Nepedia
Back to Discover
Advanced Reader
🎨

Hunter × Hunter

arts Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Hunter × Hunter is a highly successful Japanese manga series. A manga is a style of comic book originating from Japan. This series was written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi. It first appeared in the magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump in March 1998. The series has become a global phenomenon in the world of comics. By July 2022, over 84 million copies were in circulation worldwide.

The story centers on a young boy named Gon Freecss. Gon grew up believing both of his parents were dead. He eventually discovers that his father, Ging Freecss, is actually alive. Ging is a world-renowned Hunter, which is a licensed professional. Hunters specialize in many fantastical pursuits. They might locate rare animal species or hunt for hidden treasures. They also survey unexplored enclaves or track down lawless individuals. Gon begins a journey to become a Hunter himself. He hopes this path will eventually lead him to his father.

To become a Hunter, one must pass a very difficult test. This annual Hunter Examination is run by the Hunter Association. The exam is extremely rigorous for all candidates. In fact, the success rate is less than one in one hundred thousand. Once licensed, a Hunter can earn up to three stars. A single star is awarded for remarkable achievements in one field. A two-star Hunter holds an official position and mentors others. A three-star Hunter achieves remarkable success in multiple different fields.

Central to the world of the series is a power called Nen. Nen is the ability to control one's own life energy, or aura. This aura is constantly emitted from all people, whether they know it or not. There are four fundamental Nen techniques that users can learn. The first is Ten, which maintains the aura within the body for defense. The second is Zetsu, which shuts off the aura flow to hide one's presence. The third is Ren, which enables a person to produce more Nen. The fourth is Hatsu, which is a person's unique and specific use of their energy.

Nen users are further classified into six distinct types based on their Hatsu. These categories include Enhancement, which strengthens natural physical abilities. There is also Transmutation, where users change the properties of their aura. Emission allows users to project aura away from their bodies. Manipulation involves controlling objects or other living things. Conjuration is the ability to create physical objects out of aura. Finally, Specialization is for unique abilities that do not fit other categories. Some users even enter into "Vows" to increase their power. By pledging to follow strict rules, their abilities become much stronger. For example, the character Kurapika offered his life to strengthen his chains.

Many different media adaptations have brought this story to life. Nippon Animation produced a 62-episode anime series from 1999 to 2001. They also released 30 episodes of original video animations, or OVAs, between 2002 and 2004. A second, much longer anime series was produced by Madhouse. This version aired from 2011 to 2014 and contained 148 episodes. This second series also included two theatrical films released in 2013.

The creation of the manga has faced many challenges. Yoshihiro Togashi was inspired by his hobby of collecting various objects. He has frequently taken long breaks, known as hiatuses, since 2006. These breaks can last for several years at a time. Togashi has struggled with significant back and hip problems. He once revealed that he had to draw while lying down. Despite these physical difficulties, he continues to work on the series. He has even planned four different possible endings for the story. He expressed a desire to find a way to reach a truly satisfactory conclusion.

Today, the series remains a major part of manga culture. Viz Media has licensed the manga and anime for English audiences. They include the series in their "Shonen Jump Advanced" line for older readers. The manga has been collected into 38 volumes as of September 2024. The complex themes and power systems continue to fascinate readers globally. It remains one of the most significant works in the history of the medium.

688 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

More to explore

🔬 Go deeper

More advanced topics to explore

🪜 Step back

Simpler topics to build understanding

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.