Fans of the acclaimed manga series Rurouni Kenshin can anticipate the return of the Hokkaido Arc as its serialization is set to resume on July 4, 2025. The announcement confirms the end of an extended hiatus that began in May 2024.
The Hiatus and Author’s Health
The Rurouni Kenshin: Hokkaido Arc manga, penned and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki with story collaboration from his wife Kaworu Kurosaki, entered an indefinite hiatus after its June 2024 issue due to Watsuki’s poor health. This prolonged break left readers eagerly awaiting the continuation of Himura Kenshin’s journey. The resumption on July 4 will see new chapters published in Shueisha’s Jump SQ. magazine.
A Brief History of the Hokkaido Arc
The Hokkaido Arc serves as a direct sequel to the original Rurouni Kenshin manga, picking up the story of Himura Kenshin and his companions in 1883 Japan as they venture through Hokkaido in pursuit of Kenshin’s father-in-law. The series first began serialization in Jump SQ. in September 2017.
This is not the first time the Hokkaido Arc has experienced a halt in publication. The manga previously went on hiatus in December 2017. This initial suspension followed charges brought against Nobuhiro Watsuki for possession of child sexual abuse imagery. The series later resumed publication in June 2018 after a period of reflection and atonement by the author, with Shueisha stating that the decision to continue was made to fulfill the desires of fans. Notably, Viz Media, which had been simultaneously publishing the manga in English, ceased its release after the 2017 hiatus.
Despite past controversies and recent health concerns, the upcoming return of the Hokkaido Arc signals a new chapter for the beloved series, which has garnered over 72 million copies in circulation worldwide and has inspired numerous adaptations, including anime series, films, and stage musicals.
