Manga creator Uru Okabe has brought the first part of their Yajin (Night Person) manga to a close with the release of its 25th chapter, marking the series’ first new installment in seven years. The chapter, published on Shogakukan’s Manga ONE app, was accompanied by a personal note from Okabe, apologizing for the hiatus and the abrupt nature of the conclusion.
A Long-Awaited Return and a Difficult Farewell
The 25th chapter of Yajin was released on Saturday, ending a significant hiatus that began in December 2018. This long-awaited return also served as the conclusion to the manga’s initial storyline, with Okabe designating it as the “end to the first part” of the series.
Creator’s Apology and Health Struggles
In a heartfelt note published alongside the chapter, Okabe apologized to readers, acknowledging that the ending might leave a “bad aftertaste.” They explained that they had considered various ways to conclude the manga but ultimately decided to follow the storyboard created in 2018, condensing two chapters’ worth of story into the single release.
Okabe also revealed the severe health challenges that contributed to the prolonged hiatus. Sometime within the last seven years, the mangaka suffered a cerebral infarction (ischemic stroke), which led to hospitalization and left their upper right and lower limbs paralyzed. In October 2024, Okabe had shared the news of their condition, expressing gratitude for surviving and contemplating whether to rehabilitate their right hand or learn to draw with their left.
Fan Support and Good Night World Anime as Motivation
Despite the immense difficulties, Okabe credited encouraging words from fans and the support generated by the anime adaptation of their previous work, Good Night World, for helping them through a challenging period. Good Night World received an anime adaptation that premiered worldwide on Netflix in October 2024. Okabe launched the Good Night World manga in 2016, with its prequel, Good Night World End, concluding in May 2024.
The Future of Yajin
While the 25th chapter marks the end of Yajin‘s first part, Okabe expressed a desire to continue the manga with a second part if the opportunity arises. However, they also acknowledged the commercial difficulties involved and could not definitively promise a continuation at this time.
Series Background
Uru Okabe originally launched Yajin on Shogakukan’s Manga ONE and Ura Sunday services in May 2018. The youth x horror manga centers on two middle school friends, Utsugi and Takajō, who experience an out-of-body phenomenon, allowing them to transform into “Yajin” at night. This ability grants them powers like flying freely and passing through walls. Their secret is discovered by a girl named Iko, who can see ghosts, leading the trio into nocturnal adventures. Shogakukan published the manga’s first compiled book volume in August 2018 and the second in December 2018.
Fans remain hopeful for a potential second part, as Okabe continues their recovery and navigates the creative and commercial landscape.
