Kagurabachi, the popular manga series serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, is taking a hiatus. The announcement was made on June 17, 2026 via the official Kagurabachi X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that the series will pause starting with issue 31, on sale June 29, 2026.
Why the Break?
According to the statement, author Hokazono Ken was initially intent on continuing the serialization without interruption. However, after discussions with the editorial team, it was decided that a temporary break would be in the best interest of delivering the story in a stable manner going forward. The official post read: “Hokazono sensei was willing to keep writing, but after repeated discussions, we decided to have him take a break for a set period so that we can bring the work to readers in a stable form.”
Fans responded with warmth and understanding. Many encouraged the creator to rest, leaving comments like “Take your time and rest well,” “Having him rest properly is better for readers in the long run,” and “Please put your health first.” Others praised the editorial team for making a prudent choice, with messages such as “I think this is a wise decision” and “I support the editor’s call to let him rest.”
Series Background
Written and illustrated by Hokazono Ken, Kagurabachi is published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump. Both print and digital copies have surpassed a cumulative circulation of 4 million copies. The story follows Rokuhira Chihiro, a young boy who aspires to become a swordsmith. His peaceful days with his renowned swordsmith father, Kunishige, are brutally shattered when they are attacked by a mysterious sorcery group known as “Hishaku.” Left with only the seventh enchanted blade, “Enten,” Chihiro embarks on a bloody path of revenge in a world consumed by darkness.
An anime adaptation has been greenlit and is set to premiere in April 2027. The series will be directed by Takeuchi Tetsuya at animation studio Cypic, with character designs by Sasaki Keigo. The lead role of Rokuhira Chihiro will be voiced by Kimura Taiga.
What’s Next?
The hiatus is expected to last until around August 2026. While waiting, fans have expressed plans to use the time productively. Comments include “I’ll use this time to reread Kagurabachi and deepen my understanding,” and “I’ll spread the word about the series while it’s on break.”
TV Anime Details
Broadcast: April 2027
Staff:
Original work: Hokazono Ken (serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump)
Director: Takeuchi Tetsuya
Character designer: Sasaki Keigo
Animation production: Cypic
Production committee: Shochiku, CyberAgent
Original Manga Info
Kagurabachi volume 11 will be released on Friday, May 1 for ¥572 (tax included). Additionally, chapters 1–17 are available for free on Shonen Jump+ until Monday, May 25 at 24:00.
(C) Hokazono Ken / Shueisha, Kagurabachi Project
(C) Hokazono Ken / Shueisha
