Kageki Shojo!! Goes Back on Hiatus — Kumiko Saiki’s Health Delays Return to Melody Magazine

The beloved stage-school drama manga Kageki Shojo!! by Kumiko Saiki will remain on hiatus longer than originally announced after the author’s health issues. Melody magazine (Hakusensha) confirmed the additional break and set a new return window: the series is scheduled to resume in the magazine’s October issue, which is scheduled to ship on August 28. Alongside the serialization delay, the manga’s 17th compiled volume—originally planned for this summer—has been pushed to a fall release window.

Hiatus Details and New Schedule

Melody’s official X/Twitter account originally announced a one-issue break for Kageki Shojo!! on April 28 due to Saiki’s health. That initial announcement set expectations for a return in the magazine’s August issue (released June 26), but on Monday the magazine confirmed Saiki will not be ready to resume on that date and will remain on hiatus until the October issue, slated to ship on August 28.

What this means for readers

Readers should expect new chapters to resume in Melody’s October issue. The delay also means the manga’s 17th tankōbon release—previously slated for a summer release—has been postponed to fall. The publisher has not provided a specific new release date for the collected volume; fans should watch Melody’s official channels for updates.

Health Situation: What We Know

Saiki’s earlier update mentioned a diagnosis of a sprained neck and a planned CT scan to rule out possible bleeding in the brain. The injuries reportedly made long desk sessions and drawing difficult, prompting the break. Melody’s announcements have avoided tying the break explicitly to any single incident, and the magazine has not disclosed further private medical details. Out of respect for the author, fans and outlets are encouraged to rely only on official statements.

About Kageki Shojo!! — Why Fans Care

Kageki Shojo!! centers on Sarasa Watanabe and her ambitions to perform with the Kouka Acting Troupe, an all-female troupe inspired by real-world troupes like Takarazuka. The story follows Sarasa through the Kouka School of Musical and Theatrical Arts as she trains in singing, dancing, and acting, building friendships and rivalries along the way. The title is praised for its focus on performance, character growth, and the emotional dynamics inside a competitive all-female stage troupe.

Ever since she was a little girl, Sarasa has wanted to play the role of Oscar as part of the Kouka Acting Troupe, an all-female acting troupe similar to the Takarazuka Revue. But before she can do that, she has to attend two years at the Kouka School of Musical and Theatrical Arts. As Sarasa practices singing, dancing, and acting, she grows closer to the other girls in her year, including her roommate, the stoic former J-idol, Ai. Though Sarasa is great at making friends, her outspoken nature and grand ambitions earn her lots of enemies as well.

Publication History and Accolades

Kumiko Saiki first serialized the original Kageki Shoujo! (one exclamation mark) in Shueisha’s Jump Kai from 2012 until the magazine’s closure in October 2014. Saiki relaunched the ongoing sequel Kageki Shojo!! (two exclamation marks) in Hakusensha’s Melody magazine in 2015. The series earned critical recognition, including a nomination for Best Shōjo Manga at Kodansha’s 44th annual Manga Awards in 2020, and has steadily built an engaged international readership through licensed English releases.

Adaptations and English Availability

The manga inspired a television anime adaptation that premiered in July 2021. The anime helped broaden the series’ audience outside Japan and led to licensed home video releases. In English, Seven Seas Entertainment publishes the manga and has released editions that introduce Sarasa’s story to Western readers.

What Fans Should Do Now

With the series on extended break, the best course for fans is to follow official channels for future announcements and resist speculation. Melody magazine’s official X/Twitter account is the primary source for updates about Saiki’s condition and the magazine’s publication schedule; the magazine’s statement is the authoritative update on the return timetable. For English-language release information, check official publisher announcements from Seven Seas Entertainment.

Official Melody update (no-follow): Melody (Hakusensha) on X.

How This Affects the Final Arc

Kageki Shojo!! entered its final arc in September (per the series timeline) and is slated to conclude in the next compiled volume. The extended hiatus may push the story’s end date later than fans expected, but the extra time could also help Saiki finish the final arc with the care and attention it deserves. Hopefully the additional rest will allow the author to return in good health and bring a satisfying conclusion to Sarasa’s journey.

Tracking the 17th Volume and Future Releases

Publishers have shifted the 17th volume from summer into a fall release window. Exact release day and distribution details have not yet been announced; retailers and official publisher pages will post preorders and firm dates once available. For international readers, licensing windows and English volume release schedules may follow behind the Japanese tankōbon by several months.

Fan Support and Etiquette

Fans eager for new chapters should prioritize Saiki’s wellbeing by offering supportive messages through official channels rather than pushing for immediate updates. Creative communities can celebrate the series by revisiting earlier chapters, sharing favorite moments, or supporting official releases through legal purchases—actions that both respect the creator and sustain the series commercially.

Final Thoughts

While the news of another delay is disappointing, the decision to extend Kumiko Saiki’s hiatus reflects a responsible and human-first approach to creator health. Kageki Shojo!! has meant a great deal to readers for its heart, theatrical drama, and memorable characters—qualities that will be waiting when Saiki is ready to return. Keep an eye on Melody’s official statements and publisher notices for the confirmed October-issue return and the updated 17th volume release date. In the meantime, revisiting the series and supporting official releases helps ensure the story reaches its rightful conclusion.