What is Donyatsu?#
If you are looking for something truly surreal, Donyatsu offers a unique blend of science fiction, comedy, and adventure. Set in the 21st century, the story takes place in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo, which has been transformed into a human-void wasteland following an unexplained catastrophe.
In this post-apocalyptic landscape, the world is populated by strange, hybrid creatures. The most notable are the “Donyatsu” (a half-cat, half-doughnut hybrid) and the “Begaru” (a feline bagel composite). It is a bizarre and imaginative setting that appeals to fans of the surreal and the cute.
If you want to dive into this strange world, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to see these creatures in action.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
Yes, the Donyatsu anime is finished. The production consisted of a series of shorts, with the final short having been streamed in June 2014.
However, because the anime was produced as a series of shorts, viewers who want a deeper dive into the lore and a more comprehensive conclusion should look toward the source material. The original manga, written by Yuusuke Kozaki, concluded its run in its 6th volume in April 2015. To get the full experience of this post-apocalyptic world, we highly recommend that you buy the Donyatsu manga.
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Audience and Appeal#
Donyatsu is best suited for viewers who enjoy “weird” or experimental content. Its primary appeal lies in its imaginative character designs—specifically the food-animal hybrids—and its contrast between a bleak, post-apocalyptic Shinjuku and the comedic nature of its inhabitants.
Whether you are a fan of science fiction or just love the idea of doughnut-cats, this series provides a quick, surreal escape. You might even want to find some Donyatsu merchandise to bring some of that surrealism into your own home.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Depending on how much of the story you want to consume, there are a few ways to approach this series. You can refer to the relationship tree provided on this page for a visual breakdown of the connections between the manga and anime.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the series as it was released to the general public, start with the anime shorts (2013) and then move to the manga volumes.
Completionist Order#
For those who want the most comprehensive experience, we recommend starting with the manga (which began serialization in 2011) and then watching the anime adaptation. This allows you to see the full scope of Yuusuke Kozaki’s vision before seeing the highlights animated.
The “Source Material” Path#
If you don’t mind jumping between mediums, start by watching the anime on Prime Video to see if the style appeals to you. If you find yourself wanting more, you can then transition to the 6-volume manga series to complete the story.
Donyatsu • manga • 2011-12-16 (serialized in Young Gangan)
└─(adaptation)→ Donyatsu • anime • 2013-06-30
