Bocchi the Rock! Manga to Resume Serialization After Six Month Hiatus Due to Akihamaji’s Health Issues

The manga Bocchi the Rock! is officially set to resume serialization in the August issue of Manga Time Kirara MAX, scheduled for release on June 18. The series had been on hiatus since the magazine’s January issue due to creator Aki Hamaji’s health condition, marking its return after approximately six months.

The official X account of the Manga Time Kirara MAX editorial department announced the news with a dramatic teaser post featuring silhouettes against an explosive background effect. The post read:

“Next issue, those girls are finally returning to Kirara MAX!!”

It also included playful audience style reactions such as “We’ve been waiting!” and “Kessoku Band is the best!”

Earlier this year, Hamaji explained the reason behind the hiatus, stating:

“I have decided to take a break for a while due to several months of poor physical health. This is not related to mental health, but rather a physical condition. I decided to focus on recovery so I can return to serialization in the best possible shape.”

Hamaji also revealed that several important projects were progressing simultaneously, including location scouting for the Kessoku Band tour across Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, as well as full scale production work on the anime’s second season.

The creator added:

“This will be an important period for creating an even better work. When serialization resumes, I will do my best to deliver an even more enjoyable Bocchi the Rock! than before.”

About Bocchi the Rock!

Serialized in Houbunsha’s Manga Time Kirara MAX, Bocchi the Rock! follows socially anxious and introverted high school girl Hitori Goto, who joins the band Kessoku Band and gradually grows through her experiences alongside fellow members Nijika Ijichi, Ryo Yamada, and Ikuyo Kita.

The TV anime adaptation aired from October to December 2022 and became a major hit among younger audiences in Japan and overseas. The series received numerous awards and widespread acclaim. Musically, Kessoku Band’s full album Kessoku Band ranked No.1 in ORICON’s 2023 yearly Digital Album Ranking.

Compilation films were released in theaters in 2024, and production of the anime’s second season has already been confirmed.

Source : ORICON NEWS