Shinsuke Kondō apologizes for the ongoing hiatus of his manga, citing mental health challenges. He is working on a new chapter.
Manga creator Shinsuke Kondō has officially communicated the reasons for the prolonged hiatus of his series Ninja vs. Gokudo through a post on his X/Twitter account. This announcement was made on September 2, 2026, marking a significant moment for fans who have been awaiting the return of the popular manga since its last chapter was released on March 23, 2026.
According to Anime News Network, Kondō's hiatus is due to ongoing mental health challenges. The creator detailed that he has been facing difficulties with concentration and creative execution, stemming from a depressive phase related to his bipolar disorder. Following consultations with psychosomatic medicine specialists, he revealed that he is exploring various methods to manage his condition, including adjusting medication and engaging in artistic activities for mental relief.
In his announcement, Kondō stated that he has completed the manuscript for the 147th chapter of Ninja vs. Gokudo and plans to resume work on the storyboarding for the 148th chapter. His intent to keep fans updated indicates his commitment to returning to the manga once he feels adequately prepared to work.
The announcement has elicited a supportive reaction from the manga community, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness within the creative industries. Fans of Ninja vs. Gokudo, a series launched in January 2020 and currently published by Kodansha USA, are eager for news on the next chapters as they reflect on the creator's well-being. The previous chapter released on March 23 marked a halt in storytelling that has lasted over six months, underscoring the dedication both the author and the fans share for the series.
Ninja vs. Gokudo has gained considerable attention, partially due to its adaptation into a television anime that premiered in October 2025 and was streamed worldwide on Amazon Prime Video, along with an English dub on the same day. Fans are invested not only in the narrative developments of the manga but also in the creator's health, as this hiatus highlights the pressures artists face in maintaining their mental health within the bustling entertainment landscape.
The acknowledgment of mental health struggles by Shinsuke Kondō serves as an essential reminder of the challenges faced by creators in the industry. His commitment to transparency about his challenges may contribute to broader conversations about mental wellness, particularly in the anime and manga community. As he progresses toward resuming work, both fans and industry professionals will likely continue to monitor his journey closely, promoting discussions around support for mental health in creative sectors.
For more information on the hiatus and updates on other anime projects, consider checking out our articles on related series like My Hero Academia and Dragon Ball Super. Read more about Ninja vs. Gokudo's return here.
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