In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the anime/manga community, the Japanese fantasy manga Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Japanese title Sōsō no Furīren) has announced it is entering an indefinite hiatus, citing health issues suffered by its creative team.
The series, written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, first began serialization in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday in April 2020. According to multiple reports, both Yamada and Abe have been dealing with ongoing health concerns, prompting discussions with the editorial staff about slowing the series’ pace and ultimately opting for the long pause.
What We Know & What It Means
The timing and hiatus details:
- The manga’s most recent regular serialization saw breaks earlier this year — including a hiatus that began January 2025 and a return in July.
- The “indefinite hiatus” was formally announced in October 2025.
- No specific timeline has been given for the manga’s return, raising concern among fans about long-term scheduling.
Why the break?
Official statements remain somewhat minimal, but the underlying cause is the health of the two creators — Yamada (story) and Abe (art). Given the demanding pace of manga serialization, particularly for a popular series, many insiders speculate that the break is necessary to allow the creators to recuperate and avoid more serious issues.
The impact on fans and the series’ trajectory:
- Frieren has been a strong performer both commercially and critically. According to recent data, the series had over 30 million copies in circulation by July 2025.
- While a hiatus is certainly disappointing for readers eagerly following Frieren’s journey with Fern, Stark and the rest of the cast, many fans and industry voices are emphasizing that the priority must be the creators’ well-being.
- There is the question of momentum: a series built on high emotional stakes, rich artwork, and thoughtful pacing may lose some of its rhythm if the break is drawn out. On the other hand, a healthy resurgence could help sustain its quality over the long run.
What About the Anime Adaptation?
For fans wondering if this pause in the manga will affect the anime: It appears not — at least for the immediate future. The anime adaptation Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (by studio Madhouse) already has a Season 2 scheduled for January 16, 2026 in Japan.
Because of this, production for the anime reportedly has sufficient source material to proceed, so the hiatus in the manga should not directly delay the upcoming season. However, if the break becomes prolonged and the manga falls significantly behind, future anime seasons could face scheduling or adaptation constraints.
What Fans Are Saying
Across social media, fans have expressed mixed emotions — concern, frustration, but also support and patience. One recurring message: “Take all the time you need and just get better. We’ll wait.” Many readers have urged fellow fans to prioritize the creators’ health over pushy demands for updates.
Some other sentiments:
- “The world of Frieren is one of comfort and reflection — let it rest in good hands.”
- “I’d rather the story return later and strong than rush and stumble.”
- A few fans expressed mild disappointment that the flow of new chapters will pause, but most seem to understand.
What’s Next & How You Can Follow
- Keep an eye on official announcements from Weekly Shōnen Sunday, Shogakukan, or Yamada/Abe’s public channels for updates on the manga’s return date.
- For now, you can reread the existing 14 volumes (as of March 2025) and revisit the anime’s first season.
- The upcoming Season 2 of the anime offers a great opportunity for fans to dive deeper into the story and characters while waiting for the manga to resume.
