Saitou is not your typical isekai hero — and if you’re new to the term, “isekai” simply means a story where a character is transported to another world. He’s not a legendary swordsman, a genius mage, or a chosen one destined to defeat fantasy’s ultimate villain. He’s a handyman — a regular guy whose skills with locks, traps, and repairs make him surprisingly indispensable to his adventuring party. If you’re looking for a full rundown of the Handyman Saitou in Another World manga volumes, you’re in the right place: there are currently 14 volumes in Japanese and 9 in English, with the series still ongoing.
Handyman Saitou in Another World (便利屋斎藤さん、異世界に行く, roughly “Benriya Saitou-san, Isekai ni Iku”) by Kazutomo Ichitomo (一智和智) is one of the most charming isekai manga — that is, Japanese comics set in another world — running right now, blending comedy, warmth, and a genuinely lovable group of main characters.
If you caught the 2023 anime (Japanese animation) adaptation and want more, or if you’ve just heard good things and want to start collecting, the first question is always the same: how many volumes are there, and how do I get them all? Let’s break it down.
How Many Handyman Saitou in Another World Manga Volumes Are There?
Here’s the quick answer:
- Japanese volumes: 14 (and counting)
- English volumes: 9 (and counting)
- Series status: Ongoing — no end has been announced
The manga has been published chapter by chapter (serialized) on ComicWalker, a Japanese digital manga platform, since October 2018. It’s published by KADOKAWA in Japan — one of the country’s largest manga publishers — under the MFC (Media Factory) label. That’s a solid run, and the series shows no signs of slowing down.
The English edition, published by Yen Press, currently trails the Japanese release by about five volumes. That gap is typical for manga localization — the process of translating and adapting a Japanese manga for English-speaking readers, which involves translation, typesetting text into panels, and printing. The good news is that the English volumes have been coming out on a steady schedule, so that gap should hold or potentially narrow as more volumes release.
Why the Surge in Interest?
The anime adaptation that aired in early 2023 (12 episodes, available on Crunchyroll) brought a wave of new fans to the manga. That’s a pattern you see with a lot of isekai series — the anime serves as a gateway, and viewers who want more of the story turn to the source material. If that’s you, welcome! A common question is whether you should start at Volume 1 or pick up where the anime left off. The anime covers roughly the first few volumes, but the manga’s comedic timing and character moments hit differently on the page — starting from Volume 1 is the recommended approach so you don’t miss anything.
The Easiest Way to Collect the English Manga Volumes
With only 9 English volumes currently available, this is a very manageable series to collect. You don’t need to hunt down dozens of books or worry about volumes that are no longer being printed. Here’s what your options look like:
Physical Paperbacks
All 9 English volumes are available in standard paperback format. Since the series is relatively recent and still actively being published, availability is strong across major retailers. You shouldn’t have trouble finding any of the volumes in stock.
There are no omnibus editions, box sets, or special collector’s editions for this series at this time. It’s a straightforward single-volume-at-a-time collection.
Digital Editions
If shelf space is a concern — or if you just want to start reading immediately — digital editions are available as well. You can find them on platforms like Amazon’s Kindle store and BookWalker, among others. Digital is often the most convenient route to a complete current set, since there’s no waiting for shipping and no worrying about stock levels.
Which Format Should You Choose?
That’s really a personal preference question. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Factor | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf display | Yes — looks great on a bookshelf | No physical presence |
| Portability | One volume at a time | Entire collection on one device |
| Availability risk | Could sell out (unlikely for now) | Always available |
| Resale value | Possible if series becomes rare | None |
For a series with only 9 volumes and strong availability, either format works well. Some collectors do both — digital for reading convenience, physical for the shelf.
English Volume Guide — Key Handyman Saitou Volumes to Know
You don’t need a complicated reading order for this series. It’s straightforward: start at Volume 1 and read in order. But here’s a quick rundown of what to expect as you move through the collection, so you know what you’re getting into.
Volume 1: Where It All Begins
This is your essential starting point — and the one volume you should grab first. Volume 1 introduces Saitou — a handyman who was underappreciated in his original world — as he arrives in a fantasy world and joins an adventuring party. The party includes a powerful wizard (who has a terrible memory), a fairy healer, and other colorful characters. The first volume establishes the series’ signature blend of humor, heart, and the idea that everyday skills can be just as valuable as flashy magic or brute strength.
