Ōhashi Hirai’s critically acclaimed manga series, The Days of Diamond (Japanese: Daiyamondo no Kōzai), is officially set to resume serialization with chapter 87 on September 18. The announcement came from Shueisha’s Young Jump platform, confirming its return in the 42nd issue of Weekly Young Jump magazine.
A Highly Anticipated Return to the Diamond
Fans have eagerly awaited the continuation of the sports drama, which centers on the complex journey of a young baseball prodigy. The manga had been on a hiatus, and its return marks a significant event for readers following the poignant narrative of its protagonist, Jiro Ayasegawa.
Unpacking “The Days of Diamond”
The Days of Diamond is a coming-of-age and sports manga written and illustrated by Ōhashi Hirai. It first began serialization in Shueisha’s seinen manga magazine Weekly Young Jump on February 9, 2023. The series quickly garnered attention for its unique exploration of talent and its repercussions.
The Plot: The Burden of Brilliance
The story introduces Jiro Ayasegawa, an exceptionally gifted fifth-grader whose athletic prowess brings him more isolation than joy. Desiring to make friends through sports, Jiro joins a little league baseball team, hoping a team environment will offer camaraderie. However, his overwhelming talent as a pitcher soon pushes him onto a competitive path, leading to unintended consequences and a sense of loneliness despite his success. The manga delves into the emotional toll of being a “diamond in the rough,” exploring how exceptional ability affects the prodigy, their peers, and the adults around them.
Critical Acclaim and Recognition
Since its debut, The Days of Diamond has received widespread critical acclaim. The series topped Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list for best manga of 2024 in the male readers’ category. It was also nominated for the prestigious 17th Manga Taishō in 2024, where it placed fifth, and ranked fourth on the Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics of 2024 list. Shueisha has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes, with eight volumes released as of April 17, 2025. The series is also simultaneously published in English on Shueisha’s Manga Plus web platform, making it accessible to international audiences.
The resumption of The Days of Diamond promises to continue the compelling narrative of Jiro Ayasegawa’s journey, further exploring the profound themes of talent, friendship, and the pressures of competitive sports.
