There is no question asked more frequently in anime communities than this one: is Hunter x Hunter coming back? It has been asked since 2014. It was asked through Yoshihiro Togashi's years of devastating back pain, through the long silences, through the Twitter account that offered cryptic updates, and through the brief, miraculous return in 2022 that gave the Succession War arc more chapters than anyone dared hope for. In 2026, the question persists — but the context around it has changed in ways worth understanding.
Where the Manga Stands in 2026
Hunter x Hunter is currently in the Succession War arc, the story thread that began with the death of Chairman Netero's son Nasubi and the Kakin royal family's murderous succession contest aboard a ship heading for the Dark Continent. The arc is extraordinarily complex — Togashi introduced over a dozen new major characters, each with unique Nen abilities, and the story has been operating simultaneously across multiple narrative threads at different levels of the ship.
The 2022–2023 return produced ten new chapters (401–410), ending with a cliffhanger involving Kurapika's ongoing efforts to protect the youngest princes while managing his own Nen limitations. As of May 2026, the manga has not published new chapters since Chapter 410, but Togashi has not announced the manga is ending or on permanent hiatus.
Togashi's Health: What We Actually Know
Yoshihiro Togashi has been open about the physical reality of his situation in a way that is both admirable and difficult to read. He has discussed his spinal condition in interviews and on social media — specifically the chronic pain that makes sitting at a drawing desk for extended periods deeply damaging. The 2022 return was partly enabled by new working methods, including working in shorter sessions and using assistants differently than before.
In 2025, Togashi posted to his verified social media on several occasions, confirming he was working on story materials — notes, planning documents, rough drafts — even during periods when finalised chapters weren't being produced. This is meaningful: it suggests the story is being actively developed even when publication isn't happening. The bottleneck is production time, not creative stagnation.
Will There Be a New Hunter x Hunter Anime?
The 2011 Madhouse adaptation of Hunter x Hunter is widely considered one of the greatest anime ever made. It adapted the story through the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc and ended in 2014 at Chapter 338. The manga is currently around Chapter 410, meaning there are approximately 72 chapters of unadapted material — enough for a substantial new season, but significantly complicated by the fact that the Succession War arc is unfinished.
No new anime adaptation has been announced as of May 2026. The conventional wisdom in the community is that a new anime won't be announced until the manga is either complete or significantly further along — producing an adaptation of an unfinished arc risks the same problems that plagued early Fullmetal Alchemist or the Naruto/Bleach filler eras. When a new adaptation does come, the expectation is that it will be a complete reboot or continuation, and that it will be one of the most anticipated anime events in years.
Should You Start HxH Now?
Absolutely. The 2011 anime is one of the medium's best works regardless of completion status. The Chimera Ant arc alone justifies the entire watch. The manga, read after the anime, provides additional depth and context for the Succession War arc's complexity. The uncertainty around the continuation is a reason to appreciate what exists, not a reason to avoid it.
FAQ
How many chapters does Hunter x Hunter have?
As of May 2026, Hunter x Hunter has 410 chapters. The manga has been serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump since 1998, with multiple extended hiatuses throughout its run.
Where can I watch the Hunter x Hunter anime?
The 2011 Hunter x Hunter anime (148 episodes) is available on Crunchyroll and Netflix. The 1999 Nippon Animation adaptation (62 episodes + OVAs) covers the same early arcs with a different tone and is available on older streaming platforms and digital purchase.
What arc is Hunter x Hunter in right now?
The manga is currently in the Succession War arc, also called the Voyage to the Dark Continent arc. It follows multiple members of the Kakin royal family aboard a ship heading toward the Dark Continent, with Kurapika, Leorio, and various Phantom Troupe members all present.
Is Togashi still alive and working?
Yes. Yoshihiro Togashi has been active on social media as recently as 2025 and has confirmed he continues to work on the story. His health challenges are real and ongoing, but he has not retired or ended the series.
