The beloved Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun manga is entering an indefinite hiatus as its co-creator, Iro Aida, seeks medical treatment for an unspecified illness. The announcement was made in the November issue of Square Enix’s G Fantasy magazine, released on Saturday, October 18, 2025, leaving fans awaiting further updates on the manga’s return.
Details of the Hiatus and Creator’s Condition
According to the official announcement in G Fantasy magazine, the popular supernatural comedy manga will not publish new chapters for the foreseeable future. Instead, the magazine will re-publish previous chapters to fill the void during the hiatus. The creative duo, known as AidaIro, stated that the break is necessary for Iro Aida to receive medical treatment. While the specific nature of the illness has not been disclosed, the indefinite nature of the hiatus suggests a need for focused recovery.
This is not the first time Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun has taken a brief pause this year. The manga previously went on a one-issue break in July 2025 due to “sudden illness,” returning for its August issue. The current announcement indicates a more prolonged period away from serialization.
About the Creative Duo AidaIro
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is the creation of AidaIro, a Japanese manga artist duo composed of writer Iro and illustrator Aida. They launched the ongoing manga series in Square Enix’s Monthly GFantasy magazine in 2014. The duo is celebrated for their distinctive art style and compelling storytelling that blends supernatural mystery with endearing character interactions.
The Enduring Popularity of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
The Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (Jibaku Shōnen Hanako-kun) manga has garnered a significant following both in Japan and internationally. It tells the story of Nene Yashiro, an occult-loving high school girl who forms a bond with the school’s resident ghost, Hanako-kun, to maintain peace between the human and supernatural worlds at Kamome Academy.
As of June 2025, the manga has been collected into 24 tankōbon volumes, with the 25th volume slated for release on October 27, 2025. Yen Press handles the English release of the manga, publishing the 21st volume in January 2025.
The series has also expanded into a successful anime franchise. The first television anime adaptation premiered in Japan in January 2020, consisting of 12 episodes. A spin-off manga, After-School Hanako-kun (Hōkago Shōnen Hanako-kun), also received an anime adaptation, which first aired in October 2023, with a sequel season airing in October 2024. Furthermore, a second season of the main Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun anime premiered in January 2025, with a second part airing from July to September 2025. Crunchyroll streams both the main series and the spin-off, providing access to a wide global audience.
Impact on Fans and Hopes for Recovery
News of Iro Aida’s medical hiatus has undoubtedly prompted concern and well-wishes from the dedicated fanbase. Readers have expressed sadness at the pause, particularly given the engaging nature of recent chapters. However, there is also an outpouring of support and understanding, with fans prioritizing the creator’s health above all else. Many hope for a swift and full recovery for Iro Aida, eagerly anticipating the day Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun can resume its captivating narrative. The manga’s official return date will be announced by G Fantasy magazine once it has been decided.
