The 19th issue of Shogakukan's Big Comic magazine announced that legendary manga creator Tetsuya Chiba is putting his autobiographical short essay manga Hinemosu Notari Nikki on temporary hiatus. The editorial staff confirmed that the decision comes in response to Chiba's declining health, with the publication prioritizing the veteran author's full recovery above serialization schedules while expressing hope for his eventual return.
Addressing his readers directly, Chiba noted that the lingering effects of severe summer heat may have contributed to his sudden fatigue. The iconic creator apologized for causing concern among his fanbase and asked for patience as he steps back to rest. Chiba previously took a similar health hiatus in August 2024 before successfully resuming serialization later that same year in December.
A Monumental Career in Manga History
First launching Hinemosu Notari Nikki in December 2015, Chiba has continued to share personal reflections through the pages of Big Comic. Shogakukan compiled the ongoing autobiographical series into volumes, releasing the seventh volume in November 2025. Chiba's professional footprint in the Japanese publishing landscape extends far beyond his current essay work, anchored by timeless masterpieces that shaped the shonen and sports genres.
Debuting professionally in 1956, Chiba cemented his legendary status with Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow's Joe), a seminal boxing drama serialized from 1968 to 1973. The seminal work left an indelible mark on Japanese popular culture, inspiring multiple television anime adaptations, feature films, and the critically acclaimed sci-fi reimagining Megalobox. In recent years, Chiba has received unprecedented national accolades, including a nomination to the Japan Art Academy in 2022 and becoming the first manga creator ever honored with Japan's prestigious Order of Culture in 2024.
