The highly acclaimed Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End manga has announced an indefinite hiatus, effective from the next issue of Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine on October 22, 2025. The decision stems from health concerns for both writer Kanehito Yamada and illustrator Tsukasa Abe. This marks the latest in a series of breaks for the popular fantasy series.
Health Concerns for Yamada and Abe Lead to Pause
The official statement from Weekly Shonen Sunday‘s editorial department cited the health and well-being of Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe as the primary reason for the indefinite suspension. The announcement emphasized that the hiatus was decided after consultations with the creators. This aligns with a growing awareness within the manga community about the demanding schedules and potential health impacts on mangaka. Fans have widely expressed their support, urging the creators to prioritize their recovery.
Previous Hiatuses and Production Demands
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has experienced several hiatuses since its debut in April 2020. The series previously went on an extended break from December 2024, returning in July 2025 after releasing chapter 140. Prior to that, the manga also paused in January 2023, May 2024, and December 2024. Many speculate that the creators’ involvement in the highly successful anime adaptation, which premiered in September 2023, has also contributed to the demanding workload.
Future of the Manga and Anime
While the manga’s return date remains unconfirmed, the Weekly Shonen Sunday editorial department has indicated that they will reevaluate and adjust the publication pace and format to ensure the creators’ health and maintain the series’ quality upon its eventual return. This suggests a potential shift towards a more sustainable release schedule, which some fans have advocated for as a way to alleviate industry-wide pressures on mangaka.
Anime Season 2 Unaffected
Despite the manga’s indefinite pause, the highly anticipated second season of the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End anime is still set to premiere on January 16, 2026. Studio Madhouse, the animation studio behind the adaptation, is believed to have sufficient manga material to cover a full season of new episodes. However, concerns have been raised by fans regarding the potential impact on a hypothetical third season, given the recurring breaks in the manga’s serialization. The first season of the anime, which ran for 28 episodes, garnered significant critical acclaim.
