Fans of the heartwarming manga series “A Man and His Cat” will have to wait a bit longer for new chapters. Umi Sakurai, the creator of the popular series, has announced a hiatus due to health issues.
A Pause for Health
The announcement has sparked concern among the manga’s dedicated following. While specific details regarding Sakurai’s condition have not been disclosed, the decision to prioritize health has been met with widespread support and understanding from fans.
This isn’t an isolated incident within the manga industry. The demanding schedules and intense pressure faced by manga creators often take a toll, leading to burnout and various health problems. Many artists have been forced to take breaks or even discontinue their work due to these challenges.
About “A Man and His Cat”
“A Man and His Cat” (Japanese: Ojisama to Neko) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Umi Sakurai. The series follows an older widower who adopts an unwanted cat. Originally self-published as a webcomic by Sakurai, the series gained significant traction online before being serialized by Square Enix Manga. The series is published in Square Enix’s manga magazines Monthly Shōnen Gangan and Gangan Pixiv.
The manga has resonated with readers worldwide due to its gentle storytelling and exploration of themes such as loneliness, companionship, and healing. The story revolves around Mr. Kanda, a widowed schoolteacher, and Fukumaru, an “unwanted” cat, deemed unlovable due to his looks, who forms an immediate bond that helps the other achieve the best version of themselves. The series explores their heartwarming relationship as they navigate life together, offering solace and joy to each other.
The series was a top-selling physical manga series on Amazon Japan in 2018. It was also voted one of the top ten manga of 2018 by Japanese bookstore employees nationwide.
The popularity of “A Man and His Cat” has also led to other media adaptations, including a live-action television drama that aired from January to March 2021, where the cats are portrayed by puppets. A picture book adaptation was released on November 11, 2022. At Anime Expo 2023, Square Enix Manga & Books announced that they licensed the picture book for English publication.
The Demands on Manga Creators
The manga industry is notorious for its grueling working conditions.
Intense Schedules: Manga artists often face incredibly tight deadlines, sometimes producing chapters on a weekly basis. This leaves very little time for rest and recovery. An artist may only get about “three hours of free time” per week working on a story serialized weekly. The calendar even regulates sleeping hours, limiting them to a paltry two hours on Mondays.
Creative Pressure: The need to constantly generate fresh and engaging content can be mentally taxing, leading to stress and creative burnout. Creative work and strict deadlines tend to lead to very unhealthy schedules.
Physical Strain: The long hours spent drawing and writing can lead to physical ailments such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye strain.
Financial Instability: Many manga artists struggle to make a sustainable living, especially early in their careers.
Health Concerns in the Manga Industry
The demanding nature of the manga industry has had a demonstrable impact on the health of its creators. Some common issues include:
Burnout: The relentless pressure and lack of work-life balance can lead to exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of detachment from their work.
Mental Health Issues: Stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent among manga artists due to the pressures they face.
Physical Ailments: Back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and vision problems are common due to long hours spent drawing.
Serious Health Problems: In extreme cases, overwork can contribute to life-threatening conditions.
The Industry’s Response
There is growing awareness of the need for change within the manga industry. Some publishers are beginning to take steps to improve working conditions, such as:
Providing More Realistic Deadlines: Allowing artists more time to complete their work can reduce stress and improve the quality of the final product.
Offering Better Compensation and Benefits: Fair pay and access to healthcare can help artists maintain their physical and mental well-being.
Encouraging Work-Life Balance: Promoting healthy habits and encouraging artists to take breaks can prevent burnout.
Providing Mental Health Support: Offering access to counseling and other mental health services can help artists cope with the stresses of the job.
A Call for Change
The hiatus of “A Man and His Cat” serves as a reminder of the human cost behind the creation of beloved manga series. While fans eagerly await Umi Sakurai’s return, it’s important to recognize the broader issues within the industry and advocate for changes that prioritize the health and well-being of manga creators. Steps to create a better life for artists include raising awareness of mental health, and donating to organizations and unions.
By supporting initiatives that promote healthier working conditions, readers can help ensure that their favorite artists can continue to create the stories they love for years to come.
