The guitar will have to wait a bit longer to play. Houbunsha officially confirmed that the Bocchi the Rock! manga is entering an indefinite hiatus, with creator Aki Hamazi stepping back due to ongoing health issues that have persisted over the past several months.
The announcement came through Manga Time Kirara MAX magazine, where Hamazi published a heartfelt message to fans. She clarified that the break stems from physical health concerns, not mental health, and emphasized her commitment to returning in the best possible condition.
“Thank you for always supporting ‘Bocchi the Rock!’ Due to ongoing health issues over the past several months, I will be taking a hiatus for the time being“, Hamazi wrote. “Please note that the poor physical condition is due to physical factors, not mental health issues. After focusing solely on recovery, I have decided to return to serialization in the best possible condition. To all readers who have been looking forward to the serialization, I sincerely apologize“.
Season 2 anime still moving forward
Despite the manga’s pause, there’s solid news for Kessoku Band fans: CloverWorks is pushing ahead full steam with the anime’s second season.
Production remains in full swing, hitting what Hamazi describes as “a crucial point” in development. The author is actively conducting location scouting for the band’s Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka tour arc, suggesting the story has ambitious plans ahead.
“Currently, I am conducting location scouting for the (band’s) Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka tour arc, and the progress of production of Season 2 anime is in full swing. Each project is now at a crucial point“, Hamazi noted. “I cannot say it yet, but I have some exciting news I hope to share with you soon. It may take a bit more time but I am preparing to deliver a better result than before“.
What this means for the series
Bocchi the Rock! launched its regular serialization in 2018 and has since moved over 3 million copies, thanks to its unique blend of comedy centered around social anxiety and the struggles of an introverted guitarist trying to find her place in a band.
The series struck a massive chord with fans who saw themselves in Hitori Gotoh’s painfully relatable journey.
Houbunsha hasn’t announced a tentative return date but confirmed updates will appear in future magazine editions. Hamazi closed her message with a promise:
“When the series resumes, I’ll do my best to deliver an even more entertaining ‘Bocchi the Rock!’ than before. I would be grateful if you could keep an eye on me! I look forward to your continued support“.
For now, the focus remains on Hamazi’s recovery and the anime continuation, ensuring the pink-haired guitarist’s story keeps resonating while the creator gets back to full strength.
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