Is the Anime Really Finished?#
If you are planning to dive into Kageki Shojo!! The Curtain Rises, the most important thing to know is that the anime is an adaptation of the original manga. While the anime provides a compelling introduction to the world of Kouka Kageki High School, it does not cover the entire story.
To get a truly satisfying and complete conclusion, you will need to continue with the source material. There is a sequel manga that expands the story significantly. According to recent reports, the sequel manga has entered its final arc as of September 2025, meaning the complete narrative is finally reaching its end.
If you want to see how the characters’ journeys conclude, you can buy the Kageki Shojo!! manga here.
What to Expect: Themes and Appeal#
Kageki Shojo!! The Curtain Rises is a beautiful exploration of passion, performance, and growth. The story centers on Kouka Kageki High School, an arts academy modeled after the Takarazuka Revue, where young women perform all roles in musical theater, regardless of gender.
The heart of the series lies in the dynamic between its two leads: Ai Narada, a jaded former idol who specializes in female roles, and Sarasa Watanabe, a bright-eyed girl from the country who takes on male roles. The appeal of the series is found in its dedication to the performing arts and the challenges these students face as they strive for perfection on stage.
It is a perfect choice for viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, theater culture, and character-driven dramas. You can watch the anime on Prime Video to experience the magic of the academy for yourself.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Because this series has a specific progression from its initial manga run to its anime adaptation and subsequent sequel manga, the order in which you consume the media matters. For a detailed visual guide, please refer to the relationship tree located at the bottom of this article.
The Release Order#
If you prefer to experience the franchise as it was released to the general public:
- Kageki Shoujo!! (Anime)
- Kageki Shojo!! The Curtain Rises (Manga)
- Kageki Shojo!! (Sequel Manga)
The Completionist Order#
For those who want every bit of context and detail before moving forward:
- Kageki Shojo!! The Curtain Rises (Manga): Start with the original serialized work.
- Kageki Shoujo!! (Anime): Watch the adaptation to see the story brought to life with music.
- Kageki Shojo!! (Sequel Manga): Follow the story into its final arc.
- Stage Play: For the ultimate fan, there is also a stage play (and a sequel stage play) that complements the theatrical themes of the series.
The “Bridge to Source Material” Order#
If you don’t mind reading but want a smooth transition:
- Kageki Shoujo!! (Anime)
- Kageki Shojo!! (Sequel Manga): Move directly into the continued story after the anime ends.
While you’re exploring the world of Kouka Kageki, you might want to pick up some Kageki Shojo!! merchandise to show your support for the performers!
Useful Tips for New Fans#
If you decide to dive into the manga to finish the story, be aware that the publication has had a few interruptions. Recent news from 2026 indicates that the manga has taken a few short breaks and hiatuses, but it continues to move toward its conclusion.
Keeping track of these releases can be tricky, which is why we do the hard work for you! If you find our guides helpful in deciding what to watch next, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi to keep the site running.
Kageki Shojo!! The Curtain Rises • manga • 2012-05-10 to 2014-10-10 (serialized in Jump X, June 2012 - Nov 2014)
└─(sequel)→ Kageki Shojo!! • manga • 2015-02-28 (serialized in Melody)
└─(adaptation)→ Kageki Shoujo!! • anime • 2021-07-03
