Hunter x Hunter author posts alarming health update following the series’ announced comeback 

A recent social media post by Hunter x Hunter creator Yoshihiro Togashi has got fans of the manga concerned for his health. This comes as the first new Hunter x Hunter chapter in over a year was announced for the October 7 edition of Weekly Shonen Jump.  

Posting on X on the evening of September 2, Togashi reports that he resumed coloring while “feeling like the bones around my spine are going to collapse like a late-stage game of Jenga.” He described this as a “lower back pain high” and asked readers to stay tuned for tomorrow’s post to find out whether he completed the work, or his back gave out first. 

The post prompted a barrage of concerned responses, with many people urging the mangaka to take a rest and not to push himself too hard.   

Togashi started the Hunter x Hunter manga in 1998, however due to health issues, he has taken frequent breaks from creating it. Serialization of the manga previously went on a hiatus of almost 4 years between 2018 and 2022. In November 2023, Togashi revealed four possible endings for the Hunter x Hunter manga on a Japanese TV program, stating that one of them could be considered a canon ending in case he passes away before finishing it.  

Against this background, fans were understandably worried for the manga artist considering his latest post. Hopefully, Togashi won’t overdo it and will be feeling better soon. 

Verity Townsend
Verity Townsend

Automaton West Editor and translator. She has a soft spot for old-school Sierra adventure games and Final Fantasy VIII (yes, 8!). Can often be found hunting down weird forgotten games and finding out everything about them. Frequently muses about characters and lines from Metal Gear Solid and Disco Elysium. Aims to keep Automaton fresh and interesting with a wide variety of articles.

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