The manga community is mourning the loss of one of its brightest talents. Shikako, the gifted artist behind the acclaimed series Manchuria Opium Squad, passed away on November 8, 2025, at just 37 years old. The announcement, made by Weekly Young Magazine’s editorial department on November 22, revealed that she lost her battle with choroidal malignant melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer.
What makes this loss even more poignant is the unwavering dedication Shikako showed to her craft until the very end. Even after receiving the devastating news that the cancer had metastasized to other organs late last year, she continued working on her series while undergoing treatment. Her editor shared a heartbreaking yet inspiring detail about her final months: “I feel better when I’m drawing”, she would say, finding solace and purpose in her art even during her darkest days.
A final wish honored
Before her passing, Shikako made one thing crystal clear to both the editorial team and the series writer, Tsukasa Monma: if something happened to her, she wanted the story to continue. “If something happens to me, I want another artist appointed to complete the story”, she requested. Publisher Kodansha is now honoring that wish by searching for a successor to bring Manchuria Opium Squad to its proper conclusion, though no artist has been selected yet.
A story that captivated millions
Launched in April 2020 on Comic DAYS, Manchuria Opium Squad quickly became a phenomenon, amassing over 3 million copies in circulation. The series resonated with readers worldwide, showcasing Shikako’s exceptional artistic vision and storytelling prowess. Writer Tsukasa Monma, deeply affected by the loss of his creative partner, expressed his commitment: “I promise to complete the work at all costs. I believe doing so is the greatest tribute to Master Shikako”.
Shikako’s legacy extends beyond impressive sales numbers. She represents the spirit of creators everywhere who pour their hearts into their work, who find meaning in bringing stories to life, and who connect with audiences through pure artistic passion. Her determination to see her vision realized, even in the face of terminal illness, speaks volumes about her character and love for the craft.
See you later, Sensei. Thank you for everything you gave us.
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