Yūgo Kobayashi, the creator behind Fermat no Ryōri, has announced a temporary hiatus for the manga after its upcoming 26th chapter. The pause will allow Kobayashi to prepare a brand-new series slated for serialization in Weekly Big Comic Spirits, marking a notable shift in the mangaka’s publication focus. Here’s everything fans need to know about the hiatus, what Kobayashi has accomplished so far, and how this affects adaptations and future releases.
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Why Fermat no Ryōri Is Going on Hiatus
Kobayashi revealed on his personal blog that Fermat no Ryōri will take a break after chapter 26, which Kodansha will publish in the March issue of Monthly Shonen Magazine. The hiatus is intentional and creative — Kobayashi is taking time to prepare his next serialized work for Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits. He also noted that the new series’ launch will be delayed beyond its originally planned spring debut to ensure proper preparation.
Fermat no Ryōri: Where the Series Stands
Since its serialization debut in Monthly Shonen Magazine in September 2018, Fermat no Ryōri has grown into one of Kobayashi’s most recognized titles. Kodansha published the series’ seventh compiled volume on January 16, and the manga boasts an impressive 23 million copies in circulation — a testament to its popularity and broad readership.
What This Hiatus Means for Fans
Short-term, readers can expect a pause in new Fermat no Ryōri chapters while Kobayashi readies his next project. Long-term, this could mean fresh creative energy and a new flagship series for Kobayashi in a different magazine demographic. Fans of Fermat shouldn’t worry about an abrupt end — the hiatus is positioned as a temporary, strategic break rather than a cancellation.
Impact on Serialization Schedule
Because the new series will appear in Weekly Big Comic Spirits, Kobayashi is shifting gears from a monthly format to a weekly magazine environment. That change typically requires considerable planning: concept development, storyboarding, and adjusting pacing to meet tighter deadlines. The extra preparation time should help ensure the new series launches smoothly despite the delayed debut.
Yūgo Kobayashi’s Track Record: Aoashi & Awards
Kobayashi’s earlier work Aoashi cemented his reputation. Launched in Weekly Big Comic Spirits in January 2015, Aoashi concluded with its 40th volume on August 29 and earned critical acclaim, including the Best General Manga award at the 65th Shogakukan Manga Awards in 2020. Naohiko Ueno contributed to research and early-story collaboration through volume 17, helping to shape the series’ realistic sports drama tone.
Aoashi Spinoff and English Release
The Aoashi Brotherfoot spinoff originally ran for five chapters in Weekly Big Comic Spirits starting July 2021 and was compiled into a single volume in August 2021. That spinoff is scheduled to resume serialization in the magazine in April. For international readers, Titan Manga is set to release Aoashi in English in omnibus format beginning May 2026, making Kobayashi’s acclaimed sports saga more accessible to western audiences.
Adaptations: Anime, Live-Action, and Streaming
Fermat no Ryōri has already enjoyed cross-media success. Its television anime adaptation premiered in July 2025 and was streamed as it aired by REMOW, helping to expand the series’ audience beyond manga readers. The manga also inspired a live-action adaptation that debuted in October 2023, demonstrating the story’s broad appeal across formats.
Aoashi has seen similar adaptation success. Production I.G produced the Aoashi anime that premiered on NHK Educational in April 2022, with Crunchyroll streaming the series during its broadcast. A second season handled by TMS Entertainment is scheduled for this year, keeping the franchise active and attracting new viewers.
Where to Follow Updates
For authoritative updates, Kobayashi’s personal blog is the primary source for news about his hiatus and new series plans — he posted the announcement there directly. You can read his announcement (Japanese) via his blog: Yūgo Kobayashi’s blog.
Reading and Streaming Options
- Fermat no Ryōri: Available in Monthly Shonen Magazine and collected volumes from Kodansha; check official Kodansha releases for the latest volumes.
- Aoashi: English omnibus releases begin in May 2026 via Titan Manga; anime available on streaming platforms that previously carried the series.
- Adaptations: Anime streaming windows and live-action availability may vary by region — watch official platform announcements for licensing and release schedules.
What to Expect Next from Kobayashi
Kobayashi’s move to Weekly Big Comic Spirits suggests ambitions to reach different reader demographics and to experiment with new storytelling rhythms. The extended preparation window implies a well-planned launch rather than a rushed serialization, so readers can anticipate a carefully crafted new title when it finally debuts.
While Fermat no Ryōri takes its hiatus, Kobayashi’s existing works and their adaptations will continue to keep fans engaged. Whether you’re team Fermat, team Aoashi, or simply a fan of the creator’s style, this transition period is an exciting moment to follow Kobayashi’s evolving career.
Final thoughts
Yūgo Kobayashi’s decision to pause Fermat no Ryōri to prepare a new series is a strategic move that reflects a mangaka focused on quality and long-term creative health. With a strong track record, award-winning works, and multiple adaptations under his belt, Kobayashi’s next project is worth watching. In the meantime, readers can revisit Fermat and Aoashi, catch their anime adaptations, and keep an eye on official announcements for the new series’ launch.
