A Divine Vacation in Tokyo#
If you are looking for a lighthearted break from the intensity of typical anime, Saint Young Men (also known as Saint Oniisan) is a unique choice. The series follows an unlikely pair of roommates: Buddha, the spiritually awakened, and Jesus, the son of God. The two have decided to take a secret vacation to the mortal plane, sharing a modest apartment in Tachikawa, Tokyo.
Combining elements of comedy and slice-of-life, the appeal of the series lies in seeing these legendary divine figures navigate the mundane struggles of modern Japanese life. It is a perfect fit for audiences who enjoy character-driven humor and whimsical scenarios.
If you’re ready to dive into their adventures, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When asking “Is the anime finished?”, it is important to distinguish between the animated adaptations and the original story. The anime adaptations were released between late 2012 and mid-2013. While these provide a wonderful introduction to the characters and their dynamic, they are adaptations of a much larger body of work.
Because the original manga began serialization in 2006, there is a vast amount of content that the anime does not cover. If you are looking for a comprehensive conclusion or a deeper dive into the daily lives of Jesus and Buddha, you will likely find the anime to be a starting point rather than a complete story. To get the full experience, we highly recommend buying the manga.
If you find our research helpful in deciding what to watch, consider supporting the site on Ko-fi to keep the guides coming!
Recommended Watch and Reading Order#
Navigating the various releases of Saint Young Men can be a bit confusing, but the relationship tree on our site makes it easy to track. Depending on your preference, here are the best ways to experience the series:
The Release Order#
For those who want to experience the content as it originally aired, start with the first anime release from December 2012, followed by the second anime release from May 2013.
The Completionist Order#
If you want the full story from the beginning, start with the original manga (2006). Following the manga allows you to appreciate the source material before seeing the specific moments adapted in the 2012 and 2013 anime series. You can check the relationship tree for the exact chronological flow of these adaptations.
The “Anime-First” Path#
For those who prefer animation, watch the anime series first to get a feel for the humor and characters. Once you are hooked, transition to the manga to fill in the gaps and continue the story beyond where the anime ends.
More for Fans: Live-Action and Merchandise#
Beyond the anime and manga, Saint Young Men has expanded into other media. A live-action film adaptation was announced in May 2024, with a release date set for December 20. Recent news has even highlighted the casting of “Team Demon” for this production.
For those who want to bring a bit of divine comedy into their own home, you can buy official merchandise here.
Whether you start with the manga or the anime, Saint Young Men offers a refreshing, peaceful, and hilarious look at divinity in the modern world.
Saint Young Men • manga • 2006-09-22 (serialized in Morning two, vol. 1)
└─(adaptation)→ Saint Young Men • anime • 2013-05-10
└─(adaptation)→ Saint Young Men • anime • 2012-12-03
