Hunter x Hunter Creator Discusses Severe Back Pain Struggles

Overview

Yoshihiro Togashi experiences chronic pain, leading to frequent hiatuses in the Hunter x Hunter manga.
Recent surgery has left Togashi bedridden at times, impacting his ability to work effectively.
Despite ongoing challenges, a segment of fans makes light of his situation, although Togashi remains dedicated to continuing the manga.

Hunter x Hunter enthusiasts have long been aware of creator Yoshihiro Togashi‘s struggles with chronic health issues, which severely hinder his ability to produce new chapters and even perform daily activities. This ongoing discomfort is a primary cause for the lengthy breaks the series frequently experiences.

Initially, upon its debut in 1998, Hunter x Hunter adhered to the typical weekly publishing format common to many titles in Weekly Shonen Jump. However, as Togashi’s health deteriorated throughout the 2010s, the series began to see sporadic releases. Currently, it operates on an unpredictable schedule, which may persist indefinitely.

In a recent statement, Togashi disclosed that he underwent a surgical procedure requiring local anesthesia, although he did not specify the nature of the operation. Following the surgery, he revealed that he spent several days confined to bed and is now facing limitations related to posture, which are hindering his progress with the manga. He shared several images showcasing his current work.

On December 11, 2024, he tweeted:

The storyboard for one more episode is complete.

For some reason I was bedridden for several days.

Now, he is toddling around the house.

Recovered enough to walk on my own

I was able to retrieve my work smartphone.

I ‘m not good at asking people for help.pic.twitter.com/To0jgOL6hE

— 冨樫義博 (@Un4v5s8bgsVk9Xp)
December 11, 2024

In translation, he mentioned:

I completed another chapter.

For some reason, I was bedridden for a few days.

Now that I can walk again,

I’ve managed to take some photos of my work.

I’m focused on writing new chapters.

Just a day later, he shared an update expressing anxiety about sitting on chairs, indicating he is still dealing with significant challenges:

The name for one more episode is complete.

There are too many posture restrictions

Progress is slow.

I’m still not sure about sitting in a chair

I’ll focus on the name for a bit.
pic.twitter.com/nKKfzS1Zhc

— 冨樫義博 (@Un4v5s8bgsVk9Xp)
December 12, 2024

In translation, he noted:

I’ve finished another chapter.

Posture restrictions are making it difficult

to continue working. I’m still apprehensive

about sitting in a chair,

so I will keep focusing on the chapters.

Though translations aim to preserve the essence and structure of Togashi’s original style, the formatting can appear unusual when transferred to English. While he previously indicated slight improvements in his health and expressed joy at being able to sit on a chair, it appears that he has encountered new setbacks since then.

Togashi’s Ongoing Battle with Chronic Pain

Togashi has been candid about his ongoing struggle with severe back pain. In earlier comments featured in Shonen Jump’s author section, he disclosed that there are moments when the pain is so intense he cannot even call for assistance. Togashi has adapted his writing process, opting to work in positions that alleviate discomfort instead of sitting in a conventional chair. This year, he has even found it necessary to take a break from social media, likely to better manage his health and creative output.

Sadly, despite his transparency regarding his health challenges, some fans continue to trivialize his situation, often making jokes about his gaming habits instead of showing empathy for the struggles he faces. This includes the speculation that he might prioritize playing Dragon Quest over completing the manga. Additionally, Togashi has hinted at creating alternative endings to Hunter x Hunter, should he be unable to finish the story as originally intended.

Current Hiatus for Hunter x Hunter

New chapters of Hunter x Hunter have recently been made available, but, true to form, the series is now on another hiatus. After a brief period of activity, the manga has once again been paused. At present, there is no disclosed timeline for its return; however, given Togashi’s continued commitment to the work, fans remain hopeful that new chapters may emerge by next year. Typically, Shueisha announces upcoming volumes in conjunction with manga releases, making it wise for fans to monitor updates related to the 39th volume release.

Source: Japan Anime News by Oricon

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