Paru Itagaki, the acclaimed creator behind the globally recognized manga BEASTARS, has announced the impending conclusion of her latest work, Witching Hour (known in Japan as Ushimitsu Gao). The manga is slated to end with its next chapter, scheduled for release on May 13, 2026. This announcement was made by Itagaki via her official X/Twitter account on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The series, which delves into darker and more mature themes, began its serialization on Akita Publishing’s Champion Cross platform in October 2024. Its trajectory has been marked by a steady build-up of interest, culminating in the release of its second compiled volume in Japan on December 8, 2025. The decision to conclude the series approximately seven months after its second volume’s release suggests a deliberate narrative arc reaching its natural endpoint, a common practice for creators aiming to deliver a complete and satisfying story to their audience.
A Glimpse into Witching Hour‘s Premise
Viz Media, a prominent publisher in the international manga market, has licensed Witching Hour for English-language release. The publisher’s synopsis offers a compelling preview of the manga’s narrative: "Megumi is cheating on her husband with a ghost! With her marriage reduced to routine, an otherworldly lover offers intimacy she can’t resist, but this ghostly affair may soon be exposed." This premise immediately sets Witching Hour apart from Itagaki’s previous works, hinting at a more psychological and potentially supernatural horror-infused story, a departure from the anthropomorphic drama of BEASTARS.
The thematic shift is significant. While BEASTARS explored complex social dynamics, prejudice, and the duality of instinct and civilization through the lens of animal characters, Witching Hour appears to be venturing into the more intimate and unsettling territories of human relationships, infidelity, and the supernatural. This exploration aligns with a growing trend in manga and anime to tackle more adult-oriented themes and genres.
Chronology of Witching Hour
- October 2024: Witching Hour manga launches on Akita Publishing’s Champion Cross platform in Japan.
- December 8, 2025: The second compiled book volume of Witching Hour is released in Japan.
- April 9, 2026: Creator Paru Itagaki announces on X/Twitter that the manga will conclude with its next chapter on May 13, 2026.
- May 13, 2026: The final chapter of Witching Hour is scheduled to be published.
This timeline indicates a relatively short but impactful run for the series, allowing Itagaki to craft a focused narrative. The decision to end the series on a specific date, rather than leaving it open-ended, provides a clear roadmap for readers and suggests meticulous planning of the story’s resolution.
Itagaki’s Esteemed Legacy and Expanding Portfolio
Paru Itagaki has established herself as a formidable talent in the manga industry, primarily recognized for the immense success of BEASTARS. This series, which explores a society of anthropomorphic animals grappling with carnivore-herbivore tensions, captivated audiences worldwide and was lauded for its nuanced character development, philosophical undertones, and unique artistic style. The anime adaptation of BEASTARS further amplified its reach, debuting on Netflix in Japan in October 2019 and internationally in March 2020. The series concluded its run with its final season, with the second part premiering on March 7, 2025, marking a significant milestone in anime adaptations of popular manga.
Beyond BEASTARS, Itagaki has also penned SANDA, another work that has garnered significant attention and was adapted into an anime series. The SANDA anime premiered in October 2025 within the "Animeism" programming block on major Japanese networks TBS, MBS, and BS-TBS. This demonstrates Itagaki’s consistent output and her ability to create compelling narratives across different genres and thematic landscapes.
The launch of Witching Hour in October 2024 represented a deliberate expansion of Itagaki’s creative repertoire, signaling her willingness to explore new genres and subject matter. Her foray into horror and mature themes with Witching Hour showcases her versatility as an artist and storyteller, eager to push boundaries and engage with different facets of human experience.
Industry Context and Potential Implications
The conclusion of Witching Hour comes at a time when the manga industry continues to evolve, with creators increasingly exploring diverse genres and themes to cater to a broad readership. Itagaki’s decision to bring the series to a close within a year and a half of its launch suggests a focused narrative approach. This is often preferred by readers who value a well-defined story arc over prolonged, potentially diluted narratives.
The success of Itagaki’s previous works, particularly BEASTARS, has built a substantial fanbase eager to follow her new projects. The announcement of Witching Hour‘s end is likely to generate discussion among these fans regarding the series’ reception and its place within Itagaki’s oeuvre. The manga’s unique premise and its exploration of darker themes may have attracted a different segment of readers compared to BEASTARS, potentially broadening Itagaki’s overall appeal.
The licensing of Witching Hour by Viz Media underscores the global demand for Itagaki’s work. The timely release of the English translation will be crucial for international fans to experience the series’ conclusion. The reception of Witching Hour in the Western market, even as it concludes, will provide valuable data on the appetite for mature-themed horror manga from established creators.
While no official statements have been released by Akita Publishing or Viz Media regarding the conclusion of Witching Hour, the creator’s direct announcement via social media is a common and transparent method of communication within the industry. It allows for immediate dissemination of information and direct engagement with the fanbase.
The conclusion of Witching Hour does not signify an end to Itagaki’s creative output. Given her prolific history and the ongoing success of her previous works, it is highly probable that she is already conceptualizing or working on new projects. Her ability to consistently deliver engaging and thought-provoking manga, coupled with her growing international recognition, positions her as a significant figure in the contemporary manga landscape. Fans will undoubtedly be looking forward to her next artistic endeavor, whatever form it may take. The artistic evolution of Paru Itagaki, from the complex social commentary of BEASTARS to the supernatural intrigue of Witching Hour, highlights a creator who is not afraid to experiment and mature with her storytelling, consistently offering fresh and compelling narratives to a global audience.
