting with Volume 7, you are stepping directly into the next phase of Tatara’s evolution as a competitive dancer. The challenges he faces with his new partner, Chinatsu, and the looming presence of his rivals create a compelling narrative that builds brilliantly on the foundation the anime established. Now is the perfect time to pick up the manga and continue your journey on the dance floor.
Last update on 2026-02-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
