Light novel author Yomi Hirasaka, best known for creating the popular cultural touchstone Haganai: I Don't Have Many Friends, has confirmed his permanent retirement from the industry. Addressing widespread online speculation regarding his departure, the creator clarified that his exit is entirely voluntary and stems from personal financial planning rather than creative burnout or health issues.
Responding to rumors that linked his departure to online criticism surrounding the final volume of A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics and its subsequent television adaptation, Hirasaka firmly pushed back. He emphasized that both the light novel series and the animated adaptation enjoyed robust commercial success, assuring readers that his choice to step away was motivated instead by the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement — a lifestyle philosophy centered on aggressive saving and investment to achieve early retirement.
A Storied Career in Light Novels
Over a career spanning more than a decade, Hirasaka established himself as a prominent voice in contemporary light fiction, celebrated for his sharp character dynamics and comedic timing. Alongside Haganai, which ran from 2009 to 2015 with illustrations by Buriki, he penned A Sister's All You Need. and most recently A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics, illustrated by Kantoku. His works consistently attracted manga adaptations and high-profile anime productions.
With the conclusion of the tenth volume of A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics, Hirasaka closes the chapter on a prolific writing career. While fans of his distinct comedic voice will undoubtedly miss future series, his successful transition into early financial independence marks an unconventional and definitive conclusion to his time in the light novel sphere.
