The popular manga series Fly Me to the Moon, also known as Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You, is currently on hiatus. This break has captured the attention of manga fans, not just for the absence of new chapters, but also for the rather unusual reason behind it.
A Hiatus Triggered by… Jujutsu Kaisen?
The reason for the hiatus is indeed surprising. Kenjiro Hata, the creator of Fly Me to the Moon, announced that he needed to take a break to recover from the “shocking” events of chapter 236 of Jujutsu Kaisen. This chapter featured the death of the popular character Gojo Satoru, and it profoundly affected Hata, leading to his decision to put his own manga on hold.
A Manga Author’s Love for Manga
It might seem odd for one manga creator to take a break because of the events in another series. However, Kenjiro Hata has openly expressed his admiration for Jujutsu Kaisen in the past. His own manga, Fly Me to the Moon, contains references to Jujutsu Kaisen, including character poses and even a cameo appearance by Yuji Itadori. This demonstrates Hata’s genuine appreciation for Gege Akutami’s work and explains why Gojo’s death had such a strong impact on him.
The Details of the Hiatus
- Fly Me to the Moon went on hiatus following the release of chapter 250.
- The hiatus was announced in the 46th issue of Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine.
- The manga is expected to return in the 50th issue of the magazine.
A Month-Long Break
The hiatus is scheduled to last approximately one month, giving Kenjiro Hata time to recover from the emotional impact of Jujutsu Kaisen‘s chapter 236 and return to work on Fly Me to the Moon. While the specific return date wasn’t explicitly stated in the initial announcements from late 2023, the timeline suggests it would have been around late November to early December of 2023. As of April 2025, the manga has resumed publication.
Fly Me to the Moon: A Synopsis
Fly Me to the Moon is a romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Kenjiro Hata. It has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday since February 2018. The story revolves around Nasa Yuzaki, a teenage genius, and his developing relationship with his wife, Tsukasa.
The Story Begins
On the day of his high school entrance exams, Nasa meets Tsukasa, a “generally cute” girl, and falls in love with her. After an accident, Nasa confesses his feelings, and Tsukasa agrees to go out with him, but only if they get married. Years later, on Nasa’s 18th birthday, Tsukasa reappears, and they get married, marking the start of their newlywed life.
Manga and Anime
The manga has been collected into 31 tankobon volumes as of March 2025. Viz Media licenses the manga in English, with 27 volumes released as of February 2025.
An anime television series adaptation, produced by Seven Arcs, aired from October to December 2020, with a second season airing from April to June 2023. A four-episode original net animation (ONA) titled Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You – High School Days was released from July to August 2023.
Kenjiro Hata: The Author Behind the Series
Kenjiro Hata is a Japanese manga artist known for creating Hayate the Combat Butler and Fly Me to the Moon. He was born on October 19, 1975, in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Hata is married to voice actress Masumi Asano.
A Prolific Career
Hata’s career includes several notable works:
- God’s Rocket Punch! (2002)
- Heroes of the Sea Lifesavers (2003)
- Thunder Goddess Sofia (2003)
- Hayate the Combat Butler (2004–2017)
- Seiyu’s Life! (2011, with Masumi Asano)
- Ad Astra per Aspera (2015–present, on hiatus)
- Fly Me to the Moon (2018–present)
The Impact of Jujutsu Kaisen
The decision to put Fly Me to the Moon on hiatus due to the events in Jujutsu Kaisen highlights the interconnectedness of the manga community and the impact that one series can have on another. It also showcases the passion and emotional investment that manga creators have in their work and the work of others.
Fan Reactions and Support
Fans have shown support for Kenjiro Hata’s decision, understanding his emotional response to the Jujutsu Kaisen storyline. Many appreciate his honesty and willingness to take a break to recharge before continuing his own series.
A Brief Overview of Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Gege Akutami. It has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since March 2018. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes a jujutsu sorcerer after swallowing a cursed object to protect his friends.
Dark Fantasy and Action
Jujutsu Kaisen is known for its dark fantasy elements, intense action sequences, and complex characters. The series has gained a large following and critical acclaim for its engaging storyline and unique art style.
The Future of Fly Me to the Moon
As of April 2025, Fly Me to the Moon has returned from its hiatus, and new chapters are being released. Fans can look forward to the continuation of Nasa and Tsukasa’s heartwarming story. The series remains a popular choice for readers who enjoy romantic comedy and slice-of-life manga.
Where to Read and Watch
- The Fly Me to the Moon manga is available for purchase in English from Viz Media.
- The anime series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Enduring Appeal of Kenjiro Hata’s Work
Kenjiro Hata’s work has resonated with readers for its humor, heartwarming stories, and relatable characters. His ability to blend comedy and romance has made Fly Me to the Moon a beloved series among manga fans. The temporary hiatus, though unexpected, has only served to increase anticipation for the next chapter in Nasa and Tsukasa’s journey.
