Fans waiting for the next chapter of Hunter x Hunter will have to remain patient, as the release date for Chapter 421 has not yet been confirmed. The manga’s latest chapter, Chapter 420, was published in the September 7, 2026 issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, but a note at the end of the chapter indicated that the publication date for the next installment will be announced once it has been finalized.
Hunter x Hunter Chapter 421 Release Date Yet to Be Announced
Chapter 420 marks the latest entry in the current run of Hunter x Hunter chapters. The series returned to Weekly Shonen Jump on June 29 after an absence of roughly 18 months, starting with Chapter 411.
Since its return, ten chapters have been released, taking the story through Chapter 420. However, the manga will not return to a fixed weekly schedule, meaning readers will have to wait for an official announcement regarding the next chapter.
Mangaka Yoshihiro Togashi has continued to provide occasional updates about his progress through his official X account. On September 1, Togashi revealed that manuscript No. 427 had been completed, suggesting that work on several upcoming chapters has already progressed.
from Yoshihiro Togashi Official X
from Yoshihiro Togashi Official X
Hunter x Hunter Reaches 100 Million Copies in Circulation
The latest developments come as Hunter x Hunter celebrates a major milestone. The beloved manga has now surpassed 100 million copies in circulation, counting both physical and digital editions.
The milestone was reached following the release of Volume 39 on July 3.
Originally launched in 1998, Hunter x Hunter follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who sets out on an adventure to become a Hunter and discover more about his father. Along the way, he forms a close friendship with Killua Zoldyck and encounters numerous allies and enemies.
The manga’s ongoing storyline is centered on the Dark Continent expedition and royal succession conflict. Much of the current story takes place aboard a ship traveling toward an unexplored continent, where Kurapika, members of the Phantom Troupe and numerous other characters pursue their own competing objectives.
Why Hunter x Hunter No Longer Follows a Weekly Schedule
The uncertainty surrounding future chapter releases is closely connected to Togashi’s long-running health struggles, particularly severe back problems.
In a statement associated with his 2022 exhibition, Togashi described how his condition had made working extremely difficult. He explained that he had been unable to sit in a chair for approximately two years and had to completely rethink his approach to drawing and working on the manga.
His comments highlighted just how seriously his back condition affected his daily life and ability to create new chapters.
Later in December 2022, the Weekly Shonen Jump editorial department announced an important change to Hunter x Hunter’s publication format. After discussions with Togashi and consideration of his health and circumstances, the editorial team decided that the manga would continue outside the traditional weekly serialization system.
What the Publication Change Means for Fans
Because Hunter x Hunter is no longer serialized on a regular weekly basis, readers should not expect Chapter 421 to automatically appear in the next issue of Weekly Shonen Jump.
The editorial policy also means that official announcements generally describe new chapters as being “published” rather than calling them a return to weekly serialization. Similarly, the magazine’s final pages do not necessarily label Hunter x Hunter as being “on hiatus.”
For now, Chapter 421 has no confirmed release date. While Togashi’s recent manuscript updates indicate that work has continued well beyond Chapter 420, fans will need to wait for an official announcement before knowing when the next chapter will be available.
With the series now exceeding 100 million copies in circulation, Hunter x Hunter remains one of the most influential and enduring manga franchises, even as its release schedule continues to depend on Togashi’s health and working conditions.
