The beloved Wataten: An Angel Flew Down to Me manga series is set to conclude in just three chapters, marking the end of its eight-and-a-half-year serialization. This announcement has saddened many fans of the popular yuri comedy, but also eager to see how the story wraps up.
Manga’s Final Chapters
The news came directly from the manga’s creator, Nanatsu Mukunoki, who shared the information on social media platform X. Mukunoki’s post included an illustration and a heartfelt message, stating that the series will officially end in the April issue of Ichijinsha’s Comic Yuri Hime magazine. This final chapter will bring the long-running series to a close after its initial launch in November 2016. Fans are encouraged to stay with the series until the very end.
Serialization Details
The manga series began its serialization on November 18, 2016, in Ichijinsha’s Comic Yuri Hime magazine. It is a four-panel manga, also known as a yonkoma, which is a style of comic strip format common in Japan. To date, there have been 12 tankōbon volumes released, with the final volume likely to include the last three chapters.
Plot and Characters
Wataten: An Angel Flew Down to Me tells the story of Miyako Hoshino, a shy college student and otaku. Miyako’s life takes an unexpected turn when her younger sister, Hinata Hoshino, introduces her to her classmate, Hana Shirosaki. Miyako becomes immediately infatuated with Hana, often dressing her up in cosplay in exchange for snacks. The series follows Miyako as she tries to navigate her feelings and build relationships with Hana, and Hinata’s other friends: Noa Himesaka, Koyori Tanemura, and Kanon Konomori.
Main Characters
- Miyako Hoshino: A shy college student who is also an otaku. She develops a strong infatuation with Hana.
- Hinata Hoshino: Miyako’s younger sister, a cheerful fifth-grader.
- Hana Shirosaki: Hinata’s adorable classmate, who becomes the object of Miyako’s affection.
- Noa Himesaka: One of Hinata’s friends.
- Koyori Tanemura: One of Hinata’s friends.
- Kanon Konomori: One of Hinata’s friends.
Anime Adaptations
The manga’s popularity led to an anime television series adaptation by studio Doga Kobo, which aired in Japan from January to March 2019. The anime was directed by Daisuke Hiramaki, with Yuka Yamada serving as the writer.
Anime Series
The 12-episode television anime series captured the light-hearted and comedic nature of the manga. It also included an Original Video Animation (OVA) episode. The anime’s opening theme is “Kimama na Tenshi-tachi” by Wataten 5, and the ending theme is “Happy Happy Friends” also by Wataten 5.
Anime Film
In October 2022, a theatrical anime film titled Wataten!: An Angel Flew Down to Me: Precious Friends premiered. This film continued the story, further developing the characters and their relationships. The movie was also directed by Daisuke Hiramaki and written by Yuka Yamada. Crunchyroll streams both the TV anime and the movie.
Voice Cast
The main voice cast for the anime includes:
- Reina Ueda as Miyako Hoshino
- Rika Nagae as Hinata Hoshino
- Akari Kitou as Noa Himesaka
- Maria Sashide as Hana Shirosaki
- Naomi Oozora as Kanon Konomori
- Yuuna Matsumoto as Kouko Matsumoto
- Koyori Tanemura as Hitomi Oowada
- Ami Koshimizu as Chizuru Hoshino
- Aki Toyosaki as Emily Himesaka
- Hina Kino as Hina Matsumoto
- Lynn as Kouko Matsumoto
Impact and Reception
Wataten has garnered a dedicated fan base thanks to its charming characters, comedic situations, and heartwarming interactions. The series’ depiction of yuri themes has resonated with many viewers and readers, contributing to its popularity. The anime adaptation further expanded the manga’s reach, introducing the series to a wider audience.
Themes and Genre
The series is primarily a comedy with strong yuri undertones. It also includes elements of slice-of-life, focusing on the everyday interactions of the characters. The humor often stems from Miyako’s awkward attempts to get closer to Hana, as well as the dynamic between the main characters. The anime has been described as having a cute and heartwarming story about a college student and her infatuation with her younger sister’s friend.
Where to Watch and Read
For those looking to experience Wataten, both the anime and the manga are available through various platforms. Crunchyroll streams both the TV anime and the movie adaptation. While the manga is not available digitally in English, it is available to purchase through Japanese retailers. As the manga is ending soon, fans will have to wait for an English translation of the final volumes or purchase them from international retailers.
Series Conclusion
The end of the Wataten manga marks a significant moment for the series and its fans. After eight years of serialization, the final three chapters will wrap up the stories of Miyako, Hana, Hinata, and their friends. As the final chapter approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this beloved series. The announcement of the manga’s end has sparked discussions and anticipation within the community, with many expressing their gratitude to the creator, Nanatsu Mukunoki, for her dedication to the series.
