The manga industry received a familiar but still jolting announcement this week as Hunter x Hunter, the legendary series by Yoshihiro Togashi, has once again entered an indefinite hiatus. Confirmed in the 41st issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, the development comes just months after the manga resumed serialization on June 29. No return date has been set, with publisher Shueisha stating that the next chapter’s release will be announced at a later time. For fans who have followed the series through its famously erratic publication schedule, this news is both expected and disheartening—yet the franchise continues to expand in other directions, including a newly announced stage play adaptation of the Chimera Ant arc.
Hunter x Hunter’s Latest Hiatus: What the Announcement Reveals
The 41st issue of Weekly Shonen Jump carried the formal notice that Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter manga would be pausing its run. The series had only recently returned from a previous hiatus, resuming in late June 2024 after a prolonged absence. The brevity of this active period—roughly three months—underscores the ongoing physical challenges Togashi faces, which have been publicly acknowledged in the past. The author has dealt with chronic back pain and other health issues that have repeatedly forced the series into extended breaks.
Shueisha’s statement noted that the manga’s return will be announced later, leaving the timeline entirely open. This is consistent with the publisher’s approach in recent years, where they have refrained from setting fixed schedules for Hunter x Hunter to avoid disappointing fans with missed deadlines. The hiatus is not a cancellation, and Togashi has expressed his desire to continue the story, but the pace remains unpredictable.
How Many Times Has Hunter x Hunter Gone on Hiatus?
For readers unfamiliar with the series’ history, Hunter x Hunter has been serialized since 1998 but has accumulated more hiatus time than active publication over the past decade. The longest break stretched from November 2018 to October 2023—nearly five years. Since then, the manga has returned in short bursts, including a run of 10 chapters in late 2023 and another batch in mid-2024. The current hiatus is the latest in a pattern that has made Togashi’s work both revered and infamously difficult to follow in real time.
This irregularity stems from Togashi’s severe health problems, which have required multiple surgeries and ongoing treatment. In 2022, the author opened a Twitter account to share behind-the-scenes updates, including sketches and progress reports, providing transparency about his condition. The community has largely responded with understanding, though the financial and emotional toll on fans who wait years for new chapters is undeniable.
What Does the Hiatus Mean for the Hunter x Hunter Story?
The manga currently stands at approximately 400 chapters, collected into 39 volumes. The story is in the midst of the “Succession War” arc, which began after the conclusion of the Dark Continent Expedition arc. This arc is dense, complex, and features a massive cast of characters engaged in a deadly battle for the throne of the Kakin Empire. Togashi has written and storyboarded far ahead, but the physical act of drawing and inking remains the bottleneck. The hiatus means that readers will have to wait longer to see how this intricate plot unfolds, and there is no guarantee that the arc will conclude before the next break.
From a narrative perspective, Hunter x Hunter has been building toward a massive confrontation involving the Phantom Troupe, Hisoka, and the princes of Kakin. The story’s pacing has always been deliberate, but the sporadic releases have made it challenging for even dedicated fans to track character relationships and political machinations. The hiatus does not affect the quality of the manga—each chapter that appears is meticulously crafted—but it does fragment the reading experience.
What Is the Chimera Ant Arc’s Significance in the Stage Play?
While the manga goes quiet, the franchise expands into live theater. Shueisha and the production committee announced Hunter X Hunter The Stage 4, the fourth stage adaptation of the series. This production will adapt the Chimera Ant arc, widely considered the most ambitious and emotionally devastating storyline in the series. The Chimera Ant arc introduced a new species of predatory creatures that threatened humanity, forcing protagonist Gon Freecss and his allies into a desperate battle that redefined the series’ tone and themes.
The stage play will be presented in two parts. Part one runs from January to February 2027, and part two from July to August 2027, with performances in Tokyo and Kyoto. The two-year lead time is typical for major Japanese stage productions, especially those adapting complex source material. The decision to split the arc into two parts reflects its length and narrative density—the Chimera Ant arc spans over 130 chapters and includes numerous subplots, from the raising of the ant queen to the climactic confrontation with Meruem, the Chimera Ant King.
Stage adaptations of anime and manga have become increasingly popular in Japan, with productions like My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, and Attack on Titan drawing large audiences. Hunter x Hunter previously saw stage adaptations of the Yorknew City arc, the Greed Island arc, and the Heavens Arena arc. The Chimera Ant arc presents unique challenges due to its large cast, creature designs, and action sequences, but the production team has demonstrated capability in previous installments, using creative staging, lighting, and choreography to bring the world to life.
Hunter x Hunter Surpasses 100 Million Copies in Circulation
Amid the hiatus news, the franchise also celebrated a major milestone. Hunter x Hunter has surpassed 100 million copies in circulation worldwide, combining physical and digital sales. This figure includes all volumes published to date, with volume 39 being the most recent release. Volume 39 debuted in July 2024, marking the first new volume in 22 months—a gap that reflects the earlier hiatus. Despite the irregular schedule, the series remains a commercial powerhouse, with each new volume generating significant sales.
