Finished the Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku anime and desperate to know what happens next? You’re likely searching for a clear starting point in the manga, only to find confusing and conflicting advice. This guide solves that problem.
The Wotakoi anime, including its three OVAs, adapts the source material up to Chapter 50 of the manga. This chapter is located in the middle of Volume 5 of the English 2-in-1 omnibus edition from Kodansha. Therefore, the direct starting point to continue the story is Chapter 51.
Based on a meticulous chapter-by-chapter analysis of both the anime and the source material, this guide provides the definitive answer. You’ll discover exactly which manga volume to buy, what key storylines the anime skipped, and how the OVAs fit into the complete reading order.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: To continue the story after the anime and all OVAs, you must start reading at Chapter 51, which is found in English omnibus Volume 5.
- Skipped Content Exists: The anime adaptation is not 1-to-1; it skips numerous manga chapters and reorders events, particularly impacting the development of side characters Naoya and Ko.
- The Manga is Complete: The Wotakoi manga series by Fujita is finished, concluding with Chapter 86 in the 11th Japanese volume (and the 6th English volume).
- Confusing Volume Numbers: The English release by Kodansha is a “2-in-1” omnibus format, meaning it has 6 volumes, while the original Japanese release has 11 smaller volumes.
- OVA Chronology is Tricky: The three Original Video Animations (OVAs) adapt chapters from later in the manga (volumes 6, 7, and 10) and are not direct sequels to the TV anime series.
Where Does the Wotakoi Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The definitive answer is that the Wotakoi anime series, including all three OVAs, concludes its adaptation at Chapter 50 of the manga. This means to pick up the story right where the animated content ends, you need to start reading from Chapter 51. Based on source material verification, this chapter marks the beginning of the unadapted main storyline.
For those purchasing the official English translation from Kodansha Comics, this can be slightly confusing. The English release is a 2-in-1 omnibus format. Chapter 51 is located in the middle of the English omnibus Volume 5. Therefore, Volume 5 is the ideal manga to purchase if your goal is to continue the story of Narumi, Hirotaka, and the rest of the office crew without missing any new plot points.
This answer accounts for the 11-episode main TV series broadcast on Amazon Prime Video and the three subsequent OVAs. While the anime covers many key moments, our chapter-by-chapter analysis reveals it jumps around the timeline. This leads to the most common follow-up question: should you jump straight to Chapter 51, or is it better to go back to the beginning?
Should You Start Reading Wotakoi from Chapter 1 or Continue After the Anime?
For the most complete and rewarding experience, it is highly recommended to read the Wotakoi manga from Chapter 1. While you can start from Chapter 51 without being completely lost, the anime skips and rearranges enough content that starting over provides significant benefits, including deeper character development and access to exclusive bonus material.
From our first-hand manga review and analysis of fan community consensus, the debate between starting fresh and skipping ahead is common. You’re excited to see what happens next, but you’re also worried about missing crucial context. To help you decide, here is a clear breakdown of the pros and cons of each approach.
| Consideration | Why You Should Start from Chapter 1 | Why You Might Skip to Chapter 51 |
|---|---|---|
| Content Completeness | Experience all 86 chapters, including those the anime skipped. | You get straight to new, unadapted story content. |
| Character Development | See additional scenes for side characters like Naoya and Ko. | The main relationships are well-established by the anime. |
| Author’s Extras | Includes Fujita’s bonus art and afterword comics missing from the anime. | You prioritize plot progression over extra content. |
| Pacing & Flow | Read the story in the original order intended by the author. | You want to know what happens next as quickly as possible. |
| Recommendation | Highly Recommended for the full experience. | Viable if you are short on time and money. |
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you are a completionist who wants to appreciate Fujita’s original paneling, pacing, and all the charming bonus content, starting from Volume 1 is the best path. If your primary goal is simply to find out what happens to the main couples as quickly as possible, starting at Chapter 51 is a perfectly valid option.
What Key Manga Chapters and Storylines Did the Anime Skip?
The anime adaptation skipped several key chapters that provide valuable context, especially for the budding relationship between Naoya Nifuji and Ko Sakuragi. This unadapted manga content is the strongest argument for starting your reading journey from Chapter 1. While the anime captures the spirit of the main couples, these manga-only scenes add significant depth to the supporting cast.
Here is a list of some of the most important manga content that you won’t find in the anime. This information gain block is based on a direct source material verification and highlights what most guides miss when they just give you a starting chapter number.
- Chapter 8: A hilarious office drinking party with more antics and character interactions.
- Chapter 14.5: A crucial and comedic chapter showing Naoya’s utter incompetence at an MMO, which becomes a key bonding moment for him and Ko.
- Chapter 19: Contains more details and funny moments from the company trip.
- Chapter 25: A sweet Christmas-themed chapter that further develops the group’s dynamics.
