Yoshihiro Togashi's Hunter x Hunter manga is going on hiatus, with a new stage play adapting the 'Chimera Ant Arc' set for 2027.
Yoshihiro Togashi's beloved manga Hunter x Hunter will enter another hiatus, as announced in the 41st issue of Weekly Shonen Jump on September 7, 2026. The return date for the manga has not yet been revealed. This decision comes after health challenges faced by Togashi, leading to a careful consideration of the manga's future serialization.
Accompanying the hiatus announcement is a new stage play titled Hunter x Hunter The Stage 4, which will focus on the Chimera Ant Arc, one of the series’ most pivotal and intense storylines. The stage play is scheduled for two parts: the first from January to February 2027 and the second from July to August 2027, with performances in Tokyo and Kyoto. This news was reported by Anime News Network, highlighting the ongoing popularity and cultural impact of Togashi's work even during the manga's hiatus.
Togashi's Hunter x Hunter debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1998. The series has become a staple of the shonen genre, inspiring two anime adaptations, two films, and various merchandise. It has undergone several hiatuses due to Togashi's health issues—most recently in January 2023—but chapters 401 to 410 were released between late 2024 and early 2025. The last volume, number 38, was published in September 2024.
In March 2023, Togashi indicated that chapter 401 had been completed, with further developments teased in May 2024. Despite these outputs, the necessity of the hiatus was recognized for the creator's well-being, prompting changes to its serialization format. Shueisha has committed to announcing concrete plans for the manga's return once more details are finalized.
The announcement of a stage play centered on the Chimera Ant Arc reflects a deep appreciation for the narrative complexity and fan attachment to this storyline. As manga enthusiasts await further details on Togashi’s return, they can look forward to the Chimera Ant Arc being brought to life on stage. This may sustain engagement within the Hunter x Hunter community during the hiatus.
Previous stage plays have successfully adapted content, bridging the gap between manga and live performance. For instance, the third stage play, which adapted the Greed Island Arc, ran in 2025 and received positive feedback, potentially setting a precedent for Hunter x Hunter The Stage 4. Given the growing popularity of adaptations in recent years, this new production is likely to attract both existing fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Hunter x Hunter remains a cultural phenomenon, with its future in print and on stage generating significant interest. This dual announcement serves as a testament to Togashi's influence and the franchise's enduring relevance.
The ongoing hiatus of Hunter x Hunter reflects careful consideration of creator Yoshihiro Togashi's health, while the new stage play aims to keep the spirit of the series alive for fans. Continuous adaptations and engagement strategies from studios demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining Hunter x Hunter's legacy and community connection during challenging times in its publication.
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