Seeing Yoshihiro
Togashi in public is, statistically speaking, rarer than witnessing
the release of a new chapter of Hunter x Hunter without the
manga going on hiatus the following week. That's why, when the
legendary mangaka and his wife, the incomparable Naoko Takeuchi (creator
of Sailor Moon), made a surprising and rare joint appearance this
week in Kyoto, the otaku internet collapsed with pure happiness and relief.
The
miracle of seeing Togashi standing and smiling
The
absolute royalty of the manga industry was photographed looking incredibly
healthy, relaxed, and full of energy alongside famed photographer and director
Mika Ninagawa. The powerful trio gathered at the historic Kitano Tenmangu
Shrine as part of the Kyoto Nippon Festival 2026, holding a floral
display commemorating the tenth anniversary of Ninagawa's artistic project
(which will be open until May this year).
To any
normal person, this is just a nice photo of a married couple attending a
cultural event. But for fans, it's the equivalent of witnessing a medical
miracle. As we all know, Togashi suffers from chronic back pain so severe that
at its worst it prevents him from sitting down to draw at a desk or even going
to the bathroom normally. Seeing him outside his home, standing and smiling
genuinely, brought a wave of massive peace to a community that has been
suffering alongside him for years from his health problems.
27 years
governing the industry in secret
Togashi and
Takeuchi are, without exaggeration, the most influential and hermetic couple in
the medium. They met in the late 90s, married in January 1999 and have kept
their private life under lock and key during these 27 years of marriage while
raising their two children. That Takeuchi (who gave us one of the most iconic
magical shoujos in history) appears by his side radiating
energy, only confirms why their relationship is considered one of the strongest
and most mutually supportive pillars in the manga world.
Although
the authors did not announce the definitive return of the manga or bring out a
new collaborative illustration, for readers in Latin America and the rest of
the world who have patiently endured the infinite breaks of the creator
of Yu Yu Hakusho, this photograph is the best gift of 2026. At
least we know that the maestro is healthy, calm and enjoying life away from
editorial pressures.
Knowing
that Togashi finally looks able to walk without suffering hellish pain, do you
think this will be the year that Hunter x Hunter gives us a
good run of chapters, or do you prefer that he continues to rest and enjoy his
"retirement" with his wife?
