George Asakura, the creator of the popular manga series Dance Dance Danseur, has announced a hiatus due to her recent second surgery. The announcement, made on February 14, 2025, via Asakura’s X (formerly Twitter) account, confirmed that she had been safely discharged from the hospital after undergoing a second craniotomy.
Asakura’s Health and Hiatus
Asakura’s recent surgery was her second craniotomy. Her first surgery, also a craniotomy, took place in May 2024 to address an unruptured cerebral aneurysm. Following the first procedure, Dance Dance Danseur went on hiatus, resuming publication in September 2024. At that time, Asakura indicated the possibility of needing another surgery in 2025.
In her recent post, Asakura humorously stated that she “looks cool like Frankenstein,” while also conveying that the manga would be going on hiatus again to allow for her recovery.
Dance Dance Danseur: A Synopsis
Dance Dance Danseur revolves around Junpei Murao, a young man who was once captivated by ballet. However, after the tragic death of his father during his second year of middle school, Junpei suppresses his passion to embrace a more “masculine” identity. He takes up Jeet Kune Do and becomes popular in his class. Despite outwardly rejecting ballet, he still harbors a deep interest in the art form.
The arrival of a new transfer student named Miyako Godai, whose mother runs a ballet studio, changes everything. Miyako recognizes Junpei’s hidden talent and invites him to join her in pursuing ballet. This invitation reignites Junpei’s love for ballet, setting the stage for a compelling coming-of-age story.
Manga and Anime Adaptation
Written and illustrated by George Asakura, Dance Dance Danseur has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine since September 14, 2015. Shogakukan has compiled the chapters into individual tankōbon volumes, with 29 volumes released as of November 12, 2024.
The series also inspired an anime television adaptation produced by MAPPA, which aired from April to June 2022.
George Asakura: A Profile
George Asakura is a respected Japanese manga artist known for her unique and edgy style. Born on May 11, 1974, she debuted in 1995 with Punky Cake Junkie. She is also known for A Perfect Day for Love Letters, Piece of Cake, and Drowning Love. Asakura won the 2005 Kodansha Manga Award for A Perfect Day for Love Letters.
Asakura’s Works
Asakura’s notable works include:
- Punky Cake Junkie
- A Perfect Day for Love Letters
- Knock Your Heart Out!
- Shōnen Shōjo Romance
- Bara Ga Saita
- Suimitsuto No Yoru
- Happy End
- Heart wo Uchinomese
- Piece of Cake
- Karaoke Baka Ichidai
- Heibon Punch
- Oboreru Knife (“The Drowning Knife”)
- TEKE TEKE☆RENDEZ-VOUS
- Dance Dance Danseur
The Impact of Hiatuses on Manga
The hiatus of Dance Dance Danseur highlights the challenges manga creators face balancing their health with the demands of their work. Hiatuses are common in the manga industry, often due to illness, exhaustion, or the need for research and development.
Other Manga Hiatuses
Several other manga series have experienced hiatuses due to their creators’ health concerns. Some notable examples include:
- Hunter x Hunter by Yoshihiro Togashi
- Berserk by Kentaro Miura (continued by Kouji Mori and Studio Gaga after Miura’s death)
- World Trigger by Daisuke Ashihara
- Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura
Impact on Readers
Hiatuses can be frustrating for readers who eagerly await the next installment of their favorite series. However, most fans are understanding and supportive of creators prioritizing their health. Many view the break as necessary for the creator’s well-being and the long-term quality of the manga.
Looking Ahead
It is currently unknown how long the hiatus for Dance Dance Danseur will last. Fans are hoping for a speedy recovery for George Asakura and the eventual return of the manga. Readers can stay updated on the manga’s status through official announcements from Shogakukan and George Asakura’s social media.
