Manga fans worldwide know the renowned series, Hunter x Hunter‘s creator, Yoshihiro Togashi’s relentless drive for his works. Despite his health struggles, Togashi has remained dedicated to his work, providing his readers with periodic updates on his progress and personal challenges. Similarly, Togashi has recently shared a post on his social media account about his ongoing struggle, but this time it’s not due to his health.
Kazuo Umezu, a pioneering figure in horror manga, passed away on October 28, at the age of 88. Due to the loss of Umezu, Togashi is currently finding it increasingly hard to focus on his work, as Umezu has a significant creative influence on the Hunter x Hunter creator.
Yoshihiro Togashi’s Heartfelt Tribute to Kazuo Umezu
On November 7, Yoshihiro Togashi shared a post on his official X (formerly, Twitter) account revealing the depth of his connection to Kazuo Umezu’s work and how this bond has become a source of profound grief upon his passing. Togashi has admitted that his ability to focus on work has been severely affected due to this event.
This emotional turmoil is particularly significant for someone like Togashi, who already has health issues that hinder his work. The translation of this post says, “It seems my posts will be irregular until the end of November. As usual, there are various things, and it’s hard to focus on work. But with Umezu-sensei’s passing, it’s especially difficult right now.”
11月末くらいまで不定期投稿になりそうです。
色々ありまして仕事に集中出来ないのはいつもの事と慣れっこのつもりでしたが楳図先生の訃報と重なり現状がしんどいです。
漫画を読んで初めて泣いたのは
タマミちゃんの化粧シーンでした。 pic.twitter.com/tPuxWgdlSb— 冨樫義博 (@Un4v5s8bgsVk9Xp) November 6, 2024
Translation: Due to circumstances, my tweets will be irregular until about the end of November. I thought I was used to NOT being able to concentrate on work as usual, but the current situation is hard with the news of Umezu-sensei’s passing. The first time I cried when I read a…
— sandman (@sandman_AP) November 6, 2024
“Take your time to get through this difficult period. We’ll be waiting for your amazing work whenever you’re ready. Thank you for your efforts!” pic.twitter.com/QyAQpxpQVp
— 🔥❤ABDULLAH (@gggttt10052) November 6, 2024
Take your time sensei 🙏
— Dylan Orosz (@finalboyo) November 6, 2024
Going to miss your posts on the daily. Keep it up. Your fans are behind you 100%
— Dipin Dotts (@DottsDipin) November 6, 2024
For Togashi, Kazuo Umezu was more than just a fellow mangaka; he was an inspirational figure. With its compelling plot and thematic depth, Umezu’s works in horror influenced Togashi’s perception of manga’s capacity to evoke strong emotions.
Umezu’s influence can also be seen in Hunter x Hunter, as Togashi paid direct homage to Umezu in Hunter x Hunter through Kortopi, a character in the Phantom Troupe who wields an ability named “Divine Left Hand, Demonic Right Hand”, which is a reference to Umezu’s God’s Left Hand, Devil’s Right Hand.
Kazuo Umezu’s Legacy and The Road Ahead for Hunter x Hunter
Kazuo Umezu’s manga extended the boundaries of horror by fusing grotesque imagery with deep psychological concepts. His notable works, such as God’s Left Hand, Devil’s Right Hand, and The Drifting Classroom, are praised for their ability to introduce readers to the darkest sides of humanity in addition to their horrifying content. He was the early inspiration of several manga artists like Junji Ito, Yoshihiro Togashi, and many more.
Kazuo Umezu’s family and close friends honored the horror manga maestro in a private event. However, his contributions to horror and psychological suspense have influenced the manga industry as a whole, therefore, his demise was a loss not only for his loved ones. Thus, it was announced that a public memorial service would be held to honor his memory, allowing fans and peers alike to pay their respects to the artist who redefined the horror genre.
As Togashi going through a tough phase right now, fans of Hunter x Hunter will likely experience more delays in the series release. But this recent update also highlights the depth of Togashi’s respect for his art as well as his fans and his willingness to prioritize his mental health during this difficult time.
Hunter x Hunter is currently available to read on Viz Media.
