I can’t believe I’m actually writing this. After following Princess Yona’s journey for what feels like most of my adult life, the news that Yona of the Dawn is finally ending hit me like a ton of bricks. If you’re like me and have been riding this emotional rollercoaster since 2009, you’re probably feeling a mix of heartbreak and gratitude right about now.
Let me break down everything we know about this bittersweet finale and share some personal reflections on why this series means so much to me and millions of other fans worldwide.
The Official Announcement: December 19, 2025
When I first saw the announcement pop up on my feed, I honestly thought it was another one of those internet rumors. But nope – it’s legit. Hana to Yume magazine officially confirmed that Mizuho Kusanagi’s masterpiece will conclude with Chapter 276 on December 19, 2025. That’s just three more chapters, people. THREE!
What really got me was creator Mizuho Kusanagi’s personal message. She wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“The reason it ended up as a notice with only three times left is because I kept everyone waiting until the very last minute to decide when to land. I’m truly grateful to all the editorial team members who accommodated my pace!”
I have to respect that. As someone who’s been reading manga for decades, I know how rare it is for creators to have that kind of creative control. Kusanagi basically said, “I’ll end it when I feel the story is ready,” and honestly? That’s exactly how it should be.
A Journey 16 Years in the Making
Let me put this in perspective for you. Yona of the Dawn first hit the scene back in August 2009. Think about that for a second. Barack Obama was in his first year as president, the iPhone was still relatively new, and most of today’s anime fans weren’t even born yet!
I remember picking up the first volume when I was in college. The premise seemed simple enough: a spoiled princess gets overthrown and has to learn to survive. But man, was I wrong about where this story would go. What started as a straightforward revenge tale evolved into one of the most complex, emotionally rich stories I’ve ever had the privilege to read.
By the Numbers: Yona’s Legacy
| Milestone | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Years Running | 16 years (2009-2025) |
| Total Chapters | 276 chapters |
| Volumes Published | 46 volumes (47th coming Feb 2026) |
| Copies in Print | 15+ million worldwide |
| Anime Episodes | 24 episodes + 3 OVAs |
| Main Characters | Princess Yona, Hak, Yoon, Four Dragon Warriors |
Where We Left Off: The Current Situation (Spoiler Warning!)
Okay, if you’re not caught up with the manga, you might want to skip this section. But for those of us who’ve been following religiously, holy crap are things intense right now.
Chapter 273 left us with some major cliffhangers that have me losing sleep:
- Hak is literally stuck between life and death after entering that chalice. The guy’s consciousness is hanging on because he made a promise to Yona, and let me tell you, that’s some next-level dedication right there.
- Zeno is in the worst shape of all of them. His body’s all distorted and swollen, and considering he’s been alive for over 1,000 years thanks to the Yellow Dragon God’s power… yeah, I’m terrified for what this means.
- All the Dragon Warriors have lost their powers now that the Dragon Gods’ blessings have left them. They’re basically back to being regular humans, which is crazy when you think about how far they’ve come.
- And don’t even get me started on Soo-won! The guy’s barely hanging on after stabbing the Crimson Dragon’s corpse, and the White Dragon God is NOT happy about it.
I’ve been reading manga since I was a kid, and I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been this stressed about fictional characters. Kusanagi really knows how to keep us on the edge of our seats!
The Release Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
For those of us who need to plan our emotional breakdowns accordingly, here’s the final chapter release schedule:
| Chapter | Release Date | Magazine Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 274 | November 5, 2025 | Hana to Yume Issue 23 |
| Chapter 275 | December 5, 2025 | Hana to Yume Issue 1 (2026) |
| Chapter 276 (FINAL) | December 19, 2025 | Hana to Yume Issue 2 (2026) |
Notice how they’re skipping the November 20 issue? That little break is probably for Kusanagi to make sure she sticks the landing perfectly. Smart move, if you ask me.
Why This Series Matters So Much to Me?
I’ve been thinking a lot about why Yona of the Dawn hits different from other manga I’ve read. I think it comes down to how real the character development feels. When I first met Yona, she was this naive, sheltered princess who thought the biggest problem in her life was that her dad didn’t want her to marry her cousin.
Fast forward to now, and she’s this incredible warrior-leader who’s faced death, made impossible choices, and grown into someone worthy of ruling a kingdom. I’ve literally watched her grow up over these 16 years, and in a way, I feel like I grew up alongside her.
The relationship between Yona and Hak is another thing that just gets me. Their slow-burn romance has been one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever read in manga. It’s not instant love or dramatic confessions – it’s two people who’ve been through hell together, slowly realizing they can’t live without each other. That’s the good stuff right there.
The Anime Situation: Will We Ever Get Season 2?
Okay, I have to address the elephant in the room. The anime adaptation back in 2013-2014 was great, but it only covered the first part of the story. We’ve been waiting for Season 2 for literally a decade now, and with the manga ending, you’d think this would be the perfect time for a reboot.
I’ve seen the petitions circulating online. Thousands of fans are begging Studio Pierrot to give us the full story in animated form. And honestly? I get it. The animation was beautiful, the voice acting was on point, and there’s SO much material they could cover now.