The 100 million milestone places Hunter x Hunter among an elite group of manga that have achieved this feat, including One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Demon Slayer. What makes this achievement notable is that Hunter x Hunter has done so with a fraction of the chapter count of those series. The manga’s enduring popularity stems from its intricate world-building, morally complex characters, and Togashi’s willingness to subvert shonen tropes. The series has cultivated a dedicated global fanbase that supports the franchise even during long silences.
Volume 39: A Glimpse at the Series’ Recent Output
Volume 39 collected chapters 381–390, which were published in the 2023 run. These chapters advanced the Succession War arc significantly, including the introduction of new abilities and the deepening of the conflict between the princes. The volume’s release was a major event for fans, with long lines at Japanese bookstores and strong pre-order numbers internationally. The 22-month gap between volumes 38 and 39 was the longest in the series’ history up to that point, but the quality of the content justified the wait for many readers.
Shueisha has also released digital versions simultaneously in recent years, helping to capture an international audience. The English translation by Viz Media has kept pace, releasing volumes shortly after the Japanese editions. The 100 million figure includes digital sales, which have become an increasingly important revenue stream for the manga industry.
Why Does Hunter x Hunter Keep Going on Hiatus? A Closer Look at Togashi’s Health
Yoshihiro Togashi’s health issues have been the primary driver of the series’ irregular schedule. The author has suffered from chronic lower back pain for years, a condition common among manga artists who spend long hours hunched over drawing tables. In 2022, he revealed that he had undergone surgery to address the problem, but recovery has been slow. Togashi has also mentioned other ailments, including a weakened immune system and persistent fatigue, which limit his ability to maintain a weekly schedule.
Unlike some manga artists who delegate drawing to assistants, Togashi is known for being hands-on with every aspect of the manga, including detailed backgrounds and intricate panel layouts. His art style has evolved over the years, but the level of detail remains high. The physical toll of producing even a single chapter is immense, and Togashi has stated that he can only work for a few hours a day when he is in good condition. This reality has forced Shueisha to accommodate an irregular release schedule, which is rare for a major shonen title.
There is no indication that Togashi plans to retire or hand the series off to another artist. He has expressed a strong desire to finish the story, and he has reportedly written the ending and key plot points for the remaining arcs. The question is not if the story will conclude, but when and how. The hiatuses are a necessary compromise to allow Togashi to continue without completely destroying his health.
How the Stage Play Keeps the Franchise Alive During Manga Breaks
The stage play adaptation of the Chimera Ant arc is part of a broader strategy by Shueisha and the franchise’s rights holders to maintain momentum during manga hiatuses. Other media, including the 2011 anime adaptation, video games, and merchandise, help sustain interest. The stage play, in particular, offers a unique experience that can attract both longtime fans and newcomers who may not have followed the manga closely.
Hunter X Hunter The Stage 4 will be the first stage adaptation to tackle the Chimera Ant arc, which poses significant creative challenges. The arc features a wide range of characters, including the ants, who have distinct physical forms. The production will likely use a combination of actors, puppetry, and projection mapping to bring the creatures to life. Previous Hunter x Hunter stage plays have been praised for their faithful adaptations and strong performances, and the fourth installment is expected to continue that tradition.
The two-part release schedule is also notable. Part one will likely cover the first half of the arc, including the introduction of the ants, the invasion of the NGL, and the early battles. Part two will cover the palace invasion, the confrontation with Meruem, and the emotional conclusion. This structure allows each part to be a self-contained story while providing a complete narrative arc over the two runs.
What Can Fans Expect From the Chimera Ant Stage Play?
While specific casting and details have not been announced, the stage play will likely feature a large ensemble cast. The Chimera Ant arc includes many memorable characters, including Gon, Killua, Kurapika, Leorio, and the Phantom Trouge, as well as the ant characters like Meruem, Neferpitou, and Komugi. The production will need to balance the serious themes of the arc—including war, genocide, and the nature of humanity—with the action and spectacle that fans expect.
Music and lighting will play a crucial role in setting the tone. The arc’s most famous scenes, such as Gon’s transformation into a rage-fueled adult and Meruem’s final moments with Komugi, are emotionally charged and will require careful staging. If the production team succeeds, Hunter X Hunter The Stage 4 could be the most acclaimed stage adaptation of the series yet.
What Lies Ahead for Hunter x Hunter: Manga, Stage, and Beyond
The indefinite hiatus leaves the manga’s future uncertain, but the franchise shows no signs of fading. The 100 million copies milestone and the continued investment in stage adaptations and merchandise indicate that the brand remains financially viable. For Togashi, the priority is his health, and the industry has largely accepted that Hunter x Hunter will release chapters on its own timeline.
For readers, the best approach is to treat each new chapter as a gift rather than an expectation. The story is worth the wait, but the wait can be long. The upcoming stage play offers a way to experience the Chimera Ant arc in a new format, and there is always the possibility of a new anime adaptation or other projects in the future. In the meantime, the existing 39 volumes—and the 2011 anime—remain masterpieces of the medium, accessible to new and returning fans alike.
The hiatus is not the end. It is a pause, a breath, a necessary rest for the creator. And when Togashi is ready, Gon and the rest will return to continue their journey—however long that may take.
