Prolific light novel author Yomi Hirasaka has confirmed his retirement from the industry. Best known for his hit series Haganai: I Don't Have Many Friends, Hirasaka announced the news via social media on September 13, explicitly stating that his departure is a lifestyle choice driven by the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement rather than a response to professional setbacks or personal health issues.
Addressing speculation regarding his recent output, Hirasaka pushed back against rumors that the conclusion of his latest series, A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics, was prompted by negative reception. He maintained that both the light novel series and its 2024 television anime adaptation—which was streamed by Crunchyroll—performed well. The final volume of A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics was released in July, marking the end of a project that began in 2021 alongside illustrator Kantoku.
Hirasaka’s career spans nearly two decades of influential titles in the school and comedy genres. While Haganai remains his most recognizable work—boasting a massive footprint with over 473,000 voters on MyAnimeList and a 7.13 score as of April 2026—his portfolio also includes the successful A Sister's All You Need., which concluded in 2020. With the author now stepping away from the desk, his legacy remains defined by a long list of adaptations, including multiple manga spin-offs and television seasons that have maintained a consistent presence on streaming platforms.
