Long-running boxing manga Hajime no Ippo, penned by George Morikawa, has announced an indefinite hiatus following a period of increasingly irregular releases throughout 2025. The news, circulating primarily through Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine and author communications, indicates a shift in the publication schedule to prioritize Morikawa’s health and ensure the continued quality of the series.
Morikawa’s Health and Production Pace Lead to Changes
The decision to move to an indefinite hiatus comes after Morikawa’s health has been a recurring factor in the manga’s publication schedule. In 2025, the series saw only 32 chapters published across approximately 48 issues of the magazine, averaging less than nine pages per week. This signifies around 16 weeks in 2025 where a chapter was not released for various reasons.
While previous breaks have often been brief, sometimes for a single week to prepare for combined magazine issues, the latest announcement suggests a more significant shift. Morikawa himself has been open about the physical demands of manga creation, stating that he does not agree with forcing himself to draw against his will, even while desiring to continue drawing his favorite manga for as long as possible. His priority is maintaining his health, even if it means proceeding at a slower pace.
Author’s Stance on Work-Life Balance
Morikawa’s recent statements emphasize a critical perspective on mangaka well-being and creative control. He has publicly addressed the challenges of balancing demanding serialization schedules with personal health. The mangaka believes that no one’s life should worsen due to work, reiterating that his health is more important than weekly releases. This stance resonates within the industry, especially after other authors have raised concerns about studio adaptations and the pressure to maintain demanding schedules.
Morikawa has previously demonstrated his commitment to his work’s integrity, even threatening to halt the serialization of Hajime no Ippo if the anime adaptation deviated too much from the manga’s source material. This resolve underscores his dedication to his creation, and his current decision appears to be another manifestation of prioritizing its long-term health and his own.
The Legacy of Hajime no Ippo and Fan Impact
First serialized in 1989, Hajime no Ippo has become a monumental success, surpassing 100 million copies in circulation by July 2024. The series follows the journey of high school student Ippo Makunouchi as he discovers the world of professional boxing and strives to find what it truly feels like to be strong. Its enduring popularity has led to multiple anime adaptations, including Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger and Hajime no Ippo Rising, along with an OVA and a stage play.
The manga’s influence extends deeply within the boxing and manga communities, with fans consistently following Ippo’s quest in and out of the ring. While dedicated readers are accustomed to occasional breaks, an indefinite hiatus naturally sparks discussion and anticipation within the fanbase. Many readers support Morikawa’s decision to prioritize his health, recognizing the immense pressure mangaka face. However, some Japanese users have expressed concern for young readers who eagerly await new chapters weekly.
As Hajime no Ippo navigates this new phase, the focus remains on George Morikawa’s well-being and the eventual, high-quality return of Ippo Makunouchi’s story. Fans around the globe will continue to await updates, hopeful for the series’ long-term continuation.
