The Truth Behind the End of Yu Yu Hakusho by Author Yoshihiro Togashi and Production Secrets

Yu Yu Hakusho, a representative manga of the 1990s Weekly Shonen Jump, has long remained a mystery among fans regarding the true reason for its author's **Yoshihiro Togashiend of serialization. Was it a cancellation, or was it an intentional conclusion by Togashi? The culmination of health issues, creative intentions, and the realities of the industry resulted in the decision to end it in 1994.

What is Yu Yu Hakusho | Basic Information and Serialization Period

Yu Yu Hakusho is a martial arts adventure manga serialized by Yoshihiro Togashi in Weekly Shonen Jump **from 1990 to 1994. It tells the story of the protagonist, Yusuke Urameshi, growing up in the Spirit World, and became a defining work of 1990s shonen manga.With a total of 175 episodes and 19 compiled volumes, it remains beloved by many fans as Togashi's representative work today.

At that time, Jump featured long-running series like Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk, making Yu Yu Hakusho a valuable masterpiece that concluded with a medium-length serialization period of about four years. The year 1994, when the serialization ended, was a transitional period for the entire manga industry. The conclusion of Yu Yu Hakusho was not just the end of a single work but also symbolized changes in the editorial policy and market trends of Weekly Shonen Jump at the time. 【Related Articles】: A Complete Spoiler Explanation of Yu Yu Hakusho's Story from the Spirit Detective Arc to the Final Episode

The Truth Behind the End of Serialization | Official Announcement and Multiple Reasons for Conclusion

Regarding the end of Yu Yu Hakusho's serialization, it is officially referred to as "Yoshihiro Togashi's declaration of completion," but in reality, multiple reasons were involved. Behind the end of serialization were complex factors intertwining, including the author's health issues, discussions with the editorial team, and **the timing of creative completion**.

Health Issues and Lower Back Pain
Decision to End Based on Creative Intent

There was a circulation of the "cancellation theory" among fans, but Yoshihiro Togashi himself stated in a later interview that "he could have continued the serialization if he wanted to," revealing that this was not a complete cancellation, but rather a decision to end based on multiple factors. It is said that the decision to end in 1994 was made as a result of the agreement between the editor's desires and the author's intentions.

Health Issues and Lower Back Pain

The main reason publicly stated by Yoshihiro Togashi is **chronic lower back pain** and health issues. In the harsh writing environment of weekly serialization, Togashi suffered from severe lower back pain. With the weekly deadlines pressing, the burden on his back increased as he continued to sit at his desk, turning health issues into a significant problem that directly impacted the quality of his creative work.

In fact, during the serialization, Togashi's **submissions began to decrease**. Writing time was limited due to the back pain, making it increasingly difficult to maintain a weekly pace. Should he have continued the serialization, not only would the quality of the work have declined, but there was also the risk of his own health being significantly affected. The decision to end the serialization served as a means to fundamentally resolve these health issues.

Decision to End Based on Creative Intent

Another important aspect is Togashi's **creative judgment. Behind his statement that he could have continued the serialization was likely a strong conviction that "now is the perfect timing for conclusion**." Throughout its four-year serialization, Yu Yu Hakusho adequately portrayed the protagonist's growth and the achievement of the story's goals.

Togashi is known as a **perfectionist** who places the utmost importance on maintaining the quality of his work. He did not wish to dilute the completeness of the story by prolonging the serialization. Instead, he chose to conclude the story at the most optimal timing, preserving the legacy of the work. This decision to end based on creative intent is what continues to make Yu Yu Hakusho highly regarded today.

Yoshihiro Togashi's Creative Career | Various Long-Series and Ending Patterns

In order to understand the ending pattern of Yu Yu Hakusho, it is important to compare it with Togashi's other works. Yoshihiro Togashi has worked on multiple long-running series such as Level E and Hunter x Hunter after Yu Yu Hakusho. Looking at the serialization patterns in these works highlights Togashi's creative style and approach to serialization.

