Blue Exorcist Hiatus Explained: The Real Reason Behind the Break

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Blue Exorcist is a long-running shonen manga and anime series created by Kazue Kato. It debuted in April 2009 in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine and quickly became a fan favorite for its blend of supernatural action and heartfelt character drama. The story follows Rin Okumura, the literal son of Satan, as he trains to become an exorcist alongside his twin brother to prevent demonic forces from wreaking havoc on the human world.

Over the years, Blue Exorcist maintained a mostly monthly serialization schedule, punctuated by occasional short breaks for the author’s health and creative pacing. Despite these pauses, the manga steadily released chapters and collected volumes, keeping readers engaged with new arcs and character developments. In August 2024, however, the series went on a more significant hiatus, with no new chapters appearing in Shonen Jump magazine and fans anxiously awaiting word on its return.

On September 8, 2024, Anime News Network confirmed that the hiatus was due to Kazue Kato’s recovery from surgery and treatment for an unspecified health issue. Shortly thereafter, Kato herself revealed on her official social media that a disease discovered during a routine checkup in March had necessitated an operation and ongoing medical care. While the exact nature of the illness remains private, she assured fans that her condition was manageable and emphasized the need for a proper recovery period before resuming work.

Despite the break in the manga’s publication, the Blue Exorcist franchise continued to thrive on screen. Three anime seasons have already adapted major arcs of the story, and Season 4 premiered on October 2024, transitioning from the Shimane Illuminate Arc into the Exorcist Exam Arc. This timing aligns with the manga’s planned return on November 4, 2024, signaling a busy year for both animation and manga formats of the series.

As Blue Exorcist picked up where it left off, fans remain hopeful and supportive of Kato’s health journey. The series’ resilience over fifteen years speaks to its compelling world-building and the dedication of its creator. As of May 2025, 32 volumes have been released in Japan. Blue Exorcist is poised to continue its blend of thrilling action and emotional depth for years to come.