↓ Skip to main content
Is the Anime Finished?
Is the Anime Finished?
  1. Animes/

Is Barefoot Gen Finished? Everything You Need to Know Before Watching

Finished Drama Action Slice of Life Historical
Table of Contents

Overview of Barefoot Gen
#

Barefoot Gen is a powerful story centered on Gen Nakaoka, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The narrative follows Gen as he navigates the devastating aftermath of the attack, striving to support his mother, brothers, and infant sister. It is a poignant look at the hardships survivors faced and the simple, daily struggle to survive in the wake of tragedy.

If you are looking to experience this story, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.

Is the Anime Really Finished?
#

For those wondering if the anime provides a complete experience, it is important to note that the story is told across multiple releases. The original 1983 anime is followed by a sequel, Barefoot Gen 2, released in 1986. To get the full narrative arc provided by the animation, you will need to watch both.

While the anime provides a visceral adaptation, the story originates from the manga serialized between 1973 and 1974. For those who want the most comprehensive version of Gen’s journey, we recommend buying the Barefoot Gen manga to supplement the films.

Audience and Appeal
#

Barefoot Gen blends action, drama, and slice-of-life elements to create a harrowing yet hopeful depiction of resilience. It is best suited for audiences who appreciate historical dramas and stories that focus on the strength of the human spirit during extreme adversity.

The series appeals to viewers who are interested in the real-world impact of the Hiroshima bombing and the emotional weight of family bonds under pressure. Because of its heavy themes of survival and loss, it is a deeply emotional experience.

If you find this guide helpful, please consider supporting our site on Ko-fi to help us keep investigating more titles for you!

Recommended Watch Order#

Depending on how much of the story you want to consume, here are the best ways to approach the series. For detailed connections between the works, feel free to refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.

Release Order
#

If you want to experience the story as it was released to the public:

  1. Barefoot Gen (1983)
  2. Barefoot Gen 2 (1986)

Completionist Order
#

For those who want every piece of available media, we suggest starting with the source material before moving to the adaptations:

  1. Barefoot Gen Manga (1973-1974)
  2. Barefoot Gen Anime (1983)
  3. Barefoot Gen 2 Anime (1986)

The “Source Material First” Path
#

If you don’t mind reading before watching, start with the manga and then move to the 1983 film and its 1986 sequel. This allows you to see how the original vision was translated to the screen.

Useful Extra Information
#

There are several ways to engage with Barefoot Gen beyond the main films:

  • New Releases: A Barefoot Gen TV documentary is being turned into a film scheduled to open in November 2025.
  • Availability: The series has been licensed by Discotek and has been added to platforms like RetroCrush.
  • Education: There have been efforts to bring the manga to schools and libraries via Kickstarter, and an abridged English version of the manga has been published online by Mainichi Weekly.

If you are a fan of the series and want to collect more, you can buy Barefoot Gen merchandise here.

Barefoot Gen • manga • 1973-06-04 to 1974 (1st Serialization, Shonen Jump 1973 #25 -1974 #39)
  └─(adaptation)→  Barefoot Gen • anime • 1983
   └─(sequel)→   Barefoot Gen 2 • anime • 1986-06-14

Related