Hunter x Hunter fans are no strangers to hiatuses. Following its highly anticipated return to Weekly Shonen Jump in October 2024, the manga once again entered a break after the release of Chapter 410 in December 2024. Considering Togashi’s health struggles and the irregular release schedule implemented in 2022, this wasn’t entirely unexpected, but it left many wondering when, or even if, progress would resume.
Now, on December 16, 2024, Yoshihiro Togashi provided an important update on Twitter:
“I am in the process of reviewing and adjusting the characters’ dialogues and timeline for the next 50 chapters of Hunter Hunter, which will be published in the future. As soon as that work is done, I will resume the work I have been interrupting, such as adding inking to manuscripts.”
To clarify: Togashi is currently focused on finalizing the story structure for the next 50 chapters, including refining dialogues, ensuring continuity, and adjusting the timeline. Only after this phase will he begin inking and drawing the chapters.
Why This Might Mean a Longer Wait
While the idea of 50 planned chapters is promising, it also signals that fans may have to wait longer than usual for new material.
In the past, Hunter x Hunter has often returned from hiatus with smaller batches of chapters (typically around 10 chapters), which were then published weekly in Weekly Shonen Jump. This pattern can be observed most notably during Togashi’s returns from hiatuses in the 2010s and the 2022 return after a nearly four-year break.
For example:
- 2011-2012: Hunter x Hunter returned for around 20 chapters before going back on hiatus.
- 2016: Another return saw about 10 chapters before the next break.
- 2022: The manga resumed with 10 chapters (Chapters 391–400) before Togashi’s health again forced the series into a break.
- 2024: Author returned with next 10 chapters in October (Chapters 401-410) before going on hiatus again.
By choosing to plan an ambitious 50 chapters in one go, the writing and review phase will naturally take significantly more time. Only after this lengthy process is complete can he resume inking and finalizing the manuscripts, meaning we’re unlikely to see new chapters anytime soon.
Given the physical demands of drawing—especially for Togashi, who has chronic back pain—this approach makes sense. The good news is that planning out a longer stretch now ensures he has a clear roadmap for the story, reducing the risk of delays down the line. Still, it comes at the cost of an extended wait for readers in the short term.
Togashi’s Recent Progress Despite Health Issues
To better appreciate this update, here’s a quick look at Togashi’s recent progress, even amidst his health struggles:
- November 28, 2024: Completed rough drafts for two chapters after undergoing surgery under local anesthesia.
- December 11, 2024: Finished a storyboard for one chapter, despite being bedridden for days.
- December 13, 2024: Completed another name draft but shared that progress was slow due to posture restrictions.
- December 14, 2024: Lost 5 kilograms while bedridden for days, describing the emotional experience of eating a banana after fasting for three days.
This meticulous planning phase aligns with Togashi’s previous comments about wanting to finish the story no matter what. Back in 2022, he revealed that he had three different endings planned to ensure Hunter x Hunter concludes, even if he can’t personally finish it.
By planning 50 chapters now, he’s essentially safeguarding the story’s progression while reducing the risk of inconsistencies.
The irregular release schedule implemented in 2022 has allowed Togashi to work at his own pace without jeopardizing his health.
Source: Official X
