Shō Aimoto’s hit supernatural manga Kemono Jihen will take a short break from serialization: Jump SQ. announced that the series will skip the magazine’s March issue and return in the April issue shipping on March 4. The pause is due to Aimoto’s recent bout with gastroenteritis; the author has confirmed they are recovering and will undergo an endoscopy soon. This brief hiatus gives fans time to catch up on volumes while prioritizing Aimoto’s health.
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Why Kemono Jihen is on break
Jump SQ.’s official notice confirmed that no new chapter will appear in the magazine’s upcoming March issue. Aimoto shared the update on their X/Twitter account, explaining they had gastroenteritis earlier in the year and are now feeling better while preparing for a medical checkup. Short health-related breaks are not uncommon in the manga industry and are often used to allow creators to recover without impacting long-term quality.
Quick timeline of the announcement
- Announcement posted on Jump SQ.’s official X/Twitter account. (Jump SQ. announcement)
- Aimoto confirmed their condition and recovery status on their personal X/Twitter account. (Aimoto’s post)
- Serialized chapters will resume in the April issue (ships March 4).
About Kemono Jihen: premise and appeal
Kemono Jihen blends urban mystery with yokai folklore. The story follows Inugami, a Tokyo detective who specializes in occult cases, and his investigations into creatures that lurk on the fringes of everyday life. One case leads him to a remote village where he meets Dorotabo, a strange, foul-smelling boy nicknamed after a yokai that haunts muddy rice paddies. The manga’s core tension comes from the relationship between Inugami and Dorotabo: a potentially dangerous child treated as an outcast, whom the detective opts to mentor and protect.
Why readers are hooked
Kemono Jihen stands out for its blend of horror, heart, and worldbuilding. Aimoto’s approach to yokai—mixing traditional folklore with modern settings—creates eerie, memorable encounters while exploring themes of belonging, identity, and the line between human and monster. The series balances tense supernatural battles with quieter character moments, making it appealing to readers who enjoy both action and emotional depth.
Main characters to know
Inugami
A Tokyo-based occult detective, Inugami is skilled at tracking and dealing with supernatural threats. He often adopts the role of mentor and guardian, especially toward those who are ostracized or misunderstood.
Dorotabo
The boy at the center of the early story, nicknamed after the yokai due to his connection to mud and his unsettling odor. Dorotabo’s mysterious origins and inhuman traits make him both a source of fear and sympathy, and his relationship with Inugami drives much of the narrative’s emotional core.
Publication history and volumes
Aimoto launched Kemono Jihen in Jump SQ. in December 2016. Since then the series has steadily grown in popularity, with Shueisha publishing compiled volumes and Seven Seas handling English releases. As of late last year, Shueisha released the 24th tankōbon volume on December 4, and Seven Seas published the 19th English volume on December 16. Regular volume releases make the series accessible to new readers who prefer collected editions over weekly magazine chapters.
Anime adaptation and broader reach
Kemono Jihen received a television anime adaptation that premiered in January 2021, increasing the series’ visibility outside Japan and helping attract international readers to the manga. The anime faithfully adapts many of the early arcs and introduced new fans to Aimoto’s blend of folklore-based horror and character-driven storytelling.
What this hiatus means for fans and collectors
- Short-term: Readers will wait an extra month for the next serialized chapter, but collected volumes and digital editions remain available.
- Long-term: A brief break can help preserve the author’s health and maintain the series’ overall quality. Many mangaka take short pauses to avoid burnout and ensure future chapters meet readers’ expectations.
- For collectors: This is a good time to catch up on volumes—especially earlier volumes that newer fans may have missed.
Where to read Kemono Jihen
Fans can follow magazine releases via Jump SQ. and pick up tankōbon volumes from major retailers. English readers can find licensed volumes from Seven Seas Entertainment. For the latest official updates, refer to the publisher and the author’s social accounts linked above.
Health and creator care in manga culture
Creator health is an ongoing conversation in the manga community. Extended serialization schedules are grueling, and short breaks for medical care or recovery are a responsible step. The community’s support during these times—sending well-wishes and respecting the creator’s privacy—helps ensure the manga’s future. Aimoto’s transparency about their condition is a reminder of the human effort behind beloved series.
Final thoughts
Kemono Jihen’s brief pause is a small detour on the path of an engaging supernatural series. While fans will miss a month of serialization, Aimoto’s recovery is what matters most; the extra time should help preserve the story’s momentum and quality. Use this hiatus to revisit earlier volumes, rewatch the anime adaptation, or explore folklore that inspired the series. With the announced return in the April issue, readers can expect Inugami and Dorotabo’s story to continue soon—stronger and healthier for its creator.