Relationship with Hunter x Hunter

Level E (1995-1998) is a short-form work that began serialization immediately after the conclusion of Yu Yu Hakusho. This is considered a formal adaptation taking into account Togashi's health issues. Following it, Hunter x Hunter (1998-) became Togashi's representative work, but this series has also experienced multiple long breaks. This can be seen as a manifestation of Togashi's health management based on his experiences with Yu Yu Hakusho.

Relationship with Hunter x Hunter

There are interesting commonalities between Hunter x Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho. Both are major serialization works of Yoshihiro Togashi, yet both have also experienced multiple interruptions and breaks. Yu Yu Hakusho ended due to health issues, while Hunter x Hunter shows a more prominent pattern of hiatus.

In the case of Hunter x Hunter, lessons from Yu Yu Hakusho have been applied, strategically setting up regular long breaks to maintain the author's health while continuing to produce high-quality chapters. This is an advanced initiative within the industry and has become a pioneer for improving the working conditions of manga artists. It is evident that the experience of ending Yu Yu Hakusho had a significant impact on Togashi's subsequent approach to serialization.

Production Secrets from Former Assistants

The assistants know best about the realities of the production scene. During the serialization period of Yu Yu Hakusho, multiple assistants worked under Yoshihiro Togashi, and valuable testimonies have been gathered from those with experience. According to these production secrets, Togashi tried to avoid all-nighters and complete the work as efficiently as possible.

According to testimonies from the assistants, Togashi is a perfectionist and would rework the drawing until satisfied. **It is said that various innovations were implemented. In the face of short deadlines while demanding the highest quality, Yoshihiro Togashi was rather focused on balancing efficiency and quality. Additionally, it has been revealed that he paid attention to improving the working environment and ensuring break times as a countermeasure for back pain.

The Impact of the Series Conclusion Felt by Fans

The conclusion of the serialization in 1994 left a significant shock for many fans. At that time, the fan psychology was a complex mix of disappointment with the feeling of having been 'canceled' and satisfaction from the story having been properly concluded. Over time, the greatness of ending in the form of completion became recognized.

With the spread of the internet, information from Yoshihiro Togashi himself and the media began to reach fans, deepening the understanding regarding the true circumstances of the series' conclusion. As a result, 'not a cancellation, but Yoshihiro Togashi's ideal completion' became the established evaluation of Yu Yu Hakusho. This legacy remains unchanged today, and a new generation of fans also recognizes it as 'a highly complete work of just the right length.'

The Essence of the Genius Manga Artist Yoshihiro Togashi

Understanding the essence of Yoshihiro Togashi is crucial, as the conclusion of Yu Yu Hakusho marks an important turning point. While he is referred to as a 'genius manga artist', at the core of his persona lies the obsession with perfection and the strain on his health that accompanies it. Unlike other manga artists, Togashi prioritized 'completing the story in the best condition' over 'continuing the serialization for as long as possible.'

This attitude presents a model choice amid the conflicting axes of commercial success as a manga artist and artistic completeness. Rather than maximizing sales through long-term serialization, Togashi's decision to pursue enduring recognition through the maintenance of quality had a significant impact on the manga industry that followed. The obsession with perfection ultimately led to the 'evaluation of the work in the form of completion.'

Conclusion: Insights on Creative Activities from the Conclusion of Yu Yu Hakusho

The conclusion of Yu Yu Hakusho is not merely 'the end of a work', but it provides many insights into the balance between the realities and ideals of manga creation. The decision to end in 1994 was the result of a complex interplay of Togashi's health issues, creative intentions, and his obsession with perfection.

Understanding that it was not a binary debate of cancellation versus completion, but rather the best judgment made amidst multiple influencing factors, is crucial.

It is clear that the experience of Yu Yu Hakusho brought a significant turning point in Yoshihiro Togashi's creative life, as seen in the influences it had on subsequent works like Hunter x Hunter. For fans, it also prompted considerations about the health management of manga artists and their creative environments, serving as a starting point for changes that would affect the entire industry.