The highly anticipated serialization of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (Jibaku Shōnen Hanako-kun) will experience a one-issue break due to the sudden illness of its author, Iro Aida. The announcement, made by Square Enix’s G Fantasy magazine via their official X/Twitter account on Thursday, July 11, has temporarily halted the release of new chapters, a common occurrence in the demanding manga industry, emphasizing the well-being of its creators.
Impact on Publication Schedule
Fans eagerly awaiting the next installment of the supernatural comedy will find that the upcoming August issue of G Fantasy magazine, set for release on July 18, will not feature a new chapter of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun. Instead, the magazine will re-publish an older chapter to fill the void. The good news for the series’ dedicated readership is that the manga is scheduled to resume its regular serialization with a new chapter in the September issue, slated for release on August 18.
The Duo Behind AidaIro
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is created by the esteemed manga artist duo known as AidaIro. This conjoined name represents the collaborative efforts of Iro, who handles the writing, and Aida, responsible for the illustrations. Their combined talent has brought to life the compelling narrative and distinctive art style that has captivated a global audience since the manga’s inception.
A Look Back at Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
Launched in Square Enix’s Monthly GFantasy magazine in 2014, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun has grown into a significant franchise within the manga and anime landscape. The series tells the story of Nene Yashiro, an occult-loving high school girl who, in her quest for romance, ventures into Kamome Academy’s haunted bathroom. There, she summons Hanako-san, one of the school’s Seven Mysteries, only to discover that the legendary ghost is a boy. This supernatural comedy blends elements of mystery, folklore, and heartfelt character development, earning it a loyal following.
As of June 26, 2025, Square Enix has published 24 compiled book volumes of the manga, with the 25th volume anticipated for release on October 27. Yen Press has been instrumental in bringing the series to English-speaking audiences, publishing the 21st volume on January 21. Yen Press began publishing the manga digitally in July 2017 and later started print releases in July 2019.
Anime Adaptations and Spinoffs
The popularity of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun extends beyond the printed page, with multiple anime adaptations enriching the franchise. The first television anime adaptation premiered in Japan in January 2020, running for 12 episodes. Funimation provided streaming services with both English dubs and subtitles.
A second season of the anime debuted on January 12, 2025, with Crunchyroll streaming the new season, including an English dub. The second part of this second season premiered on July 6, 2025.
In addition to the main series, a popular spinoff manga, After-School Hanako-kun (Hōkago Shōnen Hanako-kun), launched in pixiv Comic in February 2018. This spinoff concluded its run in October 2021 after 25 chapters. Square Enix released one compiled book volume for this spinoff in August 2019, with Yen Press releasing the English version in April 2021. An anime adaptation of After-School Hanako-kun also premiered in October 2023, streamed by Crunchyroll.
The temporary pause in Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun‘s serialization serves as a reminder of the human element behind beloved creative works. Fans worldwide extend their best wishes to Iro Aida for a swift recovery, eagerly anticipating the return of new adventures from Kamome Academy.
