Yoshihiro Togashi, legendary creator of Hunter x Hunter and YuYu Hakusho, is notorious for prolonged breaks from his work. Over the years, he has faced significant health challenges, specifically debilitating back pain that often renders him unable to sit, draw, or concentrate for extended periods. In recent interviews, Togashi has been candid about how his physical condition impacts his creative process, necessitating frequent and sometimes lengthy hiatuses. While it is frustrating to see the story delayed repeatedly, these breaks are essential for his well-being and the quality of his work.

For those unfamiliar with Togashi, he is one of the most influential mangaka in the industry. His storytelling blends detailed world-building as evidenced by Hunter x Hunter, complicated characters, and innovative battle mechanics. His works have left an indelible mark on anime and manga, with Hunter x Hunter in particular being celebrated for its unpredictable narrative twists and morally ambiguous characters. Despite his towering reputation, Togashi’s career has been marked by a pattern of recurring hiatuses that have fueled both iration and frustration among his devoted audience. Despite these delays, the quality of Togashi’s work never falters, and other authors could learn from his self-advocacy.

Togashi's Medical Leave Is Nothing New

The Mangaka Rightfully Prioritizes Self-care Over Publishing Deadlines

Togashi’s history of hiatuses dates back to the early 2000s, shortly after Hunter x Hunter began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump. Health issues were cited as the primary reason for his absences, though he also itted to feeling creatively drained. In 2018, he took his longest break, lasting nearly four years, during which the manga’s production schedule became virtually nonexistent. Despite speculation that the manga might never be completed, Togashi always returns, bringing with him story arcs that are sharper and more inventive than ever before.

Togashi’s commitment to only working when he can give 100% reflects his dedication to quality. In an industry where tight deadlines often lead to burnout and rushed storytelling, his decision to prioritize health and creativity is a refreshing contrast. This approach not only benefits Togashi but also preserves the integrity of Hunter x Hunter, ensuring that each chapter lives up to the high standards he has set for himself and his readers. That unwillingness to compromise has also prevented Togashi’s anime adaptations from suffering through half-hearted filler arcs, as Bleach most infamously resorted to during Tite Kubo’s manga bottleneck.

Fans Choose Togashi's Well-being Over his Work

The Genius of Hunter X Hunter Can't Be Rushed

Fans have largely rallied around Togashi, offering unwavering during his recuperation. Social media is flooded with messages of encouragement whenever he announces a hiatus, and many have expressed iration for his self-care. Togashi’s candidness about his medical issues, including the Hunter x Hunter creator's recent surgery to alleviate chronic pain, has also humanized him in the eyes of fans. Rather than viewing his absences as a nuisance, many now see them as a necessary part of his journey as both an artist and a person. This empathy reflects an audience that not only ires Togashi’s storytelling but absorbs his message about humanity therein.

These extended breaks, while disruptive, ultimately serve as a creative reset for Togashi. Instead of consistently churning out content at the expense of his health or artistic vision, Togashi takes the time he needs to recharge, both physically and mentally. This tactic ensures that when he does return, his work is as meticulously crafted and as compelling as the audience has come to expect. For example, the Chimera Ant and Succession War arcs, both written after lengthy breaks, are widely regarded as some of the most ambitious and sophisticated storytelling in manga history.

The End Results Are Always Worth the Wait

Togashi Usually Returns from Hiatus on a Hot Streak

Togashi’s health experiences might even inspire future Hunter x Hunter chapters. The series often explores themes of resilience, survival, and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds—all of which parallel his personal struggles. His most recent surgery was performed under local anesthesia, which allowed Togashi to remain awake and discuss the operation with the surgeon. This immediately evokes images of Pitou healing Meruem with Doctor Blythe, suggesting that Togashi’s lived experiences shape his work and help him process the physical and emotional trauma of surgery. It will be interesting to see if future chapters of the manga incorporate this most recent surgical experience

These hiatuses are a testament to Togashi's unique approach to storytelling and unwavering commitment to his craft. While the wait can be excruciating, it’s a small price to pay for the masterful work that Togashi consistently delivers. By embracing the breaks as part of the process, the audience also signals to the extremely demanding manga industry that quality will always triumph over deadlines. Hunter X Hunter is complex enough to warrant repeated reading/viewing experiences, so extra time between chapters for the audience to reexamine key details ahead of the next edition is actually a blessing.

The More Time to Digest Hunter X Hunter the Better

The Story is Far Deeper than Most Realize the First Time Around

Personally, the "extra time is a blessing" sentiment applies perfectly. I love Hunter X Hunter, and I'm deeply invested in the fantasy world Togashi has built, specifically how it mirrors our own increasingly surreal world. However, I am woefully behind on my evergrowing reading list, and I have about 50 chapters of manga to catch up on in this series alone. Add in the complex nature of the Succession War and its vast ensemble of characters, and you can see why I cherish Togashi's extended leaves of absence.

Of course, I worry that this brilliant story will never be completed, it's too well-written to be left unfinished. Even Togashi himself has a few contingency plans in case of that unfortunate outcome, so it's not unwarranted to be concerned about a cliffhanger. However, an ending that only comes at the sacrifice of Togashi's health and well-being or precious time with his family, would never feel right. Hunter X Hunter has already given me so much emotional fulfillment, I can't ask Togashi for anything more.