Ammar Sabilarrohman
Tokyo, Japan – June 17, 2026 – The highly anticipated manga series "Kagurabachi," created by Takeru Hokazono, will be taking a temporary hiatus, with its next chapter initially slated for the June 29th issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine now postponed. This decision comes as a direct result of the author’s ongoing health issues, a situation that has unfortunately become a recurring concern for the popular title.
The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the "Kagurabachi" manga shared the news on Wednesday, confirming that no new chapters will be published starting from the aforementioned issue. While Hokazono has reportedly expressed a strong desire to continue his work, extensive discussions between the author and the editorial team have led to the conclusion that a period of rest is necessary to ensure his ability to work sustainably in the long term. The manga is presently scheduled to make its return to the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump in August.
This latest break marks another instance where the creative process of "Kagurabachi" has been impacted by the author’s well-being. Fans will recall that the manga previously observed a one-issue pause on May 18th of this year, also attributed to Hokazono’s "sudden illness." Fortunately, the series resumed its publication schedule just one week later, on May 25th. Looking back further, an unplanned one-week hiatus occurred in June of last year, again due to Hokazono’s health, followed by another break in October of the same year, which was cited as being for "production reasons." The cumulative effect of these interruptions highlights a consistent challenge in maintaining the regular release cadence of the beloved series.
A Rising Star’s Journey Interrupted
Takeru Hokazono’s "Kagurabachi" debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in September 2023, quickly capturing the attention of manga enthusiasts with its unique blend of action, emotional depth, and striking visual style. The series follows young Chihiro, who dedicates his life to mastering the craft of sword-making under his renowned swordsmith father. Their seemingly idyllic existence is shattered by a tragic event, propelling Chihiro onto a path of vengeance, armed with his blade and a burning desire for justice.
The manga’s popularity has been undeniable, reflected in its impressive sales figures. Shueisha published the 11th compiled volume of "Kagurabachi" in Japan on May 1st. As of May 2025, the series had already surpassed 2.2 million copies in circulation, a remarkable feat for a relatively new title. More recently, by April of this year, the circulation had climbed to an impressive 4 million copies, underscoring its significant commercial success and widespread appeal.
Global Reach and Critical Acclaim
The accessibility of "Kagurabachi" extends beyond its Japanese readership. Viz Media’s Shonen Jump service and Shueisha’s MANGA Plus platform offer the manga digitally in English, allowing international fans to follow Chihiro’s journey. The official synopsis provided by MANGA Plus paints a compelling picture of the narrative: "Young Chihiro spends his days training under his famous swordsmith father. One day he hopes to become a great sword-maker himself. The goofy father and the serious son—they thought these days would last forever. But suddenly, tragedy strikes. A dark day soaked in blood. Chihiro and his blade now live only for revenge. Epic sword battle action!"
Beyond its digital presence, Viz Media is also releasing "Kagurabachi" in print format in English. The eighth compiled volume is slated for release on August 4th, further solidifying the manga’s international footprint.
The critical reception of "Kagurabachi" has been equally noteworthy. The series achieved a significant milestone by topping the print category at the Next Manga Awards 2024, a testament to its strong readership support. Its critical acclaim continued with nominations for prestigious awards. In December 2024, it was recognized with a nomination for the 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards. Subsequently, in April 2025, "Kagurabachi" was nominated for the 49th annual Kodansha Manga Awards. Further international recognition came with a nomination for the 2025 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. The manga’s consistent quality and impact were further highlighted when it ranked #13 in January for Da Vinci’s top manga titles of 2025.
Anticipation for the Animated Adaptation
Adding to the excitement surrounding "Kagurabachi," a television anime adaptation is in the works, with a planned debut in April 2027. This forthcoming anime is expected to introduce the world of Chihiro and his quest for vengeance to an even wider global audience, further cementing the series’ status as a major force in contemporary manga and anime culture.
Looking Ahead: Support and Recovery
The decision to place "Kagurabachi" on hiatus, while disappointing for eager readers, underscores a commitment to the long-term health and creative output of Takeru Hokazono. The manga’s dedicated fanbase, which has grown exponentially since its debut, will undoubtedly be keeping the author in their thoughts and eagerly awaiting his return. The support shown through sales and critical recognition, coupled with the upcoming anime adaptation, indicates a bright future for "Kagurabachi" once its creator has fully recovered and is able to resume his artistic endeavors. The manga’s journey, though temporarily paused, remains a compelling narrative of resilience, both within the story and in its real-world creation.
Iffa Jayyana
Laily UPN
