Bocchi the Rock! Manga Resumes Serialization After Six Month Hiatus Caused by Creator's Health Issues

Bocchi the Rock! has officially resumed serialization in the August issue of Manga Time Kirara MAX, released on June 18, marking its first new chapter in six months.

The popular manga by Aki Hamaji had been on hiatus since the magazine's January issue due to the creator's health problems. The series returns with a cover appearance and a new chapter that follows Kessoku Band as they arrive in Osaka for their Tokyo Nagoya Osaka tour.

Manga Returns Following Health Related Hiatus

When the hiatus was announced in January, Hamaji explained that the break was necessary due to several months of ongoing physical health issues.

The creator emphasized that the condition was not related to mental health, stating that the decision was made in order to focus on recovery and return to serialization in the best possible condition.

Hamaji also apologized to readers who had been looking forward to new chapters and revealed that several important projects were progressing simultaneously, including location research for the band's Tokyo Nagoya Osaka tour storyline and work related to the upcoming second season of the anime adaptation.

At the time, Hamaji said there were also exciting announcements being prepared that could not yet be disclosed.

Hamaji Reports Full Recovery

With the release of the new chapter, Hamaji shared an update with fans, saying that their health had fully recovered and that serialization could finally resume.

The creator apologized for the long wait and thanked readers for their patience, adding that they would continue delivering the same enjoyable Bocchi the Rock! experience fans love.

Hamaji also revealed that several undisclosed projects had been progressing behind the scenes during the hiatus and encouraged fans to look forward to future announcements.

About Bocchi the Rock!

Serialized in Manga Time Kirara MAX by Houbunsha, Bocchi the Rock! is a popular four panel manga created by Aki Hamaji.

The story follows Hitori Goto, an extremely shy and socially awkward girl who joins the band Kessoku Band. Together with fellow members Nijika Ijichi, Ryo Yamada, and Ikuyo Kita, she gradually grows both as a musician and as a person.

After the television anime aired from October to December 2022, the series became a major hit among younger audiences and received numerous awards. Its popularity expanded both inside and outside Japan.

In music, Kessoku Band's full album Kessoku Band topped ORICON's annual Digital Album Ranking for 2023. In 2024, a two part compilation film was released in theaters, and production of the television anime's second season has already been confirmed.

Source : ORICON NEWS