If you’re trying to decide whether this series is for you, Volume 1 will tell you all you need about the tone and style. It’s funny, it’s sweet, and it moves quickly. You can pick up Volume 1 right here to get started:
Handyman Saitou in Another World Vol. 1
Volumes 2–3: The Party Comes Alive
These volumes are where the group of main characters really starts to shine. The party dynamics deepen, and you get to know each character beyond their initial introduction. The humor-and-heart formula that makes this series special solidifies here. Side characters get their own moments, and you start to see that this isn’t just Saitou’s story — it’s the story of a whole group of people figuring out how to rely on each other.
Volumes 4–5: The World Gets Bigger
The storylines expand significantly in this stretch. The world beyond the party’s immediate adventures opens up, and recurring threats start to take shape. There’s still plenty of comedy, but the stakes begin to feel more real. This is where readers who came for the laughs often find themselves genuinely invested in the characters’ safety and growth.
Volumes 6–8: Relationships and Revelations
The middle stretch of the current English run digs deeper into the relationships between party members — and between the party and the wider world. Saitou’s role as the group’s problem-solver becomes even more central as the challenges they face grow more complex. New allies and antagonists enter the picture, and the series begins weaving its shorter, self-contained comedy chapters together with longer storylines that carry across multiple volumes. If you enjoyed the character work in earlier volumes, this stretch rewards that investment.
Volume 9: The Current English Frontier
Volume 9 is the latest English release as of now. If you read through all nine volumes, you’ll be completely caught up with the English edition. And with 14 Japanese volumes already out, there’s a lot more story on the way.
For readers who can’t wait, the Japanese volumes are ahead by about five books — but unless you read Japanese, the English releases are your best bet. New English volumes have been arriving on a consistent schedule, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long between releases.
Will Your Handyman Saitou Collection Stay Complete?
This is the question every collector asks about an ongoing series: am I going to be chasing new volumes indefinitely?
Current Status
The manga is ongoing. There’s been no announcement of a final chapter or concluding storyline. KADOKAWA continues releasing new Japanese volumes on a regular schedule, and the English edition continues to follow.
What to Expect Going Forward
With 14 Japanese volumes already published and the series still running, there’s clearly more story to tell. The English edition, sitting at 9 volumes, has a comfortable buffer of untranslated material — which actually works in your favor. It means new English volumes can keep coming out on schedule without needing to wait for the Japanese side to get further ahead.
Here’s a rough picture of where things stand:
| Edition | Volumes Available | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese (KADOKAWA / MFC) | 14 | Ongoing |
| English (Yen Press) | 9 | Ongoing, trailing by ~5 volumes |
Collector’s Mindset
If you’re the type of reader who likes to collect complete series, be aware that this one isn’t finished yet. You’ll be adding new volumes over time. The flip side is that 9 volumes is a very approachable entry point — you’re not committing to a 30+ volume marathon just to catch up.
And since the series is actively being published and hasn’t shown any signs of being canceled or going on extended hiatus, the risk of an abrupt, unsatisfying end is low. The manga has a solid fanbase and the backing of KADOKAWA, one of Japan’s largest publishers.
Who Should Collect This Series?
Not every isekai manga is for every reader, and that’s fine. Here’s who will get the most out of Handyman Saitou in Another World.
You’ll Love It If…
- You enjoy lighthearted isekai with heart. This series leans heavily into comedy and warmth rather than action spectacle. The emotional moments earn their weight because the humor makes you care about the characters first.
- You’re tired of overpowered protagonists. Saitou’s whole deal is that he’s a regular guy with useful skills. He can’t shoot fireballs or swing a legendary sword. He picks locks, repairs gear, and solves problems with ingenuity. It’s a genuinely refreshing take on the genre.
- You like stories where the whole cast matters. This isn’t a one-man show. The party members — and even many side characters — get real development and their own spotlight moments. If you enjoy stories where everyone in the group contributes, this one delivers.
- You want a manageable collection. With only 9 English volumes available, catching up is quick and affordable compared to isekai series with 20+ volumes already on shelves.
It Might Not Be for You If…
- You want intense action or high-stakes drama. The series has its dramatic moments, but it’s primarily a comedy with heart. If you’re looking for dark, gritty isekai, look elsewhere.
- You prefer completed series. The manga is ongoing with no end in sight. If you only collect finished series, you’ll need to wait.
The Bottom Line
Handyman Saitou in Another World is one of those series that just makes you feel good. It’s funny, it’s kind, and it celebrates the idea that you don’t need to be the strongest person in the room to be valuable. The manga volumes are easy to start, easy to collect, and — with the series still ongoing — there’s plenty more to look forward to.
Pick up Volume 1 and see for yourself. Nine volumes later, you’ll probably be glad you did.