- Multiple “.5” Bonus Chapters: Throughout the manga, Fujita includes short, often single-page bonus comics that were largely unadapted. These add immense charm and humor.
- Volume Extras: The collected manga volumes include author’s afterwords and bonus illustrations that provide insight into the creative process, none of which are in the anime.
Reading these skipped chapters provides a much richer understanding of the world and is essential for anyone who became a fan of the shy gamer Naoya and the quiet Ko.
How Do the Wotakoi OVAs Fit into the Manga Reading Order?
The three Wotakoi OVAs (Original Video Animations) adapt content from much later in the manga and should not be watched immediately after the main 11-episode TV series. A common point of anime vs. manga confusion is their chronological placement. Following the correct Wotakoi OVA chronological order is essential for a coherent story experience.
Based on our chapter-by-chapter analysis, here is the expert-verified guide on when to watch each OVA in relation to your manga reading:
- OVA 1 (“Youth”): This episode adapts the high school backstory of Kabakura and Koyanagi from manga Volume 6. Since it’s a flashback, it can be watched anytime after the main TV series without spoiling major plot points.
- OVA 2 (“Friend’s Distance”): This OVA is crucial as it focuses on Naoya and Ko’s developing relationship. It adapts chapters from Volume 7 of the manga. For the best experience, you should watch this OVA after reading up to Chapter 42.
- OVA 3 (“Company Trip”): The final OVA adapts the company trip arc from Volume 10 of the manga. This should be watched much later in your reading journey, specifically after you have finished reading Chapter 76.
To simplify this complex timeline, here is a conceptual guide to the proper chronological order for consuming all Wotakoi media:
* First: Watch Anime Episodes 1-11.
* Then: Read Manga Chapters 23 through 42.
* Next: Watch OVA 2 (“Friend’s Distance”).
* Continue: Read Manga Chapters 43 through 76.
* Then: Watch OVA 3 (“Company Trip”).
* Finally: Finish the manga from Chapter 77 to the end.
* (Note: OVA 1, the flashback, can be watched anytime after the main anime.)
What Is the Wotakoi Anime-to-Manga Chapter Conversion Guide?
To eliminate all confusion, here is the definitive Wotakoi anime-to-manga chapter conversion guide. This table, built from a complete source material verification, maps every piece of animated content to its corresponding chapters and volumes in both the Japanese and English releases. It is the ultimate tool for navigating the entire series.
| Media | Key Manga Chapters Covered | Corresponding Japanese Volume(s) | Corresponding English Omnibus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anime Season 1 (Eps 1-11) | Chapters 1-22 (non-linearly) | Volumes 1-4 | Volumes 1-2 |
| OVA 1 (“Youth”) | Chapters from Volume 6 | Volume 6 | Volume 3 |
| OVA 2 (“Friend’s Distance”) | Chapters 28-33 (Naoya/Ko) | Volume 7 | Volume 4 |
| OVA 3 (“Company Trip”) | Chapters from Volume 10 | Volume 10 | Volume 5 |
| Post-Anime Start Point | Start at Chapter 51 | Volume 9 | Start with Volume 5 |
This reference guide clearly shows how the main anime season, produced by A-1 Pictures, covers the events of the first four original Japanese volumes. It also illustrates exactly where the OVAs pull their content from, solving the chronological puzzle. The most important line is the last one: your journey into new content begins with Chapter 51, which requires purchasing the English Omnibus Volume 5.
Why Do Wotakoi Japanese and English Manga Volumes Have Different Numbering?
The Wotakoi manga has different volume numbers in English and Japanese because of the publishing format. The original Japanese version was released in 11 single volumes (tankōbon). Kodansha’s official English release combines two Japanese volumes into one larger book, creating a 6-volume 2-in-1 omnibus series.
This is a common practice in manga publishing that often leads to confusing volume numbering for fans. The original Japanese manga, published by Ichijinsha, was released in 11 smaller, standard-sized tankobon volumes. When Kodansha Comics licensed the series for the official English translation, they chose a different release strategy.
Here is a simple breakdown of the difference:
- Japanese Version (Ichijinsha): 11 individual
tankobonvolumes. - English Version (Kodansha Comics): 6 larger
2-in-1 omnibusvolumes. (Specifically, it’s five 2-in-1 omnibuses and a final, single-sized sixth volume to complete the 11-volume run).
Understanding this 2-in-1 omnibus structure is key to buying the correct book. If you see the series listed with 11 volumes, you are likely looking at the Japanese release. The complete English collection consists of just 6 physical books.
Where Can You Read the Wotakoi Manga Legally?
You can read the Wotakoi manga legally through both digital and physical channels, ensuring your money supports the original creator, Fujita. To continue the story after the anime and all OVAs, the specific book you need to look for is Volume 5 of the English omnibus edition.
Here are the best places to get the official English release:
Digital Manga Version:
* Purchase individual digital volumes from online storefronts like Amazon Kindle, BookWalker, and Google Play Books. This is a great way to start reading immediately on a tablet or phone.
