Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine has announced that the popular manga series Manchuria Opium Squad (満州アヘンスクワッド, Manshū Ahen Sukuwaddo), written by Tsukasa Monma and illustrated by Shikako, will switch to an irregular serialization schedule. The change is due to the artist Shikako’s health. This announcement was made in this year’s 48th issue of the magazine on Monday, October 28, 2025.
Artist’s Health Prompts Serialization Change
The decision to move to an irregular schedule stems directly from concerns regarding Shikako’s health. While specific details about the artist’s condition were not disclosed in the announcement, similar situations in the manga industry often lead to such adjustments to allow creators time for recovery without discontinuing the series entirely. This is not the first time the manga has experienced a hiatus due to the artist’s health; in October 2023, the series took a one-month break for the same reason, returning in November of that year.
About Manchuria Opium Squad
Manchuria Opium Squad is a historical crime and suspense manga that first launched on Kodansha’s Comic Days app on April 9, 2020. It later transferred to Weekly Young Magazine in September 2021. The series has gained a significant following for its compelling narrative and mature themes.
The Gritty Premise of the Series
Set in 1937 in the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo (northeastern China), the story follows Isamu Higata, a former Kwantung Army soldier who loses sight in one eye during battle. After being banished to an agricultural unit, he discovers opium poppies and begins illicitly manufacturing opium to afford medicine for his ailing mother. This choice plunges him into the dangerous and corrupt underworld of the Manchurian opium trade, where he eventually becomes a formidable figure. The manga explores themes of survival, morality, and the dark side of ambition within a historical context, depicting intense violence and drug abuse, and is rated 18+.
Publication History and Volumes
Kodansha has been collecting the chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. As of July 4, 2025, 21 volumes have been released. Kodansha also publishes the series digitally in English via its K Manga service, with Kodansha USA beginning digital volume releases on September 10, 2024. The manga has also been nominated for prestigious awards, including the 47th Kodansha Manga Award in the general category in 2023 and the 70th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2024.
Impact on Fans and Future Outlook
The shift to irregular serialization means that fans may experience longer waits between new chapters. However, it prioritizes the artist’s well-being, which is often seen as a necessary step to ensure the long-term continuation and quality of the series. Readers will be eagerly awaiting further updates from Kodansha regarding the publication schedule of Manchuria Opium Squad. The move is a testament to the pressures faced by manga artists and the industry’s evolving approach to creator health.
