The popular manga series Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (Jibaku Shōnen Hanako-kun) is going on an indefinite hiatus, as announced by Square Enix’s G-Fantasy magazine. The hiatus is due to the creator, Iro Aida, seeking medical treatment for an unspecified illness.
The November issue of G-Fantasy magazine, released on Saturday, October 18, 2025, confirmed that the manga will not publish new chapters for the foreseeable future while Aida focuses on their health. In the interim, the magazine plans to re-publish previous chapters to keep readers engaged until the series can return. A specific return date for new chapters has not yet been announced.
Details of the Hiatus
The decision to pause serialization comes as a result of Iro Aida requiring medical attention. While the exact nature of the illness has not been disclosed, the priority is the creator’s recovery. Fans have expressed an outpouring of support, wishing Aida a swift return to health. This hiatus marks a pause in a series that has been consistently serialized since 2014.
Impact on G-Fantasy Magazine
During the hiatus, G-Fantasy magazine will fill the void left by new Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun chapters by reprinting earlier installments of the manga. This approach allows readers to revisit the series from its beginning or catch up on previous arcs while awaiting fresh content. The magazine’s editorial department stated they would announce the manga’s return date as soon as it is determined.
About Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, created by the duo Iro (writer) and Aida (artist), collectively known as AidaIro, began its serialization in Square Enix’s Monthly G-Fantasy magazine in June 2014. The series quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase for its unique blend of supernatural mystery, comedy, and compelling character dynamics.
Synopsis and Popularity
The story follows Nene Yashiro, a first-year high school student at Kamome Academy who, in her quest for romance, summons Hanako-san, a ghost rumored to grant wishes in exchange for a price. However, the Hanako-san she encounters is a boy, and he enlists Nene as his assistant to maintain peace between the human and supernatural worlds at the academy.
The manga’s popularity led to an anime adaptation, which premiered in January 2020. A second season of the anime aired from January to March 2025, with a direct sequel announced to return in July 2025. Additionally, a spin-off manga, After-School Hanako-kun, also received an anime adaptation in October 2023, with a four-episode sequel airing in October 2024. Yen Press publishes the manga in English, with 21 volumes released as of January 2025 and the 25th Japanese volume scheduled for October 2025. As of February 2024, the manga had over 10 million copies in circulation.
Previous Hiatuses and Creator Well-being
While the current hiatus is indefinite, the series has experienced short breaks in the past. For instance, in July 2025, the manga took a one-issue break due to Aida’s sudden illness, returning the following month. These instances highlight the demanding nature of manga serialization and the importance of creator health. The manga industry often sees series go on hiatus to allow creators time to recover from health issues or manage their workload, prioritizing their well-being.
Fans and the industry alike extend their best wishes to Iro Aida for a complete and speedy recovery. The return of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun will be eagerly anticipated by its global readership.