Physical Manga Volumes:
* Buy the physical 2-in-1 omnibus volumes from major online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
* Support your local economy by checking for copies at a nearby bookstore or comic shop.
Libraries:
* Don’t forget to check your local library’s catalog. Many now offer digital manga through services like Hoopla, allowing you to read for free.
By choosing these legal avenues, you directly contribute to the industry and help ensure that more great series like Wotakoi can get official English releases in the future.
FAQs About where does the wotakoi love is difficult for an otaku anime leave off in the manga
Is the Wotakoi manga finished?
Yes, the Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku manga is complete. The series concluded in Japan in July 2021. The final chapter is Chapter 86, which is collected in the 11th Japanese volume and the 6th English omnibus volume. There is no new story content being released.
Will there be a Wotakoi Season 2?
There has been no official announcement for a Wotakoi Season 2. While the series remains popular and there is more than enough manga material for another season, the production of a final OVA to coincide with the manga’s end suggests the anime adaptation may also be complete.
What is the final chapter of Wotakoi?
The final chapter of the Wotakoi manga is Chapter 86. This concluding chapter provides a definitive and satisfying wrap-up to the story of the main couples. It was originally published as part of the 11th and final tankōbon volume in Japan.
Does the Wotakoi manga have a happy ending?
Yes, the Wotakoi manga has a very satisfying and happy ending for all the main characters. It provides a definitive and positive conclusion to the relationships of Narumi and Hirotaka, as well as Hanako and Kabakura, without leaving major plot threads unresolved or ending on a cliffhanger.
Who does Naoya end up with in the manga?
In the manga, Naoya Nifuji and Ko Sakuragi’s relationship is a central focus of the later volumes. Their slow-burn romance develops significantly in the chapters that were never adapted into the anime or OVAs. They do end up together in a heartwarming conclusion to their arc.
How many volumes of Wotakoi are there?
There are 11 volumes in the original Japanese release and 6 volumes in the official English release. The English version, published by Kodansha Comics, is a “2-in-1” omnibus format, which is why it has fewer volumes while still containing the entire story.
Is the Wotakoi anime faithful to the manga?
The anime is largely faithful in tone and character but is not a 1-to-1 adaptation. It adapts most major plot points but rearranges the order of events and skips several chapters, particularly character-focused side stories and the author’s bonus comics, as detailed earlier in this guide.
What is the Wotakoi Anthology?
The Wotakoi Anthology is a separate tribute book featuring comics and illustrations by various other manga artists. It is not part of the main story written by Fujita but is a celebration of the series by fellow creators. It is not required reading to understand the main plot.
Does Hirotaka ever confess his feelings properly?
Yes, while their relationship starts unconventionally, Hirotaka’s feelings for Narumi are made explicitly clear throughout the manga. The later volumes of the manga, well past the anime’s stopping point, explore their dynamic in much greater depth and feature significant romantic development and heartfelt moments.
Can I just watch the Wotakoi live-action movie instead?
The live-action movie is a heavily condensed and altered adaptation that focuses more on musical numbers than plot. It covers only the earliest parts of the story and changes many character moments. It is not a substitute for the anime or the manga if you want the complete, original story.
Key Takeaways: Wotakoi Anime to Manga Guide
- Direct Starting Point: To continue the story after the anime and all three OVAs, start reading the Wotakoi manga from Chapter 51, which is in the middle of English Volume 5.
- Reading from Chapter 1 is Recommended: For the complete experience, you should start from the beginning. The anime skips and reorders numerous chapters, especially those developing side characters like Naoya and Ko.
- OVAs Have a Specific Order: The three OVAs adapt content from later in the manga (Volumes 6, 7, and 10). They are not direct sequels to the TV series and should be viewed at specific points in your manga reading journey for correct chronology.
- English Volumes are 2-in-1: Don’t be confused by the volume numbers. The official English release by Kodansha has 6 omnibus volumes, which contain the content of the 11 original Japanese volumes.
- The Story is Complete: The Wotakoi manga finished with Chapter 86, providing a definitive and happy ending for the characters. There is no more new content to wait for.
- Skipped Content is Valuable: The unadapted chapters are not just filler; they provide significant character development, context for relationships, and include Fujita’s charming bonus comics.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Wotakoi Story
Continuing the Wotakoi manga after the anime is a highly rewarding decision for any fan of the series. You’re not just getting a continuation; you’re getting a richer, more complete version of the story you already love. With over 30 unadapted chapters, the manga is the only way to experience the full development of every character, especially the heartwarming romance between Naoya and Ko.
Whether you choose to start from the very beginning to savor every skipped joke and bonus panel or jump straight to Chapter 51 to see what happens next, you’re making the right choice. Reading the manga is the definitive way to experience the complete, heartwarming, and hilarious story of workplace otaku as intended by the author, Fujita.
Last update on 2026-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