But here’s the thing – even if we don’t get more anime, the manga has given us one of the most complete, satisfying stories I’ve ever experienced. Sometimes, the original medium is just perfect the way it is.
What I’m Hoping to See in the Final Chapters?
Call me greedy, but there are still some things I desperately need resolved before this series ends:
- Zeno’s Backstory: We’ve gotten hints about his thousand-year life, but I need the full story. How has he stayed sane all this time? What has he seen?
- Hak and Yona’s Relationship: I need some kind of resolution here. After everything they’ve been through, they deserve happiness.
- The Sword and Shield Prophecy: Remember that ancient prophecy about the sword and shield that would appear after the four dragons were gathered? Yeah, that still needs to happen.
- The Future of Kouka: What happens to the kingdom after all this? Will Yona take the throne? Will there be peace?
I have faith that Kusanagi will deliver, but man, three chapters doesn’t seem like enough time to wrap everything up nicely!
The Fan Reaction: A Community in Mourning
I’ve been scrolling through Reddit, Twitter, and various fan forums, and the emotional response has been incredible. One comment that really stuck with me was:
“I actually got to see this through from start to finish. It feels like another era is ending. One of my top 10 mangas I’ve ever experienced.”
That perfectly captures how I feel. This isn’t just a manga – it’s been a constant in my life through college, my first job, relationships, and everything in between. Saying goodbye to these characters feels like saying goodbye to old friends.
Another fan wrote:
“Wait… THIS December 19?? Wait they are going to finish everything within like 3 chapters?! There is so much going on right now, I don’t know how they are going to properly wrap things up! I can’t believe this is ending so soon- I basically grew up with this manga ;-;”
That’s the fear many of us have – that the ending might feel rushed. But I’m choosing to trust Kusanagi. She’s never let us down before.
How Yona of the Dawn Changed the Shojo Landscape?
When I think about the impact this series has had, it’s pretty incredible. Yona of the Dawn came along and showed everyone that shojo manga could be so much more than just romance and high school drama. It proved that you could have:
- Complex political intrigue
- Incredible action sequences
- Deep character development
- Meaningful themes about leadership and responsibility
- All while still delivering those emotional character moments that make shojo so special
I’ve recommended this series to so many people who “don’t usually read shojo,” and every single one of them has come back saying, “Wow, I was wrong about what shojo could be.”
Personal Memories: Why This Series Will Always Hold a Special Place
I remember reading the chapter where Yona first learns to use a bow and arrow. She was terrible at it, but she kept practicing because she needed to protect herself and her friends. I was going through a tough time in my own life then, and something about her determination really resonated with me.
If I’m being honest, there were times when Yona’s journey gave me the strength to keep going through my own challenges. When she faced impossible odds and refused to give up, it reminded me that I could do the same.
And don’t even get me started on the chapter where [spoiler alert] Hak finally admits his feelings! I literally screamed out loud and scared my cat. That’s how invested I am in these characters.
What’s Next for the Fandom?
Just because the manga is ending doesn’t mean the Yona of the Dawn community is going anywhere. If anything, I think we’re going to see a resurgence of:
- Fan art and fan fiction exploring “what if” scenarios
- Rewatch parties for the existing anime
- Cosplay tributes at conventions
- Theories and discussions about the ending for years to come
I’m already planning to reread the entire series once the final chapter drops. There’s something special about experiencing the whole journey again knowing how it all ends.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Yona of the Dawn’s Ending
When exactly is the final chapter releasing?
The final chapter (Chapter 276) will be released on December 19, 2025, in the second issue of Hana to Yume magazine for 2026.
How many chapters are left?
There are only three chapters remaining: Chapter 274 (November 5), Chapter 275 (December 5), and Chapter 276 (December 19).
Will there be an anime Season 2?
While there’s no official announcement, many fans are hoping for a reboot or additional seasons now that the manga is ending and there’s complete source material.
Where can I read the manga?
You can read the official English translation through VIZ Media, with digital and physical volumes available. The 45th volume releases December 2, 2025.
What about the anime adaptation?
The 24-episode anime aired from 2013-2014 and is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. Three OVAs were also released with limited edition manga volumes.
How long has the manga been running?
The manga has been serialized for 16 years, starting in August 2009 and ending December 2025.
Who is the creator?
Mizuho Kusanagi is both the writer and illustrator of Yona of the Dawn.
How many volumes will there be in total?
There will be 47 volumes total, with the final volume scheduled for release February 20, 2026.
Final Thoughts: Saying Goodbye to a Masterpiece
As I sit here writing this, I’m getting a little emotional. Sixteen years is a long time to invest in anything, let alone a fictional story. But Yona of the Dawn has been so much more than that to me and millions of other fans.
It’s been a story about growth, about finding strength you didn’t know you had, about the importance of friendship and loyalty, and about how even the most broken people can find their way to healing.
Mizuho Kusanagi, thank you. Thank you for creating characters who feel like real people, for crafting a world that’s both fantastical and relatable, and for giving us a story that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
To everyone who’s been on this journey with me – whether you’ve been reading since 2009 or just discovered the series last week – we’ve been part of something special. Let’s make these last three chapters count.