The 19th issue of Shogakukan's Big Comic magazine has confirmed that Hinemosu Notari Nikki, the ongoing autobiographical essay manga by industry veteran Tetsuya Chiba, is entering a hiatus. Editorial staff noted that the decision was made to prioritize Chiba’s health and recovery, though the creator has expressed a strong desire to return to the drawing board as soon as he is able.
In a personal statement, Chiba suggested that the intense summer heat may have contributed to his recent decline in health. He apologized to his readership for the interruption and requested patience while he focuses on his well-being. This is not the first time the series has paused; the manga previously went on hiatus in August 2024, returning to the pages of the magazine four months later in December.
Chiba, 87, has a long history of health challenges in recent years, including heart and throat treatments. Despite these obstacles, he remains a monumental figure in the medium. Beyond his current essay series, he is best known for the iconic boxing epic Ashita no Joe, which continues to influence modern projects like the Megalobox franchise. In 2024, Chiba became the first manga artist to receive the Japanese government's Order of Culture, a testament to his decades of contribution to the arts